Student Community Service Awards
Student awards, 2026
2025-26 MESA’S FUTURE LEADERS: HONORING FOUR SENIORS FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND LIFELONG IMPACT.
Reporting via Mesa Public Schools
January 30, 2026
Four outstanding seniors from Mesa Public Schools have received Student Community Service Awards from the Mesa Citizen of the Year Association.
Davis Grondin of Red Mountain High School, Summer Fairbanks of Skyline High School, and Westwood High School seniors Christina Alozie and Amyla Serenity Buckhannon were each awarded a $2,500 scholarship for their outstanding dedication to community service throughout their high school careers.
To qualify for the honor, students must complete a minimum of 150 community service hours and demonstrate a sustained commitment to making a positive impact beyond the classroom. The Mesa Citizen of the Year Association continues to celebrate Mesa Public Schools students whose service supports local nonprofits, civic initiatives, and programs that strengthen the broader community.
Established in 1935 by Charles and Florence Mitten, owners of theMesa Tribune, the Mesa Citizen of the Year Award recognizes individuals whose service leaves a lasting and meaningful impact on the Mesa community.
Grondin, the top-ranked student in his graduating class at Red Mountain High School, plans to pursue a degree in computer science. With a strong academic record that includes a 1500 SAT score, he is interested in developing software solutions that support underserved populations and communities. His service involvement includes Special Olympics, National Honor Society, Model United Nations, and Feed My Starving Children.
Fairbanks, ranked first in her class at Skyline High School, plans to attend Arizona State University and pursue a career as a special education teacher. A Flinn Foundation Scholarship semifinalist, she has dedicated her service efforts to supporting individuals with disabilities and seniors through her work as a Special Education Adaptive Physical Education assistant, as well as volunteering with Laura’s House and Brookdale Assisted Living Center.
Alozie, ranked third in her class at Westwood High School, plans to study political science and philosophy with aspirations of attending law school and pursuing a career in public service. Her leadership and service include founding and serving as president of the Black Student Union, mentoring students in the International Baccalaureate program, serving on the Mayor’s Youth Committee, and organizing voter registration initiatives.
Buckhannon, also a senior at Westwood High School, plans to pursue studies in business administration, law, and financial services while working toward a law degree. Her service experiences include serving as a Rotary Interact Ambassador to Kenya, leading a DIY Dog Toys Project, organizing a “Senior Prom” at a local senior center, and assembling hygiene kits for the Salvation Army. She hopes to continue her service leadership by starting a Rotaract Club during college.
Together, these students exemplify the values of service, leadership, and civic responsibility that the Mesa Citizen of the Year Association seeks to honor, reflecting the positive impact Mesa Public Schools students continue to make across the community.
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