Maryvale Prep Wins Big in South Dakota

In April, three scholars from Maryvale Prep traveled to Rapid City, South Dakota to represent Arizona at the 2025 International Moose Youth Awareness Congress. Junior Ixzayana Antillon Santos, and seniors Anahi Ugalde and Bridgette Luna Granillo were chosen among 61 top participants from all over the United States, based on their presentations that were submitted to local Moose Youth Awareness Chapters, and invited to attend the International Congress, all expenses paid.

This is the second year that scholars from Maryvale Prep have participated in the Moose Youth Awarenessand made the list to travel out of state to compete. Last year, three Maryvale Prep scholars attended Congress in Roanoke, Virgina. In order to participate, they had to complete at least three positive “Kid Talk” presentations to younger groups at classrooms, daycares, and afterschool programs. Collectively, Maryvale Prep students completed 36 presentations, influencing the minds of over 600 kids, ages 5-12.

Santos felt a warm welcome by the kind members of International Moose Youth Awareness Congress when she arrived. She expressed that her takeaways were, “The ability to create meaningful friendships in such a short amount of time. Also, connecting with people with different stories and backgrounds.”

Ugalde completed 18 presentations in her West Phoenix community and is a 2025 scholarship recipient of $5000. She completed 18 presentations in her West Phoenix community. While in South Dakota, she presented an impressive summary of what she accomplished back home in Arizona. She returned home with a secure amount of money for college which she intends to use for Nursing School. “I learned how to get out in the world more, make friendships, and to always strive for bigger and better,” she shared about her experience.

Ugalde’s topics revolved around diversity and embracing each other’s unique qualities. She shared a children’s book that she wrote and illustrated with colorful pictures, depicting all types of children holding hands in a circle, portraying the message of togetherness. “The moment I stepped into the classrooms, I could see the kids light up with excitement and curiosity,” she said. “They were fully engaged in my lessons, smiling, and eager to participate in every activity, and excited about the prizes I had for them. [It was] clear they were learning things that were new to them, concepts and ideas that likely hadn’t been introduced before. It felt good to know the visits weren’t just enjoyable for them, but also educational in a meaningful way.”

This is the second year that Granillo has attended International Congress, and this year she is the recipient of a $6,000 scholarship. Last year, her presentations revolved around topics of kindness, respect, and responsibility. This year, she won the hearts of the Congress with an outreach theme promoting the importance of gratitude. “After my presentation in South Dakota, I felt a huge wave of gratitude, which is ironic because that was my topic. I was really nervous to share my story and worried about messing up, but once it was over, I felt so supported and seen. So many brilliant young women came up to me, gave me hugs, and told me that my story and passion were truly admirable,” she said. The time spent in South Dakota was unforgettable, especially seeing sights like Mount Rushmore. Luna Granillo adds, “What made the trip even more special was being surrounded by people who shared the same passion for making a difference. I felt at home with people who understood my drive to create change in my community.”

According to Cheri Marx, Youth Awareness Coordinator for Arizona and New Mexico, “This helps them stand out on college resumes. They make lasting impressions on grades K-6, learn leadership skills, and get to make lifelong friends at International Congress.”

In two years, Maryvale Prep has had eight participants deliver positive presentations through topics that are important to them. Virtues such as courage, wisdom, and citizenship are fabrics that make up the school’s close-knit school culture. “Public speaking requires a sense of fearlessness. It is inspiring to see our scholars step up and lead the way as positive role models,” explained Georgy Ayala, the college counselor at Maryvale Prep

The Moose Youth Awareness Scholarships are a perfect finishing touch for these ambitious leaders with bright roads ahead of them. Ugalde and Granillo are both accepted to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and share a long-term vision of changing the world for the better. Their genuine spirit of compassion and connection has served them well during their time at Maryvale Prep. We wish them the very best in everything they pursue in the future.

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