A self-taught artist and star basketball player, Valeria Castellanos says the key to much of her academic success was simple: Don’t procrastinate.
“I made sure not to wait until the last minute with my work, made sure to turn it on time,” the Patagonia Union High School 2026 valedictorian says. “I didn’t doubt myself in whether I could do the work or not.”
It’s clear she could do the work. Castellanos is graduating with a 4.2 GPA, eight scholarships and college credits that will shave some time off her path to a degree from Pima Community College.
Castellanos, who lives in Rio Rico, plans to pursue a career as a veterinary technician and animal groomer. She’s also planning a minor in digital art to “just stay close to my creativity and love for art.”
Her artistic gift is perhaps matched by her athletic ability. Playing on the PUHS basketball team for four years, Castellanos says she enjoyed working hard mentally and physically.
“I liked how sometimes there’s a challenge,” says Castellanos (daughter of Aracely Olivarria). “And how well we, as a team, can work together by communicating on the court.
While she is a little nervous about what life will be like as a college student, she’s also eagerly awaiting what comes next.
“I’m excited to meet new people, especially in the same field,” says Castellanos, who also was a member of the National Honor Society and editor-in-chief of the yearbook.
Castellanos will continue to live at home – with the family she credits for helping her excel in high school.
“They played a big role,” she says. “My family have supported me throughout the years and have always believed in me. And they would always help me if I had any questions or if I was having a problem.”
Her mother, she adds, taught her the importance of staying dedicated to her education.
“My mom told me to always believe in myself.”