“I was scared at first as a freshman in high school, but my classmates and I bonded so quickly that we became a big family,” said Sayra Miranda, Valedictorian of the PUHS Class of 2025. “I’m going to miss this school. The teachers here are amazing and helped me to grow as a student and a person.”
Sayra took as many dual credit classes—classes that count as both high school and college credits—at PUHS as she could. “English, History and Entry to Education dual credit courses helped me a ton,” she said. These are really great courses, and I would encourage the juniors to sign up.”
Sayra’s favorite classes were her four years of English. She especially enjoyed times when the teacher Ms. Hayes would read out loud and act the parts of the characters. The students shared their reactions to the stories and characters, and Sayra liked how there were so many different perspectives.
Field trips—especially a visit to Castles and Coasters Museum in Phoenix— plus making jokes and laughing in class are Sayra’s favorite memories of her high school years. “I would like to come back and see my teachers,” she said. “There are so many good teachers here.” She also has fond memories of her two years with Yearbook Class and her senior year in the National Honor Society.
This coming fall will find Sayra at Pima College studying to become a medical assistant. Depending on her classes and the field she decides to pursue, she will be in Tucson at PC for at least a year. “It’s a really good college, and I am excited to go,” she said.
Sayra has a cousin who lives in Tucson who she plans to stay with a few nights a week and then drive back home to be with her parents, too.
Sayra lives in Rio Rico with her parents and dog Curly, with two older brothers living far away. Her dad, who works in Patagonia, drove her to school in Patagonia every day beginning in her fourth grade year at the Montessori School and on through her high school years.
Future plans for Sayra include getting a job and saving up enough money to travel. “When I have a job and money I would like to travel the world and experience different cultures,” she said.
Her parting words for PUHS students? “Just keep trying although it might be hard at times.”