Student advisors for the Latinx and African American Advisory Councils named

The first four student advisors selected to serve on the Latinx Advisory Council and the African American Advisory Council were announced by Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman.

“These exemplary student leaders were chosen by a subcommittee comprised of members of both councils for their broad range of experiences and their commitment to serving their communities,” Superintendent Hoffman said on Sept. 6 . “I’m excited to hear their perspectives and work together to advance the needs of the students they represent.”

Two students, one from high school and one from college, will serve as student advisors on each council for the remainder of the school year. Their input will inform the vision and actions of their respective advisory councils.

African American Advisory Council

Henry A. P. Telfer III, Casteel High School

Henry A. P. Telfer III, also known as Trey, is in his sophomore year at Casteel High School in Chandler. Trey is a member of the School Safety Ambassador Club, the National Honor Society and was recently chosen as chapter President of the Future Business Leaders of America. His interest in science has led him to participate in the Science Olympiad Club which competes in science-related competitions with other school districts. In addition to playing soccer with the Gilbert Youth Soccer Association, Trey also participates annually in the Autism Walk, and his church’s vacation bible school. Trey has also enrolled in all Honors and AP classes this year. A commitment to education runs in his family as both of his parents are public school educators.

Alex Butler, Arizona State University

Alex Cameron Butler is a senior at Arizona State University. He is studying History and would like to become a history teacher at his alma mater, Corona del Sol High School. At Arizona State, Alex has worked on campus as a Community Assistant and as a First-Year Success Coach working with students to ensure that their first year in college is a success. Alex also has had internships at the Arizona State Legislature as a Senate Page during Spring of 2018, as well as an intern for Dorn Policy Group this past Spring. Policy issues that Alex finds more important to him are Police Brutality, Criminal Justice Reform, Student Loans and Education. This past summer Alex worked in the Congressional Office of Congressman Greg Stanton and served as an intern where he worked closely with constituents and researched proper resources to refer the constituent. Alex also was tasked to help provide upgrades to an Ahwatukee Post Office during his internship with Congressman Stanton’s Office.

Latinx Advisory Council

Roxana Valdez, Camelback High School

Roxana Valdez was born in the heart of Phoenix, and as a first-generation college bound senior, she carries a deep pride for her community. Growing up with personal obstacles and barriers, Roxana identifies mentorship as a key factor in her journey, guiding her to Camelback High School and opening the doors to various educational opportunities.

These opportunities have helped her find her passion to create educational equality and providing a voice for a very deserving community. In pursuit of this passion, Roxana was chosen to fly to Washington D.C., where she testified in front of Arizona Congressional members, fighting to maintain funding and expand the TRIOs program to low-income communities.

Within her Camelback community, she has sought out change through leadership roles, serving as NHS President and the Physics Club Secretary and Treasurer. Her goal in these capacities is to instill leadership within her peers and make a further impact by increasing fundraising opportunities.

It is her purpose and passion that she will carry with her as a representative for the Arizona Department of Education’s Latinx Student Council. Her passion and involvement will play an integrated part of the rest of her life as she aspires to defend education as a lawyer or teacher.

Abby Atonal Rodriguez, Mesa Community College

Abby Atonal Rodriguez is a first-generation college student. Abby’s family is her motivation to succeed in college. She strives to create change in her community. She consistently

demonstrates a passion for learning and enjoys sharing her love for education with others. Abby plans to advocate for education throughout her career.

Currently, she is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for all two-year colleges. Abby serves as the Chapter President at Mesa Community College and as a Regional Officer for Arizona. In addition to her involvement at her college, she volunteers at Eisenhower Center for Innovation in Mesa as a teacher assistant in an English Language Learning classroom. Abby has earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award and is dedicated to servant leadership and social change. Abby looks forward to representing her community and fellow scholars on the Latinx Council.