Arizona Gifted Student Darianna Castillo selected as a recipient of the 2025 La Excelencia Latina Award, presented by NAGC

Darianna Castillo, a former Gadsden Elementary School District #32(GESD) student, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 La Excelencia Latina Award, presented by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).

Castillo joins a distinguished group of high school students from across the United States. She will be formally recognized during the 2025 NAGC Annual Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A Gadsden student from kindergarten through 8th grade, Castillo made district history with her academic accomplishments. In May 2025, she graduated from Southwest Junior High as valedictorian and became the first GESD student to complete junior high with an associate’s degree from Arizona Western College, an extraordinary achievement made possible through the district’s Early College Program.

“Darianna’s recognition at the national level is a reflection of her talent and dedication to academic excellence,” said Lizette Esparza, District Superintendent. “We are incredibly proud to see one of our own being honored among the best and brightest students in the country.”

The La Excelencia Latina Award is a national recognition program that honors the outstanding achievements of highly gifted and talented students of Hispanic or Latin descent. Sponsored by the NAGC’s Special Populations Network, the award celebrates academic excellence and aims to elevate the accomplishments of students who represent the strength and potential of the Latin community in gifted education.

Read More:

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• Former Gadsden Elementary School District Student Receives Prestigious Honor from National Association for Gifted Children