Frankie Castaneda

September 01, 2013

Frankie Castaneda transferred to Salpointe high school his freshman year and was glad to participate in the strong curriculum, values and athletic programs offered. During Frankie’s sophomore year, his life took a drastic turn when he was diagnosed with cancer and brain tumors. When Frankie found himself in the emergency room twice, then airvaced to Phoenix for brain surgery, followed by 6 weeks of radiation and 6 weeks of chemotherapy, his life in high school would not be the same again.

All of the medical treatments and their side effects made school work challenging for Frankie, yet he said, “everyone at Salpointe really cares and offered lots of help and tutoring through groups and teachers offered their help to me”. Due to the mounting medical bills, the Castanedas were not sure if they would be able to send Frankie back to this wonderful school that had been so supportive, but through scholarship assistance and the Salpointe community’s help, Frankie was able to stay at the school and is now finishing his senior year!

Frankie was the 2012/13 recipient of Salpointe’s Carlos Valencia Humanitarian Award. Carlos was a young man of compassion, love, generosity and simple living who while at Salpointe, battled against leukemia. The award recognizes a junior who exemplifies Carlos’ commitment to faith and service and his spirit of courage, perseverance, compassion and respect.

Frankie is now cancer free and plans on going to the University of Arizona to study criminal justice. After college he would like to go on to work at the FBI, so that he can help and protect others.

The Arizona Leadership Foundation proudly provides scholarship assistance to private schools and Lexie’s Law schools throughout Arizona with no preference to religious or political affiliation. We believe parents should have a choice when it comes to the education of their children!

The Arizona Leadership Foundation is able to offer scholarships through Arizona’s Corporate Income Tuition Tax Credit (CTC) Scholarship Program and the Lexie’s Law Corporate Income Tax Credit Program. These Arizona programs are education plans designed to help Low-Income families and families with Disabled/Displaced children obtain the best education for their children.

About Salpointe Catholic High School
Salpointe is a high school of distinction! Since opening its doors in 1950, Salpointe Catholic has enjoyed a distinguished reputation for its strong curriculum, competitive athletics, highly-acclaimed fine arts, faith-strengthening religious program and spirited co-curricular activities. Salpointe is a private, Catholic college-preparatory high school enrolling approximately 1100 students.