Meet Tyler a Junior at Yuma Catholic High School
August 27, 2026
Tyler’s mom, Amanda, who is a fifth-grade public school teacher, shared Tyler’s story with the Arizona Leadership Foundation as this is his first year receiving a scholarship. She talked about the path that led them to Yuma Catholic High School and what he is aspiring towards after graduation.
Tyler began taking college courses in eighth grade. He was one of only three students in that class who passed, and the experience showed us that he was ready for a more challenging academic path. When we learned about Yuma Catholic’s success in helping students earn an associate degree while completing high school, it became an important factor in our decision.
Our decision was about more than academics, however. We wanted Tyler to receive an education grounded in faith and to be surrounded by teachers, coaches, and classmates who would encourage him to grow and walk confidently in his faith. Yuma Catholic offered the combination we were looking for: smaller classes, high academic expectations, a commitment to every student’s success, meaningful community service, strong values and traditions, and a faith-centered environment. We wanted Tyler in a school that would recognize his potential, challenge him to use his gifts, and help shape him into a young man of knowledge, character, service, and faith.
Tyler is a natural leader who is determined, competitive, focused, and self-driven. He is also funny, outspoken, well-mannered, and always willing to help someone who needs him. His teachers often describe him as an active participant they can count on in the classroom. His faith and strong moral compass guide his belief in standing up for what is right, accepting responsibility, and using his abilities to serve others.
His days begin early and often end late. As a dual-sport athlete taking both high school and college courses, Tyler must manage practices, competitions, assignments, and demanding academic expectations. Athletic travel and early dismissals sometimes cause him to miss lectures or assignments, so he must independently learn missed material and complete his work around practices and games. Maintaining a 4.67 GPA and the top rank in his class under those circumstances reflects more than academic ability; it shows discipline, maturity, and genuine dedication.
Tyler has earned a place on the President’s List every quarter since his first year, is a member of the National Honor Society, and has competed at SARSEF twice. He has also completed 120 hours of community service, tutoring younger students in math twice a week, and gives back to the youth football league where he began playing. Tyler takes pride in representing Yuma Catholic and is determined to make the most of every opportunity.
Tyler plans to attend college, study political science, and continue playing football. He is looking for a university that will challenge him academically, prepare him for law school, and allow him to contribute to a football program. Tyler plans to attend law school and become an attorney. He has a strong moral compass and believes in standing up for what is right. He also believes that wrongdoing should have consequences. His confidence, willingness to speak up, and desire to advocate for fairness have drawn him toward political science and a future career in law.
Amanda shared with us her appreciation for the scholarship from the Arizona Leadership Foundation. “The Arizona Leadership Foundation is helping Tyler remain at Yuma Catholic, where he has found the academic challenge, personal support, and opportunities he needs to thrive. As a public school teacher and a law-enforcement family, we have dedicated our careers to serving our community. Still, private-school tuition places a significant financial strain on our family. Meeting that obligation can require taking on additional work, which may mean missing the very games, matches, ceremonies, and school events we are working so hard to make possible for our child. This scholarship does more than help with tuition. It lets us be present for Tyler as he works toward his goals. We are deeply grateful that ALF’s support allows him to continue at Yuma Catholic and allows us to stand beside him for the moments that matter.”
Tyler’s Science Teacher, Tayde Lund, M.Ed shared this about him, “Tyler exemplifies the qualities of a student-athlete, consistently demonstrating responsibility and respect both in the classroom and in athletic competition. As a top performer academically, he maintains high standards in the work he produces and in sports he showcases the discipline and dedication required to succeed in both. Tyler’s commitment to excellence is evident not only in his individual achievements but in his willingness to support and inspire his peers as a team player in the classroom and on the field.”
About Yuma Catholic High School:
Since 2000, Yuma Catholic High School has continued offering a well-rounded, faith-based education, small class sizes, competitive athletics, and engaging extracurricular activities. As a college preparatory school, students complete dual enrollment courses to earn their associate’s degree prior to graduating from high school. Our dedicated faculty and staff cultivate a loving, yet challenging, learning environment that brings students to Christ, prepares all for college, and fosters a spirit of service to the community. For more information, please visit yumacatholic.org.