Mountain Point student Nishanti Jaikumar named Arizona FBLA state officer

The Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD) Governing Board convened on May 21, 2025, to celebrate student achievements and introduce new leadership, marking a significant moment as the school year draws to a close. The meeting highlighted the accomplishments of students and the district's commitment to fostering leadership and creativity among its youth.

One of the standout recognitions was awarded to Nishanti Jaikumar, a student from Mountain Point High School, who was honored as an outstanding student leader. Jaikumar has amassed over 150 hours of volunteer service and leadership roles across various organizations. Recently, she was elected as a state officer for Arizona's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where she plans to initiate a statewide community service project based on a nonprofit she founded. Her goals include enhancing the experiences of smaller FBLA chapters and creating career connections for students throughout Arizona. Jaikumar expressed her gratitude during the meeting, emphasizing the transformative impact FBLA has had on her confidence and leadership skills.

In addition to Jaikumar, Alessandra Valdez, a senior at McClintock High School, received recognition for her winning design in the district's "Portrait of a Graduate" contest. This initiative is a key component of TUHSD's strategic plan, aiming to encapsulate the skills and values the district hopes all students will embody by graduation. Valdez's design will represent the district for the next five years, and she was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for her achievement, presented by Nori Kennel from the Tempe Union Foundation.

The meeting also welcomed Mark Gorman as the new principal of McClintock High School. Gorman brings over 30 years of educational experience, including roles as a teacher and administrator. He expressed his excitement about leading McClintock and continuing its tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Overall, the TUHSD Governing Board meeting underscored the district's dedication to recognizing student achievements and fostering leadership, while also introducing new leadership that aligns with its educational values. As the school year concludes, these celebrations not only honor individual accomplishments but also reflect the district's ongoing commitment to nurturing the potential of all its students.