SCV35 is proud to announce that Hector Estrada, the second year principal at Rio Rico High School earned two student driven honors in the first month of 2021.
Mid-January, Estrada was named by The National Society of High School Scholars(NSHSS) as the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction. He was nominated by RRHS senior, Yamileth Barcelo for his “significant contributions to her academic career” according to the NSHSS press release. "The reason I nominated Mr. Estrada is that he's taken on such a challenge in becoming our Principal, and yet he's always made the best of it. Since his first day in school, he made such a positive change and he's always looked out for students. I think that he deserves a nomination because he puts everyone before him, and is always so positive and cheerful. He's been one of my main reasons to be so involved in my school and community, and he's inspired me to be a better leader.”
Estrada said, “receiving this recognition meant the world to me, I was both humbled and excited. To be nominated by one of my students, says it all. Everything I do has our students at the forefront. I often tell our great staffulty (the name Estrada coined for staff and faculty) that we all had our high school experience, our job is to make our students experience the best possible experience ever. I truly enjoy engaging with our students and encourage them to take lead of their school.”
Most recently, in February, Estrada was also named The Grand Canyon University Principal (GCU) of the month. GCU selected nine outstanding principals in Arizona who “demonstrated creativity and vision at their schools.” Estrada was chosen for “implementing or supporting innovations designed to increase student success.” Specifically, he was chosen for his successful graduation parade. Estrada orchestrated a community celebration for seniors who were the first year to graduate during the COVID-19 pandemic. He hired the local radio station and an entire community turned out to celebrate seniors as they paraded up and down the frontage road in their decorated cars.
Estrada worked with students to develop the best possible celebration under the circumstances. Estrada said that “one way I build student leaders on campus is with my student senate. The student senate is a group of students from each grade level and various backgrounds that I meet with monthly or as often as possible. I met with the student senate to gain the student voice, insights and perspective. I also teach and demonstrate leadership skills so that they can lead their peers and be leaders on campus.”
SCV35 is proud of Principal Estrada’s creativity, leadership and student driven culture that earned him both honors.