Salutatorian Dallas Mariscal and Valedictorian Joshua “JJ” Manriquez. Photo by Nichole Aranda
As summer approaches, and the schools finish up their finals, the end of the year is upon us. Hayden High School will be hosting its graduation for the class of 2025, on Friday, May 23. Leading the senior class of 2025 is valedictorian Joshua “JJ” Manriquez and salutatorian Dallas Mariscal. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make it to the top of the class, so let’s hear a little bit more about Hayden’s top two seniors of 2025.
Salutatorian Dallas Mariscal is the daughter of Victoria Gallegos. She is a four-year athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball and softball. She is a member of NHS and Jr. Chamber, and also served as class officer for a couple years.
“I will be attending Arizona State University (ASU) to further my education in criminology,” stated Mariscal, “My career plan is to become a criminal investigator and work in the field of criminal justice or forensic science.”
Looking back on her community, and time at Hayden High School Dallas commented, “I like how close our community is and the support we give each other. We take lots of pride in our accomplishments. It’s given me a strong sense of responsibility and desire to give back to my community and make a difference in people’s lives. I want to give young kids inspiration that you can have the life you want by making the right decisions. Inspiration and guidance is incredibly important to give. Also, I want to ensure more safety when it comes to our community.”
A piece of advice she has for upcoming underclassmen is, “Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. High school is the perfect time to explore and discover the person you are and want to be.”
Dallas looks forward to starting a career, starting a family, and traveling once she is done with school. She would also like to give a special thanks, “Thank you to my mom for never giving up or letting me give up. She’s always encouraged me to keep moving forward. She truly supported and been there for me through all of it.”
Valedictorian Joshua “JJ” Manriquez is the son of Lisbee and Robert Manriquez. He’s a four-year athlete, competing in football, basketball and baseball, playing on multiple state championships teams. He was also the class president all four years, as well as a member of NHS and Student Council for four years. Manriquez plans to attend Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute.
“My career plan is to receive my BSD in Architectural Studies, and either join a business, or get LLC and start my own business. Additionally, I will return home to Hayden and give back to my town by restoring the town,” Manriquez commented.
When looking back on his community Joshua said this, “I love how supportive the school and community are. Regardless of the event we come together and support as a family! There is nothing like a small-town kid, we are the most hard working, dedicated, and passionate individuals. Growing up in a small town has shaped me into something great, I may have fallen before but there is only one way to go from there … and that’s up! Like I mentioned in an earlier answer; my dream is to restore my hometown, so whenever the time comes, I will not just restore the homes of my town, but the restaurants, the schools, the fields, and the mine.”
Manriquez is looking forward to completing his degree so he can do great things for the world, and design, develop, and construct beautiful facilities. Some words of advice he has for upcoming underclassmen is, “I was once told this advice and it changed my life, it goes, ‘“The bigger the risk, the bigger the challenge!”’ Dream and dream big … all dreams either become a thought or you can turn them into a reality, it depends how much you’re willing to risk.”
“I want to thank all my teachers, their guidance helped expand my knowledge that I will take onto the next chapter of my life. Additionally, I want to thank my family, your encouragement and support has driven me to be the young man I am today. Without your guy’s help I wouldn’t be writing this. I also want to thank all my friends, starting from my brothers that I won state with, to my 4th graders, and the rest of my school… thank you for all the memories there is nothing I wouldn’t do for another year with guys I love you all! Go Lobos!!!”