Directions to Excellence: Student Success Across GPS High Schools

Across Gilbert Public Schools, student success doesn’t follow just one path. Whether their passion leads them to international study, national recognition, artistic expression, elite scholarships, or creative entrepreneurship, GPS students are supported by schools that recognize their potential and work to provide opportunities for a successful future. The following student stories reflect what’s possible when strong academics, caring educators, and meaningful opportunities all come together.

Victoria Lam, Campo Verde High School
Campo Verde High senior Victoria Lam earned the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship, securing a full four-year scholarship to Rice University - one of the nation’s most selective institutions. QuestBridge connects high-achieving students with top colleges and universities, covering tuition, room and board, books, and fees.

Since her freshman year, Victoria has completed a variety of Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, including Honors Anatomy and Physiology, AP Microeconomics, and the Corporate Academy CTE program.

Vivian Flynn, Desert Ridge High School
Desert Ridge High senior Vivian Flynn is taking ownership of her creative future by self-publishing an original novel at just 17 years old. The book has taken her through countless drafts, evolving ideas, and the confidence to see a personal project through from concept to publication.

She credits Desert Ridge High for encouraging creativity and providing the foundation she needed to grow as a writer. Through English coursework and Creative Writing electives, supportive teachers helped refine her skills while validating storytelling as a meaningful form of expression. Desert Ridge’s broad elective offerings and emphasis on student voice allowed her to explore her passion and take initiative, preparing her for continued study in creative writing and future publishing opportunities.

Iris Tang, Gilbert Classical Academy
At Gilbert Classical Academy (GCA), senior Iris Tang was named a finalist for the prestigious Flinn Scholarship - one of Arizona’s most competitive academic awards. Advancing to the final round is a testament to not only her academic achievements but also her leadership, service, and commitment to making a meaningful impact. Among a highly accomplished pool of semifinalists, she described the experience as both humbling and motivating.

Looking ahead, she plans to study Applied Mathematics/Economics and Data Science, with aspirations to develop technology-driven solutions that expand economic opportunity and influence global policy. She also hopes to continue pursuing music as a concert pianist. 

Maggie Brimie, Gilbert High School
Gilbert High School senior Maggie Brimie is preparing for a college experience that will take her halfway around the world. After four years in Gilbert High’s Japanese language program, she earned an 80% tuition reduction scholarship to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Japan - a highly competitive international university known for its global focus. The scholarship will cover the majority of her tuition and housing for all four years.

Through Gilbert High’s Japanese program, she not only developed language proficiency but also built cultural understanding and confidence. A summer EF Tours experience in Japan opened her eyes to the possibility of pursuing a full degree abroad, while strong relationships with teachers - particularly her Japanese instructor - provided mentorship, encouragement, and guidance through the application process. “My Japanese classes always felt like a family,” she shared. “That sense of community made me want to find my place in the world beyond high school.”

That global perspective continued to grow through friendships with international exchange students at Gilbert High and advanced coursework like International Baccalaureate English, which challenged her to analyze ideas through a worldwide lens. Together, those experiences helped her develop the curiosity, independence, and courage needed to take her next step in becoming a global citizen.

Mahlon Mitchell, Highland High School
Highland High student Mahlon Mitchell earned national recognition when his artwork was published in the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica journal. His featured piece - a detailed jellyfish - reflected both artistic growth and personal courage, inspired by a moment early in high school when he realized he wanted the confidence to share his creativity with others.

Highland High’s culture of RISE Above — Respect, Innovate, Serve, and Empower — encourages students to take creative risks, try something new, and believe in their potential. Mahlon credits his supportive teachers and clubs like the Spanish National Honor Society for his academic and personal growth.

Dirk Olson, Mesquite High School
Mesquite High senior Dirk Olson earned a highly regarded spot in the National Honor Band, placing him among the top student musicians in the nation. Selected as one of just four alto saxophonists nationwide from thousands of applicants, Dirk’s achievement comes as a result of years of perseverance, discipline, and growth.

Now preparing to attend Arizona State University through Barrett, The Honors College, Dirk is considering futures in both music performance and aerospace engineering. 

“It’s really amazing what Dirk has been able to accomplish. Gilbert Public Schools has been voted the best in Music Education over the past few years, so it’s amazing to have Dirk represent Mesquite High and Gilbert Public Schools on a national level,” said Luiza Otero, Assistant Principal at Mesquite High.

While each student’s journey is unique, their success is built on a shared belief across Gilbert Public Schools - a focus on educating the whole child and helping them achieve their learning potential. GPS offers families a variety of educational options, including comprehensive high schools, honors academies, and specialized programs, all supported by experienced educators who know their students and help them plan with purpose.

Families can explore exactly what each high school offers through a districtwide course description database, which provides detailed information about every course available at GPS high schools - from advanced academics and world languages to fine arts, career pathways, and electives. The course database can help empower families to make informed decisions and help students intentionally build schedules that align with their interests, strengths, and postsecondary goals.

GPS also uses innovative tools to support students throughout their learning adventure. GradTracker, an interactive system integrated within Infinite Campus, gives students and families real-time insight into graduation progress. Instead of relying on manual checks, GradTracker clearly shows which courses students need to stay on track, while also tracking weighted and unweighted GPAs, class rank, and state exam requirements. This allows counselors to proactively support students whether they’re pursuing college, career, military service, or other pathways after graduation.

Families are invited to experience what makes each GPS high school unique by attending an upcoming Family Preview Night. These events offer an inside look at academics, programs, extracurriculars, campus culture, and student support — and provide an opportunity to ask questions and connect directly with school staff.

Family Preview Night Schedule:

• Mesquite High School: Freshman Preview Night. February 11, 5:30–8 p.m.
• Desert Ridge High School: Family Preview Night. February 11, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Highland High School: Incoming Freshman Preview Night. February 12, 5–7 p.m.
• Campo Verde High School: Coyote Preview Night. February 12, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
• Gilbert Classical Academy: Family Preview Night. February 12, 6–7:30 p.m.
• Gilbert High School: New Student Expo. February 17, 6–7:30 p.m.