But, first, we are shining the spotlight on an inspiring senior at Chaparral High School.

With help from the nonprofit Communities In Schools, he overcame challenges and a serious health diagnosis to gain the confidence to achieve all of his goals.

(Alex Villanueva) Don't let anyone distract you from achieving what you want to do in life.

-Seventeen-year-old Alejandro Alex Villanueva is preparing for graduation after a high school journey that wasn't always easy.

-During freshman year, I kind of had, like, a very low self-esteem.

Like, I didn't really know myself freshman year, you know, new school, new people.

It's hard to find yourself in a whole new environment.

-He first connected with Communities In Schools during the freshman barbecue, initially drawn in by the snacks.

But he quickly found something much more important, support.

-So Miss Priscilla was like, the one to kind of help me figure myself out.

She told me to focus on myself, figure what I like is best for me.

I personally don't know where I would have been without them, you know?

(Priscilla Landero) Like, that's gonna impact your, your GPA better.

-Communities In Schools site coordinator Priscilla Landero remembers meeting Alex at that first school event.

-I still remember his little, tiny little face.

He was so lost.

He was so scared, like what is going on?

-And She quickly became a trusted resource.

-We identify students who need additional support, additional help, and we meet with them one-on-one to see, okay, is your attendance not doing the best?

What can we do to help you with that?

Is it maybe transportation issues?

Is it food at home?

Maybe you're lacking that focus to even come to school.

-Then during Alex's sophomore year, a major health challenge.

-I remember he was gone for a few days of school.

And at that time, like one of his goals that we needed to work on was attendance, being present in school, making sure you're not missing class.

-A Type 1 diabetes diagnosis after a week-long hospital stay.

-It was a rough transition, having to always prick myself, dosing myself with insulin.

You know, it's rough having to do that as a kid, especially because you have to change your whole diet and everything.

You have to eat healthier.

You have to drink healthier.

-But when he returned to school... -I was really surprised when I came back and they had, like, a certain variety of snacks based just for me.

Low-key, I got home and I started crying a bit, because it really showed that they care for every single student that they have here.

-Between managing a new diagnosis, home challenges, and the pressures of high school, Alex admits there were moments he wasn't sure he would graduate.

-I started to have some doubts, especially after my diagnosis.

I fell really behind in my grades and all of my assignments, you know?

I felt like I wasn't like good enough to actually achieve that.

-But with encouragement from his mom and the staff at CIS, Alex found the motivation to keep going.

-He's such a great kid.

He really is.

He's gone through so much.

He's okay now, and so that makes me proud of him.

-And as graduation gets closer, Alex says he's also proud of how far he's come.

-Are you proud of yourself?

-I am, yes, especially with where I'm at now.

Yes, I'm super proud of myself.

-Alex, we are so proud of you, too.

A shout-out to Mr.

Marvin in the Chaparral CIS office as well for helping support Alex.

Alex, by the way, will be attending Southern Utah University in the fall to study Construction Management.

And check this out: Alex was recently honored during a big Communities In Schools event with a "Power Within" award, recognizing students who find the power within themselves to achieve their goals.

Bravo!

Well deserved.