In the Phoenix West Valley, Howard Hughes Holdings® is making a profound impact in ways like nurturing the next generation of leaders by awarding scholarships to graduating high school students. The 2024 inaugural Teravalis Community Scholarship Awards recognize academic excellence and a deep commitment to community, a true embodiment of the spirit of Teravalis. 

Perla Aguilar and Kyleigh Kurtz, two exceptional students from Tonopah Valley High School, have been honored with the Teravalis Community Scholarship award this year. Their remarkable academic performance and unwavering dedication to community have set them apart, making them the perfect recipients of this esteemed recognition. 

Meet the Scholarship Recipients 

Perla Aguilar and Kyleigh Kurtz are not your typical high school students. Their stories are woven with threads of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their community. 

Perla Aguilar, with her insightful perspective on community, says, “Community is more than just people that live next to you; it makes and shapes you into what you are.” Her view reflects a mature understanding of how interconnected our lives are and how we collectively shape our surroundings. Perla is a National Honor Society inductee and a Jobs for Arizona Graduates member who plans to study accounting after graduation. 

Kaleigh Kurtz shares a similar sentiment: “Community is everything; it is the support we rely on, the inspiration that never dies, the parachute we can fall back on, and the stepping stone of our success.” Kyleigh’s words capture what Teravalis aims to foster—a sense of belonging and mutual support that empowers individuals to achieve their potential. Kyleigh graduated with academic honors and has competed nationally in Future Business Leaders of America and Health Occupations Students of America.  

Why These Scholarships Matter 

The AZ scholarships awarded to Perla and Kyleigh are part of the broader mission of Howard Hughes to invest in education and community development. These scholarships, each worth $2,500, will not only provide financial support but also serve as a testament to the potential of these young leaders and empower Perla and Kyleigh to continue making a difference in their communities. 

David O’Reilly, CEO of Howard Hughes, reiterates our mission: “Our investment in these future leaders will not only help them achieve their educational goals but will support their ongoing efforts of community engagement that will benefit the West Valley for years to come.” This commitment to future generations is at the core of Howard Hughes’ values. 

Whether through AZ scholarships, stewardship of the natural surroundings, or fostering economic growth, Teravalis is paving the way for a brighter future.