Carlos Valencia Humanitarian Award

The Carlos Valencia Humanitarian Award commemorates the life of Carlos Valencia ’06. We remember Carlos for his courage and strength against all odds. Carlos was a young man of compassion, love, generosity and simple living. 

While a student at Salpointe he fought the battle against Leukemia. Carlos persevered with humility, optimism, courage and faith. During the course of his illness over 6000 people were tested as possible bone marrow donors while the Tucson community searched for a match for Carlos. Unfortunately, a match was never found but many others with the disease received bone marrow transplants and their lives were saved. Carlos died early in his Junior year on August 8, 2004.

At the annual Salpointe Catholic High School Heroes Assembly, a member of the Junior class who possesses great courage and strength especially in difficult times is honored in memory of Carlos.  Much like Carlos, the recipient goes about life in a selfless manner, understands the true meaning of “community” and inspires us to think beyond ourselves.

Carlos Valencia Award Recipients:
2005-06 - Gilbert Gradillas '06
2006-07 - Andrew Donnellan '08
2007-08 - Fanni Gedeon '09
2008-09 - Laura Smallhouse '10
2009-10 - Jillian Gabrhel '11
2010-11 - LiseAnne Gregoire '12
2011-12 - Ismael Robles '13
2012-13 - Frankie Castaneda '14
2013-14 - Natalie Strong '15
2014-15 - Jamar Gaskins '16
2015-16 - Michael Herington '17
2016-17 - Sean Morgan '18
2017-18 - Max Zavalza '19
2018-19 - Iasia Ratliffe '20
2019-20 - Michael 'Rene' Gerbais '21
2020-21 - Erin McGuire '22
2021-22 - McCallister "Mac" Thomas Tronsdal '23
2022-23 - Bodhi Sethi '24
2023-24 - Emma Lock '25
    • 2023 Carlos Valencia Award Winner, Emma Lock '25 with her family

    • Carlos Valencia '06 †

"The greatest thing in my life was knowing you." - Carlos Valencia

Salpointe Catholic High School

1545 E. Copper St.,
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 327-6581
Attendance: (520) 327-1990
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