Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member Nadia Trujillo was recognized as Chandler High School’s Student of the Month for November/December.

One recent morning while at school, staff surprised Trujillo by presenting a certificate to her and thanked her for her leadership.

“I come to school every day, and I work hard every single day, so it’s nice to have a little reward when someone recognizes it,” said Trujillo.

But that’s not all that Trujillo is up to.

Through a class in school, Trujillo recently became involved in the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization, which is an intra-curricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership.   

“I was really interested in the plants and the animals, the agriculture,” said Trujillo.

In September, she was awarded the FFA Greenhand Degree, an active membership award for FFA members in ninth grade or older. It’s one of the first degrees that a member can earn as they become involved in the organization.                 

Trujillo plans to purchase an FFA uniform soon so she can present her American fuzzy lop rabbit that she will be taking care of for about four months, at the Maricopa County Fair, as a part of the membership.

“They have long fur, and you have to take care of [the fur] twice a week, trim their nails and create a bond with them and know they can trust you,” said Trujillo.

Trujillo hopes to work more with animals in the future and maybe work at a ranch of some sort with rabbits or chickens.

She said her grandfather Steve Stoneburner of Sanders, Arizona, inspired her love of animals.

“My grandpa has chickens and a goat. The way he made it his life commitment,” said Trujillo.

“I thought they were always fun to take care of,” said Trujillo.