Buckeye Union High School District announced on Mar. 27 that senior Caleila Kaluna has been named azcentral’s Student of the Week for March 23–27, 2026.
The recognition is part of azcentral’s program to highlight outstanding high school students in Arizona who excel in academics, athletics, arts, leadership, and community service. Students are nominated by their schools and then featured in an online poll where readers vote for the weekly winner.
Kaluna was nominated by Buckeye Union High School teacher Brittany Meola because of her leadership and commitment to inclusion on campus. She is actively involved in Unified Sports—a program that unites students with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities through athletic competition and relationship building. At Buckeye Union High School, Kaluna participates in nearly every Unified sport offered, including badminton, soccer, swim, bocce, flag football, cheerleading, dance, pickleball, volleyball, and esports. She also plays basketball and softball as a student-athlete.
When she could not compete in Unified basketball due to her role on the school’s basketball team, Kaluna took on a coaching position—leading practices and mentoring athletes from the sidelines. She has also organized events such as Spread the Word Day at Buckeye Union High School and helped lead a schoolwide Unified basketball assembly while continuing to advocate for inclusive practices throughout daily school life.
Kaluna’s efforts have received national attention; she is featured as a youth leader in the Special Olympics Unified Physical Education Playbook for her work promoting inclusion.
The district said Kaluna’s recognition reflects both her personal dedication and leadership as well as the inclusive culture fostered at Buckeye Union High School.
