Julissa "Juju" Macias is Pueblo Chieftain Student of the Week
Julissa "Juju" Macias, a recent graduate of East High School, received the most votes in a Student of the Week poll featuring six outstanding local students.
Macias spent her four years at East High School excelling academically and athletically. The 4.1 GPA student is a two-time track and field state qualifier who threw the discuss over 106 feet at the 2024 CHSSA Track and Field Championships.
The proud Eagle graduate, also played softball, was vice president of the National Honor Society and competed in Speech and Debate. Other extracurricular activities that Macias dedicated her time to include Talon Team and World Language Club.
Macias received nearly 50% of more than 70,000 votes cast in last week's six-student poll. She, along with other nominees were chosen by Chieftain readers with respect to their academic achievements and community contributions. Here are the other nominees.
Abrianna Cortez, East High School
Abrianna Cortez will be entering her senior year this upcoming fall already having been a 2024 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America national qualifier. She took first place in the FCCLA Professional Presentation category with her partner Jaidyn Harmonson. Cortez also is a member of the Eagles' volleyball and tennis teams who ranks among the top students in her junior class with an above 4.0 GPA.
Madison Craig, South High School
Finishing up her sophomore year, Madison Craig is an honor roll student and up-and-coming player to watch on the Colts' tennis team. She made varsity appearances as South's No. 1 doubles and No. 3 singles player as a freshman. This spring, Craig played No. 2 singles and made an appearance in the Region 7 quarterfinals. The dedicated student and tennis player also works part-time at Sonic Drive-In.
Devin Klock, East High School
Devin Klock, an East junior, represents the entire state as Colorado DECA president. He also holds leadership roles with East's drama club, National Honor Society, Students Demand Action and Talon Team. Additionally, Klock has established himself as a familiar community face through his work with Communities That Care's Youth Advisory Council and his launch of the "A Kindness A Day" campaign.
Xaviour Leal, South High School
Xaviour Leal graduated from South High School on May 25 after having two spent years as a welding student in Pueblo Community College's Concurrent Enrollment program. He earned a 4.0 GPA and a spot on the PCC President's List in fall 2023. Leal also played four years of football for the Colts and has over a year's worth of experience working full-time at the Pueblo Ice Arena.
Madison Vallejos, South High School
Madison Vallejos is off to the University of Colorado in Boulder after graduating from South High School on May 25. Vallejos was a cheerleader and honor roll student throughout her years at South. As a senior, she achieved a 4.6 GPA and paraded through Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, as one of three Colts to be named a Universal Cheerleading Association All-American.
Vote here for the Pueblo Chieftain's Student of the Week
Nominate a student: The Chieftain needs Student of the Week nominations. Here is how you can participate
Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Who is Pueblo Chieftain Student of the Week? Julissa Macias
