Buckeye Union High School District is proud to celebrate senior Caleila Kaluna, who has been named azcentral’s Student of the Week for March 23–27, 2026.
The Student of the Week program, hosted by azcentral, recognizes outstanding high school students across Arizona. Schools nominate students who have excelled in areas such as academics, athletics, the arts, leadership, and community service. Nominees are then featured in an online poll where readers vote to determine the weekly winner.
A Champion for Inclusion at BUHS
Caleila was nominated by BUHS teacher Brittany Meola for her exceptional leadership and commitment to inclusion on campus. She is deeply involved in Unified Sports, a program that brings together students with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities to compete and build meaningful relationships.
At BUHS, Caleila participates in nearly every Unified sport offered, including badminton, soccer, swim, bocce, flag football, cheer, dance, pickleball, volleyball, and esports. She also competes as a student-athlete on the school’s basketball and softball teams.
Her dedication extends beyond participation. When she was unable to compete in Unified basketball due to her involvement on the BUHS basketball team, Caleila stepped into a coaching role - leading practices, mentoring athletes, and supporting her peers from the sidelines.
Leading with Purpose
Caleila consistently creates opportunities for others to feel included and valued on campus. She organized a Spread the Word Day at BUHS, helped lead a schoolwide Unified basketball assembly, and continues to advocate for inclusive practices in everyday school life.
Her leadership has earned national recognition, as she is featured in the Special Olympics Unified Physical Education Playbook as a youth leader in the inclusion movement.
Celebrating Excellence at BUHS
Kaluna’s recognition is a reflection of her dedication, leadership, and the inclusive culture at Buckeye Union High School. The BUHS community is proud of her accomplishments and celebrates the positive impact she continues to make on campus and beyond.
Photo: SportsRecruits.com