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More than 1,400 high school seniors from across Arizona gathered at PHX Arena for the second El Valle Puede Celebration. A collaboration of the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation, Helios Education Foundation and the ��ݮ��Ƶ, the event marked the official tip off of Arizona Decision Day 2025, celebrating the achievements of these students as they prepare to graduate and embark on the next steps of their educational journeys. 

Arizona Decision Day, proclaimed in 2024 by Governor Katie Hobbs, is a statewide celebration designed to inspire students to take charge of their futures. Whether pursuing college, trade school, military service or entering the workforce, the event encourages high schoolers to make meaningful post-graduation plans. 

 “We’re proud to use the platform of basketball through Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation to impact our community. What better way to do that than partner with the Helios Education Foundation and ABOR who really are uplifting our community through education,” said Sarah Krahenbuhl, executive director of Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation. “To use our arena and use the excitement that we bring in for Suns and Mercury games to celebrate our youth is exactly on mission for us. We’re excited to highlight these students as they continue onto post-secondary education.” 

The El Valle Puede Celebration showcased a college resource fair with representatives from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona and various community colleges statewide. The program also featured remarks from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Helios Founding Chairman Vince Roig, Helios Vice Chair Jane Roig and ABOR Student Regent David Zaragoza.

“We know through research that students who are able to pursue some type of college and university degree will contribute and bring value to the state of Arizona. It is really about the future of our state – how we provide an educated workforce, how we drive economic success and its really coming from these students,” said Paul J. Luna, president and CEO of Helios. “We partner at Helios with the ��ݮ��Ƶ and our three public universities because we know so many of our students, especially first-generation students, are able to benefit from these universities which are ready to embrace and support them and ensure that they're successful in earning a university degree.” 

Seven students were honored at center court as this year’s El Valle Puede scholarship recipients, with five students awarded scholarships worth up to $20,000 and two students receiving scholarships of up to $5,000 to attend any of Arizona’s three state universities. The event wrapped up with energetic performances by the Suns and Mercury entertainment teams, along with an electrifying live concert from Phoenix-born regional Mexican music artist Xavi.

In his address, Regent Zaragoza encouraged students to dream big, work tirelessly and embrace the opportunities before them as the keys to achieving future success. 

“Whether they plan to attend one of our state’s three outstanding universities, a community college or pursue some other passion, each of these students can use their education as an opportunity to contribute as an integral part of our shared community. The greatest piece of advice I can offer is for each and every one of them to embrace this journey and strive to contribute something meaningful to the world around them,” said Regent Zaragoza.

For more information about Arizona Decision Day and ways that high school principals, counselors, teachers and others can celebrate the graduating Class of 2025, visit .