馃専 Student Spotlight: Samantha Gonzalez-Zuniga 馃専
Congratulations to NPC student Samantha Gonzalez-Zuniga on being named to the prestigious All-Arizona Academic Team! 馃帀
Samantha began her journey with NPC in high school through the Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT). She was one of the first students to enroll in NPC鈥檚 recently formed Administration of Justice Studies program. The program offers a career pathway option independent of NPC鈥檚 peace officer AZPOST training, which prepares students to serve as sworn police officers. The program supports degree-seeking students who wish to continue their education in judicial and law enforcement studies.
For Samantha, NPC鈥檚 justice studies program fit perfectly. She is determined to make a meaningful difference in people鈥檚 lives and contribute positively to the community. Over the past five years, she has actively served in programs that support public safety, community service, and civic engagement. During her sophomore year of high school, she participated in Navajo County鈥檚 teen court program as a peer juror. The program is a restorative justice diversion route for teen defendants who are involved in misdemeanor offenses. She explained, 鈥淭he experience taught me about accountability, fairness, and the importance of helping others understand the consequences of their actions. My role required active listening, critical thinking, and impartial judgment,鈥 she said. Samantha was also involved in the Show Low Police Department鈥檚 junior cadet program. She earned the rank of sergeant, taking a leadership role to inspire fellow cadets, engage in public safety initiatives, and foster teamwork. She also served in the Civil Air Patrol as a Cadet Airman First Class, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and actively volunteered at Show Low鈥檚 public library.
Samantha takes pride in her determination and perseverance. 鈥淚 like pushing myself. I won鈥檛 give up. When I start something, I am determined to see things through.鈥 A 2024 honors graduate of Show Low High School, she will earn her associate鈥檚 degree from NPC this spring at the top of her class. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University and earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice. She hopes to one day work as a crime scene investigator. 鈥淚t is something I think I would enjoy doing,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 have a knack for problem-solving and a strong intuition,鈥 she said. 鈥淪ometimes I know things before they actually happen.鈥
We are incredibly proud of you, Samantha! Your dedication, perseverance, and leadership truly represent the spirit of NPC. 馃挋馃憦
