Verrado senior Abigail Vasquez guides and supports her fellow students

Verrado senior Abigail Vasquez wants to be a resource and a leader to help them through their difficulties.

BY ERIC MATSUMOTO

Nov 18, 2025, 5:00 AM Updated: Jan 7, 2026, 2:15 pm

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Verrado High School's Abigail Vasquez (Courtesy Abigail Vasquez)

(Courtesy Abigail Vasquez)

Verrado High School senior Abigail Vasquez is an advocate and leader for those around her.

A member of both her school’s Freshman Mentor Program and Teen Lifeline, Vasquez dedicates her time to helping her peers navigate difficulties they may be going through. She is also a junior high coach for eighth-grade girls at her local church.

Vasquez is one of 10 finalists for the Arizona Sports’ Character Counts Scholarship, presented by Parker & Sons.

During September, which Teen Suicide Prevention Month, Vasquez was her school’s representative for mental health advocacy. She created a video with a message about suicide prevention that was played for the school to show students the resources available if they were struggling with mental health.

Vasquez also performs service through her church, such as her work as a junior high coach for eighth-grade girls.

“(Coaching) is so fulfilling and I really just love being there,” Vasquez said. “These girls are the funniest, sweetest girls you’ll ever meet, and I just love being able to hang out with them every Saturday night.”

Over the summer, Vasquez also had the opportunity to attend a service trip to Poland with 10 other high school students in her church.

The trip helped confirm to Vasquez that service to others is what she wants to spend her life doing.

“This trip opened my eyes to so many things and what I want to do with my future,” Vasquez said. “It really showed me how much I love serving other people and really put a mirror to my face. … I love people and I love serving them.”

Throughout her time in high school, Vasquez has run cross country and played volleyball, soccer and flag football. Her athletics go beyond the field as well — Vasquez serves as the vice president of her branch of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“(Being) a good student and (being) a good athlete isn’t only in the classroom or isn’t only on the field,” Vasquez said. “It’s in every part of your life.”

Vasquez plans to attend a Christian university before pursuing ministry and service, particularly to children, as a full-time career.