TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Sam Rayo never thought he would see the day he would actually graduate.
"I wasn't a good student at all," Rayo said. "The environment around me was shaping me into a person who just absorbed the bad things, like a sponge."
Rayo was in and out of the foster system while going to school, constantly getting into trouble.
"Having to be in tough situations that I was brought into took its toll," Rayo said. "I was taken out of 1 situation into another. "
It started to affect his mental health.
"With me going into the foster care system when I was a freshman, I was going through a lot at that time, with depression, and just being alone," Rayo said.
Through it all, Rayo said the one constant source of support was his sister Savanah, who encouraged him to take school more seriously and pointed him toward Toltecalli High School, within the Chicanos Por La Causa Community Schools.
"She said it was going to be a good environment," Rayo said. "A small school that's a good support system, a lot of caring people at the beginning, and she was right,"
Rayo began focusing on his studies and listening to his teachers, working toward his future.
Rayo's teacher, Mr. Espinoza, says Rayo is one of his most dedicated students.
"His dedication to success shows in his grades," Espinoza said. "He is giving his all, daily."
Rayo credits Toltecalli for putting him on the right track.
"When I came here to Toltecalli, I became a person with character that developed through the teachers who, with great support, became a more responsible, caring, and calmer person," Rayo said.
That hard work paid off. Rayo donned his cap and gown and received his diploma, and his sister could not be any prouder.
"I'm beyond proud of you, Sam. I love you, and I'll always be here for you, through every journey," Savanah Rayo said.
Now, with graduation behind him, Sam Rayo is looking toward the future.
"I plan to go to college and study psychology. I hope to keep growing, learning, and challenging myself just like I have here," Rayo said.
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JJ McKinney joined KGUN 9 in July of 2025 as a multimedia journalist. He graduated from Colorado State University in May of 2025 with a degree in journalism and media communications and a minor in law. With a background in investigative reporting and documentary filmmaking, JJ is dedicated to giving a platform to the voices of his community. Share your story ideas and important issues with JJ by emailing jj.mckinney@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
