DION’S STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: SELENA MADRID, HATCH VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Each month, we shine a light on a New Mexico student who’s making the most of their passions—both on the field and beyond. This month’s Dion’s Student Spotlight takes us to Hatch Valley High School, where junior Selena Madrid is proving that curiosity and competitiveness go hand in hand.

Selena splits her time between soccer, where she commands the midfield for the Bears, and Science Olympiad, where her love for astronomy and hands-on building events fuels her drive to explore new challenges. “I love these activities, they motivate me for the future,” Selena said. “I’m very competitive, and Science Olympiad pushes me to test my abilities—it’s tough, but it’s also really fun.”

For her, the true rewards come in the form of skills that last well beyond the classroom or the soccer pitch: teamwork, leadership, and the confidence to communicate with others. Her advice to fellow students? Don’t be afraid of failure. “Make mistakes,” she said. “Because making mistakes allows you to grow and learn valuable lessons. If you fall seven times, pick yourself up and get ready for the eighth try.”

Driven, determined, and ready for what’s ahead—meet Selena Madrid, this month’s Dion’s Student Spotlight.