College of Education Students Honored with 2025 Centennial Achievement Awards
Two outstanding University of Arizona College of Education students, Jennitza Barreras and Anthony Singleton, have been selected as recipients of the prestigious 2025 Centennial Achievement Awards, a university-wide honor recognizing a small group of exceptional graduating Wildcats each year. These awards celebrate students who demonstrate extraordinary growth, resilience, leadership, and service to the campus and greater community.
Undergraduate Centennial Achievement Award: Jennitza Barreras
Jennitza Barreras, an Elementary Education major with a bilingual emphasis and a dual degree in Spanish, is one of only two undergraduate students across the University selected for this distinction. Her academic journey reflects tremendous dedication and growth.
Jennitza found her calling in education early in her undergraduate experience and has since committed herself to supporting Spanish-speaking students and families. She brings passion, cultural insight, and a deep commitment to equitable access to her studies and professional development. Looking ahead, she plans to continue her education at the graduate level, with aspirations that include pursuing a PhD.
Jennitza’s leadership is evident through her extensive tutoring and mentoring roles in TRiO SSS - Teacher Prep, her service as an AmeriCorps STEMM tutor supporting K–8 math learners, and her work uplifting fellow students through the College of Education Student Council. As a College of Education Ambassador, she also supports prospective students, particularly first-generation and low-income Wildcats, by helping them see themselves and their futures at the University.
As highlighted in her nomination, Jennitza “has already made a huge impact on the University of Arizona and Tucson communities” and embodies the spirit of the Centennial Achievement Award.
Centennial Achievement Master’s Student Award: Anthony Singleton
Anthony Singleton, a master’s student in Higher Education, has been selected for the Centennial Achievement Master’s Student Award in recognition of his academic excellence and profound contributions to student success at the University of Arizona.
Anthony serves as a Graduate Assistant for African American Student Affairs and completes a demanding internship with Upward Bound, bringing leadership and compassion to both roles. His work focuses on expanding belonging and support for underrepresented and marginalized students.
In the classroom, Anthony is known for his insight, critical thinking, and deep commitment to community. His contributions elevate discussions and enrich the learning environment for faculty and peers alike. Beyond academics, Anthony leads campus and community initiatives, including coordinating the University’s three-day Summer Leaders in Training Program for local high school students.
His nomination praises both his accomplishments and his presence: “Anthony’s joy and zeal for life are truly infectious… He radiates warmth in a way that makes everyone feel lighter and happier just being in his presence.”
Additional Recognition
Congratulations also to Jazzie Terrell, a doctoral recipient of the Centennial Achievement Graduate Student Award and an alum of our Learning, Literacy & Leadershipprogram, now known as Leadership & Learning Innovation. We are proud to see our alumni continue to shine across campus.
The University of Arizona College of Education is incredibly proud to celebrate Jennitza Barreras, Anthony Singleton, and our alumnus Jazzie Terrell for their outstanding achievements. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive learning communities reflect the very best of our college. We are inspired by their accomplishments and excited to see the lasting impact they will continue to make on campus, in their communities, and beyond.