2024-25 YC Graduation
Culinary Certificate
My name is Ricardo Gabriel Landeros, and I am a dedicated student, leader, and musician at Chino Valley High School. Over the past several years, I have worked to grow both academically and personally through leadership roles, community service, and involvement in organizations that challenge me to be my best. I believe in using my skills to serve others, building connections that strengthen my community, and preparing myself for a future where I can combine my passions for music and communication to make a lasting difference.
Currently, I serve as the Vice President of FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America). In this role, I work with my peers to plan events, organize service projects, and encourage student engagement. FCCLA has been an important part of my journey, not only because of the leadership opportunities it provides, but also because of the lessons it has taught me about responsibility, teamwork, and balancing academic and extracurricular commitments. Last year, I was part of a fundraising effort that raised over $2,000 for Kalen’s Closet, an organization that supports homeless children and families in our school district. Being part of that project showed me how student-led efforts can create real change and taught me the importance of using leadership to serve others.
Beyond FCCLA, I am actively involved in multiple organizations that align with my values of leadership and service. I am a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), where I commit myself to the four pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. I also belong to the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), a group that emphasizes setting goals, achieving them, and connecting with others who share a commitment to growth. At Yavapai College, I am part of Student Outreach and Leadership (SOL), where I collaborate with other students to represent voices, organize activities, and learn about leadership in a college setting. Within my high school, I am also the business manager of Chino Valley High School's Yearbook Team, where I contribute my creativity, organization, and attention to detail to capture and preserve the experiences and stories of our student body.
My involvement in leadership has been shaped not only by clubs and organizations but also by my earlier role in student council, where I learned how to represent my classmates and help organize school events. In addition, I have gained real-world skills through work experience in the hospitality industry. I have served in multiple positions, including host, food runner, line cook, dishwasher, and catering support, which has allowed me to become cross-trained in nearly every role within a restaurant. These experiences taught me responsibility, professionalism, and how to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments while working as part of a team.
Service is also an important part of my life. I have completed over 128 service hours, from helping at community events to supporting school projects and volunteer efforts. One of the most rewarding parts of service for me is knowing that even small actions can have a big impact when done with consistency and care. Whether it’s volunteering time, organizing an event, or helping someone directly, service continues to shape who I am and the kind of future I want to build.
Outside of academics and leadership, music plays a central role in my life. I have always had a deep passion for music, especially piano and vocal performance, and I view it as both a creative outlet and a way to connect with others. My plan of study for the future is to pursue Vocal Performance and Speech Pathology. Vocal performance excites me because it allows me to combine my love for music with the discipline of learning technique, expression, and performance. At the same time, I am drawn to speech pathology because of my interest in communication, language, and helping others overcome challenges that affect their ability to express themselves. My ultimate goal is to merge these two passions, using music and communication together to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives — whether that’s through teaching, performing, or working with individuals to support their growth and confidence.
Friends, teachers, and mentors often describe me as trustworthy, dependable, and hardworking. I take pride in being someone people can count on, whether it’s through leadership, teamwork, or just lending a helping hand when needed. I believe leadership is not about titles, but about service — about listening, understanding, and stepping up when something needs to be done.
As I look toward the future, I want to continue building on the foundation I have created through my experiences in leadership, service, work, and the arts. I hope to inspire others to get involved, contribute to their communities, and discover their own passions. For me, every opportunity is a chance to grow, and I am committed to approaching the future with determination, integrity, and creativity.