Sahuaro Senior Named a Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 Recipient

A Sahuaro High School senior has been recognized among the best and the brightest of 2026 by Junior Achievement™ of Arizona!

Anastasia Bradley was selected as one of the JA 18 Under 18. The program, now in its ninth year, honors 18 teens across Arizona who are making a difference in their community and the world, through their ingenuity, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit. Anastasia and the other recipients were recognized at an awards ceremony on April 16.

Anastasia is this year’s only recipient representing TUSD and Tucson. The 18-year-old has been passionate about science, leadership and community service her entire life. She combined science and communication by illustrating eight books in the “Nurse Florence” international children’s book series, as well as editing the “Nurse Dorothea” series, which helps teens understand mental health issues.

Since 2021, Anastasia has dedicated over 400 hours to volunteer work with the Teen Court program in Pima County. In this role, she has become a strong leader and advocate for justice.

At school, she’s the president of the Sahuaro High School Book Club, which also focuses on community service. Under her leadership, the club collected and donated 800 books to children’s units at a local hospital. She also co-founded Humanity United, a student organization that leads donation drives for Tucson homeless shelters. Anastasia is also president of the Sahuaro Cosplay Club and was the school’s first vice president of the National Honor Society in her junior year.

She’s also been a reporter for Bear Essential News® for almost a decade, interviewing community members to raise awareness about local issues.

Beyond the classroom, Anastasia has pursued many technical and creative skills, including certifications in software and app design, cybersecurity and IT. She’s also participated in Girls Who Code and the Arizona Cyber Bootcamp, has trained in violin and voice, and serves as an ambassador for the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute.

Anastasia is attending the University of Arizona in the fall, where she plans to study Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology. Congratulations, Anastasia!