Sonny Rene Montano III: Champion of Education and JAG Leader

Sonny Montano attends Nationals and wins first place

Meet Sonny: Champion, Leader, and Future Educator

Sonny Renee Montano III is a remarkable 8th-grade graduate from Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary in Tolleson, Arizona, whose journey through the Jobs for Arizona's Graduates program has been one of leadership, community impact, and personal growth.

Sonny's commitment to service, his drive for excellence, and his passion for helping others set him apart as a true leader, both within his school and beyond.

“Once you keep going for your dreams, you'll never stop. Always strive to be better.” – Sonny Rene Montano III

A Champion for Education and Community

In May 2025, Sonny promoted from 8th grade after demonstrating his dedication to his education and community. Throughout his time at PH Gonzales, he was an active member of JAG, where he honed his leadership skills and learned the importance of giving back.

One of his proudest achievements was being named the Student Champion of the Year (7-12) for the 2025 Champions of Education Award, presented by School Connect. This award recognized Sonny for his exceptional leadership and contributions to his school and community through his L.O.V.E. Project initiative.

You can learn more about this award and other recipients on the official School Connect Awards page: https://schoolconnectaz.org/school-connect-awards/winners/

Sonny wins School Connect Eduation Champion Award 2025

The L.O.V.E. Project: Helping Families in Need

One of Sonny's standout moments was his involvement in the L.O.V.E. Project, a JAG initiative designed to address community issues. Sonny and his team identified a heart-wrenching problem in their school: many students lacked clean uniforms, leaving them feeling humiliated and excluded. Sonny vividly remembers the days when he didn't have a clean uniform to wear to school, feeling the weight of shame as other kids made fun of him.

“I used to not have clean uniforms as much as I do now. I was always thrown back and I didn’t like it because I felt like other kids were making fun of me.”

Sonny knew firsthand the pain that comes from feeling different, and that memory became his motivation to make a difference. For his L.O.V.E. Project, he and his team worked tirelessly to help families wash their children’s school uniforms, ensuring they no longer had to face the same shame he once did. This initiative touched the hearts of the families they served, knowing that their children could walk into school feeling clean, confident, and proud.

Through their work, Sonny and his team were able to serve 17 families, lifting the burden of shame from so many students. Sonny’s passion to help others overcome feelings of embarrassment and exclusion earned him 1st place at the Career Development Conference (CDC) and at the National Career Development Conference (NCDC).

Sonny shares his journey and the L.O.V.E. Project that earned him the national spotlight at the Jobs for America's Graduates National Career Development Conference. Video by School Connect: 2025 Champions of Education Award Winners.

See a clip of Sonny and his team win 1st Place for the L.O.V.E. Project in the 2025 NCDC Recap video.

Sonny wins at the Middle School Career Development Conference

A Leader in the Making

Sonny’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, but he has faced them with resilience and a commitment to help others. Sonny reflected on how difficult it can be to stand out and make a difference, especially as a young leader.

But through his involvement in JAG, Sonny found the courage to step up, inspiring his peers to join him in his mission to help others. He believes in the power of kindness, and he is driven by the idea that helping others is not only fulfilling but also contagious, creating a ripple effect of compassion and service in the community.

Big Dreams for the Future

"I have big dreams of becoming a teacher and helping others in education, and eventually, I want to become a superintendent."

Sonny’s vision for his future is just as inspiring as his current accomplishments. He dreams of becoming a teacher, using his passion for education to help others succeed. But his aspirations don’t stop there. Sonny is determined to rise to even greater heights, aiming to one day become a superintendent and make a lasting impact on the education system.

Sonny is grateful for the mentors who have supported him, including his JAG specialist and the school’s superintendent, who has encouraged him to never stop pursuing his dreams. With his drive, compassion, and unwavering dedication, there’s no doubt Sonny will continue to inspire those around him as he moves toward his goals.

"Once you find a problem in your community, you find a solution. It's all about helping others grow and thrive."

Sonny Montano Shines at NCDC with a First-Place Win

As part of the team that won first place in the L.O.V.E. Project at the National Career Development Conference (NCDC), Sonny delivered a powerful community-centered project that addressed student needs through access to supplies. Reflecting on his NCDC experience, Sonny described it as “unforgettable,” sharing how the roar of the crowd and the congratulations from peers made their national victory even more meaningful. Over the past two years, Sonny and his team have grown from nervous first-time competitors into confident, collaborative leaders. “Throughout the years, I’ve had the chance to meet amazing people, JAG officers, and attend leadership sessions that helped me grow,” he said. For Sonny, NCDC wasn’t just about competition—it was about building connections, gaining confidence, and realizing what’s possible with hard work and support.