Honor Society® member
Ashlyn Cundall
- veterinary medicine
- Class of 2026
- Cave Creek, Arizona
Member since November 2025
About
Through active participation in Cactus Shadows soccer and softball, I have learned valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and time management. Balancing academics with competitive sports has strengthened my resilience, accountability, and ability to perform under pressure. As a team captain, I lead by example and promote a positive, hardworking team environment.
Beyond athletics, I am deeply involved in volunteer work, completing the Superintendent’s Challenge each year with over 50 hours of community service. I am a member of several honor societies and clubs, including the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, International Baccalaureate Student Association, Environmental Club, Falcon Foundation, and Superintendent’s Student Cadre. These experiences have reinforced my dedication to service, leadership, and academic excellence.
Outside of school, I play club softball and soccer at a high level, volunteer at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary educating the public about reptiles, and work as a babysitter and pet sitter. I speak Spanish and enjoy creative activities such as drawing and painting.
Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related pre-veterinary field, then attend veterinary school to earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). My ultimate goal is to specialize in exotic animal care, contribute to wildlife conservation, and advance veterinary research to improve both animal and public health.
Education
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Cactus Shadows High School
2021 – 2026
Honors and awards
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The National Honors Society
Recognized for scholarship, leadership, service, and character. I volunteer at school and community events, supporting students and promoting academic excellence.
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The National Spanish Honors Society
Honors excellence in Spanish language and culture. I tutor peers, assist in classroom activities, and promote appreciation for Spanish language and heritage.
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AP Scholar Award with Distinction and AP Scholar Award
Granted for outstanding performance on multiple AP exams, demonstrating high academic achievement across advanced coursework.
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Superintendent's Challenge Volunteer Award
Awarded for receiving over 50 volunteer hours each school year. Awarded to charitable and hardworking members of the school community.
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Character Award Varsity Softball and JV Soccer
Recognized for exemplary sportsmanship, leadership, and integrity both on and off the field.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
After high school, I plan to attend a university where I will pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related pre-veterinary field. After completing my undergraduate studies, I intend to apply to a College of Veterinary Medicine to earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Upon earning my DVM, I hope to specialize in the care of exotic animal species through additional training such as internships or residencies. As a veterinarian, I will contribute to society by diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries in animals, promoting the health and welfare of pets, livestock, and wildlife. I also aim to help protect the environment by managing wildlife diseases, supporting conservation efforts, and studying the effects of pollution on animal health. Additionally, I hope to engage in veterinary research, developing new medicines, vaccines, and treatment methods to advance both animal and public health.
- Graduate school interests
After graduating from undergraduate school, I wish to attend graduate school in order to obtain my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
- Outside the classroom
Outside of school, I play both club soccer and softball on high level teams. I enjoy polishing my skills by practicing everyday and staying active in the gym. We travel a lot for out of state tournaments, and outside of sports, I love getting to travel the world with my family. I love visiting new places to see new cultures and try new things.
Experience
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babysitter and pet sitter
I work as a babysitter for a family in my neighborhood whenever they need it (no set schedule). They have two children, a boy and a girl both under the age of nine. I also pet sit for a couple families, caring for both dogs and guinea pigs. In doing this, I have learned that I work very well with children and always take responsibility. I have learned how to care for others and respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected situations.
Jun 2024 – Present
Volunteering
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I volunteer at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary (largest reptile sanctuary in the US). In the summer, I volunteer as a counselor in training, educating the public about reptiles and the environment, as well as caring for these incredible animals. I love doing this and getting to have the opportunity of working with many exotic species because I have a true passion for animals and want to do everything in my power to inform the public about them.
Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
May 2021 – Aug 2026
Languages
- Spanish Fluent
