CITGO Distinguished Scholars: Spirit | Aja

Name: Aja Mahnaz Hoyt

School: Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts

About:
Aja strives to be a disciplined and inspiring presence in his community. A longtime practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has learned valuable lessons about hard work, resilience, and determination-qualities he brings to his art school environment. Passionate about making a difference, Aja uses his writing to raise awareness about substance abuse and advocate for healthier choices among youth. He balances his creative talents with community involvement, working as a camp counselor and at the Nature Discovery Center, all while fostering the unique spirit of his school through storytelling and self-expression.