Tony Cruz – Leading in a Growing Community

Tony Cruz is the founding Headmaster for the upper school at Great Hearts Roosevelt, the newest academy in Arizona that launched in the fall of 2022, located in Buckeye, notably recognized as one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

Cruz’s parents are both immigrants to this country. “My mom fled war torn Honduras shortly after the Dominican Civil War and Football War. My father is from Mexico, trying to leave similar violent experiences.” While Cruz didn’t receive a classical liberal arts education growing up, he does appreciate the lessons that were instilled in him from his parents. “I grew up learning the value of hard work and believing in a future full of opportunities. I feel like I owe it to my parents to invest myself in doing the best job I can with whatever I do so that I can make their sacrifices worth it.”

“I think that one of my most personal accomplishments is actually going to college.”  Cruz said he continued his formal education with a bit of nudging. “It was not something I thought was for me; I thought I was ineligible and unqualified. I am grateful that I was pushed to do it.”

Cruz was invited see Great Hearts for the first time by his friend, Mac Esau, who was the Headmaster at Maryvale Preparatory Academy at the time. “I was interested in doing some start-up non-profit work.  Instead, he asked me to come to Maryvale Preparatory Academy and see what work Great Hearts was starting there.”

Cruz says Esau sparked his interest when he asked him if he would be interested in seeing a school where the hearts of children were being transformed. Cruz was immediately impressed with the school. “I love to read, I love to talk about what I am reading, I love to talk about life, I love to have really deep conversations, and I love to challenge myself to be a better person,” said Cruz. “And I realized that’s exactly what Great Hearts was all about – becoming more of who you were meant to be and thriving as human beings. Loving things that are True, Good, and Beautiful.  And so, when I found out about Great Hearts and what they were doing, I was really excited to become a part of it.” Shortly after, Cruz began his career with Great Hearts as the Dean of Students at Maryvale Prep.

In addition to being an up-and-coming leader at Great Hearts, he admitted to a surprising hidden talent. “Most people don’t know that I was an instrumentalist for over 20 years and a trained vocalist.” Cruz said he played the trumpet, flugelhorn, French Horn, and hand bells. “I last performed with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus in 2005. I miss music!”

“Right now, the most enjoyable thing I am getting to do is establish a new Great Hearts school in the fastest growing city in the country.  There was so much foresight in choosing this location and this place and I want to make sure to maximize the influence we can have as Buckeye grows.” As a first year Headmaster, Cruz understands the importance of connecting with the community. “If parents do not trust a new school, then the most important work we have to do with them both morally and academically is difficult.”

“It has been one of the greatest joys to find Great Hearts as a school, both my own kids and as a place to work!”

Are you interested in learning more about school leadership with Great Hearts? Visit www.greatheartsamerica.org/leadership, or contact Alison Chaney, Leadership Recruiter at achaney@greatheartsmerica.org to set up a chat.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.