ELEVATE
ELEVATE
JANUARY 2025
ISSUE 5
640 Boardman Avenue
Gallup, NM 87301
PUBLISHER
GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS
EDITOR
JVANNA HANKS
WRITERS
KATHY POLICH
JVANNA HANKS
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
JENNIFER BACA
VANESSA DUCKETT
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
JENNIFER BACA
Gallup-McKinley County Schools is home to a rich diversity of languages spoken in the homes of our students. These languages include American Sign Language, Arabic, Cambodian, Cantonese, English, EnglishBased Sign, Filipino, Indian-Gujarati, IndianTelugu, Indian-Bangladesh-Bengali, IndianMalaysia-Sri Lanka-Tamil, Indonesian, Keres, Mescalero Apache, Navajo, Nepali, North American Indian Languages, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Tewa, Vietnamese, and Zuni. As we celebrate our cultural diversity, we share greetings in a few of these languages:
English: Hello, family and friends
Spanish: Hola, familia y amigos
Zuni: Keshhi hom a:ho’i
Navajo: Yá át’ééh, shik’éi dóó shidind’é.
Filipino/Tagalog: Kumusta, pamilya at mga kaibigan
Hello to all our families and friends! May this year bring joy, connection, and unity to our community.
Front Cover: Chief Manuelito Middle School Students: Zacharia Hoskie, Anson Galindo
Back Cover: Chief Middle School Discovery Center and CMS Students
BENEFITING OUR FUTURE: EMBRACING THE PK-6 MODEL
Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS) is excited to announce a strategic shift in the school structure aimed at bolstering student success. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, GMCS will be modifying elementary and middle school grade levels of attendance. GMCS will have 6th grade students at elementary schools and grades 7th and 8th at middle schools. Educational staff will remain consistent in their communities to help support these changes.
This change is rooted in research, reflecting GMCS’s commitment to creating developmentally appropriate learning settings for all students. This model benefits our 6th grade students by encouraging greater academic stability, closer teacher-student relationships,
and fewer environmental challenges. These changes will allow a smaller, more connected setting for both 6th grade students and the 7th and 8th grade students in the middle schools. The goal of this change is rooted in supporting students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
BENEFITS OF 6TH GRADE IN ELEMENTARY FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Higher Academic Achievement: Data shows a noticeable dip in academic performance when students transition from 5th grade (elementary) to 6th grade (middle school). 6th graders who stay in the elementary school setting tend to score higher on standardized end-of-grade assessments compared to those who transition to middle school.
Enhanced Safety and Wellbeing: Our 6th grade students will benefit from a focused and familiar environment where they feel supported and connected to teachers and peers. GMCS hopes that this model will foster a greater sense of connection, higher self-esteem, and higher optimism about the future.
Supportive School Size and Atmosphere: Middle schools, often larger physically and socially, can be less personal and sometimes overwhelming to younger students. This new structure offers a smaller, community-oriented atmosphere that allows for more individualized attention and care—an environment that is ideal for 6th graders as they continue to grow academically and socially. Additionally, this will allow those students in 7th and 8th grade to receive more individualized attention as well.
GMCS is committed to providing ample athletic opportunities for all students. The District continues its commitment for all students to have access to physical activities that support their health, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Superintendent Mike Hyatt shared, “The Board’s decision to adopt a K-6 model reflects our dedication to fostering an environment that prioritizes both academic achievement and personal development. This move is based on sound research and our commitment to the wellbeing of every GMCS student.”
GMCS will be providing resources, and answering questions in the upcoming months to ensure families feel informed and supported. The district looks forward to engaging with parents, students, and staff as we implement this transition to better meet the needs of our students and community. If you have any questions about these changes, please email us at gmcsadmin@gmcs.org
OPPORTUNITY CAREER CENTER
Step into your future with us! Enroll in our pathway program to explore the many opportunities awaiting you at OCC. Enhance your skills in our cutting-edge facilities, which feature a brand-new restaurant and a remarkable construction lab. Witness first-hand how OCC can support you in reaching your goals!
OPPORTUNITY CAREER CENTER
325 Marguerite St, Gallup 505-721-2400
ENROLL FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR:
ENROLL HERE
A Journey of Creativity and Innovation
Several years ago, Gallup McKinley County Schools redesigned their library spaces to be more dynamic and engaging. The spaces are in alignment with the Gallup McKinley Graduate Profile. Spaces integrate traditional library materials with additional hands-on items like 3D printers, drones, early literacy tools, and more. These spaces are designed to spark creativity and critical thinking in students, preparing them for the future
THE EXPERIENTIAL SITE VISIT
Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS) hosted a special Career Technical Education (CTE) event from October 22-24, 2024. This event focused on the District’s CTE which helps students prepare for future pathways to careers. High school pathways are specialized programs that guide students toward college and career readiness by integrating academic subjects with hands-on, career-focused learning experiences in various industries.
Over three days, visitors saw how GMCS evolved the way students learn. They observed how academic subjects and career training combine, how students learn through real-world projects,
and how the district uses College, Career, and Civic Readiness to help students succeed. This Experiential Site Visit allowed GMCS to highlight our students and programs to educators and business partners that joined from across the state and country.
The event kicked off on the evening of October 22 with a welcome reception at a local business in Gallup. Local business partners and educators gathered to discuss how education and industry could work together. The event highlighted the strong connections between schools and the local business community.
The next few days, participants explored the “Schools Of” model, which integrated career-themed education across core subjects. Three schools, Miyamura High School, Ramah High School, and Crownpoint High School, highlighted the “Schools Of” model. Groups toured the schools and saw the programs in action.
Additionally, attendees learned about McKinley Academy and the Opportunity Career Center, which supported students in achieving
academic success and career readiness through personalized learning environments and targeted career training opportunities. These institutions played a crucial role in providing flexible, alternative pathways for students to succeed both academically and professionally.
GMCS has created strong partnerships with local businesses and industries. During the event, sessions were held on building and maintaining these partnerships, which are essential for the Work-based Learning Continuum. This program allows students to gain real-world experience through internships and other opportunities, helping them bridge the gap between school and work.
Work-based learning at GMCS offers 12th-grade student’s opportunities such as internships with local businesses, providing hands-on experience in various industries. These internships offer a valuable learning experience and pay students minimum wage for their work, with the district providing transportation to and from their workplace. This support system allows students to experience real-world job settings while managing their school responsibilities, giving them a head start on their future careers.
The October event was not just about showcasing what GMCS and our partners had already accomplished; it also addressed the challenges of transforming schools and planning. On October 24, participants participated in a “Deep Dive into a Problem of Practice” session, where they discussed challenges, shared ideas, and created plans to return to their schools. This collaborative approach aimed to ensure that the lessons learned in Gallup would have a positive impact beyond the community.
Litigation vs. Legislation:
How Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS) has changed the educational funding landscape in New Mexico.
New Mexico’s legislature will reconvene in January and GMCS is hopeful that more investments will be made into the operational and infrastructure needs of New Mexico schools. Traveling around the State to various public schools, you will notice a stark difference in the financial resources between facilities, educational amenities, and extracurricular activity spaces. If you ask yourself why these inequities exist, especially seeing limited resources in communities with high poverty and/or significant minority populations, you are not alone. Through litigation, the State has been forced to deal with decades of unequal and underfunding of public education in New Mexico.
Timeline of GMCS Funding Challenges and Advocacy
1950
Impact Aid Created: Impact Aid, established by Congress in 1950, supports school districts near Tribal Lands, Military Bases, or Federal low-income housing as compensation for tax-exempt land. McKinley County faces funding challenges, with only ~20% of its property taxable, limiting revenue for operations and capital expenditures. A 1976 plan to equalize state Capital Outlay funding was never implemented, allowing wealthier districts to retain their property tax revenues while GMCS contributed most of its Impact Aid and operational tax funds to the state. This funding formula has drained predominantly Native American districts like GMCS of resources for over 45 years.
1974
State Funding Formula Introduced: In 1974, New Mexico established a state funding formula to reduce reliance on local property taxes and distribute operational funding more equitably. The formula aimed to address funding disparities by providing equal resources for students with similar needs and additional resources for those requiring special education. To support this system, the State reduced aid to districts by 95% of their Impact Aid revenues and local property taxes. While considered innovative, the formula has resulted in decades of underfunding and infrastructure decline in districts like Gallup-McKinley, Zuni, GrantsCibola, and Central-Consolidated. From 1974 to 2019, GMCS contributed over a billion dollars to the State’s formula, making it the largest contributor and significantly impacting its resources.
1976
Capital Outlay Equalization Plan Abandoned: The state’s plan to equalize capital funding fails, allowing property-rich districts to retain their capital property taxes without sharing resources. GMCS continues to lose funds through the operational formula.
1998
Zuni Capital Outlay Lawsuit Filed: Zuni Public School District, GMCS, and Grants-Cibola County Schools sue the state, challenging unequal capital funding.
1999
Reduction in SEG Credits: In response to the 1998 Zuni Capital Outlay Lawsuit, the State reduced SEG credits from 95% to 75% in 1999, providing limited relief to districts like Zuni, Gallup-McKinley, and GrantsCibola, which faced decaying infrastructure. The court ordered the State to create a uniform funding system for capital improvements, leading to the establishment of the Public School Capital Outlay Council, Oversight Task Force, and Facilities Authority. However, new adequacy standards and funding formulas added bureaucratic delays and restricted essential features like Navajo Language classrooms, sufficient gym space, special education spaces and off-site utilities. Despite these measures, property-wealthy districts continued to outspend property-poor districts, bypassing the burdensome application process.
2007
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Impact Aid: The court allows New Mexico to deduct Impact Aid utilized a federally approved formula from state allocations but does not address whether this practice is equitable.
2014
Yazzie and Martinez Lawsuits Filed: Lawsuits claim the state fails to provide adequate funding for economically disadvantaged students, Native American Studies, English Language Learners, and students receiving special education services.
2016
Capital Outlay Lawsuit Reopened: GMCS, Zuni, and Grants-Cibola County Schools reopen litigation to address continuing inequities in capital funding.
2019
Impact Aid Credit Removal Advocacy: GMCS Deputy Superintendent Jvanna Hanks and others dispute the state’s funding calculations which led to the federal government decertifying the State’s claim of equalization.
2020
Judge DePauli’s Ruling: The court recognizes continued disparities, noting that property-wealthy districts build superior facilities while property-poor districts struggle with inadequate resources. The state Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling mandates further action at the District court level.
2021
Impact Aid Credit Removed: House Bill 6 eliminates the Impact Aid credit from the state’s funding formula, marking a significant victory for GMCS and other impacted districts.
Present
Day
Ongoing Challenges: Despite some progress, significant inequities remain. Rural and tribal communities continue to face hurdles such as limited internet access, insufficient transportation funding, and inadequate support for at-risk students. The Yazzie-Martinez case remains active, with the court monitoring the state’s compliance.
Key Areas for Future Focus
As a State we cannot keep treating the wealthier city centers of New Mexico the same as rural and impoverished communities who often face more extreme difficulties in our student’s access to education. Heritage language, internet access, transportation, support for English language learners, and funding for all at-risk student categories are just some of the areas that have been unresolved by the state which are clearly indicated in the judge’s ruling. We look forward to a more strategic approach to resolving the Yazzie-Martinez and Zuni Capital Outlay lawsuit so that all students in New Mexico have a complete and fair opportunity to succeed with their education. We hope to see:
•Educational standards for capitol outlay.
•Adjusting state and local match formulas to reflect districts’ financial capabilities.
•Addressing funding for heritage language programs, transportation, english language learners, and other at-risk student needs.
GMCS Commitment
GMCS has spent decades fighting for equitable funding for our students. While the fight is far from over, we are still hopeful that we can get the resources our students, staff and community need to be successful. It remains an uphill battle to receive funding, receive the funding timely and to overcome the ongoing bureaucracy which creates unnecessary delays. We thank our students, parents, staff, tribal partners, and communities for supporting our efforts.
GMCS HONORS BOARD SCHOLARS
GMCS recently recognized 771 Board Scholars for the 2023-24 school year—an incredible 13.72% increase from last year, with 93 more students exceeding standards on state assessments! This marks the highest number of Board Scholars ever in GMCS history!
GMCS is incredibly proud of the following students’ hard work and dedication:
Fourth Grade
Aalyiah Arreguin
Cree Ashley
Ruqayyah Ayesh
Luciana Becenti
Luke Begay
Casen Berry
Terrence Bia
Juniper Billiman
Jocelyn Cadman
Haliey Calvin
Emilio Chavez
Laylah Cisco
Naabaahii Cordova
Finnegan Foley
Cody Francis
Marrcel Gleason
Aubriella Gonzales
Kayleigh Gordo
Braxton Goseyun
Weston Grant
Meeka Grey
Audrey Hancey
Jayden Hankins
James Harmon
Hope Hellekson
Cameron Henry
Milo Hosteen
Rayam Illafe
Briar Iverson
Lincoln Iverson
Jeorge Jackson
Arica James
Mariana Jaramillo
Taraji Jim
Emani Joe
Deondre Jones
Paige Kahn
Genesis Larios
Ashlynn Lawson
Paula Lee
Cheyenne Lingayat
Kyle Littlefield
Colter Littleman
Owen Livingston
Miles Mallette
Marc Jehan Manuel
Charlie Martine
Thomas Martinez
Zeddidiah Martinez
Breann McMahon
Kiara Mitchell
Phoenix Montague
Kaitlynn Morgan
Julia Murphy
Cayden Nash
Danika Nez
Harleigh Ortiz
Aliyana Otero
Sadie Perez-Desiderio
Annaliese Peterman
Orion Pierce
Javen Pinto
Josiah Rael
Elena Ray
Sonny Rodrigues Weiss
Avery Sanchez
MyeAnna Sanchez
Isabel Sandoval
Lilliana Sandoval
Monroe Saucedo
Myah Shirley
Riley Stacey
Alivya Succo
Euan Anakin Tapel
Maleak Tapia
Logan Tennison
Carmichael Thomas
Nathaniel Tom
Isaiah Torres
Jet Tree
Gia Troncoso
Bill Truong
Darius Tully
Danielle Velasco
Harper Watson
Evelyn Whitney
Maggie Willie-Nez
Carter Yazzie
Kaleb Yazzie
Kaylin Yazzie
Keleigh Yazzie
Lucas Yazzie
ShadenYazzie
Fifth Grade
Jinan Abbad
Faith Alonzo-Chavez
Jb Antez
Isaac Arellano
Paisley Arthur
Amaya Ashley
Di’money Baldwin
Nevaeh Becenti
Toby Begay
Connor Begaye
Cael Belone
Akira Benally
Nakoah Benally
Mykal Billy
Hannah Bitsuie
Logan Blackgoat
Jace Boggs
Aidan Philip Bokingkito
Rome Bordy
Maliya Briggs
Susan Brown
Mia Calladitto
Aubrianna Chavez
Calliope Chee-Charley
Huthlezy Ciocco
Evette Cole
Seleste Collymore
Aiden Conley
Montana Crain
Jacob Dallas
Megan Davis
Megan Dejolie
Kiana Dennison
Giada Deweese
Mieah Diaz
Connor Dineyazhe
Deva Dodson
Jade Ebright
Ashtrid Elkins
Kaytie Ellis
Esmail Esmail
Kaleb Etcitty
Kissanna Flores
Alexandria Francisco
Kaylee Francisco
Aveah Garcia
Izabella Garcia
Penelope Garcia
Mason Gibbons
Jacob Gonzales
Elias Gorman
George Grassie
Xaviera Hartwick
Alonzo Hernandez
Dawnrae Hosteen
Kayley Hubbard
Nevaeh Joe
Hayden Jones
Kaylee Jones
Sanna Jones
Zamarious Jones
Jace Kercheva
Makayla Largo
Nicole Larios
Kaitlyn Larsen
Cassius Lee
Julia Lee
Raiyah Lewis
Hunter Livingston
Tyrell Livingston
Eli Lovato
Allee Manuelito
Kevin MartinezWhiterock
Nicholas Martinez
Ameerah Matthews
Shyne McCabe
Paris McDuffie
Manuel Montoya
Cyri Mooney
Anthony Morales
Callyopi Nez
Stanford Nez
Frances Norzagaray
Sophia Beatriz Ognayon
Kamry Orillie
Easton Owens
Leigha Pablo
Rafael Angelo Paz
Annabelle Pena-Steele
Damon Perez-Desiderio
Kyle Perry
Tiara Whitman
Trent Whitman
Tuff Williams
Aengus Wommack
Alisabeth Woodie
Cooper Yazzie
Ethan Yazzie
Faith Yazzie
Kendall Yazzie
Kwan Yazzie
Likayden Yazzie
Vayda Yazzie
Sixth Grade
Clinton Anderson
Lilianne Arconeda
Isabella Arreguin
Rhyann Ashley
Erin Austin
Deondre Benally
Eli Benally
Kaitlyn Benally
Rylee Berg
Maynard Bitner-Eskeli
Jaida Bryant
Zackary Bustamante
Paige Peterson
Laurence Pimentel
Kailee Pino
Waylon Radosevich
Madilyn Riffle
Kimbella Roberts
Genesis Robles
Carmen Rodriguez
Ryley Rogers
Jayden Romero-Daniel
Luciana Sam
Madison Skeets
Lowell Slinkey
Charles Soto Iv
Brentley Spencer
Cannon Stoops
Karyssa Celestine Tan
Michael Taylor
Maribel Terrazas
Hernandez
Monique Thomas
Sonia Thomas
Eli Thompson
Anika Tom
Khloe Torres
Ariana Torrez
Hala Totarro
Anae Valdez
Hunter Vargas
Aria Ward
Jase West
Marley Lastyona
Maximus LawrenceHawley
Rhyann Lementino
Vera Lemmon
Naataanii Libby
Devaye Lozano
Paul Mallon
Aleshanae Matthews
Matthew Maynerich
Noah Maynerich
Rhayelle Miller
Kollin Molina
Braylon Money
Rocky Morgan Jr
Dakota Morris
Kaprice Nez
Seraphim Nez
Kayden Orillie
Steven Ponce
Joshua Purdy
Roberto Rendon
Paisley River
Cruz Rojas
Violet Rubio
Dravon Sam
Dakota Charley
Adelina Chavez-Teran
Amias Chavez
Leyah Chavez
Chloe Clawson
Emma Connell
Cole Cowboy
Everett Cox
Kalanii Daniels
Ariana Davis
Matthaius Dennison
Jaxon-Carter Deskins
Colton Dooley
Jaydrian Edison
Cheyenne Emerson
Sofia Flores-Cruz
Barron Fuchs
Yuri Garcia
Charlee Gargas
Aiden Grant
Micah Groten
Adriano Guerrero
Jakyn Haley
Hannah Hoskie
King House
Emma Huckabay
Bryden Hudson
Gunner Hunt
Royandria Jewelryman
Sheenera Jones
Xavier Kelewood-Clair
Anabella Kemp
Kyler Sam
Diego Sanchez
Jonnie Sanchez
Julian Sanchez
Mateo Sanchez
Rodney Sandoval
David Saucedo
April Shorty
Alyssa Sisneros
Myra Skeets
Ariel Smith
Jaiden Smith
Kazee Smith
Jacob Stewart
Vaiyshnavi Sudharsan
Audey Taylor
Michael Teran
Juan Torres
Casiah Tsosie
Grace Tsosie
Edy Varela
Payton Vigil
Raiden Washburn
Le Erra Whitegoat
Dashiel Whitney
Remy Wiley
Nickolas Wilson
Amorien Yazzie
Nevaeh Yazzie
Nevaeh Yazzie
Jocelyn Zarate
Seventh Grade
Brayden Alonzo
Caleb Arviso
Andy Atcitty-Ruiz
Lily Bachman
Aviah Begay
Hayden Begay
Montaya Begay
Brandon Belmont
Abbylee Berry
Deliliah Bowie
Raileigh Bowman
Jacy Brown
Matilda Bryant
Rellian Joy Capillo
Danika Carey
Julian Chacon
Luna Chee
Tempestt Coby
Scarlette Day Chief
Vanessa Descheny
Adela Evans
Turon Fox
Lyla Garcia-Sanchez
Maddox Garcia
Ofelia Gonzales
Marian Grassie
Austin Harrison
Olivia Hunkus
Leon James
Sophia Jeffress
Logan Kindred
Kaylee King
Sofia Kiyite
Niyah Lambson
Arum Lee
Lilly Lee
Anavey Lewis
Liadan Long
Marion James Manuel
Harlow Manuelito
Kenlie Martine
Sadye Martinez
Owen McClelland
Aja Morgan
James Mortensen
Tristian Orillie
Leiko Padilla
Connor Parker
Kester Pimentel
Alec Puzak
Alexander Reyes
Kaylee Ridgway
Jeremiah Roman
Mia Ruiz
Skyler Scoopmire
Calvin Shack
Xander Silentman
Ivaya Succo
Russell Swatzell Lujan
Michael Swatzell
Jaiden Swift
Ava Teran
Azmi Totarro
Keisuke Valentino
Journey Wommack
Tauryah Yazzie
Trish Yazzie
Eighth Grade
Alexander Alexeev
Josef Allen
Kelsie Annichiarico
Amar’E Aofia-Stukes
Damien Bailey
Elizabeth Baker
Chloe Becenti
Clarissa Becenti
Nicolas Bechdol
Jayson Begay
Luke Begay
Tyles Begay
Jaelyn Benally
Aubrey Billie
Nevaeh Billie
Autumn Bitsoi
Jacob Bitsoie
Chea Bitsue
Zayden Bond
Aiyanna Brown
Mrogatien Buan
Juanito Burrola
Jade Castillo
Reno Cayatineto
Drake Charley
Kaycee Charley
Mikah Charley
Nevaeh Charley
Brandon Chavez
Gabriella Chavez
Madison Chavez
Avery Clawson
Jaiden Coho
Wynter Dale
Destiny Dawes
Leanna Delgarito
Akkadea Denny
Tajay Edwards
Esmeralda Escarcega
Kiera Etcitty
Rayne Fousek
Jade Gaddy
Landen Gamet
Mariana Garcia-Bahe
Jaxon Gibbons
Mackenzie Gleason
Jaylee Gonzalez
Kaylen Gordo
Aaliyah Guerrero
Asia Gutierrez
Natalia Guzman
Brianna Henio
Serenity Henio
Zacharia Hoskie
Liam James
Ryan James
Joshua Joe
Luka Joe
Kody John
Jordan Johnston
Jonovah Jones
Shelby Jones
Keidra Kenneth
Ace Kiyite
Trestan Lambson
Noah Lange
Bryson Lee
Teagan Lee
Eliza Lesansee
Ava Loretto
Estebon Lucero
Adrian Martinez
Hailey Morris
Raine Christian Murillo
Dreamy Nelson
Mauricio Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Ermosa Olivarez
Maryum Oweis
Autumn Pablo
Jayden Pablo
John Paradise Jr
Azaley Parish
Kaydian Pat
Luke Pozernick
Savana Prettyweasel
Rhiannon Ramirez
Phelony Salazar
Caitlin Sarracino
Sebastian Sauceda
Nevaeh Scott
Jasmine Shirley
Roman Shorty
Anneycia Silva
Anthony Situ
RaeLee Smith
Ilyana Spencer
Lilian Stevick
Shyanne Stygles
Danelli Torres-Herrera
Destiny Trimble
Elyse Tsosie
Leray Tully
Jordan Ugarte
Carlos Villanueva
Lawson Waghorn
Arianna Walker
Ronan Welch
Riley White
Eden Williams-Gomez
Alexus Willie
Ayden Yazzie
Naneibah Young
Ninth Grade
Yasin Abdullah
Levi Alonzo
Anthony Amaya
Estefany Arreguin-Zubia
Carter Arthur
Vincent Athens
Anastasia Avery
Alicia Begay
Shyla Begay
Adabella Belleza
Aidan Benally
Jesse Benally
Kristen Benally
Bruce Bennett
Kylie Bitsilly
Lillie Blackgoat
Jazlyn Briggs
Kenna Briggs
Amanda CamposVictorino
Antwan Canby
Braelynn Castillo
Adrianna Chapo-Tsosie
Oceana Charleston
Kayleigh Chee-Thomas
Trent Chewey
Reagan Chicharello
Bryce Clawson
Kaelyn Cleveland
Malachi Copland
Tatum Cowboy
Caiden Curley
Phoenix Dabbs
Dauntae Dahozy
Rylan Dalgai
Jasea Daniels
Braelyn Dawson
Rayana Day
Kiara Dennison
Jaidyn Diaz
Sasha Dominguez
Zul Dunlap
Rose Edaakie
Caile Emerson
Kathleen Espinosa
Lucian Fernandez
Steven Fierro
Brooke Fleming
Lily Folowell
Justin Garcia
Elliana Gibson
Jillian Gonzales
Edea Graham
Orrin Grassie
Madison Gray
Arianna Gruber
Diego Guerrero
Victoria Harmon
Azura Layla Hayes
Erin Henry
Aariono Hubbard
Presley Jackson
Jesse James
Preston James
Alyssa Jarrott
Houston Jim
Nicholas Joe
Ace John
Sieanna Johnson
Braylon Josley
Liam Kalleco
James Lange
Josiah Lee
Yvaeh Lee
Cameron Livingston
Jakob Lomaintewa
Waunekia Long
Zoe Long
Angelyn Lucero-Garcia
Cruz Lujan
Leonel Malone
Dylan Manuelito
Meredith Manuelito
Tregan Manuelito
Adin Martinez
Naveah Martinez
Brighton McClelland
Somer Mealand
McKale Mike
Micah Milliken
Elizabeth Moreno
Shiloh Morgan
Mylie Nalwood
Ivan Nevarez
Amana Paquin
Sophia Angela Paz
Isabella Pimentel
Rudi Price
Jesse Pyrtle
Pursha Rattling Leaf
Kiera Regalado
David Resendiz
David Rios
Maria Rodriguez-Miller
Prestige Roybal
Nathaly Ruiz Martinez
Stephanie Ruiz
Geovanni Sanchez
Jasmine Shack
Jerome Shack
D’Lylah Shelendewa
Mia Silago
Mischa Singer-Sam
Christopher Situ
Nakoikai Sorrell
Kiera Soto
Selena Soufan
Eriana Spencer
Sydney Spencer
Destiny Storch
Cody Tacheney
Kali Tahe
Jacob Tharp
Shenelle Tom
Simone Tom
Ramon Trujillo
Navelia Tsinnie
Tammy Tso
Ian Tsosie
Kaiser Tsosie
Quincy Tsosie
Rebel Upshaw
High Achievement Incentives
Raiden Vandervere
Bethany Velasco
Madison Velasquez
Victoria Velasquez
Hayden Vidal
Amber Villanueva
Siobhan Villegas
Jayden Watchman
Mikayla Waukazoo
Aden Westbrook
Aiden Woody
Farmineh Yazzie
Kylie Yazzie
Nikko Yazzie
Edward Zazueta
Twelfth Grade
Pedro Acosta-Azumendi
Jessica Adcock
Tionne Claw
Leila Durazzo
Madison Livingston
Filipina Pimentel
Jerome Adrian Rabaya
Leticia Sena
Thedeous Tah
Demeli Torres-Herrera
Sebastian Willie
The following schools achieved the highest gains in proficiency for the NM-MSSA and SAT:
Chee Dodge Elementary
Central High School
David Skeet Elementary
Crownpoint Elementary
School
High School
Jefferson Elementary Navajo Middle School
The GMCS School Board recognizes the incredible dedication and hard work of students and staff. As a token of appreciation, the entire staff at each school received an incentive check!
New Plans for the Future
GMCS is excited to share the vision for the new McKinley Academy building, designed to accommodate an increase in students. Located on the UNM Gallup campus, these schematics showcase the innovative plans for this upcoming modern educational facility.
McKinley Academy is an exceptionally high academic early college program free to all Gallup McKinley County
If you are interested in gaining college credits while still in high school or earning an associate degree at the same time you graduate from high school, this is the program for you!
We offer dual credit courses through the University of New Mexico and highly rigorous and challenging high school courses. McKinley Academy is located on the UNM-Gallup campus in Calvin Hall.
Get a Jump Start on a Promising Future
Scan QR for more info
INTERN SPOTLIGHT
Avery Kesner: From GMCS Intern to Full-Time Print Shop Employee
College and career readiness funding is crucial for Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS) students, as it directly supports programs that provide hands-on learning experiences and valuable professional skills. These funds enable internship programs that allow students to gain practical skills, learn about job expectations, and explore potential career paths while in high school. GMCS, like many other businesses in McKinley County, needs qualified applicants for several types of positions. It has been our goal to continue to recruit and hire from within our community whenever possible. A recent hire this year was Avery Kesner, Jr., a Miyamura High
School graduate from the Class of 2022 and former GMCS intern. Avery interned in the GMCS Student Support Center Print Shop as a Senior, where he says he learned invaluable skills. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “Having an interview at that age showed me exactly how the process worked. Until then, I had only seen interviews in movies.” The internship experiences exposed Avery to the job market realities, helping him to be confident in future interviews.
Interviewing practice was not the only skill he learned, Avery also gained critical skills in professionalism, time management, and communication essential for business. These lessons prepared him for the workplace, and after graduation, he worked in various roles in the community before a full-time position opened in the GMCS Print Shop. When this position became available, he quickly applied and was thrilled to rejoin the place where his career journey began. “I’m enjoying working for GMCS and see it as a long-term career,” Avery said.
Dwayne Schnakenberg, the GMCS Print Shop Supervisor and Avery’s mentor during his internship and now supervisor as a fulltime employee, emphasized the value of the internship program. “It’s neat to see the success of the internship program and how it prepares students for jobs. Avery is doing an excellent job, and seeing how much he has grown is nice,” Schnakenberg said.
Elizabeth Anderson: From GMCS Intern to Full-Time Mechanic
Elizabeth Anderson, a 2023 graduate of Thoreau High School, is a shining example of the success of hands-on learning opportunities. As a participant in the Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Internship Program, Elizabeth gained invaluable experience working in the City of Gallup Vehicle Shop.
After completing her internship and graduating high school, Elizabeth pursued her
passion for mechanics at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming, where she specialized in Diesel and Street Rod Mechanics. Her dedication and skills paid off, and she is now employed full-time at the City of Gallup Vehicle Shop.
Reflecting on her journey, Elizabeth shared, “The internship program is great at giving you a shot at doing what you want and finding out what
is not for you.” She encourages current GMCS students to seize the opportunity to gain realworld work experience while still in school.
The internship was not just about learning; it also offered financial benefits for Elizabeth. “Being paid was a great bonus; it helped me get a start on buying tools,” she said.
Her story highlights the transformative impact of the GMCS CTE Internship Program, inspiring other students to explore their career paths early and achieve their dreams.
Community businesses play an essential role in the success of GMCS internship programs. By providing mentorship and opportunities for students, businesses help shape the next generation of professionals. If any business would like to mentor an intern, please contact the GMCS College, Career, and Civil Readiness Department to get involved. Together, we can create even more success stories like Avery and Elizabeth’s.
GMCS is committed to investing in its workforce by offering incentives for teachers, including competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a bonus for GMCS alumni who return to work for the district. In partnership with UNM-Gallup, GMCS is excited to support the return of the Bachelor of Science in Education program.
As the New Mexico legislative session gets underway, we encourage support for college and career readiness legislation to ensure that funding continues to provide life-changing opportunities for students and support the development of our future workforce. Your advocacy can make a lasting difference
COLLEGE, CAREER AND CIVIC READINESS DEPT
Jack McFarland- Director 505-721-1126
Arnel Delacruz - Coordinator adelacr1@gmcs.org
Kyndee Keeler - Coordinator kkeeler@gmcs.org
