My name is Josselin Salas, for the next year I’ll be starting my college years at San Juan College here in New Mexico. Although, I haven’t selected a major or minor yet, I am interested in the arts, astronomy and psychology. In five years, I’m not certain where I see myself, but by that time I may have finished college and found a job that I enjoy. That’s where I might be, but you never know when something could come up and turn your life upside down. My favorite memory from AHS would have to be during the first semester of my junior year in my history class. The class had been making paintings to leave our mark on the school and a small mural was made consisting of student’s thumbprints in the form of butterflies. It was something small but it stands out as something important. To all the teachers I’ve ever had over the years, I’d like to give a big thank you for everything you have taught me. To my family, muchas gracias por siempre estar a mi lado.

My name is Keyna Gegenheimer, I plan on attending Adams State University in the fall. I don’t have a major decided, but I’m hoping moving and exploring new fields will help me find that. In five years, I hope to see myself developing a career in or studying whatever I find makes me happiest. I don’t have one particular favorite memory from my time in Aztec Schools, but I can say that all my best moments in school have been about starting new relationships. Establishing connections I never thought I would have and creating bonds with friends, teachers and mentors. In due time, a new favorite will be graduating! I’m proud to have been influenced by so many wonderful adults over the past 12 years of my education. Most importantly, my parents, Jan and Martin Fowler. They have always led me to do the right thing and I am so proud to be their daughter. I have also had many teachers who have played an amazing part in my education. Some honorable mentions would have to be Ms. Williams, Mrs. Neily Snook, Mrs. Fran Dobey, Ms. Christen Eighme, Mrs. Ginger Van Auken, Mrs. Michelle Hirsch, Mr. Scott Ryan, Mr. Jo Kroenung, Mrs. Amanda Riley-Coffey, Mrs. Ramona Lucero, Mr. Stephen Scales, Mr. Ryan Chiaravalloti, Mr. Jeremy Orr, Ms. Catherine Olson, Mr. Dale Kraemer, Mrs. Ann Gaiovnik and Mr. Joel Barton.

My name is Autumn Roundy, I plan on going to Wyoming to continue my athletic career and study photography.  I see myself as a dive instructor who has a career with underwater film and photography.  I have too many memories to choose from, but I enjoyed all the memories at track practices and meets.  Thank you to the counselors, teachers that let me stay in their rooms when I was grounded from my car at lunch time, and the teachers who helped me push through outside challenges I faced in a high school.  I am so grateful for all the love and support shown to me throughout the years.

My name is Sierra Aspen Villanueva, I plan on going to Eastern New Mexico University to play soccer and obtain a degree in psychology to later become a therapist.  In five years I see myself finishing my Masters early to start my career as a therapist or continuing onto become a psychologist.  I want to just be really happy surrounded by the people I love.  My favorite memories from attending Aztec Schools if play soccer with my best friends from kindergarten to my senior year and all the memories that came with it.  Thank you to all of my teachers for becoming a shoulder of support and love in the hardest four years of my life.  I truly could not have made it through those times without those teachers.  I love you all very much.

My name is Morgan R. Holbert, I plan to work and try living on my own, figure out how to be an adult.  In five years I will be 23, so hopefully, I will have found out what I want to do with my life and I plan to be in college then.  My favorite memory from Aztec High School is meeting all the wonderful people and great friends.  I love so many of these guys, I genuinely hope we stay friends for a long time.  I can only take partial credit for my good grades and how far I’ve come in my high school career, because I believe most of the credit should go to the amazing educators who have gotten me here.  As a student, I would be nothing without the teachers who give me the knowledge I need to succeed.  So, to all of my teachers, from the beginning to now, thank you.

My name is Jocelyn Maxwell, I plan to attend ASU in the fall.  In five years, I hopefully will be in Graduate School.  My favorite memory from attending Aztec Schools is going into my dad’s classroom to nap everyday my sophomore year.  Thank you, Monte Maxwell (dad) for always helping me out anywhere you could and taking me to all the wrestling events.

My name is Gentrey Aylett, I plan on to continue my education at San Juan College to pursue an associate degree in human resources.  In five years I see myself living somewhere new continuing my education.  My favorite memory from attending Aztec Schools would be meeting new people and growing with them throughout the years.  Thank you to all my teachers from preschool all the way up to high school, you helped me become the person I am today and for that you will always have a place in my heart.  I appreciate all of you.

My name is Madison Frost, I plan on attending San Juan College to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.  In five years, I see myself teaching fourth grade back here in Aztec while continuing to complete my master’s degree.  I have several favorite memories from attending Aztec Schools, but one class in particular stands out for creating more of those memories.  Mr. Polk’s class often got derailed by some great discussions about life, politics, and sometimes just great stories.  It didn’t matter what the topic of discussion was, Mr. Polk always made it fun.  The high school experience for my class was challenging to say the least, and required a lot of encouragement, counseling and patience from the entire staff.  They all stepped up and provided a tremendous amount of support in their own way.  Whether it was in the classroom, in the hallway, in the cafeteria, on the phone, or the field, the faculty stepped up and not only got us through some tough situations, but pushed and challenged us to be the best we could be.  On behalf of the 2021 graduating class, we will always be grateful for the support, encouragement, and dedication shown to us.

My name is Daniella Margarita Sanders, I plan to attend NMSU to obtain my nursing degree.  In five years, I see myself in a big city staring my career as an Adult ICU nurse.  My favorite memory from attending Aztec Schools is playing sports with my friends and building lifelong friendships because of it.  Thank you to all my teachers for dealing with my procrastination.  Shout out to my two math teachers, Mr. Stephens and Mrs. Lucero, you guys made it fun!

My name is Bailey Jo Kelly. Next year I am planning on attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins (CSU) for Nutritional Sciences. I have tentative plans to apply for law school after I graduate from CSU. This depends on my employment options and where life takes me of course, but I like to make long term goals and plans. I would like to explore new realms of dance beyond what I do now with Mann Dance Academy and find a community of people who love being outdoors as much as I do (hiking, camping, kayaking, skiing etc.). I am excited to take art classes and try new things like boxing and rock-climbing through CSU. I'm also determined to study abroad at some point during my college career. Traveling is something I want to prioritize in my future. I think it is extremely important to experience as much of the world as I can. In five years I would like to be transferring to a law school on the east coast, employed with a nutrition company, traveling, or chasing another passion I'm bound to discover in college.

It's funny that you're asking about my favorite high school memory, I picked that as the prompt for all seniors to address for their yearbook highlight without ever really considering what mine is. I have so many good memories from all my classes, and I think a huge part of that has been going to Advanced Placement classes with all the same people all day and feeling like I am a part of a family. AP classes have created the perfect platform for me to grow as a student and a person. I have been encouraged to retain an excited perspective on learning and embrace curiosity. I really want to thank all my teachers, I have so much respect for the work that goes into teaching, the selflessness it takes, and the profound impact you have. The teachers/people who have had the greatest influence on my educational career and adolescent years are: Mrs. Sarah Brockett, Mrs. Anne Hartman, Ms. Larie Englehart, Mr. Stephen Scales, Mrs. Ramona Lucero, Mr. Rian Chiaravalloti (Chevy), Mr. Joseph Kroenung, Mr. David Stephens, and Mrs. Michelle Hirsch. I truly feel empowered and capable of great things because of these people; I can't imagine entering adulthood without the lasting impact my teachers have had on my life and the experiences Aztec High School has supplied. Thank you so much for everything you do and honoring academic success; so often honor students are ignored and our efforts are downplayed, so this means a lot!

My name is Caleb Olson, I plan on attending New Mexico State University and play for the NMSU UDA Soccer Academy team.  In five years, I see myself being a wildland firefighter.  My favorite memory from attending Aztec Schools is playing cross country, basketball and soccer.  Also, playing soccer with my brother my freshman year.  Thank you to all the teachers and coaches that have helped me prepare for college.

My name is Shanthia Fay Walker, next year, as of right now, I plan to attend San Juan College.  I also plan to stay active in my church and community.  In five years, I see myself still in the four corners area.  I hope to have an amazing husband who loves Christ.  I will be close to my family and still attend the same church, Laplata Valley Baptist.  My favorite memory from Aztec High School is definitely from Papa Polk’s class.  We had the opportunity to paint the ceiling tiles and leave a mammoth of ourselves behind.  That was an awesome experience and I will always appreciate Polk for that.  I’d like to thank the amazing teachers I’ve had.  A special thank you to Dr. Mortensen, Mr. Polk and Mrs. Garcia.  These three staff members made coming to school just a bit better.  They were amazing teachers and guides.  I look up to them and I am so thankful to have met them.  They have made a huge impact on my high school career and life.  I also wouldn’t he half as far as I am if it wasn’t for my family.  My parents have always encouraged me to go above and beyond.  My brothers have always helped me through tough situations.  Thank you Aztec High for this awesome high school experience. 

My name is Janna Van Auken, I plan to go to college become a nail tech.  In five years, I see myself working in a nail salon or traveling the continent.  My favorite memory from attending Aztec Schools is meeting my amazing fiancé, Casey Johnson.  Thank you to everyone who helped me get this far!

My name is Ashlyn Walker, I plan on attending the University of Arizona in the fall.  In five years, I’ll be done with college and hopefully I will have a job that enjoy.  My favorite memory from Aztec Schools would have to be meeting my best friend.  I first want to thank my family for pushing me to be the best person and student that I can possibly be.  I also want to thank all the teachers who have put so much hard work into helping get where I am today.