Albuquerque Public Schools
APS students shine at Educators Rising New Mexico State Conference
More than 40 students from six APS high schools earned top honors and national qualifying scores at the statewide event.
Over 550 students from across the state gathered in Albuquerque at the end of February for the 11th annual Educators Rising New Mexico State Conference 2026, where aspiring educators showcased their skills and passion for teaching.
Students from Albuquerque Public Schools made a strong showing, with more than 40 students from six high schools earning top placements and national qualifying scores. To be named a national qualifier, competitors had to earn above an 80 percent rubric score threshold, demonstrating excellence in events designed to prepare the next generation of teachers.
APS schools represented among the winners included Atrisco Heritage Academy, Career Enrichment Center, Del Norte High School, Eldorado High School, Manzano High School and West Mesa High School.
Students who placed at the conference include:
Atrisco Heritage Academy
Kiara Riboni
Aliana Escudero
Anthony Alderette
Jayde Martinez
Stephanie Segura
Yaneli Najera
Devin Montoya
Noah Martinez
Cesiah Olivas
Juliana Hernandez
Louis Juliana
Mikaela Aragon
Career Enrichment Center
Emilia Salazar
Valeria Vega Santana
Yamari Roldan
Aubree Martinez
Peyton Daley
Alexus Gutierrez-Anaya
Janexy Sandoval
Marissa Yotter-Nunez
Del Norte High School
Adia McConnell
Ava Guttromson
Mariana Perez
Maya Werito
Eldorado High School
Hailei Trujillo
Aliya Nivanh
Alyssa Martinez
Jordyn Juarez
Tesa Gwash
Gianna Medina-Vigil
Addison Aguirre
Damara Matawaran
Natalie Maquez
Moriah Guerra
Isabella Bates
Manzano High School
Ian Santisteban
Kileigh Hoffman
Naomi Mata Galindo
Castro Astro
Kiara Laweka
West Mesa High School
Hector Cabrera
Jenessa Crocker
Lea Reza
Olivia Rimbert
Alize Castillo
Peytan Bitsinnie
Educators Rising competitions challenge students interested in the teaching profession through hands-on events that highlight leadership, communication and instructional skills. For many APS students, the conference is an opportunity to take the first step toward a future in education.
APS congratulates all students who attended and competed at this year’s conference for challenging themselves and helping set a new standard for future educators in New Mexico.