Albuquerque Public Schools
Los Padillas Students Honored for Wildlife Leadership
County proclamation recognizes students' stewardship, advocacy and community impact through school wildlife sanctuary.
Students at Los Padillas Elementary School received special recognition from the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners for their leadership, advocacy and stewardship through the school’s Wildlife Sanctuary program.
The county formally honored the students, known as the Los Padillas Wildlife Sanctuary Leaders, with a proclamation celebrating their work caring for and supporting the school-based wildlife sanctuary and the broader South Valley community.
The project is deeply connected to the school’s Community School model and the Sustaining the Future Magnet Pathway, creating authentic, real-world learning experiences for students through hands-on, inquiry-based and place-based outdoor education.
The work has been coordinated by Community School Impact Coordinator Angel Ronquillo in partnership with the school’s Community School Council, which envisioned opportunities for students to build leadership skills while learning about the past, present and future of their community.
During Genius Hour, students worked alongside educators Monie Corona and Charlie Ciernia to explore environmental stewardship and civic engagement through outdoor learning experiences supported by community partnerships.
Earlier this month, community partner Enchanted Equine Adventures nominated the group for a South Valley Outstanding Citizens Award during the South Valley Pride Day celebration. Mr. Ronquillo and Mr. Ciernia accepted the recognition on behalf of the collective effort.
The recent county proclamation further elevated the work by centering the students themselves and recognizing the impact they are making through leadership, collaboration and advocacy.
School leaders say the experience brings the APS Goals and Guardrails and the APS Graduate Profile to life by helping students become active community contributors while developing the skills and mindsets needed for lifelong success.
You can watch a video from the event here: Los Padillas Wildlife Sanctuary Student Leaders