Albuquerque Public Schools
The Final Breakfast for the Class of 2026
More than 4,200 seniors enjoyed a final meal with the school staff who supported them along the way.
Before this spring's graduation ceremonies, Albuquerque Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services launched a new tradition with the Class of 2026. Graduation breakfast celebrations took place at 20 schools across the district, welcoming a total of 4,214 graduating students.
Participating schools included Albuquerque High, Atrisco Heritage Academy, Cibola High, College and Career High, Del Norte High, Eldorado High, Freedom High, Highland High, La Cueva High, Manzano High, New Futures High, Nex+Gen Academy, Rio Grande High, Sandia High, School on Wheels, Stephen Moody Complex, Transition Services, Valley High, Volcano Vista High and West Mesa High.
The breakfasts gave students an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with classmates and school staff before graduation.
For the FANS team, the events carried special meaning.
"This final breakfast service gave my team one last opportunity to love on their babies and share how proud they are of this major achievement in their young lives," FANS Executive Director Marie Johnson said.
FANS staff went all out for the event, decorating the cafeterias with balloons, streamers, signs and a large variety of 2026 graduation decorations.
Johnson said the celebrations reflected the relationships cafeteria teams build with students throughout their educational journey. For many graduates, the staff serving breakfast and lunch each day have been familiar faces for years.
The graduation breakfasts offered a chance to recognize not only students' hard work and perseverance, but also the community of educators, support staff and families who helped them succeed.