Albuquerque Public Schools
It's That Time Again: Let's Hear it for Selfless Seniors
Foundation's recognition program honors class of '25.
Some of the best and most community-minded people in Albuquerque are the students next door.
At APS, we call them Selfless Seniors.
Albuquerque Public Schools recognized 15 top seniors this week at a reception that honored their work on behalf of their families, communities and schools. Selfless Seniors, a program put on by the APS Education Foundation, is one of the most prestigious in the school district.
Selfless Seniors shines a light on students who work without fanfare as they make our community a better place to live. They dedicate endless hours of volunteer time to aid their schools, families or Albuquerque at large, usually doing so without expecting praise or recognition.
“We’re always so proud to be part of this event, because these are some of our best students and people,” said APS Education Foundation Executive Director Shannon Barnhill. “They represent the many, many young people in Albuquerque who make a difference every day.”
Selfless Seniors will be honored at the Foundation’s Gold Bar Event on May 2 at Sandia Resort.
This year’s honorees are:
- Noah Chavez, West Mesa
- Elecia Padilla, Valley
- Kailyn Montoya, Volcano Vista
- Robert Mendoza, Rio Grande
- Eli Crowley, Sandia
- Dani Figueroa, Nex+Gen Academy
- Amari Solomon-Iule, New Futures
- Mattie Espinosa, Manzano
- Clay Hseih, La Cueva
- Jazmine Montoya, Del Norte
- Ryan Ramirez, Cibola
- Felipe Hernandez, Highland
- Charles Epp, Eldorado
- Leona Belmares, Atrisco Heritage Academy
- Kaylee Shelton, Albuquerque High
One student from the district’s comprehensive high schools, one from a magnet school and one from an APS alternative high school were chosen from nominations submitted by school staff, the community and nonprofit organizations in town.
In place for nearly two decades, the Foundation has relied on the generosity of local photographer Frank Frost, a West Mesa High graduate who captures a student’s spirit in a portrait. The photo recognizing the student is displayed at the APS administration building, the student’s school and on electronic billboards throughout the city.
Each student’s story – and work – is different, but perhaps all can be summed up by Highland High School Selfless Senior Felipe Hernandez, who volunteers at Hawthorne Elementary School, where he sweeps, serves food, cleans tables and washes dishes.
“It is important to help people by giving them food, clothes, shoes, pants and love,” he said in a questionnaire. “I like teaching people to say 'thank you' and 'you're welcome.' I help people walk on the streets to be careful of cars. Everyone needs to be safe."
Little things, big impact: That’s what APS Selfless Seniors do – and create. And it’s why the Class of ‘25 has much to be proud of.