Yuma Union High School District News

Yuma Union High School District schools received a grant worth $14,000 from the Albertsons Companies Foundation to distribute evenly amongst all seven YUHSD schools. 

YUHSD superintendents were invited to apply for the grant by Albertsons Foundation officials in an effort to give back to the community after recently remodeling their Avenue B location in Yuma.

“We truly value this partnership with Albertson's and appreciate their investment in our students and our community,” YUHSD Associate Superintendent Lilian Campa said. “We're proud of the opportunities our schools provide every day, and support like this helps us continue that important work. We thank Albertson's for believing in our students and standing alongside YUHSD.”

Each campus received $2,000 in unrestricted funds, allowing schools to determine how the funds will best meet their needs. Campuses are intending to use them for everything from classroom supplies and instructional materials to professional development. 

YUHSD leaders were invited to a ribbon cutting event on July 8 to be recognized along with the newly remodeled store, and accept the $2,000 checks for each school from the Albertsons Companies Foundation. 

Yuma Union High School District, in partnership with Onvida Health, will be hosting a no-cost sports physical event on July 31, 2026 at Somerton High School.

The event is open to all YUHSD student-athletes. Parents/guardians must be in attendance. Doors open at 3:15 p.m. and exams will conclude at 7 p.m.

Exams will be conducted by Onvida Sports Medicine Fellowship Program Director Dr. Ryan Zerr and other medical residents.

A physical is required to participate in Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) competition. All physical examinations completed at the event will cover the student-athlete for the 2026-27 school year.

Families my access the physical forms prior to the event by visiting: https://www.yumaunion.org/district1/athletics/clearance-documents

Yuma Union High School District’s Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Department and several local businesses have partnered to provide summer work opportunities for students.
 
The program is a collaboration between the University of Arizona Sonoran Center and the Yuma Vocational Rehabilitation Office.

"I am beyond excited to see students gaining hands-on experience, building confidence, and developing valuable workplace skills,” Arizona Job Coach Laisha Gonzalez said. “Although they have only recently begun their work-based learning experiences, I have already seen tremendous growth and improvement in each of them. These opportunities help prepare them for future employment while showcasing their growth, independence, dedication, and potential for success."

Students are participating in a variety of work-based learning experiences that provide hands-on exposure to different career fields. They are learning about business operations and customer service by assisting with product preparation, quality control and other day-to-day responsibilities in restaurant and retail settings. The experiences are meant to help students develop workplace skills such as responsibility, teamwork, professionalism and attention to detail.

“This program highlights the importance of work-based learning opportunities available to our students,” YUHSD School-to-Work Transition Specialist Kacie Baker said. “It also helps to break down the stigma of hiring individuals with disabilities, and showing our community that everyone can work. We just need to help find the right support for them.”

Students are working with local businesses including the Lemon Grove, Rolls & Bowls, Bodega 23, Dragon de Oro, and Azul Cafe.

This is the first summer YUHSD students have participated in the program. To be eligible, students must be current Vocational Rehabilitation clients, enrolled in an educational program for the fall semester, between the ages of 16 and 22, and have a documented disability. For more information on how to participate in the Summer Work Program, contact Baker at KBaker1@yumaunion.org. 

The Kofa High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (MCJROTC) rifle team placed 19th out of 26 teams at the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) National Championship in Camp Perry, Ohio from June 17-21, 2026.

The team included Mildreth Hernandez and Thifanny Cardenas, who are members of the Class of 2026, Macrina Covarrubias (Class of 2027), and Gunner Kinsey (Class of 2029).

Hernandez was Kofa’s top finisher, placing 22nd, and Cardenas placed 30th out of 151 marksmen from around the country. Due to her performance and placement in the top 25 percent, Cardenas earned four Excellence in Competition (EIC) points, giving her a total of 16 EIC points and earning her the Silver Non-Distinguished Shooting Badge. 

“Seeing our cadets perform at such a high level is an outstanding accomplishment and another proud moment for Kofa and the rifle team,” KHS MCJROTC Instructor Maj. Todd Birney said. “While we will miss our graduating seniors, their leadership has helped position our program for continued success.”

Hernandez finishes her tenure at Kofa as one of the most decorated marksmen in state history. She was the first shooter in school history to qualify for the Gold Distinguished Shooter Badge in 2025 and earned top finishes in numerous competitions through her four years at Kofa. 

Additionally, for the second year in a row, Kofa was the only JROTC team from Arizona who advanced to this prestigious event. 

The Kofa MCJROTC program, which is overseen by Sgt. Maj. Brian Olea and Maj. Todd Birney, has earned a litany of awards and recognitions over the past several years, including being named a distinguished Naval Honors School on multiple occasions. 

San Luis High School senior Mae Gomez (Class of 2026) has been named a winner of the Flinn Scholarship. She is the first student in school history to receive the prestigious honor.

According to the Flinn Foundation, only 20 students were selected from more than 1,150 applicants statewide, making the scholarship one of Arizona's most competitive. The acceptance rate is approximately 1.7 percent.

“Receiving the Flinn Scholarship is a major milestone in my educational journey,” Gomez said. “Being the first student from San Luis High School to receive this honor carries a deep sense of responsibility, driving me to set a path for those who follow. With this financial freedom, I can focus entirely on my studies and ensure that my journey helps clear the way for the next generation of students from my community.”

Applicants for the scholarship must attain at least a 3.5 grade-point average, rank in the top 5 percent of their graduating class, and participate and demonstrate leadership in a variety of extracurricular activities.

“Mae's selection as the first Flinn Scholar in San Luis High School history is a historic achievement, not only for her, but for the entire community,” SLHS Director of Counseling Cesar Castillo said. “It demonstrates that students from San Luis can compete with and succeed alongside the highest-achieving students in Arizona, regardless of geography or background. Her accomplishment will inspire future generations of students to pursue ambitious goals and believe that opportunities like the Flinn Scholarship are within their reach.”

Gomez plans to study aerospace engineering at the University of Arizona, beginning in the fall.

Her selection marks the first time a Yuma Union High School District student has received the scholarship since Cibola High School graduate Kaylee Woods was selected in 2023.

According to their website, the Flinn Scholarship Program provides an unparalleled package for undergraduate study at an Arizona public university for 20 of Arizona’s highest-achieving high school seniors each year. The merit-based scholarship program covers the cost of tuition, fees, room and board and at least two study-abroad experiences. The overall financial package is valued at more than $130,000.

Flinn Scholars who attend Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona, also benefit from working with top faculty and researchers, meeting business and civic leaders in their field, and forming their own community and alumni network.

Yuma Union High School District digital photography students from Kofa High School, San Luis High School, and Cibola High School will have their artwork displayed in a gallery at the Yuma Art Center this summer.

The gallery, “3-way exposure: Kofa + San Luis + Cibola,” is a partnership between YUHSD and the Art Center to feature the work of advanced photography students enrolled in level three photography classes.

“The Yuma Art Center is glad to collaborate with Kofa, San Luis, and Cibola High schools to highlight the incredible talent of our young local artists,” City of Yuma Gallery and Public Art Coordinator Kristyn K. Trujillo said. “Alongside events like our annual Children’s Festival in April, this exhibition gives students an additional moment to share their art in a professional gallery setting. It’s a chance to recognize their talent and support Yuma’s next generation of artists.” 

The gallery is currently open to the public, and there will be a reception held on Friday, June 26 from 6-8 p.m. to celebrate the student artwork and the skills they have developed. The dress code is business casual.

Students displaying artwork include: Jacob Bonillas from Cibola; Andrea Estrada, Maryjo Martinez, Francisco Perez and Abraham Rios from Kofa; and Ximena Diaz, Raul Lara, Amanda Madrigal, and Gloria Reyna from San Luis. 

“Having their final project be a gallery opening sets them up to professionally showcase their skills and personally interact with the community,” Kofa photography teacher Adrianne Comstock said. “This is an opportunity they have earned in their three years as photography students at Cibola, Kofa and San Luis, so we are very proud to support them as they grow into young professionals. The Art Center has been very gracious in working with us to make this happen for these students.”

The gallery will be on display through Aug. 21, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Yuma Union High School District Transition Specialist Kacie Baker was selected as the 2026 Arizona Educator Secondary Transition Services Award recipient.

The award is presented by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Exceptional Student Services department and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Conference Planning Committee. According to ADE, only two educators statewide receive the recognition each year. They will be honored at the IDEA conference in August. 

“Although I am the one receiving this award, it is a testament to the individuals throughout our district and community who work together every day,” Baker said. “Without collaboration and teamwork, none of us would be successful. As the parent of a child with disabilities, I also bring a personal perspective that helps me better understand and empathize with the experiences of the families I support.” 

Baker was nominated by two YUHSD colleagues for her work in connecting students with disabilities and their families to community and state resources that support a successful transition out of high school. 

“The impact Kacie makes is evident in the trust she builds with families and the positive outcomes she helps create for students,” YUHSD Director of Student Services Victoria Doiron said. “Her compassion, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to helping others set her apart. Her efforts have made a lasting impact on our community, and she is truly deserving of this recognition.”

Baker began her career in education as a general education teacher, working with students in kindergarten through eighth grade. After earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, she joined YUHSD as a transition specialist.

Yuma Union High School District increased its Arizona English Learner Language Assessment (AZELLA) proficiency rates by nearly 17 percent in the 2025-26 school year, according to a report from the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). 

YUHSD students displayed a 25.1 percent proficiency rate this year after scoring an 8.5 percent rate in 2024-25.  

AZELLA is administered annually to English Language Learner (ELL) students to measure proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English.

“We are incredibly proud of the growth our students demonstrated this year,” Cibola Academics Assistant Principal Itzel Rodriguez said. One of the biggest changes Cibola made was creating a more intentional assessment process. Cibola focused on helping students understand the importance of the assessment and ensuring they had the support needed to demonstrate their English language skills. Staff members worked closely with students throughout the testing process, helping reduce anxiety and encouraging students to put forth their best effort.

Students who score at the pre-emergent/emergent, basic, or intermediate proficiency levels are eligible for specialized English language development instruction.

To support these students, YUHSD uses a Structured English Immersion (SEI) model. Depending on individual student needs, SEI classes are offered in either 60-minute or 120-minute daily instructional blocks designed to accelerate English language development.

Students transition to a typical class schedule once they achieve a proficient score on the AZELLA. Following their exit from the program, YUHSD staff monitor student progress for two years to help ensure continued academic success.

"One change we made was redesigning the SEI III model to provide students with greater access to mainstream English classes through a pullout approach rather than a traditional two-hour block,” YUHSD Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Corey Semler said. “This gave students more opportunities to engage with grade-level content and authentic language experiences. While we believe this contributed to the growth we saw, the credit belongs to our students for their hard work and to our teachers for the support and instruction they provided every day."

District leaders say they will continue refining instructional support and monitoring student progress.

For the fifth consecutive year, San Luis High School earned first place in the Governor's office Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Challenge.

The award is for having Arizona’s highest FAFSA completion rate among large schools. San Luis’ class of 2026 achieved an 84 percent FAFSA completion rate, up from last year's state best of 79 percent. 

“Our school’s success with FAFSA comes from creating a culture where college and career readiness is everyone’s responsibility, not just the counseling department’s,” SLHS Director of Counseling Cesar Castillo said. “It is because of strong collaboration with administration, teachers, Arizona Western College, Earn to Learn, and community partners to provide hands-on support, workshops, and consistent follow-up for students and families. 

“What began as compliance evolved into commitment, became an expectation, and is now the standard. Most importantly, our team believes every student deserves access to postsecondary opportunities, and that shared commitment continues to drive our FAFSA success year after year.”

The award is presented by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) and was announced during a FAFSA Challenge Celebration at the Helios Education Campus. The event is meant to celebrate schools across Arizona for their efforts in supporting students through the financial aid application process and promoting postsecondary opportunities.

San Luis received a championship trophy, a new laptop to give to an outstanding student, and a signed certificate from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and ABOR Chair Doug Goodyear to recognize their achievement. 

“This accomplishment reflects the strong culture of commitment, collaboration, and student support that defines San Luis High School,“ SLHS Assistant Principal Delia Castro said. “Earning this recognition for the fifth consecutive year demonstrates that college and career readiness continues to be a priority and a shared responsibility across our entire school community.“

Over the past several years, San Luis High School students have consistently been one of the state’s leaders in postsecondary enrollment, including a 77 percent college-going rate in data reported in this year. 

The San Luis High School counseling team consists of: Jacqueline Arenas, Castillo, Rigoberto Conde (Dropout Prevention Specialist), Maria Lomeli, Alejandra Lopez (Social Worker), Elva Lozano, Yessica Munoz, Michall Moore, Yesenia Reynaga Martinez, and Carolina Peña.

For the first time in school history, students from Somerton High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program qualified for national competitions in multiple disciplines. 

Students from Law and Public Safety and Sports Medicine classes will represent Somerton at the SkillsUSA and the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) national competitions, respectively, after earning first place at state-level competitions. 

“As instructors, we're always wanting our students to achieve the best, but honestly, only because it was our first year competing and not because I doubted the girl's skills, I was not expecting the team to win state,” Somerton Law and Public Safety Instructor Mark Dusek said. “There were competitors and instructors with more experience, but when Somerton's name was called as the gold medal winner, I couldn't have been prouder.”

Law and Public Safety students Danytza Amador-Lopez, Anahi Padilla and Danna Olivarria, who earned first place at state, will be competing in Career Pathways Showcase in the Human Services category at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta from June 1-5. 

Sports Medicine student Olivea Segovia, who also earned first place at state, will be competing in Sports Medicine at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis from June 17-20. 

“I am so proud of the students and advisors for their hard work, time, commitment, and dedication they have put in to get to the national level,” Somerton CTE Instructional Leader Tamara Kay said. “This is their first year competing at state for both of these programs, and to have national competitors is very exciting.”

The students are now preparing to be judged on their topic again, but on a larger scale. They will be joining another 80 Yuma Union High School District students in national competitions throughout the summer and fall. 

More than 80 individuals from the Yuma Union High School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) program are advancing to nationals after multiple state competitions over several weeks this spring. 

More than 700 students from all seven YUHSD schools competed in SkillsUSA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and Future Farmers of America (FFA) throughout April and May, with FFA leadership competitions still to come in June. 

“It is wonderful to have CTSO winners from all of our campuses this year,” CTE Executive Director Lorie Honeycutt said. “We are very proud of each competitor for doing their best, and we are especially excited for those who have the opportunity to advance to the national level and represent us in even more challenging circumstances.”

In addition to individual and team achievements, all YUHSD CTSO chapters received awards for their work in community events and school activities, including bronze, silver, and gold chapter recognitions. Kofa High School Law & Public Safety teacher Eric Frost was also recognized as Advisor of the Year for SkillsUSA. 

Kofa’s Marine Corps JROTC program competed in several events and earned recognitions at all of them, as well as received the highest honors associated with the Leadership and Employability Skills Industry Credential Assessment. The Army JROTC took the assessment for the first time this year. Twenty-two cadets earned a passing score.

YUHSD has national competitors in every CTSO event taking place in various locations across the United States. See the full list of individuals who advanced to nationals below: 

FBLA
Aubri Anthony, Gila Ridge, Hospitality and Event Management; Ana Montes Burga, Gila Ridge, Hospitality and Event Management

FCCLA
Zada Rodriguez, Cibola, Baking and Pastry; Monico Rico, Cibola, Chapter Service Project Display; Trystan Walsh, Cibola, Chapter Service Project Display; Janessa Rodriguez, Cibola, Early Childhood Education; Angelita Robles, Cibola, Food Innovations; Ruehl Swenson, Cibola, Food Innovations; Leah Arcega, Cibola, State Officer First Vice President; Penelope Petersen, Gila Ridge, Entrepreneurship; Maliah Franco, Gila Ridge, Personal Finance; Isabel Offutt, Gila Ridge, Say Yes to FCS; Elena Packham, Kofa, Sports Nutrition; Jaidynn Soils, Kofa, Sports Nutrition; Orlando Alvarez, San Luis, Entrepreneurship; Angel Vargas, San Luis, State Officer Competitive Events

FFA
Lane Bacon, Cibola, Poultry Evaluation; Faith Escalante, Cibola, Poultry Evaluation; Drew Martinez, Cibola, Poultry Evaluation; Brooklyn Marchant, Gila Ridge, Agricultural Business; Samuel Ricker, Gila Ridge, Agricultural Business; Gage Sullivan, Gila Ridge, Agricultural Business; Lauren Sullivan, Gila Ridge, Agricultural Business; 

JROTC
Mildreth Hernandez, Kofa, Marine Corps Service Rifle Nationals; Thifanny Cardenas, Kofa, Marine Corps Service Rifle Nationals; Mildreth Hernandez, Kofa, Civilian Marksmanship Program State Rifle Championship (Individual); Mildreth Hernandez, Gunner Kinsey, Macrina Covarrubias, Garnet Ortiz, Kofa, Civilian Marksmanship Program State Rifle Championship (Team); Mildreth Hernandez, Kofa, NRA National Rifle Championship (Individual); Mildreth Hernandez, Thifanny Cardenas, Delila Mendez, Gunner Kinsey, Kofa, NRA National Rifle Championship (Team)

HOSA
Hillary Habecker, Kofa, HOSA History (Advisor); Dereck Damian, San Luis, Public Health; Natalia Medina, San Luis, Public Health; Santiago Penuelas, San Luis, Public Health; Juan Pinon, San Luis, Public Health; Carlos Rendon, San Luis, Public Health; Jose Santana, San Luis, Public Health; Afrika Carranza, Somerton, HOSA Secretary; Olivea Segovia, Somerton, Sports Medicine

SkillsUSA
Savanah Martinez, Cibola, Aesthetics; Cadence Pavey, Cibola, Aesthetics; Isabela Bean Davis, Cibola, State Officer; Clair Rubio, Cibola, State Officer; Fathyma Casillas, Kofa, American Spirit; Valeria Medina-Alvarado, Kofa, American Spirit; Jennifer Leyva, Kofa, American Spirit; Damian Burgos, Kofa, Career Pathways Showcase Business and Tech; Diego Enriquez, Kofa, Career Pathways Showcase Business and Tech; Zacaria Paredes, Kofa, Career Pathways Showcase Business and Tech; Koriina Ramos, Kofa, Occupational Health and Safety (Single); Sophia Rocha, Kofa, Occupational Health and Safety (Single); Zariyah Villa, Kofa, Occupational Health and Safety (Single); Amaya Kelln, Kofa, Power Equipment Technology; Samuel Alvarez, San Luis, Building Maintenance; Jose Gaxiola, San Luis, Firefighting; Martin Juarez, San Luis, Robotics and Animation; Raul Quiroz, San Luis, Robotics and Animation; Danytza Lopez, Somerton, Career Pathways Showcase Human Services; Danna Olivarria, Somerton, Career Pathways Showcase Human Services; Anahi Padilla, Somerton, Career Pathways Showcase Human Services

Yuma Union High School District is proud to sponsor the Summer Food Service Program at no cost for all children, ages 18 and younger. No registration or ID required.

ALL children are welcome at all sites. Meals are required to be consumed on-site at the following locations: Cibola High School, Kofa High School, Vista High School, and Yuma High School. Drive thru to-go meals (child must be present) and on-site meals at the following locations: Gila Ridge High School, San Luis High School, and Somerton High School. All sites are closed June 19 and July 3.

Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows: 

Site	Address	Dates of Service	Meal	Service Time	Meal	Service Time
Cibola	4100 W 20th Street	June 2-12	Breakfast	7:15-8:15 a.m.	Lunch	11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Gila Ridge	7150 E 24th Street	June 2-12	Breakfast	7:15-8:15 a.m.	Lunch	11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Gila Ridge	7150 E 24th Street	June 15-July 29			Breakfast & Lunch	10:30-11:30 a.m.
Kofa	3100 S Avenue A	June 2-12	Breakfast	7:15-8:15 a.m.	Lunch	12-1 p.m.
Kofa	3100 S Avenue A	July 13-24	Breakfast	7:15-8:15 a.m.	Lunch	12-1 p.m.
San Luis	1250 N 8th Avenue	June 2-12	Breakfast	7:15-8:15 a.m.	Lunch	11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
San Luis	1250 N 8th Avenue	June 15-July 10			Breakfast & Lunch	10:30-11:30 a.m.
Somerton	1093 W Jefferson Street	June 2-12	Breakfast	7:15-8:15 a.m.	Lunch	10-11 a.m.
Somerton	1093 W Jefferson Street	June 15-July 10			Breakfast & Lunch	10:30-11:30 a.m.
Vista	3150 S Avenue A	June 2-12	Breakfast	8-8:45 a.m.	Lunch	12:30-1:30 p.m.
Yuma High	400 S 6th Avenue	June 2-12	Breakfast	7:15-8:15 a.m.	Lunch	12-1 p.m.
Yuma High	400 S 6th Avenue	June 22-25	Breakfast	7:15-8:15 a.m.	Lunch	12-1 p.m.
Yuma High	400 S 6th Avenue	July 13-16	Breakfast	7:15-8:15 a.m.	Lunch	12-1 p.m.

Yuma Union High School District reserves the right to change and/or cancel a site or serving period. Menu is subject to change depending on the availability of products.

Meals will be provided to all children, ages 18 and under, without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.  

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1.      Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2.      Fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3.      Email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Vista High School honored 53 graduates during its annual spring commencement on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Yuma Union High School District Governing Board President Jacqueline Kravitz confirmed the graduates inside the Taylor Dean McBride Auditorium at Yuma High School prior to the distribution of their diplomas. YUHSD Superintendent Tim Brienza and Associate Superintendents Lilian Campa and Robert Jankowski were also on hand to represent the district. 

“This group of graduating seniors represents everything that our Vista High School community is committed to,” Vista Principal David King said. “And each graduate is a glowing example of the resilience and grit that defines the Vista Lobo experience.”

Vista graduates Joseph Lopez and Dulce Marely Solorzano Diaz addressed their fellow graduates during the ceremony.  

“Tonight isn’t just about graduating,” Lopez said in his speech. “It’s about everything it took to get here. My journey through high school hasn’t always been the easiest. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs. There were times where I struggled with motivation and fell behind. I didn’t always make the right choices… Vista isn’t just an alternative school. It’s a community. Coming here became a turning point in my life, and it gave me a second chance when I needed it most.”

The commencement ceremony can be viewed in its entirety on Vista’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/VistaHSOfficial/videos/1048619927771574

Here is complete list of this year’s Vista spring graduates:  
Rylee Rae Aivazian; Alexia Alize Alvarado; Andrew Alvarez; Ema Jean Anderson; Ayden Michael Barnes; Joanna Jazmin Barraza Robles; Natalee Susan Barton; Gustavo Adolfo Becerra; Manuel Anthony Berry; Evolhet Bonillas Valtierra; Blayz  Booth; German Pablo Borquez; Armando Bustillos; Jazelle Carlon; Esteban Sebastian Cesario; Isacc James Christopher; Elizabeth Noemi Cortez; Marcus Isaiah Covarrubias; Perla Gabriela Cuen; Anelayah May-zay-lee De La Torre; Jonathan Lucas Dean; Benjamin Patrick Dickson; Julian Joseph Esperanza; Eduardo Fonseca; Jissel Amia Galindo; Aolani Anivid Gurrola; Payton Lynn Hamilton; Ramon Ibarra Garcia; Christopher Lopez; Richard Lopez; Abigail Lopez; Genesis Karina Lopez; Joseph Angel Lopez; Yareli Macias Flores; Micah Lamar-Kamiraj Martinez; Felix Martinez Heredia; Omar Arturo Martin-Ornelas; Andres Emiliano Medina; James Glen Miller; Adriana Lee Ortiz Washington; Vianney Carolynn Ott; Christian Xavier Perez; Alize Mary Perez Monjardin; Juan Quinones; Ash Wulfgang Riggle-Reeves; Clarissa Rosalva Rivas; Dulce Marely Solorzano Diaz; Jazlyn Maya Torres; Alexia Elizabet Uribe Flores; Simi Vailolo; Kayla Monique White; Isaiah Abram White Diller; Jobe Patrick Winchell

Yuma Union High School District Associate Superintendent Lilian Campa has been selected for the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership’s 2026 Flinn-Brown Fellowship.

Campa is one of only 24 fellows named across the state. 

The Flinn-Brown Fellowship brings together civic leaders from throughout Arizona to help expand their knowledge, skills, and networks to address Arizona’s long-term issues.

“Being selected is both an honor and a responsibility,” Campa said. “I see it as recognition that the work I have been doing in education and leadership has value beyond my immediate role. I wanted to be part of the fellowship because meaningful change happens when people understand systems, build relationships, and engage in thoughtful dialogue — especially with people who may see issues differently. 

“In education, many of the challenges we face are deeply connected to public policy, and I wanted to grow my ability to advocate effectively for students, educators, and communities.”

In order to be considered for the fellowship, Campa applied by completing a written application, submitting recommendations, and participating in two days of interviews by a committee of Arizona leaders that focused on leadership, public service, and civic engagement. 

“I plan to use what I learn to strengthen my leadership and deepen my understanding of how policy decisions impact schools and communities,” Campa added.

As a Flinn-Brown Fellow, Campa will participate in policy discussions focused on major issues affecting Arizona such as education, water, economic development, healthcare, infrastructure, and state government. The fellowship also provides opportunities to engage with policymakers, subject matter experts, and leaders from throughout the state.

According to the Flinn-Brown Foundation, the 2026 cohort brings together leaders from different fields such as rural healthcare, finance, housing, agriculture, education, and law, with the common goal of making a difference in Arizona.