Las Cruces Public Schools and New Mexico State University joined together this month to celebrate four students whose determination, leadership and commitment to learning demonstrate what it means to thrive in school and beyond.
The students were recognized as LCPS Thrive Champions, a districtwide recognition highlighting students who exemplify competencies outlined in the LCPS Graduate Profile. September’s recognition focused on productivity, defined as the ability to use time, energy and resources effectively to reach goals while staying focused, collaborating with others, making progress and persisting through challenges.
September’s Thrive Champions are:
Dominic Ontiveros, fifth grade, Highland Elementary School
Anali Meza, third grade, Monte Vista Elementary School
Cassandra Sinsay, 12th grade, Organ Mountain High School
Sebastian Flores, fifth grade, Sonoma Elementary School
Each student was nominated by educators at their school for demonstrating productivity in meaningful ways.
At Highland Elementary, Dominic was recognized for staying focused, participating actively in class, collaborating with teachers and peers, meeting deadlines and persisting when learning becomes challenging.
Monte Vista Elementary recognized Anali for consistently using her time and energy to work toward her goals.
At Organ Mountain High School, Cassandra has demonstrated productivity both inside and outside the classroom. A straight-A senior, she launched a new Environmental Club this year and helped lead efforts to plant trees on campus, including a student initiative to plant peach trees behind the school. She is also active in the Royal Knight Regiment band and theater.
Sonoma Elementary selected Sebastian for his responsibility, dedication and strong work ethic. Teachers noted his ability to remain focused, use his time wisely and persist through challenging assignments while also demonstrating kindness and respect. Sebastian also serves on Student Council.
The recognition was made even more meaningful through LCPS’s community partnership with New Mexico State University. NMSU representatives Dr. Tony Marin, Marissa Fowler, Danielle Staley, Amanda Adler, Rafael Delgado and Nathan Cheesman joined LCPS administrators in personally recognizing the students.
As part of the celebration, each Thrive Champion received an NMSU swag bag and a personal invitation to visit and tour the university — an opportunity designed to help students begin imagining what may come next after they graduate from LCPS.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between LCPS and NMSU to help students see the connection between the skills they develop today and the opportunities available to them in the future.
For elementary students, that can mean beginning to see themselves as future college students years before graduation. For high school students like Cassandra, the recognition provides another opportunity to explore higher education as they prepare for their next chapter.
Through Thrive Champions, LCPS will continue recognizing students throughout the district who demonstrate the competencies embedded in the Graduate Profile and connecting those accomplishments with community partners who can help students envision their future.
(photo, top: Dominic at Highland is recognized with Principal Esteban Alvarez, Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz, family members and representatives from NMSU.)
Above: Anali at Monte Vista Elementary is recognized with family members, Principal Angelica Castañeda, and LCPS Chief of Special Student Services and Community Relations Sherley O'Brien.
Above: Cassandra is celebrated at Organ Mountain High School with LCPS Board of Education Pamela Cort, Rafael Delgado (NMSU), Nathan Cheesman (NMSU), Danielle Staley (NMSU), Dr. Tony Marin (NMSU) and OMHS Principal Adrian Galaz.
Above: Sebastian is celebrated at Sonoma Elementary with Danielle Staley (NMSU), family members, Sonoma Principal Karin Hite and Dr. Tony Marin (NMSU)