Congratulations to Aubrey Duncan, our CTE Student of the Week from Centennial High School!
Aubrey is a senior varsity softball player at CHS and has earned this recognition for her outstanding dedication, leadership, and academic excellence. She maintains a 3.68 GPA and is involved in the ACE Program and the National Honor Society.
Aubrey has interned at Memorial Medical Center and Three Crosses Regional Hospital and is continuing to gain experience this semester at MountainView Regional Medical Center.
Way to go, Aubrey!
Aubrey is a senior varsity softball player at CHS and has earned this recognition for her outstanding dedication, leadership, and academic excellence. She maintains a 3.68 GPA and is involved in the ACE Program and the National Honor Society.
Aubrey has interned at Memorial Medical Center and Three Crosses Regional Hospital and is continuing to gain experience this semester at MountainView Regional Medical Center.
Way to go, Aubrey!
**✨ Thrive Thursday Spotlight ✨
Celebrating Kristi Valdiviezo, Counselor at Alameda Elementary 💜**
This week, we’re shining a bright Thrive Thursday spotlight on Kristi Valdiviezo, who has dedicated 16 years to supporting students as the beloved school counselor at Alameda Elementary! 🌟
Kristi is known for the joy, kindness, and creativity she brings to her work. One of her favorite parts of being a counselor is watching students grow from shy kindergarteners to confident fifth graders — and then seeing them return years later for their senior walks. 🎓💛 Many still remember her unforgettable lessons, including Tattle Tongue and the famous fly swatter game! 🪰📚
Her days are filled with supporting students one-on-one, leading groups, teaching classes, and connecting families with community programs. Kristi proudly infuses her quirky, fun personality into everything she does — and it makes a lasting impact. 💡💬
She has also mentored several interns (including one who is now interviewing for a school counselor role!) and serves as a mentor for ACE students exploring school counseling. One of her former mentees is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. 💼🌱
For more than 11 years, Kristi has organized Alameda’s annual Career Day, bringing community members together to help students discover future possibilities. And this year, she launched a new PawTV segment: “Coping Skills from A to Z with Mrs. V.” 🎥🧠 The weekly Wednesday feature has quickly become a favorite for students and staff alike!
Kristi is originally from Wisconsin — Go Pack Go! 🧀💚 — and moved to New Mexico to attend New Mexico State University, strengthen her Spanish, and become a bilingual counselor serving even more students and families.
At home, Kristi has been married for 13 years and is the proud mom of three energetic boys who keep her busy with weekend basketball and soccer. 🏀⚽ She loves baking Christmas cookies and snuggling her boys whenever she can. 🍪❤️
Kristi, thank you for your heart, your creativity, and the joy you bring to Alameda Elementary. You help our students thrive — every single day. 🌈🙌
Celebrating Kristi Valdiviezo, Counselor at Alameda Elementary 💜**
This week, we’re shining a bright Thrive Thursday spotlight on Kristi Valdiviezo, who has dedicated 16 years to supporting students as the beloved school counselor at Alameda Elementary! 🌟
Kristi is known for the joy, kindness, and creativity she brings to her work. One of her favorite parts of being a counselor is watching students grow from shy kindergarteners to confident fifth graders — and then seeing them return years later for their senior walks. 🎓💛 Many still remember her unforgettable lessons, including Tattle Tongue and the famous fly swatter game! 🪰📚
Her days are filled with supporting students one-on-one, leading groups, teaching classes, and connecting families with community programs. Kristi proudly infuses her quirky, fun personality into everything she does — and it makes a lasting impact. 💡💬
She has also mentored several interns (including one who is now interviewing for a school counselor role!) and serves as a mentor for ACE students exploring school counseling. One of her former mentees is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. 💼🌱
For more than 11 years, Kristi has organized Alameda’s annual Career Day, bringing community members together to help students discover future possibilities. And this year, she launched a new PawTV segment: “Coping Skills from A to Z with Mrs. V.” 🎥🧠 The weekly Wednesday feature has quickly become a favorite for students and staff alike!
Kristi is originally from Wisconsin — Go Pack Go! 🧀💚 — and moved to New Mexico to attend New Mexico State University, strengthen her Spanish, and become a bilingual counselor serving even more students and families.
At home, Kristi has been married for 13 years and is the proud mom of three energetic boys who keep her busy with weekend basketball and soccer. 🏀⚽ She loves baking Christmas cookies and snuggling her boys whenever she can. 🍪❤️
Kristi, thank you for your heart, your creativity, and the joy you bring to Alameda Elementary. You help our students thrive — every single day. 🌈🙌
Tonight, the Lady Trojans tip off against the Lady Hawks at Mayfield High School’s George Maya Championship Court. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
Watch live exclusively on LCPS.TV: https://youtube.com/live/OwuTnXDO6u4?feature=share
Watch live exclusively on LCPS.TV: https://youtube.com/live/OwuTnXDO6u4?feature=share
Congratulations to Peyton Lackey, our LCPS Athlete of the Week from Organ Mountain High School! Peyton is known for her incredible work ethic. Coach Gormley calls her one of the hardest-working athletes he’s coached. She believes true potential is found by pushing past limits.
Congratulations to Joell Johnson, our LCPS Athlete of the Week from Organ Mountain! He believes swimming is just as much mental as it is physical and draws inspiration from his older sister. Coach Gormley says Joell has shown explosive growth with impressive dedication & mindset.
LCPS.TV is proud to present the 2026 Spring Sports Media Day!
Spring Sports Media Day is taking place this Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Field of Dreams Baseball Complex (2300 Tashiro Drive, south of the football field).
The LCPS Comms Team, alongside Athletics, Activities, and Fine Arts, will spotlight athletes and competitors just before their spring season kicks off!
Learn more: https://youtu.be/pmxAkmC2kqc
Spring Sports Media Day is taking place this Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Field of Dreams Baseball Complex (2300 Tashiro Drive, south of the football field).
The LCPS Comms Team, alongside Athletics, Activities, and Fine Arts, will spotlight athletes and competitors just before their spring season kicks off!
Learn more: https://youtu.be/pmxAkmC2kqc
It's not too late to register for the 2026 Cupid's Chase 5K walk/run race, happening on the Plaza in Old Mesilla on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. For more information or to sign up, visit cupidschase.org
Flashback Friday
This photograph from the 1941 Las Cruces Union High School Yearbook captures a generation of student-athletes who helped lay the foundation for school pride in the Mesilla Valley.
In 1941, C.S. Conlee served as the Las Cruces Superintendent of Schools, J.L. Gill was the Principal, and Mel Ritchey led the football team as head coach.
Among the players pictured is Rudy Camunez (#77), whose name now lives on through the LCPS Field of Dreams Walk of Fame - a reminder that the impact of our students lasts far beyond their school years.
These faces, uniforms, and moments tell a story bigger than a season. They remind us that LCPS has always been about more than classrooms. It’s been about belonging, perseverance, and generations connected by school spirit.
If this photo brings back a memory, or if you recognize a name, we invite you to share your story.
This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.
This photograph from the 1941 Las Cruces Union High School Yearbook captures a generation of student-athletes who helped lay the foundation for school pride in the Mesilla Valley.
In 1941, C.S. Conlee served as the Las Cruces Superintendent of Schools, J.L. Gill was the Principal, and Mel Ritchey led the football team as head coach.
Among the players pictured is Rudy Camunez (#77), whose name now lives on through the LCPS Field of Dreams Walk of Fame - a reminder that the impact of our students lasts far beyond their school years.
These faces, uniforms, and moments tell a story bigger than a season. They remind us that LCPS has always been about more than classrooms. It’s been about belonging, perseverance, and generations connected by school spirit.
If this photo brings back a memory, or if you recognize a name, we invite you to share your story.
This is Las Cruces Public Schools, then and now.
✨ Thrive Thursday: Celebrating Jennifer M. Holguin ✨
This Thrive Thursday, we are proud to spotlight Jennifer M. Holguin, a dedicated counselor and tremendous asset to Organ Mountain High School — and the perfect person to recognize during National School Counselors Week.
Jennifer serves on multiple campus committees, mentors colleagues, and manages a caseload of more than 500 students with remarkable professionalism and care. Even with the demands of her role, she is consistently willing to step in, support staff, and be a steady, trusted presence for students. Whether she is listening, guiding, or advocating, Jennifer ensures that every student feels valued and understood.
Her compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to student success shine through in everything she does. Jennifer builds strong, meaningful relationships with students and empowers them to navigate challenges with confidence. Her ability to balance high expectations with genuine empathy allows her to make a lasting impact on the lives of the students she serves.
Jennifer’s professionalism, collaborative spirit, and heart for students make her an invaluable member of the Organ Mountain community. We are grateful for her leadership — today and every day.
Thank you, Jennifer, for helping our Knights thrive. 💜⚔️
This Thrive Thursday, we are proud to spotlight Jennifer M. Holguin, a dedicated counselor and tremendous asset to Organ Mountain High School — and the perfect person to recognize during National School Counselors Week.
Jennifer serves on multiple campus committees, mentors colleagues, and manages a caseload of more than 500 students with remarkable professionalism and care. Even with the demands of her role, she is consistently willing to step in, support staff, and be a steady, trusted presence for students. Whether she is listening, guiding, or advocating, Jennifer ensures that every student feels valued and understood.
Her compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to student success shine through in everything she does. Jennifer builds strong, meaningful relationships with students and empowers them to navigate challenges with confidence. Her ability to balance high expectations with genuine empathy allows her to make a lasting impact on the lives of the students she serves.
Jennifer’s professionalism, collaborative spirit, and heart for students make her an invaluable member of the Organ Mountain community. We are grateful for her leadership — today and every day.
Thank you, Jennifer, for helping our Knights thrive. 💜⚔️
Nos complace compartir que la distribución mensual de alimentos de LCPS se llevará a cabo el jueves 5 de febrero a las 9:00 a.m., frente al Centro de Apoyo Familiar de LCPS, ubicado en 505 S. Main St., Suite 249.
Esta será una distribución tipo drive-thru, y los alimentos estarán disponibles por orden de llegada para las primeras 75 familias. Las familias suelen comenzar a formarse un par de horas antes de la hora programada, por lo que les recomendamos amablemente llegar antes de las 9:00 a.m.
Un agradecimiento especial a Roadrunner Food Bank y a todos nuestros increíbles voluntarios que hacen esto posible. ¡Esperamos poder servir a nuestra comunidad!
Esta será una distribución tipo drive-thru, y los alimentos estarán disponibles por orden de llegada para las primeras 75 familias. Las familias suelen comenzar a formarse un par de horas antes de la hora programada, por lo que les recomendamos amablemente llegar antes de las 9:00 a.m.
Un agradecimiento especial a Roadrunner Food Bank y a todos nuestros increíbles voluntarios que hacen esto posible. ¡Esperamos poder servir a nuestra comunidad!
We’re happy to share that the monthly LCPS food distribution will take place on Thursday, February 5, at 9:00 a.m. in front of the LCPS Family Support Center, located at 505 S. Main St., Suite 249.
This will be a drive-thru distribution and food will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 75 families.
Families often begin lining up a couple of hours before the scheduled start time, so we kindly encourage you to plan to arrive before 9:00 a.m.
Special thanks to Roadrunner Food Bank and all of our amazing volunteers who make it all possible. We look forward to serving our community!
This will be a drive-thru distribution and food will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 75 families.
Families often begin lining up a couple of hours before the scheduled start time, so we kindly encourage you to plan to arrive before 9:00 a.m.
Special thanks to Roadrunner Food Bank and all of our amazing volunteers who make it all possible. We look forward to serving our community!
Congratulations to the Poms Team from Las Cruces High School!
During this weekend’s NMSU Spirit Championship, these athletes showed up and showed OUT!
Innovative Choreography
3rd Place – 4A-5A Varsity Pom
3rd Place – 4A-5A Varsity Specialty
So proud of your hard work, creativity, and dedication. Way to represent, ladies!
During this weekend’s NMSU Spirit Championship, these athletes showed up and showed OUT!
Innovative Choreography
3rd Place – 4A-5A Varsity Pom
3rd Place – 4A-5A Varsity Specialty
So proud of your hard work, creativity, and dedication. Way to represent, ladies!
Get ready for tip-off as the Organ Mountain Knights take on the Mayfield Trojans tomorrow night at 7pm at the castle. Who will claim victory? Get your tickets early & come support your team!
Livestreamed exclusively on LCPS.TV: https://youtube.com/live/Ngl_SyNP6gM?feature=share
Livestreamed exclusively on LCPS.TV: https://youtube.com/live/Ngl_SyNP6gM?feature=share
February kicks off championship season for our LCPS Activities teams! Wishing every student the best of luck as they represent their schools with pride.
Congratulations to Fernando Corona, our LCPS Athlete of the Week from Mayfield HS!
A shooting guard and team captain, he averages 15 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, and has a 50.8 percent effective field goal percentage.
Coach Trujillo says Fernando is a hardworking and committed leader who consistently puts in extra effort to improve his game and shows a genuine love for basketball.
Congrats to Ceanna McKines, our LCPS Athlete of the Week from Mayfield HS!
Ceanna is a strong, standout All-Star for the Trojans, averaging 24.4 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.4 steals, while shooting 45 percent from the field and making 73 percent of her free throws.
Coach Maya says Ceanna is not only an outstanding athlete, but also a respectful leader with a great attitude and a proud member of the National Honor Society.
Congratulations to Las Cruces Public Schools OMHS Theatre students who shined at the recent NMAA One-Act Production Competition and Thespys Festival, earning recognition across multiple categories:
Distinguished Senior Scholarship & National Qualifier: Mia Berkson
1st Place – Lights & Sound: Mina Duran, Reylene Lucero
1st Place – Hair, Makeup & Costumes: Isabella Gonzalez, Marc Elfein, Isabella Rebalo, Peyton Eishelman
1st Place – Backstage Crew: Hailey Martin, Ariana
2nd Place – Stage Management: Alize Torres
Spirit Award: OMHS Theatre
Distinguished Senior Scholarship & National Qualifier: Mia Berkson
1st Place – Lights & Sound: Mina Duran, Reylene Lucero
1st Place – Hair, Makeup & Costumes: Isabella Gonzalez, Marc Elfein, Isabella Rebalo, Peyton Eishelman
1st Place – Backstage Crew: Hailey Martin, Ariana
2nd Place – Stage Management: Alize Torres
Spirit Award: OMHS Theatre
✨ School Board Appreciation Month Spotlight: Patrick Nolan, District 1 ✨
Patrick Nolan brings a lifelong commitment to public education and community service to his role on the Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Patrick grew up surrounded by the values of hard work and public service—his mother was a high school teacher in Detroit Public Schools, and his father worked in the auto industry. He later earned a degree in History from the University of Detroit Mercy.
As the proud parent of an LCPS senior, Mr. Nolan understands firsthand the impact schools have on students and families. “The impact our schools have both on students and families is an important one,” he writes. “It’s where we build the critical building blocks that will help us lead a fulfilling life. I want to be able to support these institutions any way I can, and serving as a school board member is certainly one way I can support our public schools.”
Mr. Nolan has a long history of advocacy and public engagement. Since 2018, he has been involved with the Green Chamber through his role as Executive Director of the Friends of Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting public lands and fostering youth connections to the outdoors through its Moving Montañas initiative. Prior to that, he served as a union representative with the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico, where his work frequently brought him into LCPS classrooms and conversations around funding, policy, and student success.
💬 In His Own Words
Proudest LCPS Board Moment:
“Seeing recent increases in reading scores certainly stands out. It was a real testament to the hard work being done every day in our schools.”
Why He Serves:
“I believe that one of our most critical missions as a community is how we prepare our young people to be future leaders. Serving as a school board member is a unique opportunity to advocate for public schools.”
Outside the Boardroom:
When he’s not attending meetings or school events, Mr. Nolan enjoys getting outdoors—especially running along the river with his dog, Lola. He’s an avid movie enthusiast, a vinyl collector, a loyal Detroit sports fan, and a dedicated reader of history and political books.
LCPS is grateful for Patrick Nolan’s thoughtful leadership, advocacy, and commitment to the students and families of the LCPS community. Thank you, Mr. Nolan, for all you do to help our learners thrive!
Patrick Nolan brings a lifelong commitment to public education and community service to his role on the Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Patrick grew up surrounded by the values of hard work and public service—his mother was a high school teacher in Detroit Public Schools, and his father worked in the auto industry. He later earned a degree in History from the University of Detroit Mercy.
As the proud parent of an LCPS senior, Mr. Nolan understands firsthand the impact schools have on students and families. “The impact our schools have both on students and families is an important one,” he writes. “It’s where we build the critical building blocks that will help us lead a fulfilling life. I want to be able to support these institutions any way I can, and serving as a school board member is certainly one way I can support our public schools.”
Mr. Nolan has a long history of advocacy and public engagement. Since 2018, he has been involved with the Green Chamber through his role as Executive Director of the Friends of Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting public lands and fostering youth connections to the outdoors through its Moving Montañas initiative. Prior to that, he served as a union representative with the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico, where his work frequently brought him into LCPS classrooms and conversations around funding, policy, and student success.
💬 In His Own Words
Proudest LCPS Board Moment:
“Seeing recent increases in reading scores certainly stands out. It was a real testament to the hard work being done every day in our schools.”
Why He Serves:
“I believe that one of our most critical missions as a community is how we prepare our young people to be future leaders. Serving as a school board member is a unique opportunity to advocate for public schools.”
Outside the Boardroom:
When he’s not attending meetings or school events, Mr. Nolan enjoys getting outdoors—especially running along the river with his dog, Lola. He’s an avid movie enthusiast, a vinyl collector, a loyal Detroit sports fan, and a dedicated reader of history and political books.
LCPS is grateful for Patrick Nolan’s thoughtful leadership, advocacy, and commitment to the students and families of the LCPS community. Thank you, Mr. Nolan, for all you do to help our learners thrive!
We have one more Game of the Week matchup! Join us Friday, Jan. 30 as Organ Mountain girls basketball takes on the Centennial Hawks. LCPS.TV has all the livestream action, starting at 7 p.m.
Watch it exclusively on our LCPS.TV YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/TrN6w9DZIhw?si=pfTP_h78_lhZH_I4
Watch it exclusively on our LCPS.TV YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/TrN6w9DZIhw?si=pfTP_h78_lhZH_I4
✨ Thrive Thursday Spotlight ✨
Some teachers make an impact the moment you walk through the door. At Picacho Middle School, that teacher is Alleyene “Bunny” Medina.
As a child, Bunny often “played school,” already knowing that one day she wanted to be a teacher. That childhood dream grew into a 26-year career dedicated to helping students learn, grow, and feel supported. After teaching multiple subjects throughout her career, she has spent the last 16 years bringing U.S. History to life for generations of Picacho students.
Building relationships is at the heart of Bunny’s classroom. She takes time to get to know her students, listens to them, and makes sure they feel seen and valued. What she loves most about teaching is the students themselves. She values their authenticity and appreciates that they are grounded and kind. Beyond the classroom, Bunny is also well known for running Picacho’s concession stand, where her popcorn has achieved legendary status, and many would say it’s worth stopping by just for that alone.
From lessons on the past to moments that students will always remember, Bunny Medina is helping create the best kind of history at Picacho. Thank you, Bunny, for making Picacho a poppin’ place where students truly Thrive. 💛
Some teachers make an impact the moment you walk through the door. At Picacho Middle School, that teacher is Alleyene “Bunny” Medina.
As a child, Bunny often “played school,” already knowing that one day she wanted to be a teacher. That childhood dream grew into a 26-year career dedicated to helping students learn, grow, and feel supported. After teaching multiple subjects throughout her career, she has spent the last 16 years bringing U.S. History to life for generations of Picacho students.
Building relationships is at the heart of Bunny’s classroom. She takes time to get to know her students, listens to them, and makes sure they feel seen and valued. What she loves most about teaching is the students themselves. She values their authenticity and appreciates that they are grounded and kind. Beyond the classroom, Bunny is also well known for running Picacho’s concession stand, where her popcorn has achieved legendary status, and many would say it’s worth stopping by just for that alone.
From lessons on the past to moments that students will always remember, Bunny Medina is helping create the best kind of history at Picacho. Thank you, Bunny, for making Picacho a poppin’ place where students truly Thrive. 💛
