MAY 11, 2011

Seniors
2011
u n a s
Lo sL c h o o l
Hi gh S

VALENCIA
COUNTY
News-Bulletin
2 • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • Valencia County News-Bulletin • May 11, 2011

Deborah Fox-News-Bulletin photo

The top 22 Los Lunas High School students will begin their college classes in the fall as far away as Utah and as close as UNM-VC.

Top LLHS students feel sense of accomplishment

By Deborah Fox
News-Bulletin Staff Writer
dfox@news-bulletin.com
Los Lunas
Los Lunas High School seniors are looking forward
to sleeping in and having fun after a year in high gear
preparing for graduation.
The top 22 seniors at Los Lunas High School are
excited to travel this summer, and then embark on their
college careers in the fall.
“When I think about graduation, I feel bittersweet,”
said Nichole Gurule. “It’s something that I’ve worked
toward for so long, but at the same time it’s kind of
sad, but I’m excited to attend UNM and begin the next
chapter in my life.”
Gurule will travel to New York with her mother and
sister to visit art galleries in Tribeca.
“I love big cities. This is my second time,” Gurule
said. “Last time we did a bunch of touristy things like
visit the Statue of Liberty. This time we’re going to
take in more of the local flavor and art scene.”
Several students in the Math League, a high school
math club, will make a trip to Las Vegas, Nev., for a
national competition in early June.
Trout fishing around Taos is something Zach Romero
is anticipating.
Atisha Morrison will be traveling to North Carolina
and representing New Mexico at the YMCA Youth
Conference on National Affairs in July. This will be her
third year attending the conference.
“I’ve done youth and government all four years, and
you have to be nominated to go,” she said. “This is my
third year going, and I feel that I can contribute a lot to
problem solving.”
These students have been involved in student govern-
ment, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, concert
band, athletic teams, drama club and other student clubs
among many academic activities.
n See Seniors, Page 16
 May 11, 2011 • Valencia County News-Bulletin • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • 3

C L A S S O F 2 0 1 1

Timothy Abeita Ricardo Abeyta Aderete Inez Levi Allen Augustine Almanzar Adriella Alavarado Dante Amaro Eric Aragon

Mariah Aragon Samantha Arago Vistoria Aragon Dominique Archuleta Joey Armijo David Avalos Linda Avery Alicia Baker

Susannah Balding Josette Baros Alyssa Barreda Jasmyn Barros Rocci Benavidez Jaqueline Bencomo Casondra Bernal Allison Bock

Jeffrey Bryant Alain Bustillos Vargas Adolfo Bustillos Mariana Bustillos Bryandra Campbell Angelica Candelaria Jacqueline Candelaria Israel Cannon
4 • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • Valencia County News-Bulletin • May 11, 2011

Carolina Carbajal Ricardo Carbajal Allison Casias Araceli Castillo

Pena

Bryan R. Olguin
Mayor
Congratulations!
Nayeli Castro Adam Chavez Jordan Chavez Robert Chavez
To ALL Los Lunas Grads.
“Good Luck and God Bless”

Councilors
Pug Burge
Joseph Romero
Samuel Cherino Ashley Clayton Christopher Contreras Dominic Contreras
Leon Otero
Christian Garcia

Judge
David Young

Laura Cox Onawa Cresap Jordan Crespin Kristin Cruz Vigil

Fire Chief Clerk
John Dear Ginger Shoemaker

Jeanette Davila Danna Dominguez Nathan Donche Amberlynn Duran

Bienvenidos
a la Plaza de Peralta
Ricardo Egan Kyle Eldodt Victoria Espinoza Jose Estrada Vasquez 90-A Molina Rd • Peralta • 869-2050
 May 11, 2011 • Valencia County News-Bulletin • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • 5

Isaac Eylicio Jacob Fender Matthew Fleischer Angelica Flores Annissa Flores Juanita Franco Luis Franco Payton Franco

Adriana Gabaldon Erica Gabaldon Stephanie Galindo Richard Gallegos Christopher Gamez Adalecia Garcia Christina Garcia Nicole Garcia

There is ALWAYS a Second Chance….

Shanice Garcia Samantha Garnand Brianca Gomez Selenne Gomez Gino Gonzales Jared Gonzalez Daniel Greenwood Charlie Griego
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6 • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • Valencia County News-Bulletin • May 11, 2011

Kirsten Griffith Kaitlyn Gross Cassandra Guerra Yaridza Guillermo Nichole Gurule Adam Gutierrez Brandon Gutierrez Gavin Gutierrez

Israel gutierrez Jennifer Gutierrez Taylor Gutierrez Shanna Hargrove Misty Harrison Casey Hendrix Reyna Hernandez Yesenia Hernandez

Brandon Hicks Carlos Hinojos Julia Hofheinz Gregory Holmes Chelsea Homan Mariah Hubbard Brian Jaime Chad Jaramillo

Your graduation is a
door opening, not closing congratulations
You did it! to all valencia
But you’re just county graduates
getting started!
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Hours of Operation:
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Student Services Enrollment Hotline: 925-8560
 May 11, 2011 • Valencia County News-Bulletin • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • 7

Dustin Jaramillo Thomas Jaramillo Rebecca Jiron Aimee Jojola Thania Jojola Katherine Kessler Chelsea Lachioma Richard Lakey

Anna Lana Broc Larsen Justine Lente Austin Leydecker Jordan Linton Elijah Logan Diana Lopez Kelly Lopez

Lorenzo Lopez Destiny Lovato Meagan Lucero Angelo Luna Christian Maes Lauren Maestas Mariha Maez Stephanie Maldonado

Congratulations Class of 2011

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8 • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • Valencia County News-Bulletin • May 11, 2011

Adrianna Mansanares Francisco Martinez Joseph Martinez Patrick Martinez Shannon Martinez Julio Martinez-Saenz Erick Medina Brian Medley

Dominic Mendoza Adrian Mondragon Estevan Mondragon Dagoberto Monge Alexander Montano Brittany Montano Angelica Montez Antoinette Montoya
Quezada

Brandi Montoya Kelsy Montoya Loddy Montoya Troy Montoya Catalina Rose Mora Tanisha Mora Lilia Morales Alyson Morino
 May 11, 2011 • Valencia County News-Bulletin • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • 9

Congratulations
Ashley!
We are very proud of you and all
your accomplishments. You have
grown into a successful, wonderful,
caring, and beautiful young woman.
Atisha Morrison Krystal Moulder Paula Munoz Dakota Namoki Keep reaching for the stars. Always
be proud of who you are and
remember we love you very much!!
Love Always,
Mom, dad, Aalijah, Nani
and Grandpa Gene

Congratulations Zach!
You have so much
Matthew Nguyen Kenia Ochoa Divana Olivas Yvette Olmstead
Gonzales to be proud of and you
have such a bright future
ahead of you! Thank You
for being such a joy in our
life - continue to work hard,
keep God by your side, and
do the things that make you Happy!
We are all so VERY proud of you!
Phillip Ortega Marc Otero Isaac Padilla Vezweena Paquet
Love - Mom, Dad, & Alex

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10 • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • Valencia County News-Bulletin • May 11, 2011

Paloma Quiroz Ayala Ryan Rael Adam Rivera Elianet Rivera Jose Rivera Reyes Enrique Rodriguez Robert Rodriguez Vistoria Romero
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Zachary Romero Estrella Ruiz Lorenzo Ruiz Richard Ruiz Samantha Ruiz Bailey Ryan Randi Ryan Mateja Rye

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The future Is Yours Yvette Olmstead

Tigers!
Congratulations
(LuLu, Tiffers, Bette)
We are all so proud of you!
No matter where you are in life
or what path you decide to take,
“I’ll Stand By You.” Dream big and Believe
Los Lunas Class in who you are. “To accomplish great things,
we must not only act, but also dream; not only
of 2011 plan, but also Believe.” (Antatole France).
From the Council
We love you Bunches!
And Staff Of the

Village of
Remember You’ll Be in My Heart!

Love,
Dad, Mom, Stephie, Boo,

Los Lunas
Justin, Bapo, Grandma, Eric
Nino and our very own special
angel from above Barbs
XOXO
Robert Vialpando Mayor
Councilors
Cecilia CC Castillo Charles Griego
Richard Lovato Gerard Saiz
Village Administrator Municipal Judge Chief of Police
Peter Fernandez Jeff Aragon Roy E. Melnick
Fire Chief Atiliano “Lito” Chavez
Always Shop in Valencia County!
 May 11, 2011 • Valencia County News-Bulletin • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • 11

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Congratulations to
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12 • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • Valencia County News-Bulletin • May 11, 2011

Congratulations Christyne!
We are so proud of you!
You are an amazing young
lady. Good luck in everything
you do. We love you and
Samantha Whitt Rachel Wojtacki Elisea Wolfe Felicia Wortman God bless you.
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Mom and Dad,
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DUSTIN JAMES JARAMILLO,

A Man of Your Own
As your parents, we want what’s best for you
And want to see good in all that you do
We would like you to take this advice and understand
That even though you are now a man
In life you have to make a plan
We would like for you to sit and decide
Who you really are inside
We want you to ask yourself – “where do I plan to be a few years from now?”
And then make that plan to do it somehow
For you to feel the answer you want to find

Much This answer should come from your heart

Family and friends should take no part

Happiness Always remember that life is what “you” make it

So please do not forsake it
We will stand by your side
& Success On whatever you decide
All this is important for you to understand
in Your As your life has just began
And if you never take our advice again

Future! Let it be known……..

“Life can never go wrong…….when you are a MAN OF YOUR OWN”

Congratulations!!
This is to show how much we love you and are so very proud of you!!!
Love, Mom & Dad, Brandon & Austin
 May 11, 2011 • Valencia County News-Bulletin • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • 13

Congratulations Rocci!
We are so proud of you.
Rocci, you are a beautiful young
lady with so much to offer
this world. The sky is the limit!
Love you forever,
Mom, Grandma,
Aunt Deb,
Aunt Diana

Tish, you are an amazing person!

We are so proud of your strength,
pose and perseverance. You
have accomplished so much
during your school years.
You will do great
things in your life.
We love you!
Love, Nan, Mom
and Aidan

Congratulations
to ALL
Los Lunas High School
C L A S S O F 2 0 1 1
Not pictured
GRADS!
Family
Owned S

RANCHERO
Melissa Avitia Sarah Jackson Taylor Poulson ince 196
Zachary Baca Darnay Johnson Ismael Quinones 3
Irvin Baray Flores Shana Keegan Alejondro Rascon
Kelsi Brown
Corey Burgess
Justice Bush
William Knowlton
Jimmy LaJeunesse
Richard Lakey
Tayshia Rasp
Juan Razo Macias
David Romero
BURGER
Jesus Castillo Jesus Lares Eric Romero
Adan Castillo Galaviz
Tyler Chapman
Melina Lobato Ana Saldana
Savannah Sanchez
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Elizabeth Lopez
Dominick Chory Jasmine Lujan Adam Schrupp
Skylar Clevelle Kyle Lujan Johanis Sepulveda
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Emilie Deans Erin Malcom Alexandra Soler Location Only!
Dominic DeHerrera Garrett Montoya Noel Sotelo
Kyle DeLara Michael Morales Valerio Kristopher Tanner
Renee Franco
Juan Garcia Olea
Nicole Morgan Leonel Torres Call In Orders Welcome
New Los Lunas Location!
Luis Munetones Rafael Trujillo
Martin Gomez Carol Muskett Daniel Valdez
Ever Gonzalez Jose Navarro Marrufo Cesar Valles
Jason Gonzales
Jonathan Gonzalez
Miguel Ocho Hernandez Nicholas Vigil Drive Thru Service
Hillary Padilla William Walker
Anthony Holmes Alexis Pirkey Selene Zuni 2520 Main St. • Los Lunas • 866-0111
14 • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • Valencia County News-Bulletin • May 11, 2011

LOS LUNAS HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATION:
9 a.m., Saturday, May 14,
at the Willie Chavez Football Field
Parking:
All graduating seniors will report to the gym by 7:45 a.m.
on Saturday, May 14. Procession to the field is scheduled at
8:45 a.m. and the ceremony to begin at 9 a.m.
Parking accommodations for the ceremony for graduates
will be in the upper parking lot at the school. All other guests
will park in designated parking areas. Handicap parking and
VIP parking will be available at the swimming pool.

Graduation is a free event open to the public. Each gradu-

ate will be issued five tickets for their guests to sit on the
football field with the graduates. Additional guests are asked
to sit in the bleacher area. Bleachers are available on a first-
come, first-served basis. In addition, each graduate is issued
four inclement weather tickets. In the event of bad weather,
inclement tickets will be used for admission into the gym-
nasium.

Class song:
“Forever Young,”
by Rod Stewart and Jay-Z
Class flower:
Tiger Lily
Class motto:
“Our lives are before us,
our pasts are behind us,
and our memories are
within us forever.”
May 11, 2011 • Valencia County News-Bulletin • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • 15
16 • Seniors 2011: Los Lunas High School • Valencia County News-Bulletin • May 11, 2011

Seniors: Students to continue education at various universities

from PAGE 14
The fields of academic pursuit are as varied as the
student’s interests and include environmental sciences,
electrical engineering, computer science, teaching, bio-
medical engineering, aerospace engineering, medical
sciences, graphic arts, advertising, law, physical therapy,
nursing, mechanical engineering, physics, journalism,
sign language education, criminology, biology, veteri-
nary medicine, and aeronautical science to name a few.
They are interested in a variety of careers including
airplane pilot, sign language translator, teacher, nurse,
veterinarian, biologist, entertainment industry electrical
engineer, digital artist, athletic trainer, doctor, lawyer
and others.
In the fall, students will head to classes at the
University of New Mexico, New Mexico Institute of
Mining and Technology, Colorado State University,
Brigham Young University and the New Mexico Military
Institute.
“It feels spectacular to reach this benchmark,” said
Divana Olivas. “It’s important to receive a diploma
because it serves as a catapult to bigger and better things.”
Olivas plans to major in secondary education, with a
minor in Spanish.
“I don’t know exactly what I want to pursue in college,
but I know I want to make a difference in the world,” said
Mateja Prye.
“Never give up your dreams,” Laura Cox advises
younger students. “Continue working hard at everything
you do. Although it may be hard at times, it’s worth it in
the end.”
Concert musician Catalina Rose Mora can’t wait to
graduate, she says.
“I have to say the most exciting part for me will be
walking past the poor, sad little band full of underclass-
men who will repeatedly play ‘Pomp and Circumstance’
which I’ve done the past three years — and I won’t have
to play it!”
After high school, Matthew Nguyen plans to enlist in
the National Guard. After completing basic training, he’ll
enroll in the New Mexico Military Institute, he said.
“After 18 months I’ll graduate from there, and transfer
to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott,
Ariz., for four years.”
Nguyen wants to be a pilot.
“I feel excited and accomplished in reaching high
school graduation,” he said. “I’ve worked hard to keep up
my grades. I really want to do well in college.”
His favorite teacher is Maj. Michael Lloyd.
“He has supported me in all my endeavors, and also
taught me how to be a good leader,” Nguyen said.
Rafael Trujillo has been involved in JROTC too, since
he was a freshman, and his favorite teacher is also Maj.
Lloyd.
“I’ve been his student for four years,” Trujillo said.
“He has always been there whenever I needed help with
something.”
“The greatest teachers in my life have been my par-
ents, Tony and Louella Gurule,” said Gurule. “I credit
them for getting me to where I am today. My parents
were the ones who believed in me when I didn’t. They
pushed me to reach my goals and taught me to never give
up when things get tough.”
“My favorite teacher is Mr. (Rick) Cole because he’s
so passionate about everything he does,” said Atisha
Morrison.
Other favorite teachers include math teacher Steve
Hollingsworth.
“He was an awesome teacher,” said Gregory Holmes.
“I learned more in his class than any other math class.”
Another favorite math teacher is John Gabaldon.
“He has pushed me the hardest,” said Lorenzo Brandon
Lopez. “And he has shown me the great potential I have.”
“I really enjoy his engineering class,” Laura Cox said
of Gabaldon. “He really shows excitement and passion
when he teaches.”
Shane Bell, a math teacher was not only Allison
Casias’ favorite teacher, but a coach and mentor as well,
she said.
“My favorite teacher was Dr. Carey,” said Lynda
Avery. “He gave me my first B in high school chemistry.
He always pushed me to my limits to help me learn.”
Other favorites include Gail Ranshaw, Daniel
Mathews, Spencer Allen, Gino Santistevan, Henry
Estrada, Lynn Taylor, and Valerie Mayse.
When asked how education could be made more
interesting for students, many replied by having more
hands-on projects that demonstrate real life applications
for what they are learning, and support and encourage-
ment from parents and teachers.

Los Lunas Schools are committed to

providing a quality education!
Los Lunas Schools Board of Education
Congratulates All of Our 2010-2011 Graduates
Great job... Los Lunas High School,
Valencia High School, Century High School
We have helped lay your academic foundation and know that you will join our future
alumni ranks of Physicians, Attorneys, Educators, Scientists, Government Officials, Large
and Small Business Owners and many more contributing members to our community.
www.llschools.net