Albuquerque Public Schools names 2024 Selfless Seniors

Since 2008, photographer Frank Frost has partnered with the APS Education Foundation to recognize seniors in high school who have selflessly given back to their communities, usually without recognition or praise. These young adults have already made a difference in their schools and neighborhoods, and they inspire their peers and all of us to do the same.

In its 16th year, Selfless Seniors aims to shine the spotlight on students who work behind the scenes to make our community a better place to live. Selfless Seniors are dedicated to helping others without expecting praise or recognition. One student from each APS comprehensive high school and one magnet school was chosen from nominations submitted by school staff, nonprofit organizations and the community.

Thanks to the generosity of photographer Frank Frost, each Selfless Senior receives a free senior portrait. Their portraits will be displayed on the APS website (aps.edu), electronic billboards and display boards in each APS high school, Albuquerque International Sunport and other local businesses.

Albuquerque High School, Sinahí Oaxaca - “My name is Sinahí Oaxaca, a Mexican-American young woman whose values and beliefs include giving back to my community. Having a growth mindset, not only for myself but for my community, is my priority, and I aspire to become someone people can count on. ‘Hay que ayudar a la gente, hay que ser siempre humildes,’ to help people out and to always be humble, are things my parents taught me. It is not about expecting anything in return; it is about extending a hand to someone in need. It is everyone’s first time living in this world; we need to take care of each other.”

Atrisco Heritage Academy High School, Angelina Olivas – “I am a person who believes that everyone should be given the opportunity to change the world and live out their dream. I also believe that it takes a lot of work to do that. My name is Angelina Olivas, Selfless Senior from Atrisco Heritage Academy High School. Being a daughter from first-generation immigrants teaches you that giving up is not an option. I have a chip on my shoulder. Giving back to the community is a great start to learn where someone comes from and a great way to impact yourself and your community. Kindness is key in my everyday life, whether I’m working with kids, the environment, or a theatrical show.”

Cibola High School, Annabella Beck - “Hello, my name is Annabella Beck and I am honored to have been chosen as the 2024 Selfless Senior for Cibola High School. Volunteering and helping others are my passions. Being active in Key Club and NHS through my school, and volunteering locally for government agencies and CARMA (Companion Animal Rescue & Medical Assistance) have given me the opportunity to give back to my community on many different levels. My family has always been involved in giving to help others in need. These experiences have been extremely rewarding in my life. They have taught me patience, compassion, reliability, kindness and honesty. I believe that volunteering strengthens communities and makes the world a better place to live.”

Del Norte High School, Josiah Herrera – “Hi, my name is Josiah Herrera, I am a student at Del Norte High School and my school’s Selfless Senior. Volunteering brings me hope, joy and the unforgettable feeling of compassion after giving to the community. It is not any more or less of a duty to give to the community, but is more of an honor. To me, giving back is similar to graduating, you learn with and from your community so you can give your knowledge in return. What the community has taught me is that no matter who you are, or where you come from, there is always a helping hand.”

Eldorado High School, Iris Eisenman – “My name is Iris Eisenman, and I'm proud to be the Selfless Senior of Eldorado High School. My community service journey over the past years has taught me not only the importance of giving back to my community, but how helping others is food for the soul. I want to spread that well-being across both those in need and those who can benefit from the fulfillment of helping others. Organizing ways to give back through Eldorado's Community Outreach Club has shown me how to 'be the change I want to see in the world.’ ”

Highland High School, Grysell Huizar - “Hi, my name is Grysell Huizar and I am the Selfless Senior representing Highland High School. I enjoy cooking, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Through helping out the community, I have had the opportunity to meet amazing mentors who have taught me life lessons that I will never forget. From a young age, I learned that giving back to the community is important because they are the ones who are there for you during your toughest times. After experiencing their kindness, it motivated me to give back to the community, whether it's volunteering at a food drive or donating blood. I also hope to inspire others in the same way others have for me.”

La Cueva High School, Kendall King - “Hello, my name is Kendall King and I am the Class of 2024 Selfless Senior for La Cueva High School. For as long as I can remember, I have tried to give back to the community that has given so much to me. When I was younger, I did so through working at food banks or donating my ‘lemonade stand’ money. As I got older, I started my own service projects, participated in club fundraisers, and volunteered in every way I could think of. My methods may have changed over the years, but my main goal stayed the same: to show everyone in my life kindness. Every action I took, big or small, was motivated by kindness, in hopes to make my own personal impact on the world.”

Manzano High School, Connor McCammon – “Hello, I am Connor McCammon, the Selfless Senior from Manzano High School. I feel like it's my duty to give back to the community because I do not know what others are going through, so I like to help them. It feels good to give back when I help people.”

Nex+Gen Academy High School, Laura Burianek - "My name is Laura Burianek, Selfless Senior and 2024 graduate of Nex+Gen Academy. Giving back to my community has been an important part of my life both in and outside of school because of the positive impact it makes. Leaving the world a better place through my actions is like planting a seed. A seed of hope, helpfulness, and a brighter future that I have the honor of watching grow into something bigger. Learning and growing with these seeds, and new ones soon to be planted, continues to be my greatest and most rewarding journey. I hope to inspire everyone to plant their very own garden of service."

Rio Grande High School, Miranda Castañeda – “My name is Miranda Castañeda, and it is a privilege to be this year's Selfless Senior for Rio Grande. It’s more than a duty to serve and give back to the community, it’s an honor to do so in any, and every, way. I strive to be a friend that any friend would like to have. I’ve forged strong and meaningful relationships and friendships with peers and coordinators. A smile goes a long way, and it’s always my goal and prize when I leave a place knowing someone smiled that day. Community is meant for us to build each other up, and there is no more worthy responsibility I would rather have.”

Sandia High School, Taylor Trussell – “Growing up, my parents always taught me and my brother the importance of giving back, whether it was helping to organize food drives, helping educate children on the importance of conservation, or working outdoors planting trees. I am Taylor Trussell, Selfless Senior from Sandia High School. At Sandia, I joined the National Honor Society and Student Senate. Both of these programs are volunteer oriented. From these programs, I have been able to lead and organize projects that have positive impacts on not only my school but my community. I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities that I have had and cannot wait to continue giving back. “

Valley High School, Brooklyn Upton - “My name is Brooklyn Upton and I am so honored to be the Selfless Senior from Valley High School for 2024! My mission is to inspire people to choose kindness every day. I think that with everything happening in the world, it’s easy to get lost in the bad; but there is so much good out there, and each one of us can make a difference! We can be a shoulder to cry on, help our elderly neighbor go to their appointments, or simply hold the door for a stranger. Each step, each conscious decision to choose kindness and selflessness, is what will make our world a better place for us all.”

Volcano Vista High School, Kalily Garcia – “I am Kalily Garcia, and I am honored to be Volcano Vista High School's 2024 Selfless Senior. My commitment to community contribution is reflected in my active engagement with various clubs and organizations, inside and out of school. I deeply believe in the profound impact of small actions and the collective potential we all contain. By actively participating, my goal is not only to make a positive difference but also to ignite inspiration in others, fostering a shared sense of unity and contributing to transformative change.”

West Mesa High School, Angel Perez - “My name is Angel Perez and I am honored to have been selected as Class of 2024 Selfless Senior for West Mesa High School. I believe that it is my duty to give back to the community. I see little ways to help people that may be struggling and inspire more people to volunteer and give back to our community."