For school food service workers, graduation means saying goodbye to familiar faces they have served for years. What better way to show their appreciation and pride than by serving a delicious breakfast? This is what the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) staff did before this spring’s graduation ceremonies.
FANS introduced a new tradition with the Class of 2026. They celebrated a total of 4,214 graduating students from 20 schools by treating them to special graduation breakfast celebrations.
The breakfasts brought students, classmates, and school staff together to celebrate their accomplishments before graduation, according to APS.
Participating schools included:
- Albuquerque High,
- Atrisco Heritage Academy,
- Cibola High,
- College and Career High,
- Del Norte High,
- Eldorado High,
- Freedom High,
- Highland High,
- La Cueva High,
- Manzano High,
- New Futures High,
- Nex+Gen Academy,
- Rio Grande High,
- Sandia High,
- School on Wheels,
- Stephen Moody Complex,
- Transition Services,
- Valley High,
- Volcano Vista High,
- and West Mesa High.
FANS staff went all out for the event. They decorated the cafeterias with balloons, streamers, signs, and a large variety of 2026 graduation decorations.
A Show of Love for Seniors
The FANS team viewed the events as especially meaningful.
“This final breakfast service gave my team one last opportunity to love on their babies and share how proud they are of this major achievement in their young lives,” FANS Executive Director Marie Johnson said.
Johnson said the celebrations reflected the relationships cafeteria teams build with students throughout their educational journey. Many graduates have come to know the staff who served them breakfast and lunch each day.
The graduation breakfasts recognized students’ hard work and perseverance. They also honored the community of educators, support staff, and families who helped them succeed.