A graduate of Highland High School has earned a $1,000 scholarship from the New Mexico School Boards Association in recognition of his academic achievement, leadership and service to the community.
Eighteen-year-old Emanuel Salazar received the award after the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education nominated him. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership and community involvement.
Salazar maintained a 3.2 GPA while completing five Advanced Placement courses at Highland High School. He also emerged as a student leader, serving as co-president of the school’s Peer Helpers Club and founding Highland’s chapter of the NM Dream Team.
In those roles, the 18-year-old graduate advocated for immigrant rights and organized student demonstrations. He also volunteered with MEChA and participated in local food distribution efforts.
Dedicated Student
His artistic work explores themes of identity and the immigrant experience. Local art galleries and district publications have featured Salazar’s pieces as he had collaborated with fellow students on murals at Highland High School.
Salazar plans to attend the University of New Mexico this fall. He intends to study education and eventually return to his community as an art teacher.
School officials cited Salazar for balancing rigorous academics with advocacy and community engagement, describing him as a dedicated student who is consistent in supporting others.
More Scholarship Opportunities
Meanwhile, six Albuquerque Public Schools students have received National Merit Scholarships sponsored by colleges and universities, according to APS.
More than 2,500 students nationwide received the awards, which offered between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at participating institutions.
The APS recipients are:
• Dylan James Dencklau, an Eldorado High School graduate, who received a National Merit University of New Mexico Scholarship and plans to study aerospace engineering.
• Ally M. Jones of La Cueva High School, who earned a National Merit University of Minnesota Scholarship and plans to study environmental science.
• Nathan T. Lupinetti of La Cueva High School, who received a National Merit University of Southern California Scholarship and plans to study music performance.
• Rubaina Reza of La Cueva High School earned a National Merit University of Texas at Dallas Scholarship. Reza plans to study international relations.
• Philip Satterthwait of Eldorado High School received a National Merit Texas A&M University Scholarship. He is considering pursuing mechanical engineering.
• Giles C. Yarrington of La Cueva High School, who earned a National Merit University of Central Florida Scholarship and plans to study computer engineering.
According to APS, 138 colleges and universities are sponsoring Merit Scholarship awards this year, including 69 public and 69 private institutions in 42 states and the District of Columbia. By the end of the 2026 competition, there will be about 6,700 students nationwide who are going to receive National Merit Scholarships worth about $24 million.