Del Norte High School Alumni, Students, Faculty and Staff Who Have Made Knights in the News
Del Norte Alumni and Coach Fred Polich Featured in APS News
(November 20, 2024) Del Norte’s Boys Track & Cross Country Coach Fred Polich has been featured in APS News for helping to create students who understand determination and perseverance. A longtime coach at Del Norte High School in Albuquerque, Fred has spent nearly 35 years teaching students lessons in perseverance, determination, andRead More
DNHS Graduate Samantha (Lopez) Veretto Named Mrs. New Mexico 2024
(October 7, 2024) Samantha (Lopez) Veretto, a 2007 graduate of Del Norte High School in Albuquerque, has been named Mrs. New Mexico 2024. The Mrs. America Pageant is the longest standing beauty pageant for married women. Originally established in 1938 as the “Mrs. American Pageant”, Mrs. America was created to honor married womenRead More
DNHS Choral Director Camille Kelly Named Finalist in 2024 Golden Apple Awards
(October 4, 2024) Camille Kelly, Director of Choral and Piano Activities at Del Norte High School in Albuquerque, has been named as a 2024 Golden Apple Finalist. The Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico identifies, recognizes, and rewards exceptional teachers in New Mexico with prestigious Golden Apple awards. She was recognized at theRead More
DNHS Graduate and Amputee-Athlete Kyle Stepp Helping Others With Diabilities
(September 30, 2024) When Kyle Stepp was a freshman at Del Norte High School, he was diagnosed with stage four osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. For the next three years, he endured chemotherapy, surgeries and hospital stays. He found the strength to keep fighting through the nine other kids whoRead More
DNHS Teacher Josh Garcia Promotes Unique Skateboarding Class
(August 7, 2024) Del Norte High School Fine Arts teacher Paul “Josh” Garcia turned his vision of the future into a skateboarding class at Del Norte. According to Josh, the unique class provides all sorts of opportunities: “You can go in those different avenues, whether it’s being a graphic artist, going into videographyRead More
DNHS Student Aubrey Vanderlip Art Featured on “I voted” Stickers
(June 25, 2024) Del Norte High School junior Aubrey Vanderlip was honored by Bernalillo County Clerk Linda Stover for her design of a “I Voted” sticker. One of 12 APS finalists selected to have a sticker handed out during the election, Aubrey’s design featured the phrase, “I Voted” with the Zia symbol takingRead More
Josiah Herrera, 2024 Del Norte High School Selfless Senior
(April 8, 2024) Del Norte High School Senior Josiah Herrera has been honored as a 2024 Selfless Senior by the Albuquerque Public Schools Education Foundation. The foundation’s Selfless Seniors program shines a spotlight on students who have worked to make the community a better place. “Hi, my name is Josiah Herrera, I amRead More
DNHS Alumni Angelo Gonzales, Executive Director of SWIFT Community Schools
(March 19, 2024) Del Norte High School alumni Angelo Gonzales, Executive Director of SWIFT Community Schools, plays a crucial role in providing leadership development and technical assistance to community school practitioners across New Mexico. A community school is a model aimed at transforming public education by involving the entire school community, including students,Read More
DNHS Alumni Dallas Petersen is New Del Norte Football Coach
(February 7, 2024) DNHS alumni Dallas Petersen has been named as the new Del Norte Knights football coach, replacing Bruce Langston. A 2014 Del Norte graduate, Dallas began his coaching career at Del Norte with former coach Bruce Binkley followed by a stint as defensive coordinator at St. Pius. He was Del Norte’sRead More
DNHS Teacher Helen Anderson Celebrates 100th Birthday
(December 11, 2023) Retired Del Norte High School Math Teacher Helen Anderson celebrated her 100th Birthday on December 5, 2023. Helen was born in northern Missouri. She graduated from high school in 1941 and attended Missouri Valley College, becoming a teacher. Anderson and her husband moved to North Dakota, the home of herRead More
DNHS Graduate Adrian Chavez Named CNM 2023 Distinguished Alumni
(December 5, 2023) Del Norte High School Class of ’92 graduate Adrian Chavez has been named the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Recipient by the CNM Foundation. After graduating from Del Norte, Adrian enrolled at CNM to start a Business degree. At the same time he started driving a delivery truck for Pepsi. The companyRead More
DNHS Alumni Leba Freed Named a “True Hero” by NM Magazine
(November 30, 2023) Leba Freed, Del Norte High School Class of ’67, was named one of the “True Heroes 2023” by New Mexico Magazine. Leba founded Albuquerque’s Wheels Museum. She has also worked diligently over two decades to preserve Albuquerque’s historic rail yards. Leba has been recognized by the Albuquerque Historical Society withRead More
DNHS 2023 Graduate Calvin Waquie’s Cross Country Team Wins Conference Title
(November 6, 2023) Del Norte High School 2023 graduate Calvin “Badger” Waquie’s Cross Country team won the 2023 Continental Athletic Conference championship on Friday, November 3, 2023. Calvin runs on the Haskell Indian Nations University Men’s Cross Country team who took the conference championship with five of the top eight finishers on itsRead More
DNHS Student Avanni McKaney Selected for the Youth Treble All-State Choir
(November 2, 2023) Del Norte High School student Avanni McKaney has been selected for the 2024 NMACDA Youth Treble All-State Choir. The competition was fierce this year and three other DNHS freshmen also auditioned. This year’s Youth Treble Choir will be directed by Paul Hallsted, a highly acclaimed music educator who currently teachesRead More
DNHS Teacher Nikki Turman named New Mexico Art Educator of the Year
(October 26, 2023) The New Mexico Art Education Association has selected Del Norte High School Visual Art Teacher Nikki Turman as its New Mexico Art Educator of the Year for her outstanding work as art educator. It’s the top state award, encompassing all divisions and all grade levels. The individual who nominated TurmanRead More
DNHS Alumni Alyssa Otero Named Teacher of the Month
(September 22, 2023) Del Norte graduate Alyssa Otero has been named the APS Education Foundation Teacher of the Month for September, 2023. Alyssa is a 2005 graduate of Del Norte and has been an AlumKnights volunteer for several years. She is currently a Special Education Classroom Teacher at West Mesa High School inRead More
Del Norte’s Scott Bamforth Scores Game High in Scrimmage for the 2023 TBT
(July 18, 2023) Del Norte High School alumni Scott Bamforth recently scored a a game-high 24 points with six 3-pointers along with 7 assists, 6 rebounds in a fund-raising scrimmage for the 2023 TBT (The Basketball Tournament) game at Albuquerque’s Bosque School. The TBT is a $1 million winner-take-all basketball tournament that runsRead More
DNHS Basketball Player Shane Douma-Sanchez Joins the Lobos
(June 8, 2023) UNM has announced that Del Norte’s Shane Douma-Sanchez will be joining the Lobos as an incoming freshman. He is a 6’1 guard who earned three first-team 4A All-State honors. He led the state with 32.5 points per game. Shane set the record for most points in a game by anRead More
Del Norte Teacher Luis Sanchez-Martinez on National Taskforce for SHAPE America
(May 23, 2023) Del Norte High School P.E. Teacher and Boy’s Soccer Coach Luis Sanchez-Martinez has been working with a task force through the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America. Their goal was to create content with the focus of recruitment and retaining teachers, and how stakeholders in the community canRead More
Del Norte 2023 Seniors Persevere
(May 15, 2023) Del Norte High School Class of 2023 is filled with stories of students who, when faced with adversity, refused to give up. APS District News recently profiled three DNHS seniors who understood that succeeding means taking all that life throws at you and persevering. Deion Jim suffered a devastatingRead More
Ezekiel Romero, 2023 Del Norte Selfless Senior
(February 2, 2023) Del Norte High School Senior Ezekiel Romero has been honored as a 2023 Selfless Senior by the Albuquerque Public Schools Foundation. The foundation’s Selfless Seniors program shines a spotlight on students who have worked to make the community a better place. “I always wanted to follow in the footsteps ofRead More
Shane Douma-Sanchez sets Del Norte Basketball Scoring Record
(December 21, 2022) Del Norte High School’s Shane Douma-Sanchez became the Knight’s all time leading scorer, surpassing professional basketball player Scott Bamforth in a game against West Mesa on Saturday, Dec 17, 2022 . Shane was selected the Player of the Game with 35 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists. Following Saturday’s game, Douma-SanchezRead More
Ballet Folklórico Del Norte Receives Corazón de Cultura Award
(November 2, 2022) Ballet Folklórico Del Norte and Señora Elaine Alarid were recognized with the 2022 Corazón de Cultura Award for Performing Arts by the New Mexico Hispanic Heritage Committee. The award was part of Hispanic Heritage Month activities and was presented at the National Hispanic Cultural Center during an awards ceremony onRead More
DNHS Point Guard Shane Douma Sanchez Interviewed After Invitation to Recruiting Event
(July 18, 2022) Del Norte High School point guard Shane Douma Sanchez recently returned from the Pangos Showcase 80 invitation-only recruiting event in Long Beach, California. He shared his experience and talked about his hopes for landing a college scholarship with KRQE Sports Director Van Tate. Douma Sanchez averaged over 19 pointsRead More
Kim Nguyen, 2022 Del Norte Selfless Senior
(April 1, 2022) Del Norte High School Senior Kim Nguyen has been honored as a 2022 Selfless Senior by the Albuquerque Public Schools Foundation. The foundation’s Selfless Seniors program shines a spotlight on students who have worked to make the community a better place. “I’ve never had many opportunities to give back toRead More
Del Norte Wrestler Estevan Sierra Wins State 4A Individual Championship
(February 22, 2022) Del Norte senior Estevan Sierra captured the 2022 New Mexico 4A state wrestling championships at the Rio Rancho Events Center. He and opponent Mason Lockett of Silver were locked in a 2-2 tie with the third-period clock winding down. Estevan found the right moment to complete his only takedown ofRead More
Del Norte Air Force JROTC Wins National Championship
(February 16, 2022) The Del Norte High School Air Force JROTC Precision Air Rifle team won the 2021-2022 Air Force JROTC National Championship. The annual competition is open to all AFJROTC cadets and AFJROTC unit teams. All individuals fire a 3X10 course of fire. Each JROTC Unit team scores are determined by theRead More
Coach Howard Anderson Inducted into the DNHS Athletics Hall of Honor
(February 16, 2022) Coach Howard Anderson was named to the Del Norte High School Athletics Hall of Honor on February 10, 2022. Anderson coached football and track in the 1960s through the 1980s. He led his DNHS football team to a Class 4A state championship in 1974 – the school’s only football title,Read More
DNHS Counselor Debbie Medina Recognized by Board of Education
(October 24, 2021) Debbie Medina, the Crossroads counselor at Del Norte High School, was recognized at the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Ms. Medina recently received two letters of commendation: one from the APS Police Department and one from the Special Victims Section of the AlbuquerqueRead More
DNHS Teacher and Students Featured on NM PBS ¡COLORES!
(September 14, 2021) Del Norte High School Fine Arts teacher Paul “Josh” Garcia and some of his students were recently featured in the New Mexico PBS ¡COLORES! production “Focus on Youth: APS Student Photographers“. The students participated in the “Focus on Youth 2021” Albuquerque Museum and Albuquerque Public Schools exhibition of photography and film. ThisRead More
DNHS Esports Coach Marta Anderson Named as a 2021-2022 NASEF Scholastic Fellow
(September 2, 2021) Marta Anderson, Del Norte High School, teacher and Esports coach, has been named as a 2021-2022 NASEF (North America Scholastic Esports Federation) Scholastic Fellow! This prestigious program accepts applications from around the world and this year NASEF had over 100 applications from more than 20 countries. The program is forRead More
Del Norte Boys Basketball Takes First State Championship
(May 9, 2021) The top-seeded Del Norte Knights captured the program’s first-ever boys basketball state championship, beating Artesia 52-41 in the 4A title game at the Pit in Albuquerque on Saturday, May 8, 2021. “It’s just a relief, and there’s been so much buildup trying to get to this point,” said Del NorteRead More
Cameron Ortega, 2021 Del Norte Selfless Senior
(March 11, 2021) The Albuquerque Public Schools Foundation’s Selfless Seniors program has honored Del Norte Senior Cameron Ortega as one of the 2021 Selfless Seniors. The Selfless Seniors program shines a spotlight on students who have worked to make the community a better place. “When I was a young girl my mother told meRead More
DNHS Softball Player Reina CdeBaca Accepts Athletic Scholarship
(March 4, 2021) Del Norte High School (Albuquerque, NM) senior 3rd baseman Reina CdeBaca has signed a letter of intent to continue her education and softball career at Missouri Valley College. She is the first DNHS softball player in seven years to accept an athletic scholarship. Reina also received a Scholastic Art &Read More
DNHS AFJROTC Student Veronica Bearup Receives Prestigious Scholarship
(January 13, 2021) Del Norte/ NexGen Academy junior Veronica Bearup is one of only 230 students worldwide to receive the prestigious Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy scholarship. Cadet Bearup will attend an accredited aviation university participating in a private pilot license training program this summer. More than 1340 JROTC cadets applied forRead More
Del Norte Basketball Great Scott Bamforth Joins Lobo Alumni on TBT Team
(November 29, 2020) Scott Bamforth, a Del Norte High School alumni, is on the roster of a TBT team composed mostly of former Lobo men’s basketball greats. The team will compete in the 2021 TBT (The Basketball Tournament), a winner-take-all $1-2 million basketball tournament held each summer. Read more about the TBT teamRead More
Del Norte Esports Team Featured on Newscast about COVID Impact on High School Sports
(November 5, 2020) The Del Norte High School Esports team was recently featured on a KRQE news story about APS Esports. Due to COVID restrictions, most traditional sports have been canceled along with in-person classes. However, Del Norte students are able to continue playing Esports while maintaining distance requirements. Esports can be doneRead More
Del Norte Golfer David Medina featured in The Lost Season
(June 23, 2020) Del Norte High School stand out golfer David Medina has been featured in KRQE News High School Sports “The Lost Season”. David has been diagnosed with patella dysplasia in both knees, which required surgery. The condition causes chronic pain, especially when he plays golf. During the fall season of hisRead More
Juan Murguia, 2020 Del Norte Selfless Senior
(March 19, 2020) The Albuquerque Public Schools Foundation’s Selfless Seniors program has honored Del Norte Senior Juan Murguia as one of the 2020 Selfless Seniors. Now in its 13th year, the program aims to shine a spotlight on students who have worked to make the community a better place. “Hello! My name is JuanRead More
DNHS Student Jeanie Vo’s Artwork Featured in Exhibit
(February 21, 2020) “Squeak” by Jeanie Vo, a junior at Del Norte High School, is being featured at the Metro Youth Art Exhibit at Berna Facio Professional Development Complex, 3315 Louisiana Blvd. NE in Albuquerque. The Exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 from 4 to7 p.m. and continues Monday, Feb. 24, through Friday, MarchRead More
DNHS Esports Team Awarded Scholarships
(December 28, 2019) The Del Norte High School Esports team received scholarships from APS Esports in partnership with the APS Education Foundation. Esports, an NMAA-approved activity, is a form of sport competition using video games. The sport help students realize their full potential by providing inclusion, enabling collaboration, improving confidence, and inspiring excellence.Read More
Jeanie Stark of DNHS Receives Golden Apple Award
(November 25, 2019) Congratulations to Elgenia “Jeanie” Stark of Del Norte who has been awarded the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching for 2020! The Golden Apple Award has been given every year since 1996 to outstanding recipients from across the state. Recipients are nominated by their communities (parents, fellow teachers,Read More
Del Norte AFJROTC Performs Well at 2019 Duke City Drill Meet
(November 23, 2019) On Saturday, November 16, 2019, Del Norte High School AFJROTC hosted its 22nd Annual Duke City Drill Meet. In addition, the Bill Barker marksmanship portion of the competition was conducted on Friday November 15th, 2019 at West Mesa High School. At the event Jr-ROTC students from schools all throughout theRead More
John Ma – Improving Healthcare in the International District
(August 24, 2019) Del Norte High School graduate, John Ma and Certified Nurse Practitioner, Piseth Knight, opened a branch of Alameda Acute Care Clinic & Family Medicine clinic recently on East Central, near Wyoming. They both see a need for more medical help in the International District and want to make a differenceRead More
Janet Saiers Receives Excellence In Student Achievement Award
(June 7, 2019) The New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA) announced recipients of the 2019 Excellence in Student Achievement Awards. The awards, sponsored by NMSBA, are presented to individuals selected by local boards of education throughout New Mexico who have played an important role in improving student achievement in their local school district.Read More
DNHS David Medina has Painfully Reached the Golf State Tournament
(May 13, 2019) Del Norte Junior David Medina has made it to the 2019 4A New Mexico State Golf Championship at the Pinon Hills Golf Course in Farmington, NM. David has been diagnosed with patella dysplasia in both knees, which required surgery. The condition causes chronic pain, especially when he plays golf, whichRead More
Doug Peterson, CEO of Standard and Poor’s Global
(March 28, 2019) Del Norte graduate Doug Peterson, CEO of Standard and Poor’s Global, will be the featured speaker at the UNM Anderson School of Management McKinnon Distinguished CEO Lecture Series. He will discuss “The State of the Global Economy, Risks to Growth and a Path to a Greater Good.” The event willRead More
Austin Brown, Del Norte Selfless Senior
(March 19, 2019) The Albuquerque Public Schools Foundation’s Selfless Seniors program has honored Del Norte Senior Austin Brown as one of the Selfless Seniors. Now in its 11th year, the program aims to shine a spotlight on students who have worked to make the community a better place. Austin has never failed toRead More
Mike Silva Receives Ethics in Business Award
(March 12, 2019) Mike Silva, Del Norte Class of 86, has been honored with an Ethics in Business Award for individual excellence. The annual awards honor individuals, businesses and nonprofits that show a devotion to ethical principles and a commitment to the community. In its’ 20th year, nominees for the award went throughRead More
Kenneth Mosley Plays Lead Role in Kinky Boots
(March 8, 2019) Del Norte graduate Kenneth Mosley has the lead role of “Lola” in the Popejoy Presents Broadway in New Mexico production of “Kinky Boots“, a Tony Award-winning musical with score written by Cyndi Lauper. Kenneth is an actor, singer, songwriter, recording artist, and host. Kenneth’s recent theatre credits include Cabrillo MusicalRead More
Michael & Brenda Grier’s Successful Beef Jerky Business
(December 18, 2018) Michael & Brenda Pacheco Grier, both from the DNHS Class of 1990, took a chance and turned Mike’s hobby of making beef jerky into a successful business. During the economic downturn of 2008, they left the family business and opened Mike’s Jerky which specializes in traditional Southwest thin and crisp beefRead More
Olivia Padilla-Jackson named NM Secretary of Finance and Administration
(December 14, 2018) New Mexico Governor-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Del Norte High School graduate Olivia Padilla-Jackson to the Cabinet as Secretary of Finance and Administration, the Governor’s top budget official. The Secretary is responsible for the operations of the Department of Finance and Administration’s five divisions, and also serves on many Boards and Commissions.Read More
Michael Loftin, CEO of Homewise, Featured in Albuquerque Journal
(March 28, 2018) Michael Loftin was recently featured in a “One-on-One” article in the Business Outlook section of the Albuquerque Journal. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Homewise, a nonprofit that seeks to boost homeownership in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Mike was valedictorian of the Del Norte Class of 1976 and went onRead More
DNHS Alumni Michael Brasher appointed to UNM Board of Regents
(March 24, 2018) Michael Brasher, DNHS Class of 1968, has been appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez to the Board of Regents at The University of New Mexico replacing Regent Alex Romero, who recently resigned. Brasher is General Manager of Albuquerque Public Schools’ KANW radio station as well as one of four appointed members of the New MexicoRead More
DNHS Alumni Jay Rosenblum Chosen Business Lawyer of the Year
(March 22, 2018) Jay D. Rosenblum, DNHS Class of 1974, was chosen Business Lawyer of the Year for 2017 by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Business Law Section for his contributions to business law and to New Mexico. Jay has practiced law in Albuquerque for 35 years and has served as managing partnerRead More
DNHS Cheer Team Wins District 2-5A Championship
(February 12, 2018) The Del Norte High School Cheer Varsity team won the New Mexico District 2-5A Championship in a competition held at Santa Fe Capital High School on February 10, 2018. They will compete in the State Championships on March 23-24, 2018 at Dreamstyle Arena (a.k.a. The Pit). Congratulations and Good Luck!Read More
DNHS Student Samuel Cochran – Recipient of MLK Scholarship
(January 15, 2018) Del Norte student Samuel Cochran was honored during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 as a recipient of a $1,000 MLK scholarship sponsored by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural Council. The scholarship program is intended for the recipients to continue to learn, understand and “promote Dr.Read More
DNHS Student Byamungu Fazili – Recipient of MLK Scholarship
(January 15, 2018) Del Norte student Byamungu Fazili was honored during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 as a recipient of a $1,000 MLK scholarship sponsored by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural Council. The scholarship program is intended for the recipients to continue to learn, understand and “promote Dr.Read More
DNHS Chase Latimore on All-Metro Football Team
(December 16, 2017) Del Norte High School senior Chase Latimore has been selected for the First Team Offense 2017 All-Metro Football Team by James Yodice of the Albuquerque Journal. Yodice referred to Chase as “Del Norte’s outstanding Chase Latimore” naming him as offensive guard on the All-Metro Offense team. Chase has been playing football since heRead More
DNHS Alumni Brandon Back Coaching in State Championship Game
(November 30, 2017) DNHS alumni Brandon Back, head coach of the La Cueva football team, will be coaching his second seeded La Cueva team when they play Manzano at 1 p.m. at Wilson Stadium for the Class 6A state football championship this Saturday, December 2, 2017. Brandon is a 1995 Del Norte graduate and attendedRead More
DNHS Alumni Sue Jollensten Receives Distinguished Service Award
(November 10, 2017) Sue Jollensten, DNHS Class of 1967, recently received the 2017 Distinguished Service Award at the UNM Alumni Lettermen’s Association Hall of Honor Awards Ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Albuquerque. Sue Jollensten graduated from Del Norte HS in 1967 and attended the U of Arizona, UCLA and UNM, playing tennisRead More
DNHS Student Franz Soriano to be Honored
(October 9, 2017) DNHS Student Francisco “Franz” Soriano will be honored in this year’s annual Filipino-American community awards ceremony for his contribution in helping and educating local and native Filipinos. Franz is a runner up in the Manoa Youth Award, named in honor of Manoa Alcantara Jojola, son of two University of New Mexico professors.Read More
Del Norte Drastically Improves PED School Grade
(September 18, 2017) In a front page Albuquerque Journal story, DNHS Principal Jo Sloan and Dean of Students Chris Welsh discussed the school’s improvement from an F to a C over the past year. According to the article, Sloan said she believes the improvement comes down to persistence and hard work. “We are tryingRead More
Mission: Graduate Executive Director Angelo Gonzales Reports on Progress
(July 14, 2017) In a front page Albuquerque Journal story, Angelo Gonzales, DNHS Class of 1994 and Executive Director of Mission: Graduate, reported on the educational outcomes tracked by Mission: Graduate. While progress is being made, a new initiative “Graduate! ABQ” is designed to help adults take the steps to enroll or reenroll in college.Read More
Tim Mondloch Represented DNHS at the 2017 National Speech & Debate Tournament
(June 21, 2017) Tim Mondloch, a 2017 DNHS graduate, attended the 2017 National Speech and Debate Tournament on June 18-23, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama, after being selected to represent the state in the World Schools Debate Competition. His team of three, one of two teams sent from New Mexico, competed in 6 rounds ofRead More
Timothy Mondloch, Recognized as 2017 Outstanding Volunteer
(June 7, 2017) Del Norte 2017 Graduate Tim Mondloch was recognized as an “Outstanding Volunteer” at the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, June 7, 2017. It was noted that Tim put in “100 hours plus” volunteering at Governor Bent Elementary School.Read More
Del Norte HS Refugee Family Needs Help
(May 19, 2017) Olivier Kamndon, father of a Del Norte student, was seriously injured crossing Montgomery Blvd. this week. He and his family are refugees from the civil war in the Central African Republic. Oliver is learning English, but speaks French and several African languages and was assisted at the hospital by Del Norte FrenchRead More
Timothy Mondloch, Del Norte Selfless Senior
(April 19, 2017) The Albuquerque Public Schools Education Foundation’s inaugural Gold Bar Gala honored this year’s 14 Selfless Seniors including Del Norte’s Timothy Mondloch. This districtwide recognition dinner was on Friday, April 21, 2017 at Sandia Resort and Casino. Tim participates and has taken leadership roles in numerous activities including band, National Honor Society, Tri-M MusicRead More
DNHS Teacher Melinda Forward a TEDxABQ Speaker
(March 30, 2017) Del Norte High School French teacher Melinda Forward was part of a distinguished group of educators who spoke at TEDxABQ, Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the KiMo Theater. The evening was dedicated to making radical impacts in education. Melinda is passionate about helping schools create a connected, healthy, and inspired school community.Read More
Tim Mondloch in National Speech & Debate Tournament
(March 28, 2017) DNHS Senior Tim Mondloch will represent New Mexico in the National Speech & Debate Tournament to be held in Birmingham, Alabama June 18-23, 2017. Tim, a member of the Del Norte Debating Dragon Slayers, is the first debater who has qualified to represent the state of New Mexico at the National Championships sinceRead More
David Wade McCullough Opens Unique Non-Profit Restaurant
(November 21, 2016) David Wade McCullough, DNHS Class of 2008, recently opened “Karma Cafe”, a restaurant serving food with no set prices on the menu but rather operating on a “pay as you feel’ model”. He started Food Karma in Albuquerque about three years ago as a pop-up stand at the Downtown Grower’s Market in Robinson ParkaRead More
Kevin Gant Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
(August 22, 2016) DNHS Alumni Kevin Gant was recently honored by President Obama as one of the nation’s outstanding Mathematics and Science teachers. The prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panelRead More
Crystal Kellogg Sings the National Anthem at Yankees Stadium
(August 16, 2016) Crystal Kellogg, DNHS Class of 2001, sang the National Anthem at the New York Yankees Stadium for the Yankees vs. Blue Jays game on August 15, 2016. Crystal studied Theatre and Dance at the University of New Mexico and recently made her Broadway debut in “School of Rock”. She isRead More
Mandi Venable – Southwest Airlines Station Manger
(July 25, 2016) Mandi Hinkle Venable, DNHS Class of 1986, has been the Station Manager for Southwest Airlines in Albuquerque since April, 2016. She has held 17 different positions in seven markets with Southwest since 1983. Mandi was a cheerleader at Del Norte as well as on the state championship Castelles drill team.Read More
Senior Golfer and Tenor Sam Shepperson
(July 7, 2016) Sam Shepperson, Del Norte High School Class of 1976, is not only one of the city’s best senior golfers but also one of the states’s top opera singers. Sam recently played at the 75th annual Greater Albuquerque Men’s City Amateur Golf Championship and is a contender for the 2016 Senior Player of theRead More
DNHS Nathan Burnett Wins Pole Vault Event
(April 4, 2016) Del Norte’s Nathan Burnett won the pole vault event at the APS Albuquerque Invitational Track & Field Meet at Nusenda Community Stadium on Friday April 1, 2016. Nathan cleared 14-6, a season personal best as the Knights’ senior easily won his event. Read about the event in the Albuquerque Journal articleRead More
Xena Gurule, Del Norte Selfless Senior
(March 23, 2016) On Thursday, March 17, 2016 the APS Education Foundation honored Del Norte’s Xena Gurule. An accomplished artist, Xena is the primary caregiver to her elderly grandmother, with whom she lives. “The nicest compliment I ever received is when my grandma tells her friends and relatives how wonderful I am andRead More
Mia Edwards, Del Norte Selfless Senior
(March 23, 2016) On Thursday, March 17, 2016 the APS Education Foundation honored Del Norte’s Mia Edwards. Mia is a singer and volunteers at Joy Junction, Casa Esperanza and Roadrunner Food Bank. Her school choir director said this about her: “Mia exemplifies a true person of character: caring, trustworthy, self-disciplined, passionate, smart and a goodRead More
Former DNHS Coach Gene Pino Nominated to NM Sports Hall of Fame
(March 19, 2016) Former Del Norte coach Gene Pino has been honored with a nomination to the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame for his career achievements and contribution to sports in NM. The New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration Weekend is April 1-3, 2016. For more Information, see the NM Sports Hall of Fame website. GeneRead More
Alan Spencer, NM Pageant of Bands Announcer
(January 23, 2016) Del Norte graduate Alan Spencer is the new volunteer announcer for the New Mexico Pageant of of Bands, a non-profit organization of volunteers which produce a marching band competition for NM high school bands. In the 2015 competition, in which Alan announced his first Pageant, there were 29 marching bands andRead More
Jenna Thurman Runs for an NCAA Division II WXC Championship
(December 5, 2015) DNHS graduate Jenna Thurman ran with the Adams State University women’s cross country team when they won the NCAA Division II Championship on November 21, 2015 in Joplin, Missouri. Jenna finished 10th overall with a time of 20:48.4 setting a season-best time on a 6K course. Read about the championship run in Adams StateRead More
Lydia Nelson Sings at Lobo Women’s Basketball Game
(November 23, 2015) Del Norte graduate Lydia Nelson sang the National Anthem at the UNM Lobo Women’s basketball game on Friday, November 13, 2015 at the “Pit”. In a unique double header, Lydia sang before the Women’s game and after the men’s game. Many of the fans of the men’s game stayed for the Women’sRead More
DNHS Xena Gurule’s Artwork Auctioned
(November 3, 2015) Del Norte Senior Xena Gurule’s artwork was auctioned in the annual APS A is for Art! fundraiser for the APS Education Foundation on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Hotel Albuquerque. Read about it in the Albuquerque Journal story APS A is for Art! event on tap Saturday. The artwork sold for $1,500! From Xena:Read More
Joseph A. Wasson Jr., DNHS class of 1979
(October 13, 2015) Joseph Anthony Wasson Jr. is a 1979 Del Norte graduate. He recently was promoted to the Performing Arts Program Director at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) where he has worked since 2001. At the NHCC he had been in charge of production and programming for the Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts.Read More
Jon Gayer, DNHS class of 1995
(October 8, 2015) Jon Gayer, DNHS class of 1995, has taken a position as coordinator of “Greek Life” fraternities and sororities with the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska. Gayer will be involved with some 4,000 students. Gayer was president of the DNHS senior class of 1995 and headed the Fundraising Committee ofRead More
Del Norte Earth Club Students Shine at NMSF
(September 24, 2015) Ten students from the Del Norte High School’s Earth Club, sponsored by biology teacher Jim Butscher, partnered with the state Energy Conservation & Management Division of the Minerals & Natural Resources Department at their display at the opening weekend of the 2015 New Mexico State Fair. The students had hundreds ofRead More
Marissa Livingston Crowned Miss New Mexico
(September 6, 2015) Marissa Livingston, a 2009 DNHS Graduate, was crowned Miss New Mexico 2015 on June 20. Marissa was a member of the Castelles, student government and President of the National Honor Society. She has a B.A. In Mass Communications and Journalism from UNM and is currently in public relations having servedRead More
Knights Football in Preseason Metro Top-10
(August 18, 2015) The Albuquerque Journal has ranked Del Norte Number 9 in their preseason metro top-10. The Knights were 5-6 last year and won District 2-5A. This year they intend to win a playoff game, something they haven’t done since 1997. Senior Danta Mora, a transfer from NMMI, is the new quarterback withRead More
Mike Foote, Founder of the Albuquerque Baseball Academy
(July 14, 2015) Mike Foote, a 1976 graduate of Del Norte, founded the Albuquerque Baseball Academy, a nationally renowned program that helps Albuquerque/New Mexico athletes realize their dream of playing college and/or professional baseball. Mike was a baseball Letterman for UNM from 1976 to 1980 and was subsequently drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in JuneRead More
Angelo Gonzales, Executive Director of Mission: Graduate
(June 25, 2015) Angelo Gonzales, DNHS Class of 1994, is Executive Director of Mission: Graduate, a cradle-to-career education partnership in Central New Mexico. The organization is committed to producing 60,000 new graduates with college degrees and certificates by 2020. Through its’ career exploration initiative, more than 11,500 career opportunities have been identified in theRead More
John Kelly Elected to the MRGCD Board
(June 3, 2015) Incumbent John P. Kelly, a 1977 Del Norte Graduate, was re-elected Tuesday, June 2, 2015 to the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District Board of Directors. Kelly defeated Steve D. Gallegos, a veteran of both the Albuquerque City Council and Bernalillo County Commission, 1,462 to 432. Kelly, who lives in Albuquerque’s NorthRead More
Olivia Padilla-Jackson, DNHS Class of 1993
(May 28, 2015) Olivia Padilla-Jackson is a 1993 DNHS graduate. She was part of Ballet Folklorico at DNHS. She is the Deputy Director of Finance for the City of Albuquerque and helps to manage and oversee all aspects of the City’s financial and administrative services. She was recently honored by Mayor RJ BerryRead More
Del Norte’s Bruce Binkley Top Boys Sport Coach of the Year
(May 6, 2015) APS announced that Del Norte’s Head Football Coach Bruce Binkley has been selected as the top boys sport coach of the year. Before becoming Del Norte’s Head Coach in 2012, Coach Binkley was an assistant with La Cueva and Volcano Vista and the head track coach at Volcano Vista, as well. See APSRead More
Jazlyn Padilla-Nahe APS Female Athlete of the Year
(May 6, 2015) APS announced that Jazlyn Padilla-Nahe of Del Norte is the female athlete of the year for 2014-15. Jazlyn is a four-sport standout for the Knights in soccer, cross-country, swimming and track and field. See APS names its athletes of the year in the Albuquerque Journal. Read More
Katrina Stackpole, 49ers Scoreboard Wizard
(April 25, 2015) Katrina Stackpole, Del Norte class of 2003, has a unique job as a trainer with Daktronics which supplies multi-million dollar electronic scoreboards and video screens at stadiums, arenas and event centers around the US. Stackpole has a BA from NMSU and a Masters in Sports Administration from UNM. While interningRead More
Shelby Harrison, Del Norte Selfless Senior
(April 13, 2015) On Thursday, April 9, 2015 the APS Education Foundation honored Del Norte’s Shelby Harrison in the 2015 class of Selfless Seniors during a ceremony at Atrisco Heritage Academy. “We can make a difference in this world that we live in simply by helping others.” During the holidays, Shelby and her familyRead More
Tara Spencer, Del Norte Selfless Senior
(April 13, 2015) On Thursday, April 9, 2015 the APS Education Foundation honored Del Norte’s Tara Spencer in the 2015 class of Selfless Seniors during a ceremony at Atrisco Heritage Academy. “In helping people, I love to see the smile in their eyes and knowing I made someone’s day even for a little bit.”Read More
Almi Abeyta Named as One of Three APS Superintendent Candidate Finalist
(April 9, 2015) Almudena “Almi” Abeyta (Guajardo), DNHS Class of ’90, has been named as one of three finalist candidates for Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent. Read APS board announces 3 superintendent finalists in the Albuquerque Journal. Almi grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from Del Norte High School. She began her career in education as a kindergartenRead More
Gary Wolfe – New Executive Director of Cinnabar Foundation
(February 12, 2015) The Cinnabar Foundation has named Gary Wolfe, DNHS Class of 67, as its new executive director. Gary, a wildlife biologist, has 40 years of conservation and natural resource management experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He will lead Montana’s conservation fund as the Cinnabar Foundation enters its 31st yearRead More
DNHS QB Tyrelle Jackson Recipient of MLK Scholarship
(January 23, 2015) Del Norte Senior Quarterback Tyrelle Jackson was awarded a $1,000 Scholarship from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural Council on January 19, 2015. He was one of 27 seniors from around New Mexico to be awarded the scholarship at the MLKMC annual celebration at Congregation Albert. Read the “Winning with Words”Read More
Karen Montoya Elected New Chair of PRC
(January 8, 2015) Karen Montoya, a 1984 Del Norte graduate, was elected new chairperson of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission on January 7, 2015. Karen represents the state’s most densely populated area, District 1, which includes most of Albuquerque. Before joining the PRC, Commissioner Montoya served two terms as Bernalillo County Assessor, and holdsRead More
Buzz Biernacki, Class of 75
(December 16, 2014) Buzz Biernacki, a 1975 DNHS graduate, is a Board Member of the Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation and Chairperson for their annual Festival of Trees fundraiser. This year’s Dec. 5-7 Trees event raised over $50,000. Buzz Biernacki also played on the ’74 DNHS state championship football team. Biernacki’s career includes aRead More
Lydia Nelson to Sing National Anthem
(November 11, 2014) DNHS student Lydia Nelson will sing the National Anthem at the November 19, 2014 APS Board meeting where she will be recognized for her recent accomplishments. Lydia was named to the 2014 All-National Mixed Choir Honor Ensemble sponsored by the National Association for Music Education. She joined 350 talented and skilled high school vocalists who performed onRead More
Water Color Artist Patricia Baca Featured
(October 14, 2014) 1966 DNHS Alumni Patricia Baca’s water color paintings were featured on the front page of the October 12, 2014 Journal Arts section. Baca was interviewed for a story in the Albuquerque Journal about the NM Watercolor Society Fall show held at the NM Expo Fairgrounds. Read the complete article. For the lastRead More
Freshmen Pledge to Graduate
(September 2, 2014) Scott Goff, the Activities Director at DNHS, has initiated a program at Del Norte to encourage graduation according to an article in the Albuquerque Journal. Scott has gathered pledges from DNHS freshmen that they will graduate. The pledge encourages the students to assume responsibility for their own education and includes a promiseRead More
Knights With Attitude
(August 28, 2014) The Del Norte Knights football team are thinking of themselves as a “Band of Brothers” as they begin the new season. Not only are they facing new District 2-5A foes, they are also dealing with the tragic loss of senior linebacker Jacob Gutierrez in a July 11th traffic accident. At the requestRead More
Jon Salazar Promoted to State Police Captain
(August 21, 2014) Jon Salazar, class of 1985, was honored with a promotion to the rank of Captain by New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas. Jon graduated with a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from NMSU. Jon has served in a variety of roles during his distinguished career with the State Police.Read More
Tarra Day Receives Emmy Nominations
(July 10, 2014) DNHS Grad Tarra Day recently received Emmy nominations for her work as Department Head Makeup Artist on the AMC series Breaking Bad in its final season. Tarra also won the 2014 Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Guild Award for Contemporary Makeup for her work on the series. She told the Hollywood Reporter that in theRead More
Original 1964 DNHS Teachers Honored
(July 5, 2014) Eleven original 1964 DNHS teachers were honored in a ceremony at the “Celebrate the Knight” DNHS 50th Anniversary kick-off event June 27, 2014. In an Albuquerque Journal article by Leslie Linthicum, several of these DNHS teachers were interviewed about the changes in their profession. Read the entire article here. Teachers in attendance included Judy BeardenRead More
Diego Sanchez – Wins at UFC Fight Night 42
(June 8, 2014) Del Norte Alumni Diego Sanchez made international news when he dropped British fighter Ross Pearson in UFC Fight Night 42 here in Albuquerque. In a split decision, Sanchez won the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) lightweight bout in front of a capacity crowd at Tingley Coliseum. Read about it in the Albuquerque JournalRead More
Pat Henry – Head Track Coach at Texas A&M
(March 14, 2014) Pat Henry, a former Del Norte Knight, was recently in town for the NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships. Pat is the head coach of the Texas A&M track and field program. He was featured in the Albuquerque Journal article “Texas A&M coach Henry comes home for NCAAs“. Pat Henry, now in hisRead More
Melanie Brionez – Coach of the Albuquerque Kings
(February 21, 2014) Melanie Brionze, a 2004 Del Norte Alumni, is the coach of the Albuquerque Kings wheelchair basketball team. The Kings are a championship-level member of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. Melanie was featured in the article “Kings are happy to play at home for a change” in the Albuquerque Journal. Melanie, a recipient of theRead More
DNHS Teachers Named Golden Apple Winners
(February 21, 2014) Two of the seven high school teachers who earned this year’s distinguished Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching work at Del Norte High School. These include Jonathan Hagmaier, who teaches drama and digital film and Rachel Weihe who teaches history at Del Norte. Also, Lesly Stern, a social studies teacher at Del Norte, was honoredRead More
Daryl Wiggins Receives Football Scholarship
(February 19, 2014) Graduating DNHS senior Daryl Wiggins received a full scholarship to New Mexico Military Institute to play football. He was honored as one of the top 10 New Mexico Multi-Sport Athletes for the 2013/2014 season at the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame Banquet. While he was honored for his football, basketball and track record, someRead More
Joe Cajero, Class of 88
(February 19, 2014) Joe Cajero, who graduated from Del Norte High School in 1988, along with his wife Althea have been chosen as the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture Living Treasures for 2014. Joe Cajero is a bronze and clay sculptor originally from Jemez Pueblo and jeweler Althea Cajero is from the Kewa and Acoma pueblos. The MIACRead More
Sam Shepperson
(February 19, 2014) Sam is Co-Director of UNM Opera’s The Magic Flute. Sam, a member of the Voice Faculty at the University of New Mexico, attended Del Norte in the ’70s. Active in opera, oratorio, and art song, Sam Shepperson has been a soloist with such groups as the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra,Read More
Branden Hussey, DNHS JROTC
(February 19, 2014) Del Norte High School Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Branden Hussey, who has lived what he calls “a challenge-based life“, was recently featured in an inspiring article in the Albuquerque Journal. Please take a look at Branden Hussey’s story. It is a story about Branden’s overcoming of physical limitations to be an activeRead More
Special Student Recognition
(February 8, 2014) Special recognition goes out DNHS student Christy Bird for her debut in the Coca-Cola® “America The Beautiful” commercial which aired during the 2014 Super Bowl. Christy is an Native American from the Santo Domingo Pueblo that sang a portion of the commercials song in her native language called Keres andRead More
Recent DNHS Grad Diagnosed with Cancer – Family Needs Help
(January 24, 2014) Adam Johnstone, a 2013 DNHS graduate, has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Adam has undergone surgical removal of tumors and the first of four rounds of chemotherapy. To help defray the costs of his treatment, visit www.gofundme.com/6duxmo. Adam was the Drum Major for the DNHS band and won top honors including bestRead More
Janet Saiers, Class of 66
(February 5, 2013) Janet Saiers is a founding member of the AlumKnights® and said in an interview with the Albuquerque Journal :“We are actively looking for Del Norte graduates who have achieved … journalists and educators, TV reporters and college professors, doctors and nurses. So that Del Norte students are going, ‘I can be that,Read More
Angelo Gonzales, Class of 94
(February 5, 2013) Angelo Gonzales is a founding member and past president of the AlumKnights®. Angelo said in an interview with the Albuquerque Journal: “We were very intentional about putting together an organization that would do more than just nostalgia. We’re not a reunion planning organization; we’re a service organization.” Read the entire article “HelpingRead More