Alamogordo Schools Good News: Fall 2026 Awards
Published 6 November 2026
Alamogordo Public Schools had a lot to celebrate this fall. At its October board meeting, the district honored Sierra Elementary for math, High Rolls Mountain Park Elementary and Holloman Middle School for reading and math growth, and 28 Alamogordo High School students as College Board AP Scholars. A former AHS teacher also earned a national health education award.
I love sharing good news from our schools, because these are our neighbors' kids and the teachers who show up for them every day.
Which schools were recognized this fall?
According to the Alamogordo Public Schools November Community Newsletter, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Laigha Boyle presented these first-quarter awards at last month's regular board meeting.
| School | Award | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sierra Elementary | SuccessMaker Math Top Slice Award | Led district elementary schools, with 98% of students meeting SuccessMaker Math performance criteria |
| Holloman Middle School | Khan Academy Math Khanquerors Award | Led district middle schools in Khan Academy math skills brought to proficiency per student |
| High Rolls Mountain Park Elementary | AMIRA Reading Recognition | Greatest overall increase in AMIRA reading MAST scores among district elementary schools |
| Holloman Middle School | Lexia Reading Recognition | Led district middle schools with an average of 106 Lexia units completed per student |
| Alamogordo High School | College Board AP Scholar Awards | 28 students recognized as AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor and AP Scholars with Distinction |
What do these awards mean?
In SuccessMaker, students meet the performance criteria when they master 90% or more of the skills the program says they need at their level. Khan Academy's skills-to-proficiency measure tracks how students move math concepts up to proficient or mastered, starting from where each student began.
The AP Scholar awards recognize students who did well on several Advanced Placement exams, which are college-level tests taken in high school. APS says you can hear every recipient's name in the October board meeting video, starting at about minute 17:30.
Who else made APS proud this fall?
Russel Hortilano, a former Alamogordo High School teacher, was named the 2026 School Health Professional of the Year by the American School Health Association. APS says it is his second national award, after his recognition as a Project Lead The Way Outstanding Teacher, and celebrates his work with AHS biomedical students and HOSA leaders.
Kathleen VanNess, the district's Onboarding and Records Specialist, was recognized for going above and beyond to help a community member find employment records from more than 60 years ago.
What is coming up for APS families?
A few dates from the same newsletter:
- Thanksgiving Lunch with your student: ticket sales close November 12. Lunches are November 18 (high school), November 19 (middle school) and November 20 (elementary and Pre-K). My post on Thanksgiving Lunch with your student has the details.
- School Board meeting: Wednesday, November 18, at 6 p.m.
- Career and CTE Expo: January 22, 2027, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., with business sign-ups due January 8. See my CTE Expo post.
What does this mean for families moving to Alamogordo?
When people relocate, schools are one of the first things they ask me about. Stories like these show real growth in classrooms across town, including at Holloman Middle School, which serves many military families. Holloman families can start with my PCSing to Holloman schools guide, and my neighborhoods guide can help you match a home to a school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Alamogordo school won the math award this fall?
Sierra Elementary earned the SuccessMaker Math Top Slice Award, with 98% of students meeting the performance criteria. Holloman Middle School led district middle schools in Khan Academy math.
How many Alamogordo High students were named AP Scholars?
Twenty-eight Alamogordo High School students received College Board AP Scholar awards. They were honored at the October board meeting.
Which school won the reading awards?
High Rolls Mountain Park Elementary earned the AMIRA Reading Recognition, and Holloman Middle School earned the Lexia Reading Recognition. Holloman students averaged 106 Lexia units each.
Who is the 2026 School Health Professional of the Year?
Russel Hortilano, a former Alamogordo High School teacher, received the honor from the American School Health Association. It is his second national award.
When is the next Alamogordo school board meeting?
The next regular board meeting is Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 6 p.m. Check the APS website for the agenda.
Details come from the Alamogordo Public Schools November 2026 Community Newsletter, checked 6 November 2026. Congratulations to every student, teacher and staff member recognized.