GALLUP, NM, UNITED STATES, November 10, 2025 / EINPresswire.com/ — Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS) continues to advance its commitment to College, Career, and Civic Readiness (CCCR) by offering meaningful internship experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities. The GMCS Public Relations Department is proud to host three talented CCCR interns this year: Naomi Chee, a senior at Miyamura High School; Alivia Palacios, a senior at Miyamura High School; and Phillip Ramone, a senior at Thoreau High School.

All three students are part of the School of Media at their respective high schools. The media pathway includes a series of three progressive courses designed to build skills in photography, video production, digital editing, and storytelling. During their senior year, students apply these skills through hands-on internships with district and community partners.

Public Relations Officer Kathy Polich shared, “It’s been great to have students come in with a strong background in editing, photography, and digital media. Each intern brings unique talents and creativity to our projects.”

The interns have already made their mark within the district:

* Naomi Chee’s photography was recently featured in the district’s Elevate Magazine.
* Phillip Ramone appears in the district’s new Cultural Heritage commercial.
* Alivia Palacios provided voice work for the current radio ad and appears in the district’s Overview commercial.

In addition to media production, the interns spend time in the District Print Shop, where they learn how design and print merge to bring creative projects to life.

“I really enjoy operating the machines and was surprised by how much the print shop produces,” said Phillip Ramone. Alivia Palacios added, “I enjoy taking photos and seeing what goes on behind the scenes.”

Naomi Chee shared, “This internship is fun because I get to try different things. I recommend that students take advantage of internship opportunities during their senior year.”

Superintendent Mike Hyatt emphasized the importance of programs like CCCR, stating, “Students need the chance to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world experiences. These internships strengthen both academic knowledge and essential soft skills that prepare them for the future.”

Through programs like the CCCR internships, GMCS continues to build pathways that empower students to connect learning with career and community success.

Jvanna Hanks II
Gallup-McKinley County Schools
email us here

Originally published at https://www.cbs42.com on November 10, 2025.

In December 1966, while a senior at Gallup High School, Benny and several classmates were unexpectedly summoned to the gymnasium and drafted into the Vietnam War. His family did not learn of his deployment until two weeks later, when his clothes were mailed home. What should have been his graduation year instead became a time of service and sacrifice in conflict overseas.

After he was honorably discharged in 1973, Mr. Yazzie devoted himself to his family, community, and work. Employed for over 20 years as a motor equipment operator with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he and his wife Sarahlene raised six children and instilled a deep respect for education. All his children and grandchildren have since graduated from high school, and many have pursued higher education.

Despite this legacy, Mr. Yazzie never officially held a high school diploma. His daughter, Sheryl Yazzie, worked with GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt, State Senator George Muñoz, and other local leaders to make that right. Their efforts aligned with New Mexico Senate Bill 99 (2020), legislation that permits New Mexico school districts to award high school diplomas to Vietnam veterans who left school to serve. The bill passed unanimously in both houses and was signed into law on March 6, 2020.

On July 24, 2023, during a GMCS Board of Education meeting, Mr. Benny M. Yazzie finally received his Gallup High School diploma, surrounded by his family. The moment represented 56 years of perseverance and community support.

“Mr. Yazzie is a living testament to the power of education, service, and family commitment,” said Superintendent Mike Hyatt. “We are honored to acknowledge him, not only as a veteran and member of our community, but now as an official Gallup High School graduate.”

GMCS invites any Vietnam veteran in New Mexico who did not complete high school due to military service, and whose circumstances fall under Senate Bill 99, to contact their former school district to inquire about the diploma process. Veterans residing in the Gallup-McKinley County School District may begin that process through the GMCS Student Support Center.

Media Contact:

Contact: Jvanna Hanks, Deputy Superintendent
Gallup-McKinley County Schools
Jhanks@gmcs.org
https://www.gmcs.org/

SOURCE: Gallup-McKinley County Schools

Originally published at https://finance.yahoo.com on October 31, 2025.

What makes Gallup-McKinley County Schools stand out is our community’s shared commitment to our students’ futures.”

- Superintendent Mike Hyatt

GALLUP, NM, UNITED STATES, October 31, 2025 / EINPresswire.com/ — Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS) recently hosted an Experiential Site Visit (ESV) for educators from across New Mexico and the nation, highlighting the district’s innovative College, Career, and Civic Readiness (CCCR) initiatives. The two-day event showcased GMCS’s strategies for integrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) with core academics to foster student engagement, belonging, and post-secondary readiness.

The visit featured classroom walkthroughs and student-led tours at Miyamura High School, Tohatchi High School, Ramah High School, McKinley Academy, and the Occupational Career Center. Guests were welcomed during an evening reception at the Hilton Garden Inn, where district leaders and community partners celebrated GMCS’s collaborative approach to student success.

Local partners-including DePauli Engineering and Surveying, Gallup Police Department, UNM-Gallup, and the City of Gallup Golf Course-were recognized for their active support of GMCS’s work-based learning programs. “We are committed to helping students gain valuable work experience in their related career pathways to help set them up for career success,” shared Sergeant N. Martinez-Collins from Gallup P.D.

On the first morning, district leaders outlined GMCS’s transformation into a sustainable Linked Learning model that connects classroom instruction with real-world experience. One visiting educator commented, “The integration from curriculum to community involvement demonstrated GMCS’s commitment to real-world preparation. Confident student ambassadors and engaged staff highlighted the district’s collaborative environment.”

At Miyamura High School, teachers demonstrated the “Schools of” model, organizing instruction into four career pathways with four-course sequences, cross-curricular projects, and end-of-year showcases highlighting student achievement. This approach blends academic and technical instruction, ensuring students gain both foundational knowledge and industry-specific skills essential for college and career success.

Ramah and Tohatchi High Schools showcased how smaller campuses can adapt the pathway model through their School of Business theme. Teachers integrate the district’s Graduate Profile and core values into instruction, guiding students in both academic and personal development. One visitor remarked, “The single-theme approach fosters coherence and relevance, especially in a smaller school environment.”

Throughout the visit, student ambassadors led tours, sharing their experiences and career goals. Their leadership reflected the district’s focus on equipping students with real-world skills, practical experience, and a strong sense of community connection.

Through collaboration with UNM-Gallup and Navajo Technical University, GMCS also offers dual credit programs, allowing students to earn college credits while in high school. These pathways prepare students for higher education and the workforce, positioning them competitively for future success.

Superintendent Mike Hyatt shared, “What makes Gallup-McKinley County Schools stand out is our community’s shared commitment to our students’ futures. The Experiential Site Visit demonstrates how we are connecting classrooms, careers, and communities to create opportunities that last a lifetime. Our students are the heartbeat of this work, and their success continues to inspire everything we do.”

Gallup-McKinley County Schools continues to emerge as a model district in New Mexico-advancing sustainable student success through the integration of CTE and academics, work-based learning, and strong community partnerships.

Jvanna Hanks
Gallup-McKinley County Schools
email us here

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Originally published at https://www.wric.com on October 31, 2025.

Through programs like these, our students are not just learning about careers-they’re preparing for them”

GALLUP, NM, UNITED STATES, October 21, 2025 / EINPresswire.com/ — The Gallup-McKinley County Schools College & Career Department and Ramah High School School of Business presented “Pathways 101: Tips and Tricks for Building High-Quality Pathways in Schools” at the Cooperative Educational Services (CES) Conference in Albuquerque on October 16th.

During the presentation, Principal David Gibbons shared how “Ramah means business” through innovative, hands-on courses that connect students to real-world learning and industry expectations. Two student ambassadors joined the session to describe their personal experiences in the Business Pathway and how the skills they are developing are preparing them for success in college, careers, and life after graduation.

The team also highlighted the district’s investment in Lincoln Electric welding training and certifications, which supports welding programs across GMCS schools with industry-grade equipment, instruction, and credentialing opportunities.

“Through programs like these, our students are not just learning about careers-they’re preparing for them,” said Kyndee Keeler, Director of College, Career and Civic Readiness. “We’re proud to see our pathways model being shared statewide.”

Gallup-McKinley County Schools remains committed to building high-quality, future-focused pathways that ensure all students graduate College, Career, and Community Ready.

Jvanna Hanks
Gallup-McKinley County Schools
email us here

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Originally published at https://fox4kc.com on October 21, 2025.

The increasing number of GMCS Board Scholars is the result of nearly a decade of intentional transformation. Over the past nine years, the district has focused on meeting students’ diverse needs, creating equitable educational opportunities, empowering staff, and ensuring high-quality instruction in every classroom. These efforts are supported by programs, policies, and practices designed to help students and families thrive, despite the social, economic, and geographic challenges within the GMCS community.

A Holistic Approach to Student Success

GMCS emphasizes the development of the whole child-academically, socially, and emotionally. Initiatives such as aligned standards and lesson plans, professional development for staff, counseling and social-emotional support programs, and student-centered experiences like Teen Court, D.A.R.E., Middle School Bike Clubs, and student-led conferences are designed to empower students, strengthen well-being, and build confidence.

The district also prioritizes parental and guardian engagement, fostering strong academic partnerships between families and classrooms to ensure students take accountability for their learning and develop critical communication skills.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity

GMCS proudly integrates cultural diversity into its curriculum, programs, and partnerships. The Heritage Language and Culture Department has developed a first-of-its-kind Navajo Language and Culture curriculum to preserve and revitalize the Diné language and teachings. Dr. Ophelia M. Sanchez, Director of Cultural Education, noted, “Culture and language are inseparable…Our work in language revitalization is vital-once lost, a language takes generations to restore. We are leading this effort to preserve and pass on the Diné language to future generations.”

Commitment to Excellence

GMCS ensures every student has access to high-quality education, from early exposure to careers in elementary school to Career Pathway programs, dual credit courses, and early college high school opportunities in high school. Over 95% of high school students participate in Career Pathway programs, and more than 600 are enrolled in early college programs offering the chance to earn an associate degree alongside their diploma. Paid internships, participation in state and national competitions, and civic readiness programs further prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Investing in People and Purpose

GMCS invests in both staff and students to ensure long-term growth. The district has implemented historic salary increases, retention incentives, housing support, and comprehensive benefits for staff, while removing financial barriers for students by providing school supplies, technology, waived fees, and access to educational experiences and programs.

Equity, Equality, and Access

GMCS has been a leader in securing funding and resources to improve education for all students, including playing a key role in the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit, which has put more than $1 Billion into public education in New Mexico and restoring Impact Aid funding. Capital Outlay investments exceeding $300 million have upgraded facilities, heating and cooling systems, security, and transportation infrastructure, ensuring equitable access to high-quality education across the district.

Community Engagement

Partnerships with families, local businesses, tribal communities, and government entities are central to GMCS’s approach. Internship opportunities, mentorship programs, and collaboration with law enforcement to support safe schools demonstrate the district’s commitment to community-connected learning.

Looking Ahead

The record number of GMCS Board Scholars this year exemplifies the district’s vision for excellence, equity, and cultural strength. Superintendent Mike Hyatt reflected, “The incredible progress our students have made over the past decade is a direct reflection of the commitment, courage, and heart of the entire GMCS community. Our students are achieving levels never seen before thanks to the strong, unwavering support of our Board of Education. Their vision and investment in our students, staff, and programs have made this transformation possible. The success of our Board Scholars and the academic growth we see across GMCS are not by chance, but the result of years of intentional work by a dedicated staff and a School Board that believes deeply in our students and their potential. I am truly honored to be part of this work and to serve alongside so many devoted individuals who put students first every single day.”

Jvanna Hanks jhanks at gmcs.org

Originally published at https://fox4kc.com on October 15, 2025.