Vista News

Vista High School honored 53 graduates during its annual spring commencement on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Yuma Union High School District Governing Board President Jacqueline Kravitz confirmed the graduates inside the Taylor Dean McBride Auditorium at Yuma High School prior to the distribution of their diplomas. YUHSD Superintendent Tim Brienza and Associate Superintendents Lilian Campa and Robert Jankowski were also on hand to represent the district. 

“This group of graduating seniors represents everything that our Vista High School community is committed to,” Vista Principal David King said. “And each graduate is a glowing example of the resilience and grit that defines the Vista Lobo experience.”

Vista graduates Joseph Lopez and Dulce Marely Solorzano Diaz addressed their fellow graduates during the ceremony.  

“Tonight isn’t just about graduating,” Lopez said in his speech. “It’s about everything it took to get here. My journey through high school hasn’t always been the easiest. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs. There were times where I struggled with motivation and fell behind. I didn’t always make the right choices… Vista isn’t just an alternative school. It’s a community. Coming here became a turning point in my life, and it gave me a second chance when I needed it most.”

The commencement ceremony can be viewed in its entirety on Vista’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/VistaHSOfficial/videos/1048619927771574

Here is complete list of this year’s Vista spring graduates:  
Rylee Rae Aivazian; Alexia Alize Alvarado; Andrew Alvarez; Ema Jean Anderson; Ayden Michael Barnes; Joanna Jazmin Barraza Robles; Natalee Susan Barton; Gustavo Adolfo Becerra; Manuel Anthony Berry; Evolhet Bonillas Valtierra; Blayz  Booth; German Pablo Borquez; Armando Bustillos; Jazelle Carlon; Esteban Sebastian Cesario; Isacc James Christopher; Elizabeth Noemi Cortez; Marcus Isaiah Covarrubias; Perla Gabriela Cuen; Anelayah May-zay-lee De La Torre; Jonathan Lucas Dean; Benjamin Patrick Dickson; Julian Joseph Esperanza; Eduardo Fonseca; Jissel Amia Galindo; Aolani Anivid Gurrola; Payton Lynn Hamilton; Ramon Ibarra Garcia; Christopher Lopez; Richard Lopez; Abigail Lopez; Genesis Karina Lopez; Joseph Angel Lopez; Yareli Macias Flores; Micah Lamar-Kamiraj Martinez; Felix Martinez Heredia; Omar Arturo Martin-Ornelas; Andres Emiliano Medina; James Glen Miller; Adriana Lee Ortiz Washington; Vianney Carolynn Ott; Christian Xavier Perez; Alize Mary Perez Monjardin; Juan Quinones; Ash Wulfgang Riggle-Reeves; Clarissa Rosalva Rivas; Dulce Marely Solorzano Diaz; Jazlyn Maya Torres; Alexia Elizabet Uribe Flores; Simi Vailolo; Kayla Monique White; Isaiah Abram White Diller; Jobe Patrick Winchell

Yuma Union High School District students from the Kofa High School and Vista High School science departments attended the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), one of the world's largest Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) competitions for high school students. 

"The trip was a wonderful experience and I liked how I got to see different people and new things,” Vista student Luis Morales said. “I would like to go back." 

Twenty-two Vista students and 14 Kofa students had the opportunity to explore innovative science projects, participate in hands-on STEM activities, and connect with student researchers from around the world while encouraging future interest in science and engineering pathways.

“This event had something for everyone, the students were so involved in the enriching activities and seeing the projects while talking to students from all over the world,” Vista science teacher Katherine Lloyd said. “I was so excited to hear students talk about wanting to do their own projects because of how inspiring the event was.”

Lloyd and Kofa science teachers Jason Flora and Rochelle Baldwin received a grant from the Society of Science, which funded transportation costs and allowed them to accompany the students on the trip.

Vista High School recently hosted the Stop the Stigma Community Event, bringing together students, families, staff, and community members for an evening dedicated to mental health awareness, connection, and support. The event focused on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health while creating a welcoming space for education, healing, and community collaboration.

Attendees had the opportunity to connect with a variety of local vendors, organizations, and community partners who shared valuable resources, wellness information, and support services available throughout Yuma. The event also featured interactive wellness experiences, including yoga sessions, grounding meditations, holistic care education, homeopathy information, and demonstrations of PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy, allowing attendees to explore different approaches to mental wellness and self-care.

In addition to wellness activities, guests enjoyed games, light refreshments, and meaningful conversations centered around building support and connection within the community. The event emphasized that mental health matters for everyone and encouraged attendees to continue supporting one another beyond the evening’s activities.

Stop the Stigma served as a powerful reminder that healing and awareness begin when communities come together. This event marked the beginning of an ongoing effort to continue raising awareness, strengthening partnerships, and supporting mental wellness throughout Yuma.

Vista High School will host a “Stop the Stigma” community event on May 13 from 5-6:30 p.m. 

The event, which is free and open to the public, is intended to raise awareness about mental health. 

“‘Stop the Stigma’ is deeply important to me because no one should ever feel alone in their struggles,” Vista High School Mental and Social Health Services teacher Kristina Murray said. “This event is about creating a welcoming space where individuals feel seen, supported, and connected. It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, learn from one another, and take meaningful steps toward understanding and healing—together.”

Guests can expect an evening featuring community resources from local organizations, coping skills, wellness activities, games, giveaways and light refreshments. 

Vista is seeking volunteers, vendors, and community partners to host booths and lead activities. Donations of food, funds, or services are also welcome.

Those interested in participating should contact Murray at kmurray@yumaunion.org.

Twenty Yuma Union High School District students from six high schools earned awards at the Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF) fair at the University of Arizona.

Overall, 46 students representing Cibola High School, Gila Ridge High School, Kofa High School, San Luis High School, Vista High School, and Yuma High School,  traveled to Tucson to showcase their projects, connect with industry professionals, and further develop their skills in scientific research and presentation. 

"I’m really proud of our students for putting themselves out there and presenting at SARSEF,” Kofa biology teacher Jason Flora said. “That’s not easy, and they showed a lot of courage and confidence in sharing their work. Walking around the fair, it was awesome to see their excitement and passion—they weren’t just presenting, they were having real conversations about their discoveries with passion and conviction.”

The students spent the majority of the fall semester designing their projects, collecting necessary data, writing their narratives and creating their posters.

"My experience at SARSEF was a very fortunate and encouraging experience,” Kofa student Getzemani Gomez Linan said. “It was challenging knowing there were many other people competing in the same category, but also fun getting to know new people and also seeing their creativity."

SARSEF provides students opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, network with STEM professionals, and a chance to earn scholarships and prizes. 

Here are the names and awards each student/class received:

Cibola:
Samantha Chulamorkodt, third place, Applied Technology and AVNET High School Innovator Award; Daniyal Irfan, AVNET High School Innovator Award; Melanie Moore, Student Award for Geoscience Excellence and Environmental Awareness Award; Xavier Rendon and Adrian Ruiz Martinez, the Future of Aerospace Sciences and Engineering Award

Gila Ridge:
Daisy Boelts, first place, “Oh Deer, it’s E. Coli!”

Kofa:
Lilly Town, third place, “Can People Recognize AI-Generated Images?” 

San Luis:
Jose Amador, Spark of Innovation Award; Juan Contreras and Ximena Diaz, SARSEF Board Award; Karely Alvarado, Valeria Gutierres and Alondra Patron, second place, the Study of Tardigrades and Their Adaptability and Mayer Family Excellence in Science Award; Maria Morales, Dave and Buster’s Celebration Award

Vista:
Ayden Barnes, Tucson Electric Power Award of Excellence

Yuma High:
Noah Chan, NASA Earth System Science Award; Estrella Bernal Lopez, Outstanding use of the Metric System Award; Evelyn Stelton and Ava Schwaderer, Ricoh Sustainable Development Award; Dani McKenna, Naval Science Award

For the 12th consecutive year, seniors from all six Yuma Union High School District graduating classes will appear on billboards across Yuma County to promote the district’s ongoing commitment to EVERY student being college, career and community prepared upon graduation.

There are six billboards in total located near each respective YUHSD campus. Two students from each school are represented in the campaign. As part of the selection process, each student was required to write a brief personal essay and take part in an on-camera interview. To read their stories, watch their interviews, and see photos of the billboards, please visit the 2026 RNY Billboard Showcase on YUHSD’s official website.

“Being chosen as the face of the graduating class of 2026 and representing my school on billboards across Yuma is something I never imagined for myself,” Yuma High School senior Yanira Zavala said. “When people see that billboard, they see a senior ready to graduate. What they don’t see is the journey behind that moment, the doubts, the pressure, and the determination it took to keep going when things felt overwhelming.”

Principals, guidance counselors, teachers, and district administrators all played a role in recommending students for the billboards, which will run through most of the summer. Additionally, banners of each student are displayed on their respective campuses for the 2026-27 school year. 

“We started this program with the graduating class of 2015 as a way to showcase our Ready Now Yuma initiative,” YUHSD Chief Communications Officer Eric Patten said. “Since then, the campaign has continued to grow and, most importantly, highlights the diversity and opportunity available to students in Yuma Union High School District. Every one of our students has paved a unique path to reach graduation day. The 12 seniors on the billboards each year are representative of all their peers and classmates.”

The students featured in the 2026 campaign represent a wide-range of areas within the district, including AVID, Career & Technical Education, SkillsUSA, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), National Honors Society, drama, band, Mastery of the Arts Program, dance, athletics, YUHSD’s migrant student program, special education, Student Council, and many more.

2026 RNY Billboard Students:

Adamariz Fernandez, Cibola High School
Eric Heredia, Cibola High School
Karidee Ellsworth, Gila Ridge High School
Amias Davis, Gila Ridge High School
Rachel Whitson, Kofa High School
Julio Reina, Kofa High School
Ashley Mercedes Beltran Leon, San Luis High School
Alberto Buchanan, San Luis High School
Ziara Turner, Vista High School
James Miller, Vista High School
Yanira Zavala, Yuma High School
Jesus Patino Salgado, Yuma High School

Billboard Locations:

Cibola: Southbound Avenue B near 32nd Street
Gila Ridge: Eastbound Interstate 8 near Araby Road
Kofa: Eastbound 24th Street and 4th Avenue
San Luis: Southbound Highway 95 near County 15th Street
Vista: Eastbound 32nd Street near Avenue B
Yuma High: Southbound 4th Avenue and 19th Street

Vista High School is hosting an open house on Wednesday, April 21 from 4-7 p.m. 

“We are excited for this event because it provides an opportunity to showcase what makes Vista a supportive and unique place for students,” VHS Student Council advisor Claudia Caballero said. “It allows them to connect with families and community members, answer questions, and highlight the opportunities available at the school.” 

This event is an opportunity for families and the community to tour the Vista campus, enjoy snacks and refreshments, learn about clubs, what school is like at Vista, and speak to counselors about enrollment and graduation.

You do not have to be a Vista High School student to attend, the entire Yuma community is invited. 

Vista High School Instructional Leader Shantele Sajdowitz recently participated as a panelist in a KnowledgeWorks webinar to share her insight on learner-centered education. 

As a member of the KnowledgeWorks leadership development group, Sajdowitz volunteered as a panelist due to her experience with the ongoing transition to a learner-centered format in the classroom with a new instructional framework at Vista.

"Being able to share my insight is incredibly meaningful to me because I’ve seen how learner-centered education has transformed the way I approach my work—both in the classroom as a teacher and as an Instructional Leader,” Sajdowitz said. “Having the opportunity to connect with educators around the world and share these experiences matters deeply, because I believe the most powerful learning comes from those who are actively doing the work and openly reflecting on their successes and challenges.”

During the webinar, Sajdowitz focused Vista’s implementation of its instructional framework, which prioritizes learner-centered practices. She shared examples of how students are given meaningful opportunities to take ownership of their learning through self-paced modules, choice boards, and research-based projects. 

Learner-centered education means giving learners more voice and choice in how they engage with content and demonstrate their understanding. It also helps students develop critical skills like independence, self-advocacy, and problem-solving that extend beyond the classroom.

The Yuma Union High School District Governing Board approved leadership transitions for principal roles at Yuma High School and Vista High School for the 2026-27 school year. 

Michael Fritz, current principal of Yuma High, will be transitioning to serve as principal of Vista, while Marci Sanchez, the current academics principal at Yuma High, will take over at Yuma High. Both will begin their new roles on July 1, 2026. 

Fritz began his career in education in 2004, starting as a teacher at Cibola High School and teaching health, wilderness survival, and physical education while also coaching soccer and football. He also spent three years as the school’s Ready Now Yuma Coach and stepped into administrative leadership in 2016 becoming an Assistant Principal at Cibola and later Yuma High. In August 2020, he was named Yuma High’s Principal and over the course of six years has helped lead the school’s overall improvement, including receiving a “B” rating in Arizona’s A-F letter-grade accountability system. 

"I am excited to serve as the Principal of Vista High School and to join this incredible community,” Fritz said. “Together, as a pack, we will support every student to thrive and ensure they are fully prepared for college, career, and community upon graduation. As Lobos, we will build strong relationships and accomplish great things together."  

Sanchez, who is a Yuma High alumna with 25 years working in education, worked with Fritz at the school since 2022, serving as an Assistant Principal overseeing academics and exceptional student services. She is also a member of the Yuma High School Athletic Hall of Fame, recognized as part of the 1990 softball state championship team. Her first position in YUHSD was serving as a Health and Physical Education at San Luis High School in 2007, while also serving as an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) sponsor and coaching volleyball and softball. Sanchez transitioned into a leadership role in 2011, serving as an Assistant Principal at Kofa High School and San Luis High School over the years. 

“My journey at YUHSD—from classroom to administration—has prepared me for this moment,” Sanchez said. “As a proud Yuma High third-generation alumna, I understand the legacy I’m stepping into. I’m honored to serve this community and ready to lead with purpose, responsibility, and a deep commitment to our students and families.”

Yuma Union High School District student nutrition managers and assistant managers earned their School Nutrition Association (SNA) credential certifications. 

The SNA provides leadership development through online coursework and operational training in partnership with the Institute of Child Nutrition. 

“Their commitment to professional growth and leadership development is nothing short of inspiring,” YUHSD Executive Director of Student Nutrition Elena Hildreth said. “Each of them is already working toward their next credential level; a true reflection of their passion and drive to serve our students at the highest level.”

Collectively, the group has completed more than 492 hours of online training covering topics such as food allergens, dietary guidelines, operations, leadership, and more. The certification process included exams after each course, as well as specialized training such as a manager sanitation certification, a child nutrition 101 course, and advanced coursework requiring extensive program-solving and critical thinking, recipe reading and comprehension, and understanding recipe units of measurement. 

According to Hildreth, the SNA certification will be a requirement for future managerial positions in the department.

Over the past three years, the YUHSD student nutrition department has expanded  scratch cooking, developed original recipes, and introduced breakfast carts across campuses. The department has also increased staff training and established committed partnerships with organizations that provide equipment, resources, and professional development such as the Chef Ann Foundation, No Kid Hungry/Share the Strength, and the Arizona Dairy Council, to help support students inside and outside of the classroom.

Students from Kofa High School and Vista High School competed in the fourth annual joint science fair between the schools. 

The event included multiple categories such as chemistry and biochemistry, earth and environmental science, zoology, botany, engineering and technology, health and microbiology, physics, and social sciences.

“I wanted to find out the science behind something that I was already doing and really interested in,” said Vista High School student Ayden Barnes, who was a first-place finisher. “It was terrifying presenting in front of the judges, but then it got easier and words flowed naturally. Seeing the judges’ faces and hearing their compliments and feedback made it a lot easier because they were there to help.”

Projects were evaluated by a panel of judges from Arizona Western College, Yuma Proving Ground, the Yuma County Engineering Office, and the Kofa High School Counseling Department. 
“We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated,” Kofa High School science teacher Jason Flora said. “Events like the Joint Science Fair demonstrate the power of collaboration between schools and our community partners, while fostering critical thinking, innovation, and a passion for science. We look forward to continuing this partnership and celebrating even more student success in the future.”
Elite Engraving sponsored the student awards, enabling recognition of participants’ achievements and the work demonstrated in each project.

“This was our first time collaborating with Elite Engraving on the awards, and the donation was incredibly generous and meaningful,” Vista High School science teacher Katherine Lloyd said. “Recognizing academic achievement is especially impactful at Vista, where we don’t have our own athletics program, as this gives our dedicated and hardworking students the opportunity to take home something tangible to remember their accomplishments.”

Here are all of the winners from the Joint Science Fair (organized by category):
Chemistry and biochemistry: Zoe Ramirez, first place; Bella Putzu, second place; Ananieecia Escalanti, third place; Botany: Getzemani Linan Gomez, first place; Engineering and technology: Ayden Barnes, first place; Isabel Raygoza and Kayla White, second place; Aaron Amezcua, third place; Health, medicine and microbiology: Jack Davis, first place; Aileen Jimenez, second place; Isabella Zazueta and Addison Pepper, third place place; Physics: Vianney Ott and Adriana Ortiz Washington, first place; Ailyn Sandoval, second place; Social sciences: Lilly Town, first place; Overall Winners: Ayden Barnes, Vista, first place; Lilly Town, Kofa, second place; Isabel Raygoza, Vista, third place; Kayla White, Vista, third place. 

Yuma Union High School District, in partnership with Onvida Health, will be hosting a no-cost sports physical event on May 1, 2026 at San Luis High School. 

The event is open to all YUHSD student-athletes. Parents/guardians must be in attendance. Doors open at 4 p.m. and exams will conclude at 6 p.m. 

Exams will be conducted by Onvida Sports Medicine Fellowship Program Director Dr. Ryan Zerr and other medical residents.

“The sports physical event at SLHS is a great opportunity for our community to get ahead for next year,” SLHS Athletic Trainer Katia Rojas said. “Whether a student is already planning to join a sport or just considering it, this is a perfect chance to take advantage of a free physical. It’s also a wonderful chance for everyone to meet our athletic trainers, who play a key role in helping keep students healthy and injury-free throughout their seasons, as well as connect with doctors from our local community.”

A physical is required to participate in Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) competition. All physical examinations completed at the event will cover the student-athlete for the 2026-27 school year.

Yuma Union High School District will host summer learning at all seven school sites, June 2-12, 2026.  

Vista High School classes will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All summer classes allow students an opportunity to retrieve learning and earn credits lost. To register, students should talk to their school counselor before April 24.

Breakfast and lunch will be available to students at no cost, while transportation will be provided to and from school. 

A $20 registration fee is required for students to take part in the program. The fee can be paid at the bookstore or online (processing fees apply).