Las Cruces Public Schools recognized nearly 60 outstanding seniors for their academic achievements and post-secondary plans during the 2026 Academic Signing Day, held on April 22. The ceremony took place in the multipurpose room at Arrowhead Park Early College High School, with family, friends, school principals, district leaders, and members of the Board of Education in attendance.
The event highlights the importance placed on academic excellence and future educational goals within the district. Each student honored was designated as an academic ambassador for their respective high school: Arrowhead Park Early College High School, Centennial High School, Las Cruces High School, Mayfield High School, Organ Mountain High School, and Rio Grande Preparatory Institute.
During the celebration, each ambassador received a medal from their principal to recognize both their scholastic dedication and commitment to continuing education. Students also wore apparel representing their chosen colleges or universities and shared personal highlights about their intended fields of study. Dr. Wendi Miller-Tomlinson, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS), served as host for the ceremony.
Academic Signing Day was established in 2015 to mirror athletic signing ceremonies by placing equal pride on students’ academic accomplishments and post-secondary decisions. Each year since its inception, ambassadors are selected from every high school to participate in this tradition.
Las Cruces Public Schools promotes a vision where all learners thrive and honors diversity according to the official website. The district operates 40 schools—including elementary schools, middle schools, K-8 schools and seven high schools—and serves roughly 23,000 students with a staff of about 3,200 according to its official website. LCPS extends services across several communities including Las Cruces itself as well as Mesilla, Doña Ana Village, White Sands Missile Range and much of Doña Ana County according to its official website.
The district collaborates with New Mexico State University through early college high schools according to its official website while committing to fostering a safe environment focused on equity and excellence according to its official website.
