Canutillo High School celebrates the Class of 2026

The Canutillo High School Class of 2026 is leaving behind a lot more than memories. They leave a legacy of extraordinary achievement that has shattered records, earned national recognition and opened doors to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities.

This year’s graduating class has secured an astounding $47,376,050 in scholarships and grants, a remarkable testament to the academic excellence, ambition and determination of Canutillo High School students. 

Leading the way is Valentina Carrillo, who has earned more than $1.8 million in scholarships, setting a new all-time Canutillo High School record. Carrillo surpasses the previous record of $1.5 million established just last year by Class of 2025 valedictorian Matthew Medina, underscoring a growing tradition of excellence among Canutillo’s top scholars.

Class of 2026 valedictorian Vincent Rosario was selected for the highly competitive Impact Scholarship at The University of Texas at Austin, valued at $50,000. Only nine students in Region 19 received this scholarship in 2026, making Canutillo High School the first school in more than a decade to produce back-to-back recipients after Matthew Medina earned the same honor in 2025.

Salutatorian Daniella Anaya was awarded a combined $330,000 in scholarships. She will be starting her new chapter at UT Austin where she will pursue a pre-med track. 

Several other graduates also earned prestigious awards and highly competitive scholarships. Avery Baker received the St. Mary's University Madeleva Award, totaling $132,000 while Aiden Aguirre earned the Provost Scholarship from Loyola University Chicago, worth $180,000. Kassandra Noriega received the Texas Leadership Scholars Program Scholarship to Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, worth $160,000. She was one of only seven students in Region 19 selected for the award.

Canutillo High School also set regional benchmarks in college admissions and scholarship attainment. A record 40 graduates earned Excellence Scholarships from The University of Texas at El Paso, the highest total of any high school in the greater El Paso area. In addition, 43 students were named Phase II finalists for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the highest total among all Region 19 5A schools and 14 more finalists than last year.

The Class of 2026 includes 340 seniors, eight of whom are graduating early after completing high school in just three years. Thirty-four students rank in the top 10 percent of their class.

Colleges and universities across the Southwest and beyond have invested heavily in Canutillo students.

UTEP awarded more than $6.1 million in scholarships, including the Paydirt Promise Scholarship and Promise Plus Tuition Assistance. New Mexico State University awarded nearly $11.8 million in scholarships and tuition assistance. St. Mary's University awarded more than $5.7 million, while University of the Incarnate Word awarded $8.75 million and Our Lady of the Lake University awarded nearly $11.9 million.

In addition to institutional scholarships, Canutillo grads were awarded more than 700 merit scholarships, $912,825 in FAFSA grants and approximately $3 million in Texas grants.

“These accomplishments are a reflection of the incredible talent, perseverance and determination of our students, as well as the unwavering support of our teachers, counselors and families,” said Canutillo High School Acting Principal Nidia Avila. “The Class of 2026 has shown what is possible when students dream big and work relentlessly to achieve their goals. We are immensely proud of our Eagles and excited to see the impact they will make in the world.”

From record-breaking scholarship totals to admissions at top universities nationwide, the Canutillo High School Class of 2026 has proven that the sky is truly the limit. As these Eagles soar into the next chapter of their lives, they carry with them the pride of a school community that believes deeply in their potential and celebrates their extraordinary success.

These accomplishments are a reflection of the incredible talent, perseverance and determination of our students, as well as the unwavering support of our teachers, counselors and families. The Class of 2026 has shown what is possible when students dream big and work relentlessly to achieve their goals. We are immensely proud of our Eagles and excited to see the impact they will make in the world.Nidia AvilaCanutillo High School Acting Principal