Northwest Early College High School Class of 2026 leave legacy of scholarship & leadership

Northwest Early College High School’s Class of 2026 has proved that excellence has no limits.

With only 89 graduates, the Griffin Class of 2026 has earned an extraordinary $23,486,956 in scholarship offers and completed 6,716 hours of community service — demonstrating not only exceptional academic achievement but also a deep commitment to serving others. 

From Ivy League admissions and nationally competitive scholarships to accelerated healthcare pathways and a commitment to public service, this year’s graduating class has set a remarkable standard for success.

“These students represent the very best of what Northwest Early College High School stands for,” said principal Frank Clark. “They have challenged themselves academically, served their community with purpose and earned opportunities that will change the trajectory of their lives. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see the impact they will make in the world.”

Leading the class is valedictorian Jacob Lozano, whose achievements have captured attention well beyond the Canutillo ISD community. A respected student leader and former Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees student advisor, Lozano was admitted to four Ivy League institutions: Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania and Dartmouth College. 

Lozano has committed to Harvard University and is also the recipient of the prestigious Hagan Scholarship Foundation Scholarship, a highly competitive national award that provides up to $60,000 to help students graduate college debt-free. In total, he amassed more than $1 million in scholarship opportunities. 

Salutatorian Clarissa Mendoza graduated as an AP Capstone Diploma candidate and received the designation of AP Scholar with Distinction and College Board National School Recognition. She will be attending New Mexico State University where she will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Other notable graduates include Isabella Medina-Vogt who earned national recognition by being matched with Scripps College through the highly selective QuestBridge program. New graduates Bianca Macias and Leen Azzam have both been accepted into the competitive Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center FastTrack BSN program, which places them on an accelerated pathway toward careers in nursing and future leadership in healthcare.

The accomplishments of the Class of 2026 reflect the unique opportunities available at Northwest Early College High School, where students are encouraged to dream boldly, serve generously and pursue academic excellence at the highest level.

As they make their way into the world, these 89 new Griffin grads leave behind a legacy of scholarship, leadership and service that will inspire future generations of Canutillo students to reach even greater heights.

These students represent the very best of what Northwest Early College High School stands for. They have challenged themselves academically, served their community with purpose and earned opportunities that will change the trajectory of their lives. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see the impact they will make in the world.Frank ClarkNWECHS Principal