Canutillo High School’s Class of 2025 breaks records, earns more than $71 Million in scholarships

They say the sky’s the limit, but the Canutillo High School Class of 2025 isn’t letting that stop them.

The extraordinary seniors, who celebrated their graduation on Friday afternoon at the Don Haskins Center, soared to heights of success never before reached in the history of CHS.

This year’s graduating class is not only walking the stage with diplomas in hand, but also with more than $71 million in scholarships and financial aid — the most in school history.

With 27 students earning The University of Texas at El Paso Presidential and Excellence Scholarships, the third highest number of recipients of any high school in El Paso County, CHS is proving once again that its Eagles are among the best and brightest in the Borderland.

But perhaps the most stunning feat belongs to valedictorian Matthew Medina, who shattered records with over $1.5 million in scholarship offers from elite universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Johns Hopkins and Case Western Reserve University. His bounty is the highest earned by any single graduating senior in CHS history.

“This feels great. After all four years of hard work, it has come to this,” said Medina, who will be attending MIT this fall to study computer science. “I feel honored to represent the Class of 2025 as the valedictorian.”

Medina was also one of two QuestBridge Finalists from CHS this year, alongside classmate Benjamin Melendez, who earned a prestigious QuestBridge Match Scholarship to Colby College, a highly competitive award valued at around $250,000. Another standout is senior TJ Locklin, recipient of a fully funded ROTC scholarship worth up to $200,000.

“Every year our students amaze us, but the Class of 2025 has truly raised the bar,” said CHS Principal Candice Marrufo. “Their achievements are a reflection of not only their hard work, but also the support from our dedicated educators, families and the entire Canutillo community. We are incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished and even more excited about what lies ahead.

Salutatorian Jalen Delgado, who is also headed toward a bright future, credited his success to the foundation he built at Canutillo High.

“Canutillo High School gave me the space to grow, challenge myself and figure out who I wanted to be,” said Delgado. “The teachers are top notch and hold us to a higher standard. They pushed me to think critically and dream bigger. I feel more than ready to take on the next chapter.”

Delgado will be attending The University of Texas at Austin where he will pursue a degree in aerospace engineering. He also plans to attend flight school to become a commercial pilot.

With talent, tenacity and a community behind them, the CHS Class of 2025 is soaring higher than ever before.

Congratulations, Eagles!