This year’s NMSBA Excellence in Student Achievement Award nominees were recognized at the May School Board meeting. Jovita Mowrer (left) and Christa Saenz (not pictured) were selected as the recipients of the 2026 New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA) Excellence in Student Achievement Award. Also pictured are Miel Rim, Michelle Rosette, Ashley Schmiedicke, Courtney Smith, Amanda Ferran, Haley Gayner, Reagan Hall, Rebekah Butcher, Minesh Bacrania and Matthew Bohlen; (front, left to right) Alisa Rolfe, Kim Vo and Michela Ombelli. Courtesy photo
LAPS News:
The Los Alamos Public Schools Board selected Christa Saenz, a first-grade teacher at Barranca Mesa Elementary, and Jovita Mowrer, LAPS Native American Student Support, as the recipients of the 2026 New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA) Excellence in Student Achievement Award. The awards were presented during the School Board meeting held in early May.
The New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA) Excellence in Student Achievement Awards are presented to individuals selected by local boards of education throughout New Mexico who have played an important role in improving student achievement in their local school district. Sixty-four school boards participated in this year’s program and a record 189 award recipients were selected. Recipients are honored at local school board meetings throughout New Mexico.
“Mrs. Saenz is a fantastic force for first grade,” was stated in her nomination. “She meets each child where they are academically, emotionally, and socially and helps provide what they need to grow. Academically for instance, she can give her class five different spelling tests, so that each child gets what’s best for their own individual growth. Emotionally and socially, she is always helping kids process big feelings, modeling respect and kindness. She creatively thinks of ways to help kids learn how to be there for one another, instead of just a lesson where they will hopefully listen. She actively teaches them, talks with them, and listens to them with her heart and mind. She has true compassion for all students and they always know someone is on their side. As a teacher member of the PTO, she helps connect parents and teachers so the school community as a whole thrives. She always has great ideas that help the Barranca Elementary School families and staff. She also helps connect us with community partners who support our school. The Barranca Bobcats are fortunate to have our fierce friendly teacher Mrs. Saenz!”
Her nomination stated, “Jovita is AMAZING! She dedicates countless hours and hard work to bring incredible opportunities to all Native American Students attending LAPS. During the 2025-2026 school year, Jovita initiated and completed an event for students and their families to sew traditional ribbon dresses. She has also planned and taken students on numerous field trips like college campus visits, the last Gathering of Nations, and participating in Native American Day at the NM State Legislative Session. In addition, she has brought the author, Dr. Anton Treuer to LAPS and the community. Jovita hosts monthly NAPAC meetings. She communicates well with students and their families, and she takes care of the NAPAC website. Most importantly, she makes herself available to our Native American Students to make sure that they’re successful and that their needs are met. She has made sure that students have access to tutoring. In conclusion, these are just a few things that Jovita Mowrer should be recognized and appreciated for.”
This year, the LAPS School Board received 26 nominations for the Excellence in Student Achievement Award. Nominees for the 2026 award received a certificate during the presentation, and praise for their dedication to students.
Along with Jovita Mowrer and Christa Saenz, this year’s nominees included:
- Minesh Bacrania, community volunteer
- Matthew Bohlen, Los Alamos High School
- Sherri Bublitz, Los Alamos Middle School
- Rebekah Butcher, Aspen Elementary School
- Victoria Daley, Los Alamos Middle School
- Amanda Ferran, Piñon Elementary School
- Amy Ferran, Mountain Elementary School
- Louise Foliot, Los Alamos High School
- Haley Gayner, Piñon Elementary School
- Heather Gould, Mountain Elementary School
- Reagan Hall, Mountain Elementary School
- Catherine Hardy, Chamisa Elementary School
- Analicia Leyba, Chamisa Elementary School
- Aimee Morrison, community volunteer
- Michela Ombelli, Los Alamos High School
- Heather Peterson, Piñon Elementary School
- Tiffany Richie, Los Alamos High School
- Miel Rim, Aspen Elementary School
- Alisa Rolfe, Aspen Elementary School
- Michelle Rosette, orchestra teacher
- Ashley Schmiedicke, Chamisa Elementary School
- Courtney Smith, Mountain Elementary and Piñon Elementary
- Deidre Thorn, Chamisa Elementary School
- Kim Vo, Los Alamos High School