CHANGEMAKERS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Despite New Mexico’s long history of low academic performance, a coalition of community leaders is determined to spark change and rewrite the narrative about what is possible for the state’s students. Alumni of the Changemakers Fellowship are proud to launch the Spark Change Awards, a new initiative to honor schools that demonstrate improved student outcomes can be achieved for all students.
Sponsored by ConocoPhillips, the awards highlight schools that are either the highest-performing or the fastest-improving in literacy and math for Yazzie Martinez subgroups—economically disadvantaged students, English Learners, Native American students, and students with disabilities. By showcasing these schools, the Spark Change Awards demonstrate that meaningful progress is possible for every New Mexico student, especially the state’s most underserved students.
“Improving student achievement begins with understanding where we are today. Through my work with Changemakers, I saw both the challenges facing classrooms, schools, districts, and communities, as well as the successes and growth that too often go unrecognized,” said Louis Salazar, Changemakers Alum and ConocoPhillips, Manager of Government Affairs.
“The Spark Change Awards are designed to highlight these bright spots—not only to celebrate them, but to share what’s working with schools and districts across New Mexico,” Salazar added.
Award recipients were identified through a rigorous analysis of statewide assessment data from the 2023–2024 school year. Schools recognized by the program both serve Yazzie Martinez subgroup populations and demonstrate measurable success in raising student achievement. To view detailed performance levels and growth achieved by awardees, please refer to this spreadsheet.
2025 Inaugural Spark Change Awards Recipients
Highest Performing in Mathematics
- Economically Disadvantaged – Maxwell Middle, Maxwell, NM
- English Learners – Anthony Elementary, Anthony, NM
- Native American – Red Rock Elementary, Gallup, NM
- Students with Disabilities – Piñon Elementary, White Rock, NM
Growth in Mathematics
- All Students – Elida High, Elida, NM
- Economically Disadvantaged – Rita A. Marquez Elementary, Anton Chico, NM
- English Learners – Crownpoint Elementary, Crownpoint, NM
- Native American – Red Rock Elementary, Gallup, NM
- Students with Disabilities – Gil Sanchez Elementary, Jarales, NM
Highest Performing in Language Arts
- Economically Disadvantaged – Maxwell Middle, Maxwell, NM
- English Learners – Zia Elementary, Albuquerque, NM
- Native American – Bluewater Elementary, Grants, NM
- Students with Disabilities – Aldo Leopold Charter, Silver City, NM
Growth in Language Arts
- All Students – Mosquero Elementary, Mosquero, NM
- Economically Disadvantaged – Hurley Elementary, Hurley, NM
- English Learners – Chee Dodge Elementary, Gallup, NM
- Native American – Country Club Elementary, Farmington, NM
- Students with Disabilities – Aldo Leopold Charter, Silver City, NM