An Albuquerque Academy Community Newsletter
Contents
Visiting Artist Nailah Taman Explores Ancestry, Activism, and Material Memory | 2026 Alumni Awards | Navigating AI in Education | Campus News | Service Comes First: Clair Toledo '00 | Electric Guitar Tribute April 18 | Juniors Connect with Professionals on Career Day | Think Summer Is Calling | Library Exhibit Honors Women’s History Month | Social Media: Paws and Stripes | Alumni Gather at Pacific Northwest Event | Upcoming Events | Photo Gallery
Visiting Artist Nailah Taman Explores Ancestry, Activism, and Material Memory
When artist Nailah Taman addressed students in Simms Auditorium, their message was simple: there is no single path to becoming an artist. Invited to campus through the Jada B. Gonzales Visiting Artist Series, Nailah delivered a 30-minute talk to the 10-12 division and led a workshop with Senior Studio and Fiber Arts classes. Notably, Senior Studio students served as jurors in the nationwide selection process that brought Nailah to Albuquerque Academy.
During the workshop, students participated in a hands-on experience centered on sewing and personal storytelling through textiles. They were encouraged to bring fabric that held personal meaning — garments, heirlooms, or materials connected to family and memory — and to transform them into new works. Nailah guided them through sewing techniques while prompting reflection on how materials carry history, identity, and intention, reinforcing the idea that art can emerge directly from lived experience. An Egyptian American, nonbinary visual and textile artist based in Los Angeles, Nailah opened their auditorium talk with an image of the first quilt they made at age eight alongside their grandmother. “Making is part of my life and part of my ancestry,” they said, grounding their practice in family history and cultural inheritance.
Tracing their journey from ceramics at the University of Minnesota to large-scale textile installations, Nailah described work shaped by ancestral symbolism and Egyptian tent-making traditions. Their sculptural “fleshy glyphs,” inspired by hieroglyphics, reinterpret carved forms through soft, hand-sewn materials. “I’m always trying to make stuff to build a better world,” they told students. Nailah also spoke about creating art amid social upheaval, including living in Minneapolis during the 2020 uprising following the murder of George Floyd and later collaborating on an installation commemorating Palestinians killed in Gaza. “Art can be political,” they said. “It can be in so many settings.”
The Jada B. Gonzales ’23 Artist Series was established in 2023 in remembrance of Jada Gonzales with support from donors. Jada was an artist — both as a writer and photographer; she sought connection and savored the personal discovery inherent in the artistic process. She generously invited others in to share her art, and she was courageous and determined in the pursuit of her unique creative vision.
2026 Alumni Awards: Recognizing Those Who Make a Difference
Distinguished Alumni Award: Juliana Chavez ’01
The Alumni Council presents this award in recognition of extraordinary achievement or service that exemplifies the principles and values of Albuquerque Academy. It honors alumni who have made significant contributions to society, whether through a single remarkable act or over many years of impact. The Alumni Council is proud to announce that Dr. Juliana Chavez ’01 is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Juliana is a dedicated physician, educator, and community advocate whose career reflects both professional excellence and a deep commitment to service. She currently serves as clinical supervisor at the South Broadway location of First Choice Community Healthcare, a nonprofit federally qualified health center serving Central New Mexico. There, she leads a team of healthcare providers who maintain an open-door policy, offering comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services to patients regardless of income or insurance status. She is also an associate clinical professor at the UNM School of Medicine, where she teaches and mentors medical students across all four years of training. Juliana grew up in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Her elementary school counselor, Benina Gallegos, the mother of an Academy alum, recommended applying to the Academy, knowing Juliana would be the perfect fit. Juliana was in her school’s gifted program and had wanted to be a physician since first grade. “I liked to go fishing,” she recalls, “and I always liked to gut the fish and look at all of their organs. I was fascinated to discover how bodies work.” During her time at the Academy, Juliana embraced opportunities that would later shape her career. She credits Heidi Malloy for nurturing her love of science, as well as Ken Thompson, Danny Packer, and Jim Hutchison ’88 for fostering her connection to the outdoors through Ex Ed trips that took her across the West. Her Ex Ed Wilderness Medicine class introduced skills she continues to use today, and beginning in eighth grade, she served as an athletic trainer — earning a varsity letter as a trainer. Her Senior Project proved especially formative. For six weeks, she completed ER shifts under the mentorship of Dr. David Skylar, gaining early exposure to the realities of clinical medicine. That experience affirmed her path and shaped her approach as a physician. Today, she welcomes students into her own clinical setting, modeling the same mentorship that once guided her. These many experiences are the reason why Juliana believes it is vital for Academy alumni to pay it forward. “The Academy gave me so many opportunities that I never would have had. I was able to go on these great Ex Ed trips and perform at Carnegie Hall with the choir, and I had a great Senior Project that opened so many doors for me.” She encourages current students to take advantage of every opportunity that they are given, but to also “support the community that has supported you.” Juliana’s commitment to giving back to the Academy is substantial. She is the longest-serving Alumni Council member, with 19 years of involvement from 2005 to 2024. She has coordinated her class reunions, presented at Career Day, and hosted Academy students who are interested in medicine at her South Broadway clinic. She can often be seen at alumni and athletic events with her husband Eugene and daughters, Maya and Genevieve. Several years ago, during an Academy alumni trip to an Isotopes game, Eugene proposed to Juliana on the field during the seventh-inning stretch! Juliana Chavez’s life and work reflect the enduring impact of an Academy education and the responsibility to serve others with skill, humility, and heart. She hopes that this commitment to giving back will inspire future generations of Academy Chargers.
Young Alumni Service Award: Jordan Oglesby ’13
Created by the Alumni Council to recognize notable service to the community and society that exemplifies the spirit of the Albuquerque Academy mission, the Young Alumni Service Award honors one recipient 35 years of age or younger at the time of nomination who has made significant personal achievements in serving the local, national, or international community. The award celebrates alumni who demonstrate leadership, compassion, innovation, and commitment to improving the lives of others. The Alumni Council is proud to announce that Jordan Oglesby ’13 is this year’s recipient of the Young Alumni Service Award. Jordan has built a career defined by service, advocacy, and principled leadership in tribal law. Her work strengthens Indigenous legal systems, expands access to justice, and uplifts communities too often overlooked. She is a skilled attorney and thoughtful steward of equity, approaching her work with integrity and deep respect for the communities she serves. As senior associate counsel for the Pueblo of Isleta, Jordan provides critical legal guidance on governance and sovereignty, helping ensure the Nation’s institutions remain strong and self-determining. In her previous role as a staff attorney for the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, she contributed to one of the country’s largest and most complex tribal legal systems, supporting foundational governmental functions and strengthening tribal infrastructure. Jordan’s commitment to mentorship and education is equally profound. As an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law and advisor to the Tribal Law Journal, she helps shape the next generation of Indigenous legal scholars. She ensures Native voices remain central in the study and practice of tribal law. From the earliest stages of her career, Jordan’s work reflected the same dedication to justice. As a clinical law student, she drafted legal documents for underserved clients and conducted research supporting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Act, work that advanced national advocacy efforts for Native women. Her internship with New Mexico Legal Aid supported low-income families in need, and her contributions to judicial education with the National American Indian Court Judges Association and the American Indian Law Center underscore her investment in strengthening tribal courts and legal systems. Jordan’s leadership extends well beyond her day-to-day roles. She served as chair of the State Bar of New Mexico Indian Law Section and now serves as the National Native American Bar Association's secretary, helping shape legal discourse, policy, and professional opportunities at the national level. Jordan Oglesby’s career is a testament to integrity, service, and the power of using one’s skills to uplift others. At every stage, she has strengthened tribal institutions, advanced justice for Native communities, and invested in those who will carry this work forward.
Faculty Legacy Award: Don Smith
The Albuquerque Academy Alumni Council Faculty Legacy Award honors a member of the Academy’s faculty who has rendered distinguished service and made a lasting impact either on the development of the school’s students or, through their dedication and leadership, on strengthening the school as an institution of learning for our community. The Alumni Council is proud to announce that Don Smith is this year’s recipient of the Faculty Legacy Award. For 41 remarkable years, Don gave Albuquerque Academy his talent and his whole heart. When he taught his final class in May 2017, he closed a chapter that is permanently woven into this institution's story. A master teacher of mathematics, beloved coach on the field, thoughtful and steady administrator, and a mentor far beyond the classroom, Don, affectionately known to generations as “Smitty,” has shaped not only how students understand calculus and complex mathematical theory but also how they see themselves in the world. His classroom was never limited to formulas and proofs. It was about stretching and about wrestling with ideas that felt just out of reach. It was about discovering that you are capable of more than you imagined. Don did not simply teach mathematics — he taught intellectual courage. He challenged students to solve difficult problems and to believe in themselves and trust their own abilities. Don’s time on campus represents an extraordinary legacy. Unflappable in moments of uncertainty, compassionate in moments of struggle, and unwavering in his belief in the goodness and potential of young people, Don’s legacy lives in the institution he helped shape as a math teacher, department chair, division head, associate head of school, and head of school. But his impact is measured not simply in titles or years of service; it is measured in all he gave to his students on campus — the curiosity ignited, the confidence built, the intellectual courage fostered, and the laughter sparked in hallways. Generations of alumni can point to a singular moment — a quiet conversation, a raised eyebrow, a look of understanding encouragement, a knowing smile — when Don saw in them something they had not yet discovered in themselves, inspiring many to pursue and achieve ambitious dreams. To countless alumni, he remains a trusted mentor and friend long after graduation — a first call for honest advice, the steady voice when confidence wavers, and the mentor who still believes, even decades later. Don’s commitment to the Academy has always been deeply personal. The school is woven into his heart and identity, and he embodies its very spirit — a commitment to excellence, integrity, joy in learning, and community. In recognition of his extraordinary devotion, transformative impact, and immeasurable contributions to Albuquerque Academy, the Alumni Council is honored to present the 2026 Faculty Legacy Award to Don Smith, a master teacher, beloved colleague, cherished mentor, and enduring guardian of the Academy spirit.
Navigating AI in Education
The Academy community recently hosted nationally recognized facilitator and strategic advisor Eric Hudson for a two-day exploration of artificial intelligence in education. On February 19 and 20, Hudson engaged with parents, students, faculty and staff, and the Academy’s AI Task Force to address AI in schools. With a background that includes a decade at Global Online Academy and 12 years of classroom teaching, Eric brought a seasoned, human-centered perspective to this rising technology. During his sessions with students, "The AI Skills That Matter," Eric challenged participants to discern real photos from AI-generated fakes. The exercise revealed a humbling reality — students across all divisions consistently struggled to tell the difference. “We’re bad at telling the difference,” he said. “We’re not going to be able to tell the difference, so what does that mean? What skills do we need to navigate this AI world?” He described Large Language Models (LLMs) as complex, non-neutral tools influenced by human bias and designed for speed and authority. To navigate this, he encouraged students to practice "critical engagement" — interrupting AI's default confidence by asking it to be more critical or by cross-referencing its output with other chatbots. The conversation shifted from AI literacy to the mechanics of learning, specifically focusing on how AI can be a collaborator rather than a shortcut. Eric distinguished between direct use, where AI does the work, and collaborative use, where AI helps organize notes, create study guides, or provide feedback. While frequent, direct use can stifle critical thinking, he noted that collaborative use supports deeper learning. He challenged students and faculty alike to evaluate the purpose of assignments in this new era, suggesting that if an AI can complete a task with a simple prompt, the design of the assignment itself may need to evolve to favor augmentation over automation. Beyond the classroom, Eric addressed the broader ethical landscape of AI, looking past simple concerns about cheating. He highlighted the dual nature of the technology: positive uses, such as accelerating medical research, aiding farmers in flood detection, and increasing accessibility for people with disabilities, versus its darker potential for deepfakes, modern warfare, and significant energy consumption. AI is "arrival technology," he said. “Nobody asked if we wanted this in our learning environment.” This article was created by Google Gemini from notes taken during three of Eric Hudson’s presentations and then revised for accuracy and intent.
Campus News
Academy Basketball: Girls Make State Semifinal Run; Boys Reach Quarterfinals
After winning district, the third-ranked Academy girls team hoped to make school history with a state title. They cruised into the state semifinals with a quarterfinal win over Shiprock before falling to the No. 2-ranked Gallup team.
Read more in the Journal and on KRQE.
The Academy boys basketball team, seeded sixth, made an impressive run to the state quarterfinals before falling to the third-ranked team.
48 DECA Members to Compete at International Level
The Academy’s DECA chapter delivered an outstanding performance at the DECA State Career Development Conference March 2–3. Of the 86 students who competed in Monday’s preliminary rounds, 62 advanced to Tuesday’s finals, where 27 were crowned state champions. In total, 48 students qualified to compete at the international level in Atlanta this April. Academy students earned 17 first-place finishes across 31 events, with Chargers also posting the highest test scores in three of the seven disciplines and taking first place in Quiz Bowl, a timed Jeopardy-style competition based on the DECA curriculum. Read more on the website.
Middle School Team Wins State Science Olympiad
Middle school students led the way for Albuquerque Academy at the State Science Olympiad Tournament at New Mexico Tech. Competing in more than 20 events ranging from labs and tests to engineering build challenges, the team earned a decisive first-place finish, advancing to the national tournament in California. The Academy’s high school team also performed strongly, placing fourth in the statewide competition. Go to the website for the list of participants.
Robotics Team Takes Second at State
The Academy robotics team earned an impressive second-place finish at the state First Tech Challenge (FTC). They faced 20 teams from across the state and “were narrowly defeated by a team of seniors,” says Coach Garcia. Every member of the team is in 8th grade, he said, making this achievement even more remarkable. Congratulations to Max Berger ’29, Siddhartha Mara ’29, Sahana Paruchuri ’29, and Elena Schwarz ’29.
High School Science Bowl
The High School Science Bowl team took third place at the 2026 Regional Science Bowl, finishing behind top teams from Los Alamos and La Cueva. Team members: Eddy Bielejec, Ahana Koushik, Anne Xuan, and Gavin Mitchell, who even managed to compete in a 3200m race at the Richard Harper Memorial Field between rounds!
More Headlines
Albuquerque teens bridge generations with GlamourGals at senior center Meet the 2026 Creative Bravos Awards honorees shaping Albuquerque’s cultural landscape
Service Comes First
Clair Toledo ’00 has spent two decades as an educator in some of New Mexico’s most challenging schools
By Ted Alcorn '01
One of the most important lessons the Academy imparted on Clair Toledo ’00 wasn’t something she learned in a classroom or on campus at all. After an infamous spat between the school’s football team and its rival at St. Pius X High School, the respective student councils decided to build a house together, under the guidance of Habitat for Humanity. Clair, then a sophomore, volunteered to help. Each Saturday, about a dozen kids from each school gathered at the construction site and put in eight hours of labor, working alongside the family who would get to inhabit it.
It was a revelatory experience for Clair, and not only because she had never hammered in a nail. “To realize that families don't have basic housing, that families might be living in a garage with no running water just down the road from you — it just opened my eyes,” she recalled. She took such satisfaction in the process that, when the house was completed, she decided to help Habitat for Humanity with another, and then another. She even volunteered for the organization as her senior project. And though she didn’t yet see where she was heading, it set her on a path seeking “a life where service meant more than achievement,” as she put it, adding, “Don't get me wrong, I've had a lot of great achievements, but the service came first.”
Figuring out how to serve was another question. Clair was a math whiz who held Gene Gardenhire and Janet Wilson among her favorite teachers, and after she graduated early from college, she considered seeking a graduate degree in pure mathematics or operations research. But back in Albuquerque for a spell, she started teaching remedial math at a community college, instead, and then as a substitute at the Academy, and she saw firsthand what education meant for students. She never looked back. She was particularly drawn to institutions serving kids at greatest risk, like the School for Integrated Academics and Technology (SIATech), a charter school where she found herself teaching math and special education. The students, who ranged in age from 16 to 24, had dropped out of previous programs but were trying to get back on track. “Students who had been pushed out of the education system, or had been pushed off to the side,” Clair recalled. “The students that everybody else forgot.”
The stakes, she quickly realized, were life-or-death: she lost students to drunk-driving accidents, drug overdoses, and suicide. But that made it all the more rewarding when people succeeded. In 2022, she got an opportunity to think even bigger. Los Lunas’s Century High School had 22 high-needs students on campus, a graduation rate hovering around 20%, and an opening for a new principal. Working with a devoted team of faculty, Clair set about making changes. Part of her role was to find resources to support her kids, so she networked with outside therapists and nurses, the juvenile probation department, housing and food assistance programs — anyone in a position to help. “When students are in that survival mode, they can't learn, and then, if they can't learn, they can't get through high school,” she said.
Then she set about meeting students where they were at. The school developed a hybrid model that better suited students juggling work or family obligations. With a little grant money, the staff developed after-school classes to engage students’ passions, from weightlifting to sewing to cooking. In the Dungeons and Dragons club, the teacher intersperses Greek mythology. Clair says she is constantly thinking about how to make the most of each moment, since her students are older and more prone to dropping out or moving on. “What two things can we do at the same time to be more efficient, so that we can take kids that are behind on graduating, and catch them up?” But it can also take time. Some students need months to work through an underlying issue before they can turn to their education, Clair said, and that’s OK. “Skills to be successful in life are just as important as skills to be successful academically,” she said. “Sometimes you’ve got to deal with other things first.”
Not everything succeeds, but the combination is working. In 2025, the school graduated 101 kids, and Clair said the graduation rate was nearing 55%. Clair’s goal is to match the rate in traditional public schools. “We’re right on their heels,” she said.
To highlight the impact of Academy alumni in the field of education, Alumni Council member Ted Alcorn ’01 is sharing the stories of graduates who have devoted their careers to teaching, learning, and inspiring others.
Levanta Presents Electric Guitar Tribute April 18
What’s the first sound that comes to mind when you think of the electric guitar? The fearless innovation of Jimi Hendrix? The high-voltage brilliance of Eddie Van Halen? Or a soulful blues riff in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan? Whoever tops your playlist, there’s no denying that the electric guitar helped shape 20th-century music — and continues to redefine it today. Join Levanta on Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. for an unforgettable evening honoring this iconic instrument. Inner Circle is a dynamic exploration of the history and evolution of the solid-body electric guitar. The program features legendary works by Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck, alongside bold contemporary pieces by Empyrean Atlas, Mark Mellits, and David Crowell. Performed by an outstanding lineup of local musicians — Daniel Ward, Mickey Jones, and Jeremy Mayne on electric guitar; John Truitt on saxophone; and Hovey and Alexis Corbin on drums and percussion — this promises to be an evening of energy, artistry, and pure sonic excitement. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind performance on Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at the Simms Center for the Performing Arts. Follow the link for more details and to reserve your tickets.
Juniors Connect with Professionals on Career Day
Albuquerque Academy juniors explored future possibilities during Career Day, a long-standing Academy event that connects students with professionals across a wide range of fields. This year, more than 35 volunteers led 70 small-group sessions, sharing insights from careers that span technology and healthcare, the arts and engineering, federal law enforcement, finance, education, nonprofit leadership, real estate, and more. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, hear firsthand stories about career paths, and learn what different professions look like beyond the classroom. Career Day is made possible by the generosity of Academy parents, alumni, and community members who volunteer their time and expertise. By sharing their experiences, they help broaden students’ perspectives and offer a glimpse of the many directions their interests might lead.
Think Summer Is Calling
If you’ve been on campus in June or July, you know the feeling: laughter drifting across the quad, students hurrying between activities, and the sense that something fun is happening just about everywhere you look. For more than four decades, Think Summer has filled Albuquerque Academy’s campus with creativity, exploration, and plenty of sunscreen. Students in pre-K through 12th grade — from Academy families and across the Albuquerque community — spend their days exploring their interests, building skills, and making friends. On any given morning, the library is full of young readers, pottery wheels spin in the art room, swimmers race (or simply cool off) in the pool, and classrooms buzz with music, woodworking, and hands-on learning. For some students, Think Summer is their first introduction to the Academy. For others, it’s a favorite tradition. Registration is open now and closes April 17, so it’s the perfect time to make summer plans — and to spread the word to families looking for a joyful, engaging summer experience. Sign up now!
Library Exhibit Honors Women’s History Month
A bright stretch of pink in Simms Library marks a Women’s History Month display highlighting the history and ongoing impact of the feminist movement. Created by the Feminism Club, the display combines colorful visuals, student-made materials, and a curated selection of books. At its center is a student-designed overview of the "waves" of feminism, tracing the movement from the fight for women’s suffrage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through later efforts focused on workplace equality, reproductive rights, representation, and intersectionality. Photos, timelines, and brief explanations outline how each era expanded the conversation around gender equity. The exhibit also highlights the work of the Academy’s Feminism Club, with photos from recent gatherings and events that bring students together to discuss women’s history and contemporary issues. Handmade bookmarks and informational materials are available for visitors to take. The exhibit is on display through the end of the month.
Alumni Gather at Pacific Northwest Event
About 35 Albuquerque Academy alumni came together in downtown Seattle for connection, networking, and fun. They got to hear from Head of School Julianne Puente and Alumni Council President Noël Richeson ’96. The group represented an impressive span of graduating classes — from 1991 through 2021 — and even included one set of Academy parents with three alumni in their family (Classes of ’89, ’91, and ’94). The event brought together alumni from a wide range of industries, including technology, medical sales, law, engineering, business development, and medicine, demonstrating the breadth of professional impact Academy graduates are making across the country.
Upcoming Events
Spring Break Camps Serve Up Tennis and Pickleball Fun
Keep kids moving during spring break with five-day tennis and pickleball camps at the Albuquerque Academy Racquet Center! Open to all skill levels, the camps run Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27, with morning and afternoon sessions. Tennis:
- Red Ball (ages 6-8): 9–10 a.m.
- Orange Ball (ages 8-10): 9 a.m.–noon
- Green Ball (ages 10-12): 9 a.m.–noon
- Yellow Ball (ages 12-18): 9 a.m.–noon
Pickleball:
- Ages 8-18: 1–3 p.m.
Players can join both tennis and pickleball sessions; coaches will supervise during the lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. Sign up today and get ready to swing into spring! Questions? Email smolskis@aa.edu.
GrandDays | April 6 and April 7
GrandDays is just around the corner! We can’t wait to welcome grandparents and grandfriends to campus this spring for two unforgettable days of connection, learning, and celebration. This cherished Academy tradition gives our students the chance to share their world with their grandparents. Guests will enjoy classroom activities, student performances, a delicious meal, and a photo booth. GrandDays Schedule
- Monday, April 6: Grades 6-7, 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 7: Grades 8-12, 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m.
Academy parents/guardians may register guests here. Registration closes Thursday, March 19. Be sure to review the grandparents section of your household profile in the ChargerHub parent portal by navigating to the Update Family Profile button. If you or your guests have questions about GrandDays, please contact the advancement team at advancement@aa.edu or (505) 828-3281. We look forward to celebrating this special tradition with you soon!
Spring Day of Giving on April 8: Celebrating What’s Elemental
We hope you will be inspired to join us on Wednesday, April 8, for our Spring Day of Giving and its theme, Elemental. This year, we celebrate 70 years since the Academy was founded and, additionally, 35 years since the opening of our science building — a space designed to allow students to ask bold questions, test ideas, and deepen their understanding of the world. But Elemental honors more than an anniversary or a building. It reflects a truth at the heart of the Academy: When our community comes together, generosity becomes a force that fuels learning, innovation, and possibility. Just as individual elements bond to create something greater, every gift — no matter the size — creates opportunities for our students. This Spring Day of Giving, alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, students, and friends will unite with one shared purpose: to support the people and programs that make the Academy extraordinary. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating 70 years of discovery while investing in what comes next. Because curiosity is elemental, community is elemental, and generosity is elemental to everything we do. The Spring Day of Giving window opens today. Be among the first to make an impact. Every gift counts toward the opportunities our students will explore next.