The Path

Rooted in New Mexico: Three Seniors Earn Prestigious UNM Regents Scholarships

“I was definitely really nervous going into it,” Grace Knouse ’26 says. “This is so awkward — just sitting in front of a camera for two minutes and saying this is why you should pick me.”  Even though the UNM Regents Scholar application process — particularly the two-minute video — began uncomfortably, it turned into something powerful after Grace met with her college counselor, Dean Jacoby, to talk through her ideas. Looking back at her essays helped her find a story she hadn’t fully realized she was telling. 

“I wrote a lot about my religious background — how I was always scared to show that I was Catholic — and then how I’ve grown as a human to become more confident in my religion,” she says. In her video, she connected that with her work as leader of the Feminism Club. “I talked about how I’ve let them intertwine — how being Catholic in ways has contradicted being a feminist, and how being a feminist in ways has also contradicted my faith— and how I’ve allowed myself to grow and evolve and have these two ideas or beliefs about myself.” For Grace, Kira Lopez ’26, and Sydney Koranyi ’26, that moment of reflection ultimately led to one of the highest honors offered by the University of New Mexico, where each has been named a Regents Scholar. Even more remarkable: three recipients from the same school is rare.  Like many Academy students, all three seniors once imagined heading out of state. But as they moved through the application process — writing, revising, and thinking more deeply about their experiences, what mattered most became clearer. For Sydney, that reflection centered on growth earned through challenge. In her application, she drew on her experience in wrestling, where she often found herself in unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations. “It taught me the importance of losing on your own and being accountable for that,” she says. What began as an intimidating step became one of the most meaningful parts of her high school experience, shaping her confidence and resilience.

Kira approached her experience with a similar openness. She describes herself as an “opportunity picker. If there’s a door open, try it,” she says — a philosophy that shaped not only her application but guided her through a wide range of interests, from science to language to the humanities.  That willingness to reflect, and to take risks, runs through each of their stories. Grace, who plans to study biochemistry, found her direction in the classroom. Her anatomy and physiology course, she says, changed the way she thought about learning. “I realized, ‘I like this — I’m studying for it every night, and I’m not mad about it.’” Outside of class, she balances that academic focus with creativity, taking AP Drawing and working as a student art instructor, while also leading the Feminism Club. Kira’s path has been defined by curiosity across disciplines. Considering a pre-med track, she hopes to continue studying biology while also exploring Spanish and possibly philosophy. “Academy is the root of me being able to be an opportunity picker,” she says. “I’ve had a lot of doors opened here.” Over time, that openness has translated into confidence. “I’ve been able to realize that I do have a place in the rooms that I want to be in.”

Sydney’s experience has been equally transformative and, at times, physically demanding. A dedicated athlete, she took on the challenge of wrestling, often as the only girl on the mat. “I was the only girl on the team at one point,” she says. “It was intimidating, but it taught me so much about confidence and showing up anyway.” What began as a challenge became one of the most meaningful parts of her high school experience. All three students point to Albuquerque Academy as instrumental being in that growth. “Writing is such a big part of the application,” Grace says. “And I feel really fortunate that I had teachers who taught me how to write well.” For Sydney, the preparation showed up more gradually. “You don’t always realize it while you’re here,” she says, “but you’re building skills and confidence the whole time.” When asked what advice they would offer younger students, their answers echo the same theme. “Don’t dismiss opportunities too early,” Grace says. “There’s so much more out there than you might think.” Kira puts it more simply: “Try pistachio ice cream,” she says with a laugh. “Don’t knock something until you try it.” Sydney agrees. “Some of the things that end up mattering most are the ones you didn’t plan on.” As they look ahead, their paths are still taking shape. But the habits that brought them here — the willingness to reflect, to take risks, and to step through open doors — are already firmly in place.

In Service of an Academy Education: Alumni Give Back

Time and again, the Academy sees alumni step forward in meaningful ways — through philanthropic support, hands-on service, and a deep, ongoing commitment to its mission. For more than 70 years, the Academy has shaped compassionate and thoughtful students, and today, those same values inspire alumni volunteers to carry that mission forward. This commitment to the Academy and its purpose, many graduates say, is rooted in the values instilled in them during their time as students. As Tiffany (Garcia) Martinez ’01 reflects, “My time at the Academy always comes back to… a sense of service, to help others as part of a larger purpose. These values have become even clearer and more important to me over the past few years, but looking back, I can see that they were inherently woven into my experience at the Academy the entire time I was there.”  Her words resonate with many of our alumni, who carry forward the spirit of service in support of education long after graduation. To better understand what inspires this commitment, we spoke with five alumni who consistently give their time and talents to the school. 

Ashlee (Othick) Andrews ’98

Ashlee volunteers in the Academy bookstore, a role she first took on when her oldest child was in sixth grade as a way to connect with classmates and teachers while balancing a full-time career. What began as a simple way to get involved has grown into a lasting commitment, one she has continued as her younger children have enrolled at the Academy. Many fellow bookstore volunteers, she says, have become close friends. Ashlee has also volunteered at Career Day for several years, and her veterinary clinics regularly host seniors for their Senior Projects. Ashlee says that alumni hoping to stay involved after graduation will find a variety of opportunities to engage and make an impact. “It’s fun getting to know the students and gives me great hope for the future — they are kind, tolerant, innovative, inquisitive, and everything we can hope for in our young leaders. I’ve always believed that to whom much is given, much is expected. One way I can help repay the gift of an Academy education is by serving at the school and helping others receive that same gift.”

Barry Epstein ’85

Barry has long stayed connected to the Academy through his class, most recently serving as the reunion team lead for his 40th reunion. His involvement began years earlier, when he joined the committees for his 10th-, 20th-, and 30th-reunion teams. When the previous reunion team lead stepped away, Barry stepped in, motivated to create an experience that would bring classmates together in a fun and enjoyable way. For Barry, staying connected is deeply personal. Having attended for eight years, starting in the Academy’s fifth grade and graduating in 1985, he reflects on an experience that was both rigorous and formative. “It was a different Academy then. It was tough, but it created a real sense of camaraderie,” he shared. That connection has only grown stronger over time. Many of Barry’s closest friendships are from the Academy; three of his four groomsmen were classmates. “I wouldn’t be who I am, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Academy,” he said. Barry continues to support the Academy because he recognizes the lasting impact of his education and the importance of ensuring others have access to the same opportunities. Whether through organizing reunions or fostering connections, he believes in contributing in whatever way he can. “Stay connected to your classmates,” he advised. “And if you want to volunteer, reach out to the Academy. Tell them what you want to do and see how they can help you get involved.”

Chuck Larrabee ’71

Chuck joined the Alumni Council in 2014 after returning to Albuquerque for the first time in 40 years. While exploring volunteer opportunities, he connected with the advancement office, which led to a conversation with Head of School Andy Watson and an introduction to the Alumni Council. As Chuck reengaged with the Academy, he was struck by its commitment to reflecting the diversity of the Albuquerque community and the strength of its scholarship program. Chuck has taken “paying it forward” to heart, noting the lasting impact of an Academy education and the responsibility that comes with it. “When you assess how you benefited from your time at the Academy, I think all alumni owe it to support the institution that shaped them and help provide today’s students with the same foundation.” For Chuck, that sense of responsibility deepened over time. He is now a member of the Laura Lee Moore Society, which honors those who have planned an estate gift to the Academy. He emphasizes that giving back isn’t about the size of the contribution, but the act itself. Whether through time, resources, or financial support, he believes every effort matters. “It should be something.”

Tiffany (Garcia) Martinez ’01

Tiffany has been an active participant in the Academy’s Community Day for the past two years, representing her optometry and vision therapy practice. Through her hands-on workshops, she taught students that vision is about so much more than clarity. Tiffany felt compelled to volunteer for Community Day once her daughter began attending the Academy. She explained that giving back feels both natural and meaningful—a way to honor the place that first sparked her lifelong love of learning. Tiffany urges her fellow alumni to “choose a [volunteer] path that feels most meaningful to you. When you give from a place that reflects your unique gifts and passions, it naturally becomes more authentic and impactful.”

Terra Reed ’05

Terra has stayed connected to the Academy through a variety of volunteer experiences, most recently participating in Career Day, where she shared insights from her career as an urban planner. Terra embraced the opportunity to introduce students to a field she herself hadn’t discovered until later, offering a perspective she wishes she had access to earlier in life. Beyond Career Day, Terra has remained actively engaged with the Academy community, visiting classes to share her experiences, substituting in a French class, and volunteering and working in the Desert Oasis Teaching (DOT) Garden. Each experience, she notes, has been both fun and meaningful, offering opportunities to connect with students and faculty while reflecting on how an Academy education can shape lives in unexpected ways. “Staying connected to the Academy, for me, is just part of staying connected to my community. As a student, I didn't always feel like I fit in at the Academy because of my background and my family circumstances. As I've gotten older and continued to build relationships with people from my class and others, I've learned more and more that I wasn't alone in feeling that way. I hope that by staying connected with the Academy, even in small ways, I can help students recognize that many paths lead to and out of the Academy.”

Deep Gratitude to our Alumni Volunteers

Our alumni understand the value of an Academy education, especially to the state of New Mexico. We are deeply grateful for the many alumni who give their time, talent, and energy to support the school’s mission.  If you are an alum who volunteers with the Academy, we hope you will join us for the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on April 30 at 7:30 a.m. at the Common Ground Cafe patio. RSVP here.

Elemental Generosity Fuels Another Successful Spring Day of Giving

We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the generosity of the Charger community, Spring Day of Giving 2026 was a huge success. We received 816 gifts and raised $398,300, marking the highest participation we have ever had in our giving day efforts!  What began as a shared belief has now become a hypothesis proven: when this community shows up, it does so with generosity, energy, and purpose. Each gift represents a belief in the power of curiosity and discovery, and each dollar is an investment in the next generation of researchers, thinkers, and leaders. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who participated. 

Class Challenge Winners

Alumni Class with Highest Participation: Class of 2000 — enjoy your “Smarty Pints” trivia party during Homecoming Weekend! Grade Level with Highest Participation: Class of 2030 (8th grade) — Dion’s pizza party coming your way!

There’s Still Time to Give

While our Spring Day of Giving campaign has officially closed, we’re still working toward our annual Academy Fund goal of $1.25 million. We remain short of our goal for unrestricted dollars – the essential funds used to meet the school’s greatest needs, including tuition assistance, faculty support, and campus improvements. Please join us in keeping Albuquerque Academy strong for future generations.

School Travel Opportunities Highlight Spring Break

Global Languages Exchange Program Expands Students’ Worldviews

Albuquerque Academy students returned this spring from global exchanges in Ecuador, France, and Germany. Living with host families and attending local schools, students engaged directly with new cultures and languages — an experience many described as both challenging and eye-opening. “I really liked getting to meet the students at the school and see what school is like in France,” Mackenzie Saiz ’27  said. “It was really nice to meet so many new friends. Everyone was so welcoming.”

Across all three destinations, students pointed to relationships as the most meaningful part of the exchange. Time spent with host families offered insight into daily life, from shared meals to weekend travel. “Meeting my host family and exploring different regions in France” stood out for Addie Haas ’27.

In Ecuador, students experienced both cultural and outdoor highlights, including a visit to Cotopaxi National Park. “We had a picnic, played games, and walked around a lake,” Sabina Cottrill ’27 said, while recalling a more adventurous journey: “We rode in the back of a truck to Cotopaxi — it was super bumpy, and we got covered in dust.”

Students also described moments of personal growth, particularly in language development. “I surprised myself,” Addie said. “By the end of the trip, my understanding of French had significantly improved.” Chaperones noted similar growth. Kirke Maier described a highlight as hearing students reflect on cultural differences and articulate how their perspectives had shifted.

The program was led by Global Exchange Director Laura Cruz, with support from Samuele Baca and Nobuko Salazar. Faculty leaders included Kirke Maier and Karina Peña in Germany, Genevieve Leitner and Matthew Smith in Ecuador, and Rodrigue Bognolok and Laura Cruz in France.

Students returned with strengthened language skills and broader global awareness — along with experiences that will continue to shape their perspectives. “It was an incredible experience,” Addie said, “and I would recommend it to anyone.”

Student Scientists Continue Work in Costa Rica

For the second spring in a row, Academy science students took their skills to the forests of Central America, traveling to the Bri Bri community in southern Costa Rica to monitor water quality, lend a hand in other ways, immerse themselves in a new culture, and have some fun. Eighteen juniors and seniors made the eight-day trip with three faculty chaperones.

They tested water samples for Coliform and E. Coli, as well as evaluating the Bri Bri food systems for microplastic intrusion. “We are analyzing the plastic intrusion rates in comparison to what’s grown on the Academy campus and industrially available food from the grocery store,” says science teacher Andrés Lucero. “Our kids also got the very unique opportunity to see a functional example of agroforestry and shade-grown agriculture, which is done in a traditional method to reduce impacts of food production on a delicate rainforest ecosystem.” On the working trip, students also helped thatch roofs, prepare food, plant and harvest crops, and conduct field research. They got to “live a part of the textbook,” says Andrés. “They observed an indigenous culture that developed with a distinct emphasis for environmental stewardship and hear and observe how that culture participates in a modern economy while preserving its heritage and traditions. And they got to see how food can be produced in a sustainable way while being conscious of the impact of the environment.” 

The trip also involved a visit to the Poas volcano to learn about Costa Rica's unique geology from a local professor, and they took a dance lesson, adding salsa and the merengue to their moves. 

Student Senate Serves Up Thanks to SAGE

Continuing an Academy tradition, the 10-12 Student Senate arrived on campus early one morning in early April, and whipped up a breakfast for SAGE Dining staff in appreciation for all the care and hard work they put into feeding our community every day. Thank you, SAGE!