A Very Loud World
We live in a weird time.
Thanks to social media, we know people in other states, nay, other countries,better than we know our own neighbors.
Content is no longer about sharing stories and feelings and pictures of your dog; it’s now been monetized.
“Likes,” “Subscribers” and “Shares” are the new currency.
And the louder, stranger, more over-the-top the content gets, the more attention it receives.
It’s a noisy, 24/7, full-blown feeding frenzy for relevance.
The Ones You Don’t Hear About
But…not everyone plays that game.
Some people live their lives quietly giving back to others and to their communities. They do it day in and day out.
No spotlight. No applause. No carefully curated “look at me” moment.
For them, it’s not about recognition; it’s about doing the right thing.
What We’ve Seen
For decades, we’ve had the privilege of seeing this up close in the people we photograph. And what’s especially incredible is when we see it in our high school seniors.
Oh, the stories these kids have: stories of resilience, compassion, and kindness that show up when no one’s watching.
Why We Started This
So, 18 years ago, we decided it was time these stories were seen.
We partnered with the incredible folks at the Albuquerque Public Schools Education Foundation to spotlight a very specific kind of student. Not necessarily the loudest or most decorated or the “look at me, I did a thing” crowd, but the ones who quietly show up and do good anyway.
How Students Are Chosen
These Albuquerque high school seniors aren’t randomly selected. They are nominated by the people who see them every day: teachers, counselors, coaches, and school staff.
The Night We Celebrate Them
And on Friday, April 24, 2026, we honor the Selfless Senior Class of 2026 at the annual Gold Bar Gala.
There will be tears.
There will be laughter.
There will be moments where your heart swells so big you’re pretty sure it might not fit back in your chest.
The Ones Who Deserve the Spotlight
But most important, there will be these amazing human beings.
The ones who didn’t ask to be seen.
But absolutely deserve to be.
Please join us in celebrating them.
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Early College Academy – Sahba Ghasempour
“Hi! My name is Sahba Ghasempour and I am a senior at Early College Academy. I see it as my responsibility to give back to my community as communities thrive when their members contribute their time and skills to support one another. My community has supported me in a multitude of ways, whether it was by providing me with a space to decongest or offering valuable opportunities to grow, it has given me a support system to rely on. I strive to honor this support through volunteering at hospice homes and low-income clinics, participating in environmental clean ups, and conducting neuroscience research that could one day better the community.”
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Atrisco Heritage Academy High School – Brandon Gonzalez
“I am thrilled and a little dumbfounded to be receiving this recognition. I was told this is where I start bragging about all of the things I have done to receive this recognition, but frankly, as much as I would love to take the stage, I can’t. I would not have been able to achieve Selfless Senior without the help of so many amazing people — especially all of the ones who pushed me farther than I would have ever imagined. This recognition doesn’t mean anything to me if I can’t praise the people who lent me a hand, and the amazing support from this community. Just because I received this recognition doesn’t mean Jacquelyn Valdez did any less than me, or Priscilla Valdez, Principal Lovato, Sharron, Joey, Ingrid, Star, and everyone who works in the fantastic McKinney-Vento Program led by Cristal. And of course, every intern I have had the opportunity to work next to — you all have made this crazy adventure possible.
Thank you to everyone who believed in me, pushed me, and helped me grow. This honor belongs to all of you. And very, very last: if I had anything for everyone, just be nice. Experience it, enjoy it, even if you don’t at least you did something. It doesn’t hurt anyone to be nice.”
Highland High School – Emanuel Salazar
“My name is Emanuel Salazar and I am a student in Highland High School. I believe that it is my duty to give back to the community. My way of giving back to the community is by making artwork and connecting it with issues affecting the Latino community. I help my community by attending community service events, such as participating in food drives and toy drives around the holiday season. Helping others helps me to be more empathetic and acknowledge the needs of my neighbors. I believe that everyone should help each other, so we can all love and understand each other.”
Volcano Vista High School – Oluchi Akwani
“Hello, my name is Oluchi Akwani, and I am honored to be a 2026 Selfless Senior! As a soft-spoken kid, it quickly became apparent that in a world where everyone clambers to be heard, few are left to listen. With this understanding, I knew that servant leadership was my calling. I wanted to help others through my humanity, empathy, and most importantly, listening. I strive to be the role model that I needed as a timid child. I believe it is my duty to take on this role not only at school, but throughout New Mexico. It is simple: everyone must be the change they hope to see.”
Sandia High School – Gavin Gallegos
“I, Gavin Gallegos, am incredibly honored to be named as Sandia High School’s 2026 Selfless Senior. This recognition represents more than an individual achievement. It reflects the support, mentorship, and opportunities provided by a community that has given me so much. Sandia and the greater Albuquerque community have played a significant role in shaping my character and commitment to service. Giving back to a community that I so greatly benefited from is both a responsibility and a privilege. I have learned that true service is rooted in gratitude and leadership while contributing to a desire to make a lasting impact. I am proud to represent Sandia and remain committed to serving others beyond high school.”
West Mesa High School – Hector Cabrera
“My name is Hector Cabrera, I am a senior at West Mesa High School. I feel it is my duty to give back to the community because the building block to a better future and the generations of kids it will create is the environment that surrounds them, and leads them into the paths they are destined to take. With so many neighborhoods being directly exposed to violence and criminal activity, it’s important to take the effort to reconstruct the culture that children pick up on, giving them an opportunity to become something more.”
Cibola High School – Cora Mandell
“My name is Cora Mandell, and I’m honored to be recognized as a 2026 Selfless Senior for Cibola High School. Giving back has always been important to me, and I believe that small acts of service can make a real difference. Through my involvement in my community, I’ve learned how much even the smallest actions can help others. I believe service doesn’t have to be big to matter, and that genuine, thoughtful actions can create a lasting impact.”
“Hello, I am Timothy Kamphuis and I was chosen as Eldorado High School’s Selfless Senior. I am very honored to have earned this title. I have had many people invest in my life, which includes my family, teachers, and coaches. Rather than trying to pay them back for their kindness to me, I pay it forward by volunteering and helping the next generation.”
Del Norte High School – Antwashia Yatsattie
“Hi, my name is Antwashia Yatsattie. I am from Del Norte High School. I think that it is my responsibility to give back to the community because the community is what makes us stronger. I have gotten to know a lot of people and some of them became close friends. I know that I can rely on them if I need help with anything. Being open and helping the community is also something that makes me really happy. Knowing that I have helped people in many ways makes me smile. I love my community and hope to help even more then I did this year.”
Rio Grande High School – Jayden Cruz
“My name is Jayden Cruz, and I am honored to be selected as Rio Grande High School’s 2026 Selfless Senior. I believe it is my duty to give back to my community because I am a product of it. The support, guidance, and opportunities I’ve received from others, have helped shape who I am today. Giving back is my way of showing gratitude to those who taught me the value of service. As a Senior, I feel a sense of responsibility to set an example for other students. By serving others with integrity and respect, I hope to leave my community better, and inspire others to do the same.”
Manzano High School – Angela Chavez
“My name is Angela Chavez, a Manzano High School senior. I have seen and overcome many challenges. As such, I am conscious of the obstacles that impact our communities and affect our lives. I don’t believe it is a “duty” to help our community. I think it is inherent. I help because I know how hard the struggles are. I help because I want to see others around me achieve success. I have witnessed how the help of one person brings about change, and I want to be a part of that change, not just for our future but for our communities.”
Valley High School – Walter Bradford
“I’m Walter Bradford, a student at Valley High School. I believe that if you can, you should—especially when it comes to serving your community. Growing up in a high-poverty area and attending high-poverty schools showed me how many people lack basic necessities, and I can’t sit by and watch others struggle. Throughout high school, I’ve made it my mission to help however I can, whether by passing legislation to secure more scholarships for New Mexico students, organizing book drives that collected thousands of books, participating in food drives, or volunteering countless hours. I still feel I can do more, and it’s my duty to do more.”
Albuquerque High School – Lillian Cochran
“My name is Lily Cochran, and I am beyond grateful to be chosen to be Albuquerque High School’s selfless senior. I believe that it is not only my duty, but an honor and a privilege to give back to this wonderful community. As Lewis Hamilton said, “We win, and we lose together.” I have always been driven to help, but it’s each person pitching in that uplifts a whole community. It’s the “we” that matters. I am only a small part in the big picture, but I strive to be the support that’s needed and to help to my fullest potential.”
New Futures High School – Emily Weber
“Hello, my name is Emily Weber. I’m a teen mom with an almost 3-year-old son. I am a proud early graduate at New Futures School. After graduation, I intend to go to CNM for my degree in nursing. I believe it’s my duty to give back to the community because of my experience with the Title 1 McKinney-Vento program and all the wonderful work they do. They inspired me and showed me how important it is to give back to the community, especially to the younger youth who have experienced or are experiencing what I went through. A quote that inspires me is, “You have people come into your life shockingly and surprisingly. You have losses that you never thought you’d experience. You have rejection and you have learned how to deal with that and how to get up the next day and go on with it.” – Taylor Swift
La Cueva High School – Olivia Cherry
“Hello! I am Olivia Cherry, a senior at La Cueva High School. I enjoy cheerleading, reading, and leading through the organization DECA. I feel called to service because I have found so much joy in the things that I do and the things that I love, and I want to share this joy with others. Through my work, I have discovered that true joy comes from sharing what you love with those around you. And although many of the services I have participated in have been large projects, I believe service occurs in day-to-day life, as you strive to help those around you in even the smallest of ways.“
eCADEMY High School – Thaniel Lentz
“Hello, my name is Thaniel Lentz, and I am from eCADEMY High School. Giving back to your community is how you say thank you for the life you have been provided. Community takes many forms through many different places and people, but no matter where you find it, community props you up in the best ways. Giving back shows gratitude for the people and places that make you who you are.”
Nex+Gen Academy High School – Naomi Gentzel-Peters
“Growing up, helping others was exhilarating. I’m an outgoing person, so getting the chance to talk to people and learn about their lives fascinated me. As time passed, I kept doing it. I started small, and gradually, I began to be able to do more. Volunteering has never been about buffing up a resume to make myself look good; it’s been about learning and trying new things with a variety of people. I’ve worked with any age group, from kids to senior citizens, and every one of them has a different story to explore. Those stories are what motivate me to continue to help others and build a better world.”