ALA Class of 2025 Have Much to Celebrate at Commencement

By Chris Picciuolo

Salt River Accelerated Learning Academy (ALA) Principal Barbara Wilkinson beamed from ear to ear as she welcomed the class of 2025 graduates to their commencement ceremony on June 26 at the Talking Stick Resort and Casino ballroom.

While she is undoubtedly proud of the graduating class for their achievements, there is even another reason to celebrate the occasion.

“For the first time ever, this group is graduating from the highest ranking the school can be awarded, an A-letter-grade school,” Wilkinson said.

“To our graduates, a message for you: the ALA will undoubtedly always be a part of your Man in the Maze, your himdag and your journey. As you navigate the decisions, celebrations and challenges throughout your life, remember what you have learned through your experiences here and take comfort in knowing that the celebratory moment means we and your community are here to celebrate and support you.”

Wilkinson had another strong message for graduates as they reflect on their achievement and what to look forward to next.

“Never lose sight of your own perseverance and consistency. The consistency to show up on days when you would have rather stayed in bed. The consistency to focus on your goal one class at a time,” Wilkinson said.

ALA Class of 2025 Have Much to Celebrate at Commencement — Photos by Andreea Miguel

“The consistency to power through writing that essay, taking that math quiz, completing your ECAP (Education Career Alternatives Program) because you knew the quick wins contributed to the larger goal. Now that you have achieved this, ask yourself, ‘What else can I do?’ The answer is simply this: Anything you can put your mind to.”

Opening remarks by Salt River Schools Superintendent Sheryl Houston and an invocation by the Education Board Chair Kyland King preceded Wilkinson’s welcome.

The graduates, seated toward the front toward the stage, attended the commencement ceremony with their families and supporters, who filled the nearly packed seats.

Sitting on the stage were the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community President Martin Harvier, Vice-President Ricardo Leonard, the SRPMIC Tribal Council, members of the Salt River Schools Education Board and ALA administration.

The master of ceremonies was ALA student Duryus Burke, who introduced each speaker to the lectern. PeePosh Veterans Association posted and received the colors and presented the national anthem.

Newly crowned 2025-26 Miss Salt River Emma Scabby and Jr. Miss Salt River Tiare Begay-Smith made one of their first appearances as a court, congratulating the class on their achievement.

“I hope you guys have an amazing future planned, whether it be taking a gap year, traveling, or starting a new life in college,” Begay-Smith said.

ALA valedictorian Rena Santiago presented an encouraging student address to all graduates before student speaker Michael Patrick took the stage.

“To my fellow graduates: I want to say that this is not the end but rather the beginning of a new chapter,” Santiago said, reminding the graduates that the ups and downs they have faced so far has only made them stronger.

“We have been given the tools to succeed, and it is up to us to use them to make a positive impact on the world.”

After the student speakers, Wilkinson and Early College Advisor Davina Leon led the presentation of graduates. The graduates stood up and walked to the stage, where they accepted their diplomas, shook hands with leadership and posed for a photo before sitting back down as official high school graduates.

ALA Academic and Career Counselor Reina Mora gave the closing remarks and King took the stage to confirm the ALA Class of 2025.

“Graduates, please begin your march,” King said, as the song ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ began to play over the speakers.