With 31 graduates this year, the academy set a record for the highest number of graduates in the school’s decade-plus history. 

3 Takeaways:

• Thirty-one graduates participated in the Accelerated Learning Academy’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony.
• ALA students Junior Camargo-Pasos and Matthew Hernandez served as masters of ceremonies. 
• The ceremony was held at the Talking Stick Resort Ballroom on June 25. 

In the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Accelerated Learning Academy continues to help Community students achieve their dreams. 

This year, a record 31 graduates turned their tassels to the left and were honored at the ALA graduation ceremony, held at the Talking Stick Resort Ballroom on June 25. 

Families, friends and loved ones packed the ballroom, with many bringing flowers, signs, family photographs and more to help celebrate ALA’s largest graduating class of all time.

ALA students Junior Camargo-Pasos and Matthew Hernandez served as masters of ceremonies.

Graduates were announced one by one as they made their way down to the front of the stage. SRPMIC Education Board Chair Kyland King provided the invocation. 

Salt River Schools Superintendent Sheryl Houston congratulated the graduates during her opening remarks. 

“I’m honored to be here today to celebrate the graduates and the families and staff that supported them. You have worked so hard and are the largest graduating class in ALA history,” she said. 

Moments later, the room erupted with applause and cheers. 

“You have persevered and achieved your goals. We are so proud of you,” continued Houston. “You have not only fulfilled the graduation requirements, but you also possess the life skills that will serve you well into your future.” 

ALA Principal Barbara Wilkinson echoed similar remarks. 

“This group represents 31 different journeys and 31 stories of perseverance. If there’s any message I can share, it’s that your journey continues through continuing school, joining the workforce and giving back to the Community.”

Additionally, the ALA graduation was one of the first few Community events attended by the new 2026-2027 Miss Salt River and Jr. Miss Salt River courts. Miss Salt River Jizelle Juan, Miss Salt River First Attendant Ella McGilbary and Miss Salt River Second Attendant Cherish Vavages provided warm remarks and congratulations to the graduates. 

ALA valedictorian Jack Butler spoke from the heart while representing the graduating class. “Today is a good day for all of us, because we made it,” they began. “The teachers and staff here never gave up on us. They helped us catch up and helped us do better. At this school, we learn more than academics. We learn that setbacks do not define us; they teach us. To the teachers and staff, thank you for believing in us.”

Xavier Trinidad served as one of the two student speakers during the ceremony. Marley Dallas was the second. 

During his speech, Trinidad gave an extra-special shout-out to the mother of his son, Esperanza Fulwilder-Burns, also an ALA class of 2026 graduate. “You deserve your flowers,” said Trinidad. “We’ve been through a lot together. There were moments where we thought we wouldn’t make it. But we made our son proud. His mama and daddy have graduated.”

Following Trinidad’s words, Dallas thanked the ALA staff as well as the SRPMIC for the support he received thus far on his academic journey. “This is a big step towards new opportunities in life. Anything you pursue can be accomplished,” he said. 

During his speech, Dallas gave credit to his uncle Meldon Fulwilder and to Aarick Mack for their guidance in teaching him the cultures and traditions of the Community. 

“My journey through high school was not easy. As a freshman, I would struggle in being motivated. But arriving at ALA changed my path and I truly feel blessed for this opportunity I have been given for this important part of my life,” he said.

After the student speeches, ALA academic counselor Reina Mora provided the closing remarks. “It has been such an honor to serve as your academic counselor and to talk alongside you throughout your journey at ALA,” Mora said. “At the end of the day, life is not measured by titles, money or possession. It is measured by the love you give, the compassion you show and the legacy you leave behind in the hearts of others.”

Once all the speeches were completed, King returned to the lectern to officially confirm the ALA class of 2026. “This is one of my favorite parts,” said King with a smile, moments before confirming the graduating class. 

“You can toss your caps now,” said Camargo-Pasos to the class as the ballroom quickly erupted in cheers and applause. 

Many of the 31 graduates will continue their academic journeys. Some will join the workforce and others may help care for families and children. No matter their next step, the 31 graduates from ALA’s class of 2026 have been prepped for success and are ready to help their Community and world become a better place.