Congratulations to All Students!

Larry A. Chavez

2025 Scholarship Recipients

President of the Year Award - Dr. Gabriella Duran Blakey

Dr. Gabriella Durán Blakey grew up in Albuquerque’s Southeast Heights and is a graduate of Highland High School. She earned her Doctorate of Education and Master of Arts in educational leadership from the University of New Mexico and holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from New Mexico State University. 

A collaborative leader, Dr. Blakey has spent her career working to improve outcomes for children and investing her time in organizations and initiatives that build successful communities. 

Dr. Blakey has has worked for APS for more than 20 years starting as a social studies and English Language Learner teacher at Highland High and Albuquerque Evening School and then serving as an assistant principal and principal. Most recently, has held numerous leadership positions at APS, including acting Superintendent, Chief Operations Officer, and Associate Superintendent. 

 
As our superintendent, Dr. Gabriella Blakey is leading the district in its ambitious new strategic plan to improve academic outcomes for 68,000 students. She oversees more than 140 schools, leads 12,000 employees, and collaborates with students, families, educators, support staff, elected officials, community members, and union partners to create opportunities for all students. 

She wants every child to graduate with the skills, attributes, and knowledge to achieve their future goals. 

Educator of the Year Award - Eder Ortiz

Eder Ortiz is a dedicated and visionary educator currently serving as the principal at East San Jose Elementary, a bilingual community school. Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, California, moved to New Mexico to pursue his master’s degree in educational leadership from New Mexico Highlands University. 

Before stepping into his role as a principal, Mr. Ortiz dedicated 16 years to the classroom as a teacher, where he honed his skills in curriculum development, student engagement, and community involvement. His transition to principalship six years ago marked a new chapter in his commitment to enhancing educational experiences for students, teachers, and families alike. 

Under Principal Ortiz’s leadership, East San Jose Elementary has become a beacon of bilingual education, fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates cultural diversity and promotes bilingualism. 

Through his visionary leadership, Principal Ortiz continues to inspire those around him, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and educators. 

Guest Speaker- Dr.Mike Richards

Dr. Mike Richards is the Executive Vice President for the Health Science Center and CEO of the UNM Health System. He has been a transformative leader for the University and health care in New Mexico, spearheading some of the health system's most impactful initiatives. His efforts have laid the foundation for ongoing clinical growth and clinical partnerships, helping to make our state healthier and safer. In his 25-year tenure at UNM, Dr. Richards has proven to be an exceptional professor and mentor for its students, a dynamic physician for its patients, and an effective leader carrying out the Health Sciences Center’s missions. 

Dr. Richards has a background as both an administrator and physician, having most recently served as Senior Vice President for Clinical Affairs. He has served as Interim Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences, Interim Dean of the UNM School of Medicine, and as a professor and former chair of the Emergency Medicine Department as well as former Chief of Staff at UNM Hospital. 

Richards received his medical training at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and a master of public administration at the University of North Carolina. He completed his internship and residency in emergency medicine at UNM. 

See what past scholarship recipients have to say...