Portrait Of A Graduate
2026-27 Winners:
Collaboration (August 2026)
Business, Design & Technology
Lillian Benke (Student) - Lillian works collaboratively with her team to achieve shared goals and consistently contributes to producing high-quality work. She communicates effectively, supports her teammates, and works well with others to ensure projects are completed successfully.
Rebecca Mayse (Teacher) - Mrs. Mayse has worked tirelessly to ensure that all Dual Enrollment students have their classes set along with her regular caseload, she communicates with parents constantly, ensures all transcripts are sent, and she always has a smile on her face. She is such a vital part of the CVHS community!
Creative Arts & Media
Melody Ramirez (Student) - Melody is being recognized for Portrait of a Grad because she consistently demonstrates strong collaboration skills by working effectively with classmates. She took the initiative to teach other students the chemistry concept we were learning. She also listens to others, shares ideas, and supports their peers, helping create an environment where everyone can learn and succeed.
Jason Taylor (Teacher) - JT has been a great resource for me at Canyon View. His connection with the students is clear and present in everything he does, and he is a real symbol of this school. JT is a model for the Jaguar Way, and everything it represents.
Freshman Experience
Madeline Marin (Student) - Madeline is a remarkable student with a cheery personality and creates a glow within our classroom. Offers answers for questions and discussions and includes others in the classroom. She is great at allowing others to belong.
Colleen Whalen (Teacher) - Hard worker who is always willing to help! Mrs. Whalen brings people together and is the true essence of what a Canyon View teacher is supposed to be!
Science, Service & Innovation
Mackenzie Miller (Student) - Mackenzie goes out of her way to intentionally invite other students who do not have a partner/group to work with her when we have group activities in class. She is kind to everyone and makes others feel included.
Alysia Flores (Teacher) - Flores does so much for students. She's a great teacher, but I'd say she's an even better co-worker. She knows my caseload almost as well as I do, and she's always going the extra mile for my students — whether or not they're in her class. She's incredibly supportive of me as a Special Educator, and she's a huge part of the senior team, making sure every senior has what they need to graduate.
About Portrait Of A Graduate
The Agua Fria High School District Portrait of a Graduate defines the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies every student should develop before graduation. It serves as the foundation of our Academies of the Southwest Valley, guiding how students learn in the classroom and through authentic work-based learning experiences with our business, industry, and community partners.
Professional Competencies:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Integrity
- Responsibility