Indian National Finals Rodeo Honors Veteran and Gallup High Graduate, Benny M. Yazzie.
Las Vegas, NV. — During this year’s Indian National Finals Rodeo, a very special Veteran Spotlight sponsored by True Vet, honored Benny M. Yazzie. Yazzie is a proud Gallup High School Bengal, Vietnam veteran, and respected member of one of the region’s noted rodeo families. His grandchildren Rooster Yazzie, granddaughter Odessa Yazzie, Ashley Yazzie and Hi-Yo Yazzie are competing in the INFR arena this week.
In December 1966, while a senior at Gallup High School, Benny and several classmates were unexpectedly summoned to the gymnasium and drafted into the Vietnam War. His family did not learn of his deployment until two weeks later, when his clothes were mailed home. What should have been his graduation year instead became a time of service and sacrifice in conflict overseas.
After he was honorably discharged in 1973, Mr. Yazzie devoted himself to his family, community, and work. Employed for over 20 years as a motor equipment operator with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he and his wife Sarahlene raised six children and instilled a deep respect for education. All his children and grandchildren have since graduated from high school, and many have pursued higher education.
Despite this legacy, Mr. Yazzie never officially held a high school diploma. His daughter, Sheryl Yazzie, worked with GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt, State Senator George Muñoz, and other local leaders to make that right. Their efforts aligned with New Mexico Senate Bill 99 (2020), legislation that permits New Mexico school districts to award high school diplomas to Vietnam veterans who left school to serve. The bill passed unanimously in both houses and was signed into law on March 6, 2020.
On July 24, 2023, during a GMCS Board of Education meeting, Mr. Benny M. Yazzie finally received his Gallup High School diploma, surrounded by his family. The moment represented 56 years of perseverance and community support.
“Mr. Yazzie is a living testament to the power of education, service, and family commitment,” said Superintendent Mike Hyatt. “We are honored to acknowledge him, not only as a veteran and member of our community, but now as an official Gallup High School graduate.”
GMCS invites any Vietnam veteran in New Mexico who did not complete high school due to military service, and whose circumstances fall under Senate Bill 99, to contact their former school district to inquire about the diploma process. Veterans residing in the Gallup-McKinley County School District may begin that process through the GMCS Student Support Center.
Las Vegas, NV. — During this year’s Indian National Finals Rodeo, a very special Veteran Spotlight sponsored by True Vet, honored Benny M. Yazzie. Yazzie is a proud Gallup High School Bengal, Vietnam veteran, and respected member of one of the region’s noted rodeo families. His grandchildren Rooster Yazzie, granddaughter Odessa Yazzie, Ashley Yazzie and Hi-Yo Yazzie are competing in the INFR arena this week.
In December 1966, while a senior at Gallup High School, Benny and several classmates were unexpectedly summoned to the gymnasium and drafted into the Vietnam War. His family did not learn of his deployment until two weeks later, when his clothes were mailed home. What should have been his graduation year instead became a time of service and sacrifice in conflict overseas.
After he was honorably discharged in 1973, Mr. Yazzie devoted himself to his family, community, and work. Employed for over 20 years as a motor equipment operator with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he and his wife Sarahlene raised six children and instilled a deep respect for education. All his children and grandchildren have since graduated from high school, and many have pursued higher education.
Despite this legacy, Mr. Yazzie never officially held a high school diploma. His daughter, Sheryl Yazzie, worked with GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt, State Senator George Muñoz, and other local leaders to make that right. Their efforts aligned with New Mexico Senate Bill 99 (2020), legislation that permits New Mexico school districts to award high school diplomas to Vietnam veterans who left school to serve. The bill passed unanimously in both houses and was signed into law on March 6, 2020.
On July 24, 2023, during a GMCS Board of Education meeting, Mr. Benny M. Yazzie finally received his Gallup High School diploma, surrounded by his family. The moment represented 56 years of perseverance and community support.
“Mr. Yazzie is a living testament to the power of education, service, and family commitment,” said Superintendent Mike Hyatt. “We are honored to acknowledge him, not only as a veteran and member of our community, but now as an official Gallup High School graduate.”
GMCS invites any Vietnam veteran in New Mexico who did not complete high school due to military service, and whose circumstances fall under Senate Bill 99, to contact their former school district to inquire about the diploma process. Veterans residing in the Gallup-McKinley County School District may begin that process through the GMCS Student Support Center.
🎓✨ GMCS Presents at the CES Conference! ✨🎓
The GMCS College & Career Department and Ramah High School School of Business presented “Pathways 101: Tips and Tricks for Building High-Quality Pathways in Schools” at the CES Conference in Albuquerque on October 16.
Principal David Gibbons shared how “Ramah means business” through hands-on courses that connect students to real-world learning. Two student ambassadors shared their Business Pathway experiences and how the skills they’re gaining are preparing them for future careers.
The team also highlighted how GMCS invests in Lincoln Electric welding training and certifications, supporting welding programs across the district with industry-level equipment, instruction, and credentials.
#GMCS #CollegeAndCareerReady #RamahHighSchool #SchoolOfBusiness #Welding #Pathways #CESConference #GallupPride
The GMCS College & Career Department and Ramah High School School of Business presented “Pathways 101: Tips and Tricks for Building High-Quality Pathways in Schools” at the CES Conference in Albuquerque on October 16.
Principal David Gibbons shared how “Ramah means business” through hands-on courses that connect students to real-world learning. Two student ambassadors shared their Business Pathway experiences and how the skills they’re gaining are preparing them for future careers.
The team also highlighted how GMCS invests in Lincoln Electric welding training and certifications, supporting welding programs across the district with industry-level equipment, instruction, and credentials.
#GMCS #CollegeAndCareerReady #RamahHighSchool #SchoolOfBusiness #Welding #Pathways #CESConference #GallupPride
“When parents and teachers team up, students level up!” Join us for our Parent Meeting on Tuesday, October 14th, 5–6 PM at David Skeet Elementary! We’ll share simple tools to help you engage your child in reading and use questioning techniques that spark curiosity and understanding. Refreshments provided. Let’s partner for success and make learning a family adventure!
Location: RT 45 Jones Ranch Rd., Vanderwagen, NM 87326
Call for more information: 505-721-1700
Enter through gym doors.
Location: RT 45 Jones Ranch Rd., Vanderwagen, NM 87326
Call for more information: 505-721-1700
Enter through gym doors.
Twin Lakes Elementary is excited to post our Red Ribbon Week.
To give some background Red Ribbon Week is an annual drug prevention and awareness campaign in the United States and started in 1985. This is a fun way for students to pledge to be drug free.
To give some background Red Ribbon Week is an annual drug prevention and awareness campaign in the United States and started in 1985. This is a fun way for students to pledge to be drug free.
SENIOR NIGHT
Oct. 15th (5:30 pm - 7 pm)
🎓📢 Hey Seniors! It’s Senior Night — your chance to get important updates on your grades and make sure you’re on track to graduate! 📚✅
Let’s make sure nothing stands between you and that diploma! 🎉🎓
🎉 Hey Miyamura Seniors! 🎉
Get ready to jumpstart your college journey! Join us for the FAFSA Workshop — a special collaboration with reps from the UNM-Gallup Financial Aid Department to help you fill out your FAFSA form and unlock financial aid opportunities! 💸✨
Don’t miss out — your future self will thank you! 🚀
See you there! 📚💥
Get ready to jumpstart your college journey! Join us for the FAFSA Workshop — a special collaboration with reps from the UNM-Gallup Financial Aid Department to help you fill out your FAFSA form and unlock financial aid opportunities! 💸✨
Don’t miss out — your future self will thank you! 🚀
See you there! 📚💥
Due to weather, buses will only pick up and drop off at the nearest paved road Tuesday, October 14th.
Thanksgiving lunch will be held at Ramah Elementary on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025. Please refer to the attached flyer for more information.
Due to weather, buses will only drop off at the nearest paved road Monday afternoon, October 13th.
🌎✨ Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! ✨🌎
Today, Gallup-McKinley County Schools proudly honors and celebrates the history, culture, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples across our communities and the nation.
We are grateful to learn from the rich traditions, languages, and wisdom of Native communities who continue to shape our shared future.
Let’s take this day to reflect, celebrate, and stand in unity with the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial. 🪶❤️
#IndigenousPeoplesDay #GMCS #WeAreGMCS #HonoringHeritage #CelebratingCulture
Today, Gallup-McKinley County Schools proudly honors and celebrates the history, culture, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples across our communities and the nation.
We are grateful to learn from the rich traditions, languages, and wisdom of Native communities who continue to shape our shared future.
Let’s take this day to reflect, celebrate, and stand in unity with the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial. 🪶❤️
#IndigenousPeoplesDay #GMCS #WeAreGMCS #HonoringHeritage #CelebratingCulture
Picture Retakes at Stagecoach Elementary School will be October 23rd. Please sign this form and have your child bring it to school. If you are new to Stagecoach, your child will also have to have their picture taken. Thank you!
Good morning Stagecoach Families! We hope you enjoyed your Fall Break! Today (10-13-25) we do have school! See you soon!
Happy Monday Twin Lakes Families! We are so happy to see our students back to school today, Monday, 10/13/25 after that 3-day weekend we had. Looking forward to seeing our eagles back to school today. Thank you and have a great week everyone.
Monday, October 13th: Due to existing conditions and rain forecast, buses will pick up at the nearest paved road.
Good afternoon TLE Families. We would like to remind everyone that tomorrow 10/10/25 is our Fall break so there is no school tomorrow.
We will see all our Eagles back on Monday 10/13/25. Be safe everyone.
🪶 Join Us for a Special Evening at Chief Manuelito Middle School! 🏫
Chief Manuelito Middle School is excited to host the Navajo Nation Department of Fish & Wildlife in collaboration with our History classes!
🌎 Come explore student history projects and enjoy a fascinating presentation on Climate Change from a Navajo Nation Wildlife Technician.
📅 Date: October 7th
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
📍 Location: 1325 Rico St, Gallup
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate student learning and Navajo Nation expertise! 🌿✨
#ChiefManuelitoMiddle #GMCS #NavajoNation #ClimateChange #StudentLearning #CommunityEvent
📢 McKinley Academy is now accepting applications for Spring 2026 enrollment!
✨ Who can apply?
✅ Current 9th–11th grade students
(Current McKinley Academy students do not need to reapply—this is only for new applicants.)
📅 Important Dates & Requirements
Application Deadline: November 7th
Testing (10th–11th grade applicants): Must complete and pass the Accuplacer by November 13th
Documents (9th grade applicants): Submit one letter of recommendation (from a non-family member) and a letter of interest by November 13th
📞 For questions or assistance, please contact our office at 505-721-4200.
Find our application here: https://5il.co/3qjfl
✨ Who can apply?
✅ Current 9th–11th grade students
(Current McKinley Academy students do not need to reapply—this is only for new applicants.)
📅 Important Dates & Requirements
Application Deadline: November 7th
Testing (10th–11th grade applicants): Must complete and pass the Accuplacer by November 13th
Documents (9th grade applicants): Submit one letter of recommendation (from a non-family member) and a letter of interest by November 13th
📞 For questions or assistance, please contact our office at 505-721-4200.
Find our application here: https://5il.co/3qjfl
Notice for Monday, September 29th:
Due to muddy conditions, all buses will pick up students at the nearest paved road.
Due to muddy conditions, all buses will pick up students at the nearest paved road.
GMCS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
✨ Exciting News from the Student Support Center! ✨
Today, we welcomed our first round of student interns as they fill out their paperwork and get prepared for a successful semester ahead. These students are gearing up to gain hands-on, real-world work experience that will help them grow both personally and professionally.
Through this internship program, students will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the workplace while earning pay from their employers—both inside and outside of the school district.
We’re proud of their initiative and can’t wait to see all they will accomplish this semester! 👏🎉
