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Paws and Relax. Sapelli the therapy dog was spotted offering her fluffy coat and placid demeanor to stressed out UNM students during mid-terms on Wednesday. With her are staff who organized the visit from Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers (left to right: Savannah Snider, Gabby Cheromiah, Melissa Tuioti and Varina Kosovich). (Photo of the day: Gail Guengerich)

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What Is Happening at Highland High School?

More than movie backdrops and World War II tunnels, Highland High School is alive with student-driven purpose.

by Sequoia Rudolph

After the school opened in 1949, Highland High School students voted to adopt the “Hornets” as their mascot, inspired by the USS Hornet aircraft carrier. During the early Cold War era, bomb shelters and underground tunnels were also constructed on campus as safety precautions. (Photo: Sequoia Rudolph)

The second-oldest high school in Albuquerque stands proudly at 4700 Coal SE, an educational landmark in the Highland Business District. But beyond its historic façade, the campus pulses with activity. As the spring semester gains momentum, students are planning prom, organizing the final recognition assembly, competing at the top of state athletics and preparing for major academic competitions.

On a recent Thursday afternoon, the auditorium buzzed with energy as more than 100 students gathered for Leadership class. Activities Director Justin Landis watched from the front as Senior Class Secretary Kael Huizar led his classmates in a lively chant to refocus the room after lunch. Once settled, Huizar outlined the week’s agenda before students dispersed into smaller groups to design posters, plan fundraisers and coordinate upcoming events.