Yuma High School News

Yuma Union High School District is hosting a College, Career, Community, and Military (CCCM) Fair for all students and families on Thursday, November 6, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Cibola High School. 

The event is an opportunity to connect directly with college and university representatives, military recruiters, trade schools, and more.

“The College, Career, Community, and Military Fair is designed to help students and families explore a wide range of opportunities beyond high school,” YUHSD Director of College and Career Readiness Christal Buckley said. “By participating, students gain exposure to colleges, career pathways, community organizations, and military options—all in one place.”

Arizona's major universities, two-year colleges, military academies/Reserve Officer Training Corps representatives, community agencies and career and technical programs will be present at the event along with businesses from around Yuma County previewing internships and future job prospects.

This is the first time YUHSD has hosted an in-person, district-wide CCCM Fair since 2019. In addition to the November 6 event, all YUHSD schools will also be hosting their own CCCM Fair for their respective students during the school day from November 18-20. 

The Yuma High School Hall of Fame Committee will enshrine five individual members, one team, and four community partners into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.

The class includes athletes Yolanda Bierbrich, volleyball, basketball, and softball (Class of 1982) and Jerry Gaillard, football and track (1978); coaches Al Alvarez, football (1965-74), DeeDee Baumgarner, swimming (1985-2010), and Tom Hurt, football (1988-92); the 1941-42 state-champion girls tennis team; and a newly introduced category, community partners, which includes Yuma-area businesses ALSCO, 4th Avenue Gym, Lutes Casino, and Mr. G’s.

The group will be formally enshrined on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. The enshrinement ceremony will be held in the Yuma High School Cafeteria at 12:30 p.m. followed by the presentation of their Hall of Fame inductee plaques at the Palace Gym at 1:30 p.m.

The ceremony is the final portion of a two-day celebration for enshrinees, including a gathering at Lute’s Casino in downtown Yuma on Friday, a tailgate barbeque and reserved seating and recognition during the Yuma High football game versus Cibola High School.

The 2023 class is the 14th inducted into Yuma High’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Beginning with the inaugural class in 2010, each member has been honored with a plaque in the east wing of the Palace Gym.

The Hall of Fame was organized to maintain the rich heritage and tradition of successful athletic programs at Yuma High School. It recognizes, preserves, and honors the athletes, coaches, and individuals who have made significant contributions to Yuma High athletic programs. Many individuals have been influential in the “Criminal Tradition” of excellence and have had exemplary accomplishments in the school’s athletic programs.

The Hall of Fame honors the contributions and accomplishments of those individuals who are worthy of recognition and have set examples for others to emulate. Nominees for the Hall of Fame must exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and moral character. All candidates are judged on their significant and/or long-term contributions to athletic endeavors. More information about the Hall of Fame as well as the nomination procedure can be found on Yuma High’s official website.

There are 147 individuals, one group, four community partners, and 12 teams enshrined in Yuma High’s Hall of Fame, including members of this year’s class.

Here is a full list of the 1941-42 girls tennis team: Coach: Elizabeth Rose; Team Members: Katherine Burger, Opaline Liles, LaVerne Stanton, Verda Rae Donkersley, Ruth Ann Lipscomb, Maxine Weiss, Norma Dale Hyatt, and Louise Raley.
 

Yuma Union High School District will host a Transition Fair on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the District Office Board Room, 3150 S. Avenue A.

The event will feature a variety of community agencies that provide services and resources for different stages of transition, including life after high school. Families will have the chance to learn about assistive technology, day programs, pre-employment services, job retention services, home and community-based services, and military options.

“Access to resources and guidance before graduation allows students and their families to plan ahead, explore available programs, and connect with the agencies and services that can best support their future goals,” YUHSD Transition Specialist Kacie Baker said. “By attending, families will have the chance to ask questions, build connections, and feel more confident about the path forward.”

Among the agencies scheduled to attend are YCAT, Collaborative Technology Solutions, Encircle Families, Community Health Associates, and MIKID.

The Transition Fair welcomes students of all ages and their families across the Yuma community.
 

Yuma Union High School District educators took part in a district-wide professional
development day on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.

The goal of the professional development day was to help teachers and support staff members improve their skills and better serve the students of YUHSD. Staff members participated in various group activities throughout the day, including a focus on personalized learning, lesson planning, IEP strategies, the Canvas learning management system, health and wellness, and more.

“Professional Development Day gives me the chance to stay up to date on the tools and strategies I need for my classroom,” Vista High School teacher Carmen Middaugh said. “It’s also a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and share ideas that can help our students succeed.”

The day began with all teachers gathering in the auditorium, where each school principal recognized one teacher with a championship belt, symbolizing the champion they are for their students.

Here are the school champions for fall 2025:
Holly Hendrick, Cibola High School; Araceli Hermoso Palacios, Gila Ridge High School; Sheryl Clifton, Kofa High School; Maria Salgado, San Luis High School;Ron Bratton, Somerton High School; Carmen Middaugh, Vista High School; and Maj. James Branch and Sgt. Maj .Jeffrey Conway, Yuma High School.

In addition to staff training, students also gained valuable experience during PD Day. Students from Gila Ridge High School’s Film and TV Production program and Kofa High School’s Digital Photography program collaborated with the YUHSD Communications team to capture the day as part of a Work-Based Learning opportunity.

“I think the district has given students a valuable opportunity to apply the hands-on skills they’ve learned in the classroom,” YUHSD CTE Work-Based Learning Director Mariana Martinez Reynoso said. “The students came prepared and ready, and it was exciting to see them put their learning into practice.”

YUHSD typically hosts professional development days for teachers and staff once a semester to give them an opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other. The second professional development day, recognized county wide, will take place in February 2026. Support staff members also took part in a variety of activities at various sites throughout the district.

While the district was closed to the public, students were engaged through Canvas, while
working from home. School resumed as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
 

The Yuma High School football game against Carl Hayden Community High School on Thursday, September 11, started with a patriotic tribute including the game ball being delivered from the clouds. 

At approximately 6:50 p.m., 10 minutes prior to kickoff, fans in attendance saw skydiver Jay Stokes deliver the ball to midfield prior to the coin toss. It’s the fourth time that Stokes has made a jump prior to a Yuma Union High School District football game. 

“I just love doing it for the community and for the kids to see it,” Stokes said. “I’m all about helping the Yuma community out.”
 
A retired U.S. Army Special Forces “Green Beret,” Stokes is an expert jumper. He is a five-time Guinness World Record holder and has more than 28,000 jumps to his name. 

“Having a skydiver land on Doan Field during the National Anthem on 9/11 is a powerful reminder of unity, courage, and sacrifice,” YHS Athletic Director Steve Anderson said. “It honors those we lost, those who serve, and brings our community together.”

On the field, the Criminals lost to Carl Hayden, 40-2. It's the first since 2021 that Yuma High (0-3) has faced Carl Hayden (1-2) and fifth time in school history. 

Yuma Union High School District and its schools will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 in observance of Labor Day. School across the district will resume as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

For more information about the district calendar, please visit YumaUnion.org or click https://www.yumaunion.org/district1/district/district-calendars

After supporting over 180 families last school year, Yuma Union High School District is excited to continue its Parent Academy series this fall, beginning September 2.

Parent Academy is designed to help you feel confident and informed as your child navigates high school. Attendees will learn about:

· How students can earn college credit while in high school

· Support services available to students and families

· Ways to get involved in your child’s education

· Planning for life after graduation—college, career, and community

“Parent Academy is designed to empower families with the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to help their students thrive in high school and beyond,” Somerton High School Director of Counseling Maria Dillard said. “With a refreshed and expanded curriculum this year, we’re inviting parents to learn alongside their students and take an active role in shaping their future success in college, career, and community life.”

Flexible Ways to Join:

· In-person sessions

· Live virtual sessions on Wednesdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m.

· On-demand videos available anytime on the district website

Each session covers a new topic in just one hour. Join any session that fits your schedule—no RSVP required. Families will, however, receive reminders and info via ParentSquare, the district’s mass messaging platform.

 

See below for the complete list of weekly sessions and locations:

Tuesdays (5:30-6:30)

Kofa High School (English and Spanish)

San Luis High School (Spanish)

Somerton High School

Yuma High School

Wednesdays (5:30-6:30)

Cibola High School

San Luis High School

Virtua

Thursdays (5:30-6:30)

Gila Ridge High School

 

Week 1 Sept 2-4 

Academics: Technology platforms, communication, attendance, concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, standards-based grading, earn college credit in high school.

During Session 1 of YUHSD Parent Academy, parents will receive an introduction to the technology platforms used for learning and communication, guidance on effective communication with teachers and staff, and the importance of regular attendance. The session will cover concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities, allowing students to earn both high school and college credits, as well as various programs that enable students to earn college credit while still in high school. The session will also explain standards-based grading, which measures student proficiency based on set standards, and outline the student supports available to help students succeed.

 

Week 2 Sept 9-11 

Student Supports: Teachers, Counselors, Para Professionals, Social Workers, Nurse, Administration, School Safety, IEP, 504

During session 2 of the YUHSD Parent Academy, discover the wide range of resources available to support your student’s success at YUHSD. This session will provide an overview of the dedicated team working to meet your child’s academic, social, and emotional needs, including teachers, counselors, para-professionals, social workers, nurses, and administrators. Learn about school safety measures, individualized education programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and other support systems designed to ensure every student thrives. Join us to connect with our team and explore how we partner with families to empower students.

 

Week 3 Sept 16-18

Getting Involved: Career and Technical Education (CTE), Mastery of the Arts Program, Athletics, Activities, Portrait of a Graduate

During Session 3 of YUHSD Parent Academy, parents will learn about various opportunities for student involvement and development. The session will cover Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which provide hands-on learning experiences in various trades and professions. Parents will also hear about the Mastery of the Arts Program, which encourages students to develop their artistic talents. Additionally, the session will highlight the athletics and extracurricular activities available, promoting physical health and teamwork. Finally, the Portrait of a Graduate will be discussed, outlining the key skills and attributes students should develop to succeed in life beyond high school.

 

Week 4 Sept 23-25

Planning for the Future:  realizing goals, senior packet, exploring the future, transcript review, admissions, standardized tests, post graduate pathways, financial aid.

During Session 4 of YUHSD Parent Academy, parents will be equipped with essential information to help their students plan for the future and achieve their goals. This session will cover the components of the senior packet, crucial for graduation preparations, and offer guidance on exploring future career and education options. Parents will learn about the importance of transcript reviews and the college admissions process, including standardized tests. Additionally, the session will discuss various post-graduate pathways, from higher education to vocational training, and provide an overview of financial aid opportunities to support students' educational endeavors.

Yuma Union High School District athletic programs will offer multiple ways to purchase tickets to events during the 2025-26 school year, including utilizing online ticketing platform GoFan. 

“We’re excited to bring GoFan digital ticketing to our events because it makes the experience easier and faster for everyone,” Yuma High School Athletic Director Steve Anderson said. “Fans can purchase tickets right from their phones, skip the hassle of carrying cash, and get through the gates quicker. It’s a win-win for our staff and our community.”  

Fall athletic events begin on Tuesday, August 26. All YUHSD home games that require a purchased ticket will accept payment through the GoFan mobile application and cash. 

To download the GoFan app, event-goers are encouraged to visit their preferred app store and search “GoFan.” For convenience, QR codes will also be available at each participating event.

Ticket prices are as follows for all regular-season YUHSD home games: 
•    Regular: $6 
•    Military/senior discount: $5
•    High school students are free with a valid student identification card.
 

Yuma Union High School District’s longtime, bold goal to get its dropout rate to zero continues to inch closer to reality. For the fifth consecutive year, the district reported a decline in its dropout rate, a number that remains more than 3 percent better than the state average.

According to data compiled from Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Connect, YUHSD’s dropout rate for the 2024-25 school year was 1.13 overall, while the Arizona state average dropout rate was 4.47. 

YUHSD has outperformed the state of Arizona every year since 2012.

“I’m incredibly proud and encouraged by our district's low dropout numbers,” YUHSD Associate Superintendent Lili Campa said. “They show students' resilience, but most importantly the dedication of every educator, support-staff member, and our dropout prevention specialists who have worked hard to ensure our students stay on a path to being college, career and community ready. The success motivates and gives us hope to keep pushing forward and work towards closing any remaining gaps." 

All YUHSD campuses employ a Dropout Prevention Specialist as part of their respective guidance counseling departments. The group of Yescina Cuming at Cibola, Patricia Quezada at Gila Ridge, Edgardo Gonzalez at Kofa, Rigoberto Conde at San Luis, Chris Reese at Somerton, Arisbey Garcia at Vista, and Anet Solorzano at Yuma High has been nationally recognized for the role they play in keeping students in school.

Asked what makes the dropout teams so successful, VHS Dropout Prevention Specialist Arisbey Garcia, said: “We take proactive steps to address the various areas where students are struggling. This is accomplished through collaboration with students, families, community partners and other methods to ensure students are provided with all available resources to remain in school.”

Dropout Prevention Specialists are part of the collaborative effort between the counseling department, teachers, and support staff members to intervene with students before they consider dropping out. This includes phone calls, one-on-one conversations with students, and home visits.

Here is a list of dropout data for all YUHSD schools from the 2024-25 school year:
Cibola: 1.19 percent
Gila Ridge: 0.91 percent
Kofa: 0.90 percent
San Luis: 0.70 percent
Somerton High: 0.92 percent
Vista: 0.32 percent
Yuma High: 1.68 percent

Here are YUHSD’s dropout rates for the past five years:
2024-25: 1.13 percent
2023-24: 1.42 percent
2022-23: 2.14 percent
2021-22: 2.85 percent
2020-21: 3.58 percent

UPDATE: The event will be held at Yuma High School

Yuma Union High School District, in partnership with Onvida Health, will be hosting a no-cost sports physical event on August 8, 2025 at Yuma High School.

The event is open to all YUHSD student-athletes. Parents/guardians must be in attendance. 

Doors open at 4 p.m. with the event concluding at 8 p.m. Exams will be conducted by Onvida Sports Medicine Fellowship Program Director Dr. Ryan Zerr and other medical residents. 

“Providing free athletic physicals for YUHSD students through Onvida Health continues to be a valuable event for our community,” Gila Ridge Athletic Director Johannah Elliott said. “Events like this ensure our student-athletes can participate safely while reducing barriers for families. We are grateful for the partnership with Onvida Health and look forward to welcoming families from across Yuma County as we prepare for another safe and successful sports season.” 

A physical is required to participate in Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) competition. All physical examinations completed at the event will cover the student-athlete for the 2025-26 school year.
 

Yuma Union High School District schools will be hosting open house events for families to learn about the 2025-26 school year.

Families will have an opportunity to receive ParentVUE information, learn about campus activities, including clubs and athletics, and tour their respective school.

“Open House is a great opportunity for our students and families to get to know our highly committed staff and learn about the resources we have in place to support learning,” SLHS Academics Principal Delia Castro said. “When students feel connected to their teachers, they are more likely to thrive—and this event is the first step in building that important partnership between home and school. Even though the conversations may be brief, they give students a glimpse into their courses and allow staff to learn about any support students might need to help set them up for a successful school year.”

Here is a list of all seven events for YUHSD schools: 

Gila Ridge High School: Monday, July 28 (5-6:30 p.m.)
Kofa High School: Monday, July 28 (5-7 p.m.) 
San Luis High School: Monday, July 28 (4-6 p.m.) 
Somerton High School: Monday, July 28 (5:30-7 p.m.) 
Vista High School: Monday, July 28 (5-6:30 p.m.) 
Yuma High School: Monday, July 28 (4:30-6 p.m.)
Cibola High School: Monday, August 11 (5-7 p.m.)

Parents and guardians should refrain from using the open-house time for in-depth, parent-teacher conferences. Instead, use the open house time to schedule a conference in the future, if needed. 
 

Yuma Union High School District’s Migrant Education Program will host early registration events for the 2025-26 school year in June and July for incoming and returning migrant students, including End-of-Eligibility (EOE) students. 

Events will be held in two locations, including the YUHSD district office and San Luis High School. See below for the full list of dates, times, and locations: 

YUHSD District Office (3150 S. Avenue A)
Returning students: 
June 9 and June 12 (8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

Incoming freshmen and returning students: 
July 8 and July 11 (8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

San Luis High School (1250 N. 8th Avenue)
Incoming freshmen, returning students, and EOE students:
July 15 (8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) 

Attending early registration helps families get the information they need to start the 2025-2026 school year. Staff will be on hand to answer questions, update student records, and connect families with available Migrant Education Program services.

“We look forward to continuing to serve our Migrant students this school year,” YUHSD Migrant School Community Liaison Isabel Montez said. 

Backpacks will be distributed during these early registration events upon parent request. School supply kits will not be provided. 

For more information, contact YUHSD’s Migrant Education Program at (928) 502-4665.