Portrait of a Graduate
A Portrait of a Graduate represents our school district's vision for the 21st-century traits and professional competencies students need to succeed in college, career, and life. It serves as a north star for our learning communities as they craft academic and work-based learning opportunities that prepare students for whatever their future holds.
March
Collaboration
Portrait of a Graduate: Recognizing Students Who Exemplify Collaboration!
This month, we celebrate Desert Edge’s very own Khaleel B.!
Congratulations to Khaleel B., Grade 9, who was nominated by Ms. Saldana from the Science Department for exemplifying Collaboration, one of our Portrait of a Graduate tenets.
Khaleel is a standout leader in teamwork who consistently models what it means to be a collaborator. Whether in class or during RTI, and regardless of whether he is paired with a friend or a stranger, Khaleel is always ready to engage and work with others.
Ms. Saldana notes that he is kind, funny, and a joy to have in the classroom. His inclusive attitude and willingness to support his peers truly set the standard for our freshmen.
#PortraitOfAGraduate #AFamilyOfSchools
Communication
Portrait of a Graduate: Recognizing Students Who Exemplify Communication!
This month, we celebrate Desert Edge’s very own James D.!
Congratulations to James, Grade 12, who was nominated by Mrs. Putnam for exemplifying Communication, one of our Portrait of a Graduate tenets.
James is a standout communicator who, despite being a senior at West-MEC, remains deeply involved at Desert Edge by working on the senior video. Mrs. Putnam and other staff members note that James is "fabulous at talking to adults" and displays a high level of professionalism in Senior-to-Senior interactions.
His communication is further strengthened by his ability to ask thoughtful, probing questions that seek deeper clarity, proving that he isn't just speaking. He is truly engaging with the world around him. James’s ability to connect with others and maintain such high professional standards truly sets the standard for our seniors.
#PortraitOfAGraduate #AFamilyOfSchools
Critical Thinking
Portrait of a Graduate: Recognizing Students Who Exemplify Critical Thinking!
This month, we celebrate Desert Edge’s very own Samantha J.!
Congratulations to Samantha J., Grade 10, who was nominated by Ms. Rodeheffer from the English Department for exemplifying Critical Thinking, one of our Portrait of a Graduate tenets.
Samantha is a standout thinker who consistently enriches class discussions with meaningful observations and thoughtful questions.
Ms. Rodeheffer notes that Samantha has a unique talent for connecting her current reading to previous learning; for instance, while studying the Holocaust, she drew impressive thematic parallels to Animal Farm. Her genuine enthusiasm for literature and her natural curiosity truly set the standard for our sophomores.
#PortraitOfAGraduate #AFamilyOfSchools
Integrity
Portrait of a Graduate: Recognizing Students Who Exemplify Integrity!
This month, we celebrate Desert Edge’s very own Aneli C.!
Congratulations to Aneli C., Grade 9, who was nominated by Ms. Majewski from the FX Department for exemplifying Integrity, one of our Portrait of a Graduate tenets.
Aneli consistently demonstrates strong character by standing up for what is right and making responsible choices in all she does. Ms. Majewski notes that Aneli shows true integrity through her willingness to admit mistakes, accept feedback, and learn from every challenge she faces.
Her commitment to doing the right thing and her reflective nature truly set the standard for our freshmen.
#PortraitOfAGraduate #AFamilyOfSchools
Responsibility
Portrait of a Graduate: Recognizing Students Who Exemplify Responsibility!
This month, we celebrate Desert Edge’s very own Izabella L.!
Congratulations to Izabella L., Grade 12, who was nominated by Ms. Royal and Ms. Moku for exemplifying Responsibility, one of our Portrait of a Graduate tenets.
Izabella’s work ethic is unmatched; she recently completed a prestigious lighting design internship with the Emerson Theater Collaborative in Sedona, a role she earned through her immense talent in stage production. Beyond her technical success, Izabella defines responsibility through her academic dedication.
After missing a week for her internship, she spent her weekend at the library, without internet access at home, to ensure her major research essay was submitted on time. Described as kind, charismatic, and a student who makes everyone feel valued, Izabella truly encompasses the entirety of a Portrait of a Graduate.
Her proactive nature has not only paved the way for her own professional success but has also opened doors for future Scorpions to follow in her footsteps.
#PortraitOfAGraduate #AFamilyOfSchools