Kofa News

Yuma Union High School District student nutrition managers and assistant managers earned their School Nutrition Association (SNA) credential certifications. 

The SNA provides leadership development through online coursework and operational training in partnership with the Institute of Child Nutrition. 

“Their commitment to professional growth and leadership development is nothing short of inspiring,” YUHSD Executive Director of Student Nutrition Elena Hildreth said. “Each of them is already working toward their next credential level; a true reflection of their passion and drive to serve our students at the highest level.”

Collectively, the group has completed more than 492 hours of online training covering topics such as food allergens, dietary guidelines, operations, leadership, and more. The certification process included exams after each course, as well as specialized training such as a manager sanitation certification, a child nutrition 101 course, and advanced coursework requiring extensive program-solving and critical thinking, recipe reading and comprehension, and understanding recipe units of measurement. 

According to Hildreth, the SNA certification will be a requirement for future managerial positions in the department.

Over the past three years, the YUHSD student nutrition department has expanded  scratch cooking, developed original recipes, and introduced breakfast carts across campuses. The department has also increased staff training and established committed partnerships with organizations that provide equipment, resources, and professional development such as the Chef Ann Foundation, No Kid Hungry/Share the Strength, and the Arizona Dairy Council, to help support students inside and outside of the classroom.

Students from Kofa High School and Vista High School competed in the fourth annual joint science fair between the schools. 

The event included multiple categories such as chemistry and biochemistry, earth and environmental science, zoology, botany, engineering and technology, health and microbiology, physics, and social sciences.

“I wanted to find out the science behind something that I was already doing and really interested in,” said Vista High School student Ayden Barnes, who was a first-place finisher. “It was terrifying presenting in front of the judges, but then it got easier and words flowed naturally. Seeing the judges’ faces and hearing their compliments and feedback made it a lot easier because they were there to help.”

Projects were evaluated by a panel of judges from Arizona Western College, Yuma Proving Ground, the Yuma County Engineering Office, and the Kofa High School Counseling Department. 
“We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated,” Kofa High School science teacher Jason Flora said. “Events like the Joint Science Fair demonstrate the power of collaboration between schools and our community partners, while fostering critical thinking, innovation, and a passion for science. We look forward to continuing this partnership and celebrating even more student success in the future.”
Elite Engraving sponsored the student awards, enabling recognition of participants’ achievements and the work demonstrated in each project.

“This was our first time collaborating with Elite Engraving on the awards, and the donation was incredibly generous and meaningful,” Vista High School science teacher Katherine Lloyd said. “Recognizing academic achievement is especially impactful at Vista, where we don’t have our own athletics program, as this gives our dedicated and hardworking students the opportunity to take home something tangible to remember their accomplishments.”

Here are all of the winners from the Joint Science Fair (organized by category):
Chemistry and biochemistry: Zoe Ramirez, first place; Bella Putzu, second place; Ananieecia Escalanti, third place; Botany: Getzemani Linan Gomez, first place; Engineering and technology: Ayden Barnes, first place; Isabel Raygoza and Kayla White, second place; Aaron Amezcua, third place; Health, medicine and microbiology: Jack Davis, first place; Aileen Jimenez, second place; Isabella Zazueta and Addison Pepper, third place place; Physics: Vianney Ott and Adriana Ortiz Washington, first place; Ailyn Sandoval, second place; Social sciences: Lilly Town, first place; Overall Winners: Ayden Barnes, Vista, first place; Lilly Town, Kofa, second place; Isabel Raygoza, Vista, third place; Kayla White, Vista, third place. 

Yuma Union High School District Digital Photography students attended the State of the State luncheon with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs on Thursday, February 26 at the Yuma Civic Center.    

The students represented Cibola High School, Kofa High School, and San Luis High School as part of each school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. 

"This was an amazing opportunity,” Cibola student Alexia Meza said. “I got to meet professional photographers, journalists and videographers." 

Students were selected for the opportunity after submitting essays to the Yuma Chamber of Commerce. They were given guidelines, met members of the local media, and had a private interaction with Hobbs where she asked them questions and took pictures with them before the luncheon. 

Prior to the event, students collaborated to come up with a final question to ask Hobbs during the press briefing. Student Alberto Fraijo asked: “What industries are you focusing on growing in Arizona and how should students prepare for them?” 

Hobbs responded: “We have so many industries that are growing in our state — a lot of advanced manufacturing including semiconductors but also electric vehicles and batteries and aerospace and defense is a huge one and it's huge here in Yuma. 

“Those are industries that have a lot of need for workforce and a lot of jobs that don't necessarily need a college degree but you can get a certificate or training and go right to work. We've invested in a lot of internship programs and apprenticeships so that students can get into those jobs.”

According to the Governor's office, this was the first time students were invited to join the press corps. This opportunity was part of a pilot program to evaluate whether students should be included in similar events in the future. 

“Education does not stop in the classroom,” Cibola digital photography instructor Richard Fontanes said. “My hope with this opportunity was that students would see that they are part of a bigger world and that they can be a part of it. They have a voice, point of view and talents that have real world applications.”

The YUHSD CTE department is committed to providing work-based learning opportunities that provide students with meaningful opportunities to explore careers, gain real-world experience, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to become college, career, and community ready.

Yuma Union High School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) welding students took part in Western Welding Academy’s 2026 Blue Collar Tour, a trade-career promotional tour, hosted on February 25 at Kofa High School.

“This tour is to encourage students to explore a welding career,” said Jayson Beagley, who is the Director of Blue Grit Foundation, an affiliate of Western Welding Academy. “We want them to understand that there's opportunities across the trade and it's not just a place to start, it's a place to advance.”

Welding students from Kofa, Gila Ridge High School, Yuma High School, Somerton High School, and San Luis High School participated in the high-energy presentation which included giveaways, welding demonstrations, a Q&A session, and insights about trade careers from Western Welding Academy graduates. 

“I loved the weld competition,” Kofa welding student Logan Marin said. “It was a lot of fun getting to weld and see others weld. The Blue Collar guys were very welcoming when they were teaching us."

YUHSD is one of 30 stops on the 2026 Blue Collar Tour. This is the second time the tour visited a YUHSD campus. The first was in 2024, which also took place at Kofa. 

Five wrestlers from Yuma Union High School District schools earned individual state titles at the three-day Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) wrestling championships in Phoenix.

Cannon Farrar from Gila Ridge High School was the 120-pound boys champion in Division I, while Kofa High School’s David Elias took home the Division I title at 132 pounds.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” GRHS boys wrestling coach Abel Villamoreno said. “Finishing sixth as a team in the toughest division and putting three wrestlers in the top three says a lot about their hard work and the direction of our program. The best part is every wrestler who finished on the state podium, including our two-time state champion (Farrar), is coming back next year, along with six returning state qualifiers who are determined to get on that podium.”

Somerton High School produced three state champions. Jayden Preston at 113 pounds and Kenneth Garcia at 120 pounds were Division IV boys title winners, while Annette Preston won the 185-pound title in girls Division II.

“The direction for the program can only get better from here on out, the sky’s the limit,” SHS girls wrestling coach Christopher Polanco said. “We managed to place, not only without any seniors, but missing five weight classes. The addition of the incoming freshman from middle school and a little bit of on-campus recruitment will help us build. A second-place finish helps makes it a whole lot easier to convince some ladies to come out and contribute to our program.”

Overall, nearly half of the district-record 49 wrestlers who qualified for state placed in the top six. Meanwhile, four programs also finished in the top 10 of team points, including Somerton girls placing second in Division II, Gila Ridge and Kofa boys finishing sixth and 10th, respectively, in Division I, and Somerton boys finishing sixth in Division IV.

Here are all YUHSD wrestlers who placed at the state finals:

BOYS

Gila Ridge High School, Division I
Cannon Farrar, 120, first; Ayden Sevilla, 106, second; Raidyn Tanaka, 150, third; Diesel Labady, 132, sixth

Kofa High School, Division I
David Elias, 132, first; Logan Whitacre, 215, third; Roman Jaimes, 126, fifth

Somerton High School, Division IV
Jayden Preston, 113, first; Kenneth Garcia, 120, first; Aztlan Raya, 106, fifth; Diego Felix, 126, fifth; Jose Perez, 138, sixth; Peter Rivas, 285, sixth

Yuma High School, Division III
Jayden Espinoza, 126, second

GIRLS

Gila Ridge High School, Division I
Georgia Barron, 120, sixth

Somerton High School, Division II
Annette Preston, 185, first; Jordyn Isla, 114, third; Breilla Reynoso, 120, third; Gianna Anaya, 235, third; Ariana Villafana, 107, fifth

Since 2011, either San Luis High School or Kofa High School have reached the semifinals of the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) boys soccer state playoffs a remarkable 10 times. 

The eleventh time is a certainty. 

The two vaunted soccer programs meet in the 6A quarterfinals on Saturday, February 21 at Irv Pallack Field on the Kofa campus. Kickoff is 2 p.m. 

No. 3 Kofa, who defeated Tucson, 3-1, on Wednesday enters the matchup winners of nine of their last 11 games, including closing out the regular season with a 4-3 victory at home over the Sidewinders. 

Longtime Kofa head coach Jamie Nicewander hopes recent history repeats itself. 

“We are confident that we will continue our winning streak on Saturday against San Luis due to winning one regular-season game against them and the Great Southwestern Shootout tournament,” Nicewander said. “We are excited to host the Sidewinders in the Kingdom on Saturday.”

The Kings and Sidewinders met three times during the regular season with San Luis winning, 2-1, on January 16 and the Kings winning on penalty kicks, 1-1 (1-0), on December 20 in the championship match Great Southwestern Shootout tournament. 

Kofa is led by senior forward Leonel Rodriguez who managed a team-best 44 goals, which also ranked second in the state. San Luis had two double-digit goal scorers on the season: senior Rodrigo Ortega, who put 23 shots in the back of the net, and sophomore Carlos Gonzalez, who added 11 goals. 

Five of the top seven point scorers for the No. 6 Sidewinders were seniors.  

“Having so many seniors on the team has been challenging, but in a good way,” Sidewinders head coach Jesus Rojas said. “There is a lot of internal competition on every spot on the field and that has pushed players to keep improving and performing their best game after game.”

Historically, this is only the second time since San Luis High School was founded in 2002 that the two programs have met in the playoffs. The first occurrence took place in the 2016 quarterfinals, when Kofa won, 0-0 (4-2). 

For both teams, advancing into the semifinals has become somewhat routine. Kofa has made it four times since 2011, including last season where they lost to Perry High School, 4-1. San Luis has played in six semifinals in that same span, including back-to-back trips in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. 

Despite numerous deep post-season runs, the Sidewinders have yet to win a state title. Kofa last won a state soccer title in 1989. 

On Saturday, one of the two programs will have an opportunity to move one step closer to halting that championship drought. 
 

Yuma Union High School District has long produced a winning standard in wrestling, earning a team state championship and multiple individual state titles in the past eight years alone.

The 2026 season, however, may ultimately be the school district’s most successful season to date. A record 49 boys and girls wrestlers from YUHSD qualified for the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) state tournament, which begins February 19 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix.   

Gila Ridge High School qualified 11 boys for the Division I tournament, while Somerton High School, in just its third year, qualified 11 boys for the Division IV tournament. Somerton also had seven girls qualify for Division II.

It’s the most combined wrestlers in YUHSD history to make it to the state tournament. The 35 boys who qualified from YUHSD schools in 2026 are the most from the district since 2019 when 36 boys and eight girls qualified. Girls wrestling was officially added by the AIA in 2019.

The district’s previous high was 48 wrestlers in 2016 when Cibola High School had a qualifier from all 14 weight classes. Additionally, the district has qualified 30 or more wrestlers for state every year dating back to at least 2011.

Here are all YUHSD state wrestling qualifiers and their weight class for 2026:

BOYS
Cibola High School
Isyael Ibarra, 285

Gila Ridge High School
Ayden Sevilla, 106; Cannon Farrar, 120; Adan Velasquez, 126; Diesel Labady, 132; Owen Beck, 138; Pedro Luna, 144; Raidyn Tanaka, 150; Anderson Lesueur, 157; Logan Lines, 165; Adam Kempton, 175; Julio Gonzalez, 190

Kofa High School
Dylan Rush, 113; Roman Jaimes, 126; David Elias, 132; Emitt Merrill, 138; Isaac Paxton, 190; Logan Whitacre, 215; Gerardo Anaya, 285

San Luis High School
Ivan Ortiz, 165

Somerton High School, Division 4
Aztlan Raya, 106; Jayden Preston, 113; Kenneth Garcia, 120; Diego Felix, 126; Bernardo Felix, 132; Jose Perez, 138; Jose Polino, 144; Jesus Valenzuela, 150; Andres Centeno, 157; Frank Rivas, 215; Peter Rivas, 285

Yuma High School, Division 3
Joel Anaya, 113; Jayden Espinoza, 126; Estevan Romero, 132; Sebastian Cruz Peralta, 215

GIRLS
Cibola High School
Alicia Valenzuela, 152; Jolene Drake, 185

Gila Ridge High School
Jayleen Cortez, 107; Georgia Barron, 120; Savannah Pope, 165

Kofa High School
Mia Johnson, 165

Somerton High School, Division 2
Ariana Villafana, 107; Jordyn Isla, 114; Breilla Reynoso, 120; Yahaira Verdugo, 152; Sahari Pena, 165; Annette Preston, 185; Gianna Anaya, 235

Yuma High School, Division 2
Jaslyn Aguilar, 114

Kofa High School held an assembly for all students to hear from Guest Speaker Chris Sandy from the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety Choices Matter Campaign on Thursday, February 5. 

Sandy spoke to students about the life-changing decision he made when he was young to drive under the influence that resulted in a car crash and prison sentence. He now makes it his life mission to influence young adults in a positive way to think about their life and the decisions they make now that will affect their future. He travels across the United States to share his story.

“We thought it was important to hear from someone like Chris Sandy because his story shows how one choice can change everything,” Kofa High School Assistant Principal Teresa Laurean said. “His presentation made students stop and think about their actions, responsibilities, and how our decisions affect not only ourselves but the people around us.”  

The Choices Matter Campaign provides students and young adults with the opportunity to be educated on life-changing decisions, specifically highway safety decisions. They have guest speakers that use personal stories and interactive materials to inspire students to make the right choices both behind the wheel and in life.

Yuma Union High School District and its schools will be closed for a district-wide professional development day on Friday, Feb. 13 and in observance of President’s Day on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.

Students will return to class as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, Feb. 17. 

After supporting more than 75 families in the fall, Yuma Union High School District is excited to continue its Parent Academy series this Spring, beginning February 24, 2026.

Parent Academy is designed to help families feel confident and informed as their child navigates high school. In each curated session, they learn about topics ranging from how students can earn college credit while in high school to support services available to students and families to how to get involved in a child’s education.

“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.”

There are numerous, flexible ways to join: In-person sessions, live virtual sessions on Wednesdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m., and on-demand videos available anytime on the district website.

Sessions are open for all families, including incoming eighth grade families, regardless of day or location. No RSVP is required.

“Let Parent Academy be your guide to supporting your student’s success,” YUHSD Director of Strategic Projects Mike Sharp said. “Now, and in the future.”

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
Virtual

Thursdays (5:30-6:30)

Gila Ridge High School

Week 1 February 24-26

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 March 3-5

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 March 10-12

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 March 17-19

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.

Saturday, March 22; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  (all sessions)

 

The Kofa High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (MCJROTC) rifle team placed first in back-to-back competitions in January. 

They won the National Rifle Association Sectionals Rifle Championship, an invitation-only competition held January 9 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix and were led by Cadet Mildreth Hernandez, who received first place individually earning her a gold medal. Cadet Thifanny Cardenas placed fourth, Delila Mendez placed eighth, and first-year marksman Gunner Kinsey placed 11th. 

A week later, the team competed in the Arizona Civilian Marksman Program (CMP) 3PAR (3 Position Air Rifle) State Championship in Phoenix, earning first out of 16 teams across Arizona. Hernandez led the way placing second out of 46 shooters, followed by Kinsey who placed fourth, Macrina Covarrubias placed eighth, and Garnet Ortiz in 16th place. This win automatically qualified the team to compete in the CMP Nationals in June. 

“I’m beyond words how this team has interchanged team members and is still able to win back-to-back competitions,” KHS MCJROTC Instructor Maj. Todd Birney said. “We couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and ability to handle themselves under pressure.”

The team is now preparing for the MCJROTC Service Championships in Sandy, Utah from Feb. 3-9, 2026 with the opportunity to advance to the MCJROTC National Championships in March.

The Kofa MCJROTC program, which is overseen by Maj. Birney and Sgt Maj. Brian Olea, has earned numerous awards and recognitions over the past several years. Additionally, the program has been named a distinguished Naval Honors School on multiple occasions.