Wildcat Spotlight

The 2026 NMAA Boys Powerlifting Championships was held on April 10 and 11 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Wildcat pride was shining bright with our very own Jesus Olvera defending his title by winning the individual State Championship in the 4A Powerlifting 220-weight class.

Jesus Olvera joined the Deming High School Wildcat Powerlifting team as a sophomore in 2024 and rapidly developed into one of the cornerstones of the program. During his first year he went head-to-head with the defending champion in the 220-weight class, a senior from Lovington High School. Almost completing a major upset, the two athletes tied with Olvera losing via a bodyweight tie breaker. In 2025, Olvera dominated the 220-weight class, posting a 1305 pound total and winning his state championship by a 145 pound margin. He also set state records for his squat and total pounds lifted.

This year Olvera decided to focus on wresting and then after the state championships, shift his focus to powerlifting to defend his title. After only an 8-week prep, he managed to outlast fierce competitors, totaling 1300 pounds and successfully defending his title. Olvera finished his high school powerlifting career as the most decorated in our young program’s history with 2 individual State Championship titles and a runner-up finish. Olvera still holds the squat and total state records for the 220-weight class.

“Jesus’s accomplishments are immense, but they do not tell the full story of what he has meant to our program and to me.” stated Powerlifting Coach Nick Williams “Jesus carries with him a level of dignity, class, and confidence that is noticeably contagious. Jesus’s presence was missed early in the season while he was wrestling but as soon as he rejoined us, the entire atmosphere changed. He stepped up as the clear, outspoken leader of this year’s team. His love of lifting coupled with his personal success is a great recruiting tool for the upcoming season. I feel extremely blessed to have been given the opportunity to coach such a great young man. I hope he continues to compete in powerlifting and possible one day come back and help coach the team he has helped build.”

New student online registration (OLR) opens Friday, May 1, 2026, for PreK, Kindergarten, and all students new to the district.

The registration link is available on the Deming Public Schools website under “Registration”. Families are encouraged to review the website in advance to become familiar with the required information and documents needed to successfully complete registration. All new elementary students must register at their boundary school based on their current physical address, as indicated in the Online Registration (OLR) application. As you begin the OLR application, be sure to select the 2026–2027 school year.

All PreK students enrolled in a program must register yearly, including those with an IEP. If your student was on a waiting list last school year, a new application is required. PreK programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. My Little School PK secretaries will contact families to review applications. K-5 school secretaries will contact parents/guardians to schedule an appointment to review submitted applications.

Families should upload the following documents to the OLR application (preferred) or bring original copies to the appointment:

• Student birth certificate

• Parent/guardian identification

• Proof of address

• Up-to-date vaccination records (students will not be enrolled until documentation is provided)

School Choice (Out-of-Boundary Requests)
Families requesting enrollment at an elementary school outside their boundary must submit a School Choice application.

• New transfer requests are accepted through June 5 and will be placed on hold until the start of the 2026–2027 school year while space is reviewed across campuses.

• Requests for K–5 students at Bataan Elementary and Chaparral Elementary will be automatically waitlisted.

Once the student’s registration is approved by the boundary school, the parent/guardian will receive an approval email that includes the School Choice application link.

School Choice Requirements – who should apply?

• PreK students: A new School Choice application is required each year.

• K–5 students (approved prior to June 2026): No new application is required.

• New K–5 students (starting 2026–2027): Must apply annually.

• Grades 6–12: Students requesting a virtual program must submit a School Choice application.

Please note: A separate email with the open enrollment link will be sent to parents of:

• Current K–5 students who wish to return to their boundary school or have been reassigned to a new boundary, and

• Current 6–12 students who wish to attend virtually.

These parents must submit a school choice application, if the above applies.

Families in need of assistance with technology or other support to register, should contact their boundary school to schedule an appointment for assistance. Families registering their PK students should reach out to My Little School.

The safety and security of your student(s) and our staff is our top priority. To enhance the safety and security of our school campuses, we will start using the OPENGATE® weapons detection system in our intermediate, middle, and high schools. OPENGATE® is designed for the automatic screening of people for weapons. It will also identify other items not permitted on school property.

After thoroughly evaluating a number of different products and technologies, Deming Public Schools has selected the Ceia OPENGATE®. This same system is being used in venues around our country, including airports, schools, hospitals, theme parks, stadiums, performing arts centers, government buildings, NFL stadiums, and universities. The benefits of the OPENGATE® system include: fast and automatic screening; no removal of backpacks, purses, keys and cell phones; extreme transit flow with near zero nuisance alarms; quick to set up; mobile and can be used indoors and outdoors. Deming Public Schools is one of thousands of districts throughout the county, state, and country implementing the OPENGATE® system to better protect our students, staff, and visitors.

All students and visitors will be subject to screening as they enter a school and at other school events by walking through the OPENGATE®. If OPENGATE® detects any items that are not permitted, a secondary screening will be conducted. Illegal and prohibited items discovered during the secondary screening will be confiscated and could lead to school discipline and/or legal consequences.

As with anything new – especially involving technology – it takes time to learn the system and incorporate it into daily operations. The first live screening and training of the OPENGATE® system will happen at the following schools during student morning arrival times:

Tuesday May 12

· Early College High School First Live Screening and Training

Wednesday May 13

· Deming Intermediate School First Live Screening and Training

Thursday May 14

· Deming High School First Live Screening and Training

· Red Mountain Middle School First Live Screening and Training

By initially implementing these live screening and having random screenings throughout the rest of the school year, it will afford us the ability to evaluate the process and make the changes necessary for continued effectiveness and efficiency before the start of the 2026-27 school year.

All students and visitors will be screened when entering our intermediate, middle, and high schools. As students approach their school entrance, they will need to remove their Chromebook/laptop, iPad/tablets, 3-ring binders that have metal rings, metal lunch boxes, metal pencil cases, metal eyeglass cases and hand them to a staff member or place them on the table. We recommend students come to school with zipper less computer cases & sleeves, as well as, plastic cases and containers because metal containers may cause the OPENGATE® to alarm and require a secondary screening. Students will then walk through the OPENGATE® Weapon Detection system while carrying their book bags. As long as there are no weapons or large metal objects in the book bag, the student will be able to claim their belongings off the table or from staff and continue to class. If there is an alert as the student passes through, a secondary screening will be conducted to determine the cause of the alert.

Parents, please speak with your students and be sure to remove any metal objects prior to arriving at school which will make passing through the OPENGATE® much more efficient. We encourage you to discuss these new procedures with your child(ren) and stress the importance of following the directions of those overseeing the scanning process and our collective commitment to keeping them and their classmates safe.

We also need your support in ensuring students arrive at school on time. This new security measure will require everyone’s patience as it could impact school drop-off and pick-up procedures. Keep in mind, the minor inconvenience we experience now is providing an added layer of safety, security, and peace of mind in our schools.

District staff and school administrators will be monitoring these new procedures to help ensure we are as efficient, and safe, as possible. Thank you for your understanding!

We have to always remember: no school district, business or public entity is immune from senseless violence despite our best efforts. We will continue to look for ways to protect our students and staff to the best of our ability. Thank you for your support as our district evolves to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.

Sincerely,

Deming Public Schools

Golfers sweep district team titles

By Billy Armendariz Headlight Staff

Deming High golf is arguably the most consistently winning program at the school, and with 10 state titles to its credit, the program will get another shot at a state championship next week in Socorro.

DHS golfers swept the District 3-4A Golf Team Championships on Monday at the Rio Mimbres Golf Course. The titles have earned the Wildcats and Lady Wildcats a berth in the Class 4A State Tournament — a 36-hole, two-day format hosted on the New Mexico Tech Golf Course in Socorro.

The state tournament begins Monday. The Lady ’Cats captured the district crown in a walk-over, as there were no full teams representing Silver High, Santa Teresa or Chaparral.

Deming girls shot a 384 team score, and were led by senior Julisa Echavarria, who shot an 86 to lead all scorers. Her twin sister, Alexia Echavarria, followed closely with a 91 stroke count, and senior Yaxzel Meza checked in after 18 holes with a 98 score.

Sophomore Kendahl Bingham followed with a 109 score, and eighth grader Andrea Camacho rounded out the scoring with a 114.

Sophomore Persayus Griffin and eighth grader Leah Camacho played unattached for the Lady Wildcats. Griffin shot a 96 and Camacho closed with a 109.

On the boys’ side, senior Noah Holguin took charge for the Wildcats with a 4-over 76 score. Holguin typically plays the Rio Mimbres home course well, and Monday’s championship round was a pivotal score in holding off the Silver High Fighting Colts.

Deming shot a 328 team score to finish six shots in front of the Colts. Santa Teresa was third in the stream standings at 408 and Chaparral finished fourth at 428.

Freshman Charlee Sanchez has competed well all season and followed Holguin in the Wildcat scoring with an 83 stroke count. Senior Aaron Arrey also turned in a key score when he finished with an 84.

Senior Samuel Hofacket finished two shots behind Sanchez with an 85. His brother, sophomore Jack Hofacket, was a shot behind big brother at 86.

Senior Fernie Holguin and sophomore Adam Camarillo played unattached for the Wildcats. Holguin finished with an 87 and Camarillo carded a 108.

DHS golfers caught fire in mid-March and been to pull in individual and team championships during the regular season.

DHS Head Coach Deryk “Buzz” Perales pointed to a peak in the high school golf season, and the time may be right to challenge for those state titles.

The ’Cats will travel to Socorro this weekend and play a practice round on Sunday. Tee times will be determined for the schools on Monday’s first round and Tuesday’s final round.

Senior Lady ’Cat Yaxzel Meza bends her tee shot during Monday’s District 3-4A Golf Championships at the Rio Mimbres Golf Course.

(Headlight Staff Photo by Billy Armendariz)

Our Easter parent engagement was such a hit! We were so happy to use our Multipurpose room!

Kindergarten class enjoying the Day of the Child Celebration.

Mrs. Chaffin's class was shining a little brighter today with all these stylish kiddos rocking their sunglasses as part of the ABC countdown to the end of school. We learned, laughed, and looked extra cool doing it.

Bells Student council, 3-5 grade

On April 23, 2026, Columbus Elementary hosted its annual Science Fair, with participation from over 200 students ranging from DD Pre-K through 5th grade. Students confidently presented their projects to judges, clearly explaining the scientific method and demonstrating strong enthusiasm for their work.

The Science Committee dedicated significant time and effort to ensure the success of this well-organized event. The celebration continued into the evening with Math and Science Night, where families engaged in a variety of interactive student-led activities.

Overall, it was a successful and enriching day for the Columbus Elementary community and proud to be Deming Wildcats.

Our Science Fair just was awesome to see so many creative and thoughtful projects! A big thank-you to Ms. Dupree for organizing everything and to all the students who put in the time and effort to explore their ideas. The event was a great chance for everyone to dive into science, ask questions, and share what they learned in a fun and engaging way!

Wildcat leaders on the move! 🐾💙 4th & 5th grade Student Council members represented Memorial at the 5th Annual Junior StuCo Conference!

A huge shoutout to our amazing 5th graders for successfully completing the D.A.R.E. program!

We also want to extend a big thank you to the Deming Police Department and our dedicated 5th grade team for making this experience possible. Your support, guidance, and commitment made a lasting impact.

Our students had an incredible time building positive relationships with the officers, learning valuable life skills, and growing both in and out of the classroom. We are so proud of each and every one of them!

Huge shoutout to Nusenda Credit Union for bringing big money smarts to our littlest learners! Our K–2 students had an amazing time diving into financial literacy and enjoying some great stories. You made learning fun, meaningful, and memorable. Thank you for investing in their bright futures!

Superintendent Wohlgemuth at Memorial Elementary, celebrating some of our most dedicated students

Perfect attendance is no small feat, and today’s recognition highlighted the commitment, resilience, and consistency these students bring every single day. Showing up matters—and these students are leading by example!

Keep up the amazing work—we’re proud of you!

RST’s annual Cinco de Mayo/Mothers Day performance was a success. Thank you to our students who did awesome! Special shout to Mr. Esguerra (Performing Arts teacher), for all the work you put into this performance and getting our students ready! Thank you to RST Specials team and all staff who assisted in helping with the performance, you are appreciated

Just another day of learning at RST Elementary! 5th grade teachers Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Perales guided and challenged 5th graders to showcase their literary talents with the prompt “Mystery Door.” They are now published writers! Please stop by RST Elementary to view their creativity, imagination and vivid story telling on full display~~continue to shine 5th graders

DIS awarded some cool daily prizes to students during MSSA. Students were given raffle tickets for being on time and not being checked out early during testing. We are proud of our student's dedication to being at school and giving their best effort on the test!

Congratulations to our grand prize winners for Language Arts MSSA! Students received raffle tickets for attending school and giving their best effort on the test.

DIS celebrated Mrs. Granillo and Mrs. Perez on Administrative Professional's Day. They are essential to the success of our school. Team DIS appreciates their hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to our MESA students for their impressive showing their recent competitions.

• 1st place at the MESA Day Competition out of 48 teams

• 1st place Academic Poster at the MESA USA National Engineering Design Competition

DIS students explored a variety of careers during our Career Fair while participating in hands-on activities and inspiring conversations. A huge thank you to our community partners and presenters who took the time to inspire and guide our students toward their future goals. Your impact makes a difference!

DIS celebrated our incredible School Lunch Heroes! 🍎🥪

Their care and dedication are greatly appreciated.

From first notes to final bows, our DIS Band showcased their hard work, growth, and confidence during their end of year performance. It’s incredible to see how far they’ve come. Congratulations to Mr. Tabullo and his students on a great year!

DIS Choir performed their final concert on May 7th.

DIS kicked off testing with our Rock the Test Pep Rally. Thank you to Student Council for organizing a fun event for students and staff.

DIS Student Council attended Junior Conference and won first place in three categories!

2026 RMMS Football Spring Camp Team.

Seventh grader Cesar Garrido won third place this weekend in the state Spanish Spelling Bee in Albuquerque. He will represent New Mexico in the national competition on July 10–11, also in Albuquerque.

Deming Wildcat Baseball secured the #4 seed in the NMAA State Baseball tournament. With an impressive overall record of 19-5 and a second-place finish in District 3-4A, the Wildcats will host the #13 seed Moriarty Pintos. The best-of-three series will commence on Friday, May 8, at 6:00 pm. Game two will be played on Saturday, May 9, at 11:00 am, with a potential third game scheduled for 1:00 pm if necessary. All games will be held at Deming High School Baseball Stadium. Please note that season passes are not permitted; all tickets must be purchased through GoFan.co. Let’s fill the stadium with Wildcats’ spirit!

Deming Wildcat Softball earned the #13 seed in the NMAA State Softball tournament. The Lady Cats, with an overall record of 10-16, finished second in District 3-4A and will be traveling to face the #4 seed St. Pius Sartans. The game will be played on Friday, May 8, at St. Pius. Season passes are not accepted, and all tickets must be purchased through GoFan.co.

Good luck to our Wildcats!

Deming High School (DHS) sent a powerhouse delegation of 26 students to compete in this year’s New Mexico MESA Day and MESA USA state competition. This year’s event featured a dual-track format, running both the MESA Day and MESA USA competitions concurrently, challenging students to apply STEM skills to both cultural and local issues.

MESA Day: Building New Mexico

The MESA Day track focused on Goal #4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education. Students participated in high-energy events including "MESA Mayhem" and "Engineering Your Financial Freedom."

The centerpiece of this track was the Prepared Design: Building New Mexico challenge. DHS students showcased five distinct teams that highlighted the scientific and cultural richness of the state:

Dia De Los Muertos (DHS 1): Crystal Galarza, Irene Silva, Xavier Lozano, and Nathaniel Barron.

The Great American Duck Races (DHS 2): Maria Solis, Ashley Perez, Bella Pacheco, Aubreny Armendariz, and Anais Jacquez.

Tacos of Enchantment (DHS 3): Tareq Alhomsi, Jaime Solis, Nathan Carlisle Parell (ECHS), and Fernando Bejarano.

Mimbres Pottery (DHS 4): Roman Kriegel, Cole Evans, Selesteah Mendez, and Annabelle Chacon.

Carlsbad Caverns (DHS 5): Cynthia Mercado, Nathaniel Taylor, Michayla Guevarra, Azalea Carillo, and Mariah Carlos.

MESA USA: Designing for Local Change

The MESA USA track required teams to solve community-specific problems by "Designing for Local Change," with a strict requirement to incorporate coding and microprocessor prototyping into their designs. Students presented their work through Academic Posters, Design Proposals, Technical Pitches, and a Symposium.

Two DHS teams led the charge in this elite technical track:

Mimbres Monitor: A Low-Cost Solution for Water Equity (DHS 1)

Team: Addison Schulke, Julissa Echavarria, and Alexia Echavarria.

Project: A system engineered to track and visualize water data for high-occupancy households to ensure fair water access.

D

ust-Sentry: The High-Visibility Roadside Warning System for Deming, NM (DHS 2)

Team: Chloe Merlin, Joerryc Merlin, Jonathan Chairez, and Leonardo Vasquez.

Project: An autonomous warning system designed to monitor and respond to zero-visibility dust storms along the I-10 corridor.

With seven teams representing Deming across both tracks, our students proved their ability to merge engineering with advocacy. Whether modeling the intricate patterns of Mimbres Pottery or coding sensors for roadside safety, these 26 students exemplified the spirit of New Mexico MESA.

Congratulations to all our DHS MESA competitors on an outstanding showing!

DHS MESA Advisors: Dr. Reynaldo Belen and Dr. John Valdes

Dia De Los Muertos- 4th place in assigned prepared design, 6th place overall ranking

The Great American Duck Race- 4th place in assigned prepared design, 9th place overall ranking

Tacos of Enchantment- 2nd place in assigned prepared design, 13th place overall ranking

Mimbres Pottery- 2nd place in assigned prepared design, 13th place overall ranking

Carlsbad Caverns- 1st place in assigned prepared design, 18th place overall ranking

Mimbres Monitor -4th place design proposal, 6th place poster, 9th place technical pitch, 5th place symposium, 10th place overall.

Dust Sentry- 8th place design proposal, 7th place poster, 5th place technical pitch, 11th place symposium, 7th place overall.

Outstanding 11th graders from Deming High School, Kendra Jaquez and Ashley Perez, joined the Rotary club at La Fonda for lunch in early April. Kendra spoke about her desire to serve her community by pursuing a degree in Psychology and investing in the mental health of young people in Luna County. Ashley echoed Kendra's desire to serve in her community with a focus on MRI technology and radiology. Both young women celebrated their bilingualism, crediting their parents with supporting and challenging them. Kendra acknowledged the support of Mr. Orona and Mrs. Melero, teachers at Deming High School, as being critical to her success.

Deming High School Graduation will be held on May 22nd. Gates will open to the public at 5:30 PM.

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable ceremony for everyone, the following items will NOT be allowed in the stadium or on the field:

• Strollers
• Balloons
• Air horns or noise makers
• Large signs
• Fatheads
• Umbrellas
• Weapons of any kind
• Outside food or drinks

Water will be available for purchase at the concession stands.

ECHS NHS students braved a chilly wind to collect trash for the Great American Cleanup today. So grateful for these students and others who woke early this morning to participate. Archery students, parents, and Mrs. Chadborn, were also helping. We are a small school with lots of spirit and gumption. Thank you to Keep Luna County Beautiful for this opportunity to help beautify our roadsides. Participants enjoyed lunch and door prizes in the park as well.

Early College High School Commencement for the Class of 2026
May 15, 2026
Deming Public Schools Auditorium/ECHS, 720 W. Buckeye St.
If needed join us virtually May 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.: ECHS YouTube Channel

Please note the following:
• 9:00 a.m. – Doors open for seating in the Auditorium
• 9:00 a.m. – Seniors need to report to Auditorium.
• 10:00 a.m. – Early College High School Graduation begins.
• For Parking enter through the gate off Buckeye St. Handicap parking is available directly in front of the Auditorium.

The following items will not be allowed in the Auditorium:
o Strollers
o Balloons
o Air horns/noise makers
o Large signs / posters
o Fat heads
o Glitter
o Confetti
o Weapons of any kind
o No food or outside drinks

Reach NM is a service of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). It allows young people to connect directly with CYFD workers for resources, find help, and report potential abuse or neglect. The service is free to any New Mexican with a text-message enabled cell phone. You never know when you might need help.

· Text 505-591-9444 if you need immediate support.

· Save the number if you need it in the future.

· Pass it on to a friend in case they need to help for themselves or someone they know.

You can learn more about this Path To Wellness tool at https://cyfd.org/reach-nm