City Celebrates Student Achievement and Resilience Through School-Based Violence Intervention Program
ACS honors SBVIP students who recently graduated from Albuquerque high schools
ALBUQUERQUE – Thirteen recent high school graduates were honored by the City of Albuquerque for their perseverance, growth, and success in overcoming significant challenges. Albuquerque Community Safety’s (ACS) School-Based Violence Intervention Program (SBVIP) celebrated the students’ accomplishments during a special recognition ceremony held at the South Broadway Cultural Center.
Throughout their high school careers, each student received support from ACS SBVIP-trained intervention specialists who helped them navigate challenges related to violence, trauma, and other barriers to success. The program provides mentorship and individualized support to youth at elevated risk of violence and substance use, helping address underlying issues while promoting safety, well-being, and academic achievement.
The event brought together city leaders, families, educators, school partners, and community members to celebrate graduates from participating Albuquerque high schools and recognize their hard work, determination, and bright futures.
“The purpose of this program is to send the message: Violence is not acceptable and should never be normalized, said Mayor Tim Keller. “These graduates have shown incredible strength and perseverance. Their success reflects not only their hard work, but also the impact of programs like SBVIP that provide meaningful support and opportunities for young people to thrive.”
“Every one of these students has a story of resilience,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “Through mentorship, encouragement, and connection to resources, SBVIP helps students see what’s possible and achieve goals that once may have seemed out of reach.”
“Programs like SBVIP show what’s possible when schools and community partners work together,” said APS Student Threat Assessment and Integrated Support Director, Shantail Miller. “These graduates’ success reflects their resilience and the impact of caring adults who believed in them every step of the way.”
SBVIP intervention specialists work directly in schools to help students remain engaged in their education, resolve conflicts, build healthy relationships, and develop plans for long-term success. The program is a key component of ACS’s public safety approach, which focuses on prevention, support, and community-based solutions.
“SBVIP helped me finish school through the mentorship support and resources,” said SBVIP participant and Atrisco Heritage Academy graduate Christopher Reyes. “I’ve learned how to express myself; I’m using what they taught me in my everyday life.”
The ceremony included remarks from city leaders, recognition of each graduate, and the presentation of certificates and commemorative awards.
SBVIP currently serves students at Atrisco Heritage Academy, RFK High School, West Mesa High School, and Del Norte High School. Students may be referred to the program by family members, friends, school staff, or community partners.
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Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.