Highlights from the fall commencement ceremony

Photos by Cayla Nimmo

USMC Corporal Jack raises funds for Toys for Tots

Meet United States Marine Corps Corporal Jack, better known as Travelin’ Jack, the mascot of the Delta Company of the USMC Reserves in Albuquerque. He’s an 85-pound purebred Olde English Bulldogge, and the adorable face who helps Toys for Tots, a local charity program that collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys during the holidays to children throughout McKinley County.

Travelin’ Jack left his mark, so to speak, Dec. 8 at the Comfort Suites, 3940 E. Hwy 66 in Gallup, when he lent a paw to promote Toys for Tots.

This was Jack’s second year at the Gallup event, where he helped raise funds by inspiring folks to donate...

Gallup campus ho-ho-hosts Santa Claus, holiday joy

The community turned out in full holly jolly holiday force Dec. 6 for the annual Holiday in New Mexico event at the University of New Mexico-Gallup campus. It was a night of posole, bischochitos, activities, caroling, luminaries and of course, Santa Claus.

After various educational departments filled decorated bags with sand and lights, more than 200 luminarias glowed along the sidewalks of the UNM-G campus, 705 Gurley Ave. Huge Christmas wreaths hung at the entrance of Gurley Hall, and the smell of traditional posole filled the air.

Each year, the campus adds more to its agenda for this free holiday event.

This year, UNM students...

Meet Camille’s Teacher of the Month ReneE Autrey

An old saying goes, “Love makes the world go round.” Well, according to Renee Autrey, Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe Teacher of the Month, the adage is true — love inspires her anew each day in her kindergarten class at Stagecoach Elementary School.

Each month, Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe in Gallup recognizes a local teacher as Teacher of the Month. Teachers are nominated by students and by those who feel they deserve recognition for their seemingly effortless work in the realm of education.

Camille’s presents the winning teacher with an award for excellence in their field — and this month, Autrey received the honor.

Autrey, who...