May all be merry and bright!
2 months ago, Channell Segura
Athlete of the WeekSanta Fe New Mexican
Dec 23, 2025
Monique Arrietta scored 40 points overall during the Ben Luján Tournament to help the Elkettes win their home tournament for the first time in six years.
Monique Arrietta never thought twice about diving for a loose ball late Friday.
Even though the Elkettes were comfortably ahead in a Ben Luján Tournament semifinal against Peñasco, their junior point guard threw herself at the ball and faceplanted into the hardwood during a 50-35 win. Arrietta’s reward? A nine-stitch wound on her chin and an all-tournament selection as she helped Pojoaque win its own Ben Luján Tournament over the weekend for the first time in six years.
Arrietta did her part by scoring 40 points over the three-day event and saved the best for last — an 18-point performance against Santa Fe Indian School in a 45-36 win Saturday night while wearing a bandage over her chin. She had 10 points in the win over the Panthers and scored a team-high 12 points in an opening-round 44-31 win over Crownpoint.
Arrietta said she will wear the scar with pride.
“Just another battle wound,” Arrietta said. “It’s what happens when you play hard.”
Arrietta is a key cog to the Elkettes’ success, as they improved to 8-3.
Honorable mentions
St. Michael’s junior forward Ryan Hunt scored 29 points and had five dunks during a 70-45 win over undefeated Tularosa on Dec. 16.
Peñasco’s Kaileb Atencio finished his run in the Ben Luján Tournament with a flourish. He had 18 points in a 52-49 loss to Cuba in the consolation semifinals Friday, then he dropped 38 on Moriarty to win seventh place with a 61-28 win.
Santa Fe High wrestler Leyton Opare pinned four of his five opponents on his way to winning the 215-pound title at Roswell’s Rio Hondo Scuffle on Saturday. He is now 10-0.
Pojoaque Valley’s Mariah Leyba won the 120-pound title at the Rio Hondo Scuffle on Friday, while Capital’s Madelyn Rodriguez claimed the 125 crown. Leyba beat Capital’s Jadyn Rodriguez by pin in the finals.
2 months ago, Channell Segura
Each month, we shine a spotlight on a New Mexico student who’s making an impact through athletics and activities. This month, that spotlight lands on Pojoaque Valley sophomore Mariah Leyba—a powerhouse of energy and involvement.
Mariah doesn’t just stick to one lane. She’s on the volleyball court in the fall, wrestles her way through winter, and hits the hardwood for basketball before moving on to softball in the spring. On top of that, she steps up as a leader in programs like National Honor Society, AVID, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and school leadership.
Of all her commitments, wrestling holds a special place. “I’d say wrestling is my favorite sport,” she said. Inspired by her brothers who wrestled in high school, Mariah jumped at the chance to get on the mat herself. “I thought that looked so fun!”
But for Mariah, it’s not just about winning matches or filling her calendar—it’s about purpose. “Keeping busy keeps you focused. Teens often lose themselves throughout high school, and staying focused and having something to work for keeps me feeling valued.”
Driven, determined, and always ready for the next challenge—meet Mariah Leyba of Pojoaque Valley High School, this month’s Dion’s Student Spotlight.
2 months ago, Channell Segura
The PVSD BOE and Superintendent Segura were proud to recognize our December Students, Educators, and Student Scholars of the Month! You all represent what it means to be true Elks and Elkettes! Keep shining!
2 months ago, Channell Segura
Dear Families,
We will be handing out meal kits from 8:30am - 11:30am on Monday December 22nd. You can pick up the meals in the lane in between the gym and student parking lot .
Thank you!
2 months ago, Channell Segura
🎄❄️ Happy Holidays, Pojoaque Valley community! ❄️🎄
Here is our holiday break schedule for students!
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season! 💚🤍
2 months ago, Celina
3 months ago, Channell Segura
Attention! This evening's Board Meeting is canceled due to technical difficulties and will have to be rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding.
3 months ago, Channell Segura
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https://aptg.co/VslhCq3 months ago, Celina
Superintendent Segura co-facilitated a breakout session at the NMSBA Conference with Stephanie Wyka regarding PVSD's journey to reframe our district Strategic Plan to be student-outcomes focused. It was a packed room with standing room only and very well received.
3 months ago, Channell Segura
Superintendent Segura and the Board of Education are at the NMSBA Conference to learn and collaborate. Board Vice President, Jerome Lujan, was sworn in by the Honorable Alexandra C. Naranjo.
3 months ago, Channell Segura
Pojoaque Valley Schools will be on a 2-hr delay tomorrow, December 4th. There will be no school for students in grades PreK-5th grades due to it being an early release day. Drive safely. Thank you.
3 months ago, Channell Segura
📣 Pojoaque Valley Community!
We would like to invite the entire Pojoaque Valley community to the Ben Lujan Classic, taking place December 18–20. 🗓️
🏀 Come out and enjoy three days of exciting boys and girls basketball action! We hope to see you there!
Below is a brief history of the Ben Lujan Classic:
A Brief History of Speaker Ben Luján
Speaker Ben Luján, a proud Pojoaque High School graduate, was born in 1935 and passed away in 2012. He grew up in the Nambé Valley, where his family still resides near the acequia and cottonwood tree that symbolize the deep cultural and traditional roots that shaped his lifelong values of community and service.
Ben Luján began his career as a Union Ironworker at Los Alamos National Laboratory. A dedicated member of Ironworkers Local 495, he worked there for 25 years before retiring. By that time, he had already served two two-year terms as a Santa Fe County Commissioner and as the State Representative for District 46.
Throughout his career, he was elected by his colleagues to serve as House Majority Whip, House Majority Leader, and ultimately as Speaker of the House of Representatives, a position he proudly held for five terms.
Speaker Luján loved high school basketball and rarely missed a game. He was immensely proud to be a Pojoaque High School graduate, to represent the Elks, and to support Pojoaque student-athletes.
In 1991, the first Ben Lujan Classic Girls Tournament was held. Speaker Luján believed strongly in providing tournament opportunities for girls’ basketball programs, which inspired the creation of the event.
In 1999, the Ben Lujan Classic expanded to include its first Boys Tournament, and it has been an annual tradition ever since—except for 2020, when schools were closed due to the pandemic.
The Ben Luján Family extends their heartfelt thanks to all players, coaches, and spectators for their continued support of both the girls and boys who have participated in the Ben Lujan Classic over the years.
3 months ago, Celina
The NM Grown Coalition recognized PVSD for its dedication and outstanding work in promoting NM Grown initiatives. The district received a certificate of recognition signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, acknowledging PVSD’s commitment to bringing local, healthy foods to New Mexico children and supporting the food and farming economy of our community. Thank you to our Student Nutrition staff for their hard work and commitment to serving healthy meals to our students.
3 months ago, Channell Segura
Come and check out the 10th Annual Craft Fair in the PVS Auditorium from 10-3 pm this Saturday! ❄️🎄✨
Do some holiday shopping, support local vendors, eat yummy food, and fundraise for the HS Band! 🎁🎶
We'll see you there! ⛄️💙
3 months ago, Celina
📅 Monday, December 1st is the 80th day of the 2025–2026 school year and an important 🚌 student bus-ridership count day for PVSD. This count helps determine our transportation funding from the New Mexico PED.
To maximize funding, we encourage all students to ride the bus to and from school on Dec. 1st 🚍. School buses are the safest way to travel 🛡️.
Please remember: All Pre-K–12 students must use their Z Pass cards 💳 for safety and tracking.
Thank you for your support! 🙌 Let’s boost ridership on December 1st! 🟩🚌
3 months ago, Celina
PVSD wishes our students, staff, families, and community a safe and joyful Thanksgiving!
3 months ago, Channell Segura
It's always the season to think and pause before you click.
3 months ago, Channell Segura
Our PVSD staff throughout the district welcomed our families to share Thanksgiving lunch 🦃 🍽️ with our kids. We are so grateful for the tremendous family engagement and support. It was a great week full of love and appreciation. #ElkPride 💚🤍
3 months ago, Channell Segura
