Zachary Sestric/Courtesy photo

LAPS NEWS RELEASE

Los Alamos Public Schools is pleased to announce that Zachary Sestric, a Los Alamos High School High School 2026 graduate, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA). He is one of 24 outstanding high school
graduating seniors to receive this award.

Nominations for this scholarship were submitted by New Mexico Boards of Education representing eight regions. Selections were based on criteria including demonstrated leadership, academic performance, community involvement and extracurricular activities.

“The LAPS Board of Education was united in nominating Zach for the NMSBA scholarship,” said School Board President Sondra Wyman. “He has been committed and consistent in board attendance, insightful comments, and even provided comic relief! We were so fortunate that he chose to be a school board liaison, in light of his busy schedule and other leadership roles at LAHS. We are very proud of Zach, and hope he will stay in touch.”

“Your application stood out for its clear demonstration of academic excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to your community,” noted NMSBA Executive Director Joe Guillen. “The reviewers were deeply impressed by your achievements and recognized you as truly deservin of this honor.”

Zach has served as a school board student liaison for two years. Student liaisons attend school board meetings and offer input on topics and agenda items. Student liaisons also meet with school board representatives for monthly luncheon meetings where they are able to discuss school-related issues and concerns raised by their classmates.

Zach was a member of the National Honor Society, International Thespian Society and a NMAA Scholar Athlete. He was a Spotlight Award finalist in the New Mexico High School Musical Theatre Awards, and a national qualifier for lighting design in the International Thespian Excellence Awards.

He was also a member of LAHS Olions, the Astronomy Club, Key Club, and the varsity swim team. In addition, he works at Duane Smith Auditorium, specializing in production and lighting design, set construction, and is the theatrical consultant for other organizations within the district.

He plans to attend the University of Michigan University in the fall to study mechanical engineering and also possibly theater design and production.