Five Desert View High School seniors are making history by reaching an extraordinary academic milestone: earning their associate degrees from Pima Community College before receiving their high school diplomas.

Alex Bustillos, Bernadette Pinedo, Johny Felix, Jorge Quijada, and Miana Urquidez are graduating from Desert View with more than four years of high school memories and accomplishments. They will also walk across the commencement stage already holding college degrees, an achievement that reflects years of commitment, determination, and hard work.

The five students began their accelerated college pathway as freshmen, committing themselves to a rigorous schedule that allowed them to complete high school requirements while simultaneously working toward an associate degree. Their journey required them to take college-level courses throughout their high school careers, attend summer sessions, participate in extended after-school learning, and dedicate their Fridays to college coursework.

For some of their Friday classes, the students spent their evenings in the classroom from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m., putting in the additional time needed to meet the requirements for their degrees.

Balancing high school and college is no small undertaking. Along with their academic responsibilities, the students navigated the typical demands of being high school students — extracurricular activities, family commitments, friendships, and preparing for life after graduation. Their ability to remain committed to their college pathway throughout all four years demonstrates an exceptional level of perseverance and focus.

Now, as they prepare to graduate from Desert View, their hard work has paid off in a remarkable way.

Rather than beginning their college careers from the starting line, these five graduates are entering their next chapter having already completed an associate degree. Their accomplishment gives them a significant head start as they pursue additional education, careers, and opportunities beyond high school.

Their achievement also represents the power of creating meaningful pathways between high school and higher education. Through opportunities that allow students to earn college credit and work toward postsecondary credentials while still in high school, students can gain valuable experience navigating college-level expectations and build confidence in their ability to succeed after graduation.

For these five Desert View seniors, the experience has been about more than earning college credits. It has been about challenging themselves, setting ambitious goals, and proving what is possible when students are given the opportunity and support to pursue them.

Their accomplishment embodies Sunnyside Unified School District’s commitment to preparing students to be College, Career, and Community Ready. These graduates are entering their futures with a strong academic foundation, valuable college experience, and a degree already in hand.

As Desert View High School celebrates the Class of 2026, the district is proud to recognize the extraordinary accomplishment of these five students.

Congratulations to Alex Bustillos, Bernadette Pinedo, Johny Felix, Jorge Quijada, and Miana Urquidez on this history-making achievement. Their determination and dedication serve as an inspiration to fellow students and a powerful reminder of what can happen when students dream big, work hard, and take advantage of opportunities to reach their goals.

These five seniors aren't just graduating from high school, they're graduating with a college degree already under their belts and a head start on the future ahead.