Cyber Academy class of 2025 celebrates more successes than graduating

PHOTOS: Rio Rancho Cyber Academy graduation 2025

May 19, 2025

RIO RANCHO — It was a small ceremony May 16, but the celebration was larger than life for Rio Rancho Cyber Academy’s class of 2025 in the concert hall at Cleveland High School. The 21 students, clad in graduation gear, were ready for the next step in life.

Each student, with their own individual touch, proudly marched across the stage with a lot to be proud of.

Almost all of the students graduating from the hybrid learning school did so with honors. Among those honored were the salutatorian and valedictorian of the class, who summed up their time with eloquence.

Salutatorian Jade Parks congratulated her peers and thanked the teachers at the school.

“I know the last four years have been full of ups and downs, but I’m so glad I get to celebrate this accomplishment with all of you. I wouldn’t have made it this far without the support of both friends who are in my life currently and those who have been in the past,” she said.

She added that each teacher left a lasting impact on them as students.

One teacher in particular received praise from Parks — and the whole class — for her work. Rajmah Mooty, also known to the students as Ms. Raj, a math teacher at Cyber Academy, was given an award by the 2025 class for teaching excellence.

“You kids are crazy,” she said when she received the award.

The graduates cheered for her as she left the stage, clutching the award to her chest.

“She really stood by me. She really helped support me,” Parks said about Mooty during her speech.

Valedictorian Isabella Zielinski spoke more on the students’ experiences, particularly her own challenges.

She recalled her first quiz grade, which was a 60%.

“It wasn’t the normal success, but it was a moment of failure,” she said.

She spoke on how those kinds of “failures” can teach and motivate people to do better.

Zielinski also had a heartfelt moment remembering her dad, who passed away long before her graduation.

“I honor him as I stand here today,” she said.

The celebration had several highlights besides those speeches. A notable one was the awarding of the Kendrick James Johns Scholarship to Cyber Academy Student Daniel McCord.

The scholarship is in honor of Kendrick Johns, a former student who passed away in 2019. Johns’ parents stated McCord, who was studying a trade while also attending school, was the perfect student to receive the scholarship this year.