Junior Treasurers graduate Sandoval County program

BERNALILLO — The Sandoval County Treasurer’s office has molded two more young minds for the community during the second year of its Junior Treasurer program.

Treasurer Jennifer Taylor announced that ASK Academy Junior Giavanna Almanzar and Rio Rancho High School Senior Mario Templeton graduated the program at the March 26 county commission meeting.

“Tonight is a very special night as we give special recognition to two high school students who have completed the 2025 Junior County Treasurer program,” Taylor said.

The program took the teens six months to complete, and there were requirements for them to do so. Taylor said that they were assigned five key tasks, including attending a commission meeting, an investment committee meeting, a board of finance meeting as well as bi-weekly meetings with Taylor. Their final task was a mock board of finance meeting, “which they did exceptionally well,” Taylor said.

According to her, the program, which began in 2023, was designed to encourage the youth within Sandoval County to become more involved and knowledgeable of local county government, specifically the role of treasurer.

“It has truly been an honor to engage and mentor these students in hopes that they will walk away with an unforgettable experience as they prepare for their future,” Taylor said.

As one program comes to a close, another opens. Taylor announced that the next treasurer program has already launched and the county is taking applications for it.

“We are starting it earlier this time, because I am pleased to announce that the schools within Sandoval County have agreed to make this an elective earning credit,” she said.

She said any high school junior or senior can go online to fill out the application. There is a required essay due by May 16.