Rio Rancho Public Schools enrolls students from all of New Mexico’s Native American tribes, as well as many tribes throughout the nation and world. About 5.5% of the district's student population is Native American.  Each year, we host annual events including our Senior Recognition banquet, Summer Academy, Pageant, and Annual Powwow. Additionally we coordinate several family engagement events to support and foster a sense a unity and community among urban native youth along with providing an educational, cultural and enriching experience.

Going on nine years in Fall 2025, RRPS hosts a district-wide Native American pageant. Qualifications for this contest include: indigenous students in grades K-12; knowledge of tribal language and tradition(s); cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher; and a talent to be performed. The RRPS Native American Pageant crowns a Miss Indian, Brave, Jr. Miss Indian, Jr. Brave, Little Miss Indian, and Little Brave.  Contestants must meet a rigorous application process to compete.  Royalty members then carry out their platform for the duration of the school year.

The district's Native American Pageant was held on Thursday, November 7th at the RRHS Performing Arts Center, where eight contestants from throughout the district competed to try and secure their spot on the court. In the end, four new members were named. The results are as follows:

• Miss Indian RRPS: Pharrah Clark, Navajo & Laguna Pueblo | RRHS, 12th

• Jr. Mis Indian RRPS: Anna'Mae Johnson, Hualapai Tribe | RRMS, 6th

• Little Miss Indian RRPS: Lana Largo, Navajo | RRE, 5th

• Little RRPS Brave: Myles Beaumont, Gros Ventre, Colcille, & Crow | JHE, 4th

The Native American Royalty Court will represent Rio Rancho Public Schools for the remainder of the year at district gatherings and community events across the City of Vision and the Land of Enchantment.

Congratulations to all winners, and thank you to all those who participated and attended!

In the Spring we celebrate our graduating seniors with a banquet. Families are invited to attend this special event as we share a meal together and recognize each student for the major accomplishments that come with high school graduation. Additionally, one outstanding senior from each of our four high schools is selected to receive the special Eagle Award. School administration recommends this student every year, who is recognized with a special gift.