SHIPROCK, N.M. — Central Consolidated School District (CCSD) officially welcomed Eagle Peak Career Academy to the community today with a traditional blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the school's grand opening.

The event, themed "A New Journey," began at 8 a.m. with the blessing and ribbon-cutting, followed by remarks from stakeholder speakers representing the surrounding community, and closed with refreshments for attendees and T-shirt making.

Students, staff, elders, district leadership, and community members — including local royalty title holders — gathered outside the new campus to celebrate the milestone. Principal Brian Paniagua and students, including senior Emily Caboni, spoke to the significance of the new school and what it means for the community.

"Today, we're not simply cutting a ribbon or placing a new name on a building. We made our promises to our students. We promise that you [students] will be known, you will be supported, and you'll be upheld to high expectations," said Brian Paniagua, principal of Eagle Peak Career Academy.

"Eagle Peak Career Academy is a new vision of education. This is to help students with success and education and give students insights for a career," said Emily Caboni, a senior at Eagle Peak Career Academy.

Eagle Peak Career Academy is CCSD's newest school, built around the mission of being student-designed, community-rooted, and future-ready. The academy's program pillars include:

• Academics & College Readiness
• Navajo Language, Culture & Traditional Teachings
• Career Technical Education

The new campus gives students in the Four Corners region hands-on career pathways alongside a strong foundation in academics and Diné language and culture, preparing them for college, career, and community leadership.

For more information about Eagle Peak Career Academy, visit centralschools.org.

###