All things SENIORS!

Class of 2026

Congratulations to the following scholars:

Valedictorian: TBD

Salutatorian: TBD

Heritage Academy Alumni Association

Hey Seniors! Stay connected with the Heritage Academy Family through the Alumni Association. Just follow this link and join us today!

College Fairs/Workshops/Campus Visits

More to come…

Scholarship Opportunities

CLICK HERE FOR 10 WORDS OR LESS SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship Deadline: April 15th, 2026 ($1000)

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Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award

Scholarship Value: $2,000
Awards Available: 2
Award Deadline: Apr 24, 2026

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is an international trade association dedicated to fostering and advancing the general welfare, safety, interests, and activities of the global business and general aviation industry. GAMA represents over 140 of the world’s leading manufacturers of general aviation aircraft, engines, avionics, and components, as well as operators of maintenance facilities, fixed base operations, aircraft fleets, and pilot and training facilities. GAMA offers the Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award annually as part of its commitment to advancing careers in general aviation.

Eligibility Criteria
An applicant must:

1. Be a current student at a U.S. high school, graduating in the Spring of 2026;

2. Be accepted to and enrolling in an institution for an aviation-related degree program (e.g., flight training, aviation management, aerospace engineering, aviation maintenance); and

3. Have a 3.0 or better grade point average (on a 4.0 scale).

Application Contents
1. Application form

2. Essay question response

3. Current high school transcript

4. Letter(s) of recommendation (maximum two)

Applicants will be assessed on their academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities, and their essay question responses.

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Science Saves Scholarship – Deadline: May 11, 2026

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Cap and Gown

Exciting News!!! Order Your Cap, Gown and Tassel Today!

The flyer below is a hyperlink to Jostens’ home page which displays all of Jostens products.  The following link (Heritage Academy Gateway Queen Creek, AZ – Cap & Gown) takes you directly to the cap, gown and tassel ordering page.
 
Deadlines for Ordering: 

November 15th – Priority Deadline

November 30th – Last Chance Deadline

December 15th – FINAL Deadline

Why the urgency?

  • Late orders make it more difficult for us to plan and have the correct Cap & Gown colors and sizes. The earlier families place orders, the smoother the process will be for everyone involved.

**You are welcome to wear a sibling or friend’s cap and gown; however, Jostens orders from different vendors each year and the Navy blue color is not guaranteed to match. You will still need to order a tassel (any tassel will suffice).

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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Make sure you complete the FAFSA®, in October of each school year, which is the application form you use to request financial aid from the government and from your future college.

You can fill out the form at the government website https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Watch this video to help fill out the Financials section of the FAFSA.

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

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March

April

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May

Graduation Ceremony, Thursday, May 21st

Please Note:

  • Scholars must arrive by 5:00 PM and the graduation ceremony begins at 7:00 PM.

  • Each family will receive 8 tickets.

  • Scholars must wear Heritage appropriate clothing under their gowns. 

  • Scholars may NOT decorate their caps. 

  • No saving seats.  All parties must be present with a ticket prior to entering the auditorium. 

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Rio Salado's Graduation Ceremony

Apply for commencement

LINK

Ready to take the stage at Commencement? Rio Salado holds one commencement each year, typically in May. This video walks you through the simple steps to apply to take part in the event. Watch it now and get ready to put on your cap and gown!

Where

Arizona Financial Theatre
400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003

When

Ceremony begins 7 p.m. May 14, 2026.
General student check in begins at 5:45 p.m. (5 p.m. check-in for specialty group photos)
The lobby will open at 5 p.m. and the auditorium at 6 p.m. for guests

Who

Any students who have completed a degree or certificate since May 1, 2025, or will have completed a program by August 31, 2026 are eligible to participate in this year’s Commencement.

Cost

There is no fee for commencement this year, however, students must order their cap and gown regalia from our approved vendor. This is a ticketless event and there is no cost for guests.

Caps/gowns

To participate in the commencement ceremony, all students must wear a cap and gown from Rio Salado’s official vendor, Jostens. All graduates at every level  – bachelor, associate and certificate recipients – wear the same cap and gown.

🔹 The deadline for ordering delivery of caps and gowns is April 14, 2026. Details below. Individuals that ordered their regalia online will receive it through the mail at the address they supply.

🔹 Last Chance In-Person Event: If you’re local or miss the deadline to order online, you can buy your cap and gown at our one-day event on May 1, from 12-4 p.m. at Rio Salado College, 2323 W. 14th St., Tempe, AZ 85281, in the Conference Center. This will be your final opportunity to get your regalia for the ceremony.

Important Deadlines:

  • Apply for commencement: no later than April 4th to be included in the printed program

Please note: Cap and gown orders will not be available for pickup at the ceremony or the Rio Salado office except the Last Chance In-Person event on May 1st.

Additional questions? Email graduation@riosalado.edu.

Honor cords

Students eligible for academic honors will receive their honor cords when checking in on the day of commencement.

Flowers and merchandise

Rio Salado’s PTK chapter is sponsoring a flower and lei booth at the event. Alumni merchandise will also be on sale.

Commencement Photography and Media Notice

The 2026 Rio Salado College Commencement Ceremony is a public event where photos and videos will be taken for event
marketing and promotional purposes.

Questions? Please email: Michelle.Reese@riosalado.edu, Rio Salado College Marketing and Public Relations

Directions to Venue

Arizona Financial Theatre is located on the Northwest corner of 4th Avenue and Washington Street. From West: I-10 East to 7th Avenue south, take to Adams Street, turn left (East) to Fourth Avenue. From East: I-10 West to 7th Avenue south, take to Adams Street, turn left (East) to Fourth Avenue. Parking: Adjacent parking garage is at 4th Ave and Adams (Adams Street Garage).

Bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed in the venue. All bags will be searched prior to entry. Bags that are not clear will be subject to additional search. No backpacks allowed. We request that graduates give any personal items to guests prior to check-in. No balloons allowed.

If you require accommodations due to a disability please contact the Rio Salado College Disability Resources and Services Office.