Breaking New Ground: Insights from Desert Sunrise High School’s First Graduating Class

Maricopa observes a significant milestone as Desert Sunrise High School celebrates its inaugural graduating class. This event mirrors a similar occasion in 1959, underscoring the city’s evolution and expanding educational landscape.

Opened in 2022, Desert Sunrise has become a cornerstone for the rapidly growing community. With a capacity for 1,600 students, its initial focus was on ninth and tenth graders. The 2025 graduating class represents a defining moment for the school, marking a unique chapter in its development.

Located on the east side of Maricopa, Desert Sunrise symbolizes the city’s growth. Senior Jaaziel Dominguez, who moved from Texas, finds the modern facilities a stark contrast to his former school, saying, “Everything here is way newer, way more modern. I could just focus and grow.”

Last month, 166 seniors crossed the graduation stage, many of whom are shaping the school’s identity. Dominguez expressed that without upperclassmen to emulate, he learned to lead himself, stating, “I just had to count on myself, my teachers, and the counselors.”

Another graduate, Nathan Alarcon, who transferred from Maricopa High School, reflected on his experience: “We had to set the tone.” Balancing technology with academics, he will pursue computer systems analysis at Arizona State University.

For Alarcon, the pressure of leadership is a positive challenge. He fondly recalls, “The homecoming football game…I just remember driving there with my friends, just being present in that moment.”

Abigail Barba, an artistic student, transferred from Maricopa High after her freshman year and appreciates the school’s intimate environment. “I thrive in a school like this…more connection, more opportunity,” she said, expressing pride in fostering an academic culture that encourages younger students.

As a symbol of their collective journey, the graduating class signed a large commemorative diploma during their Senior Sunrise event. This diploma serves as a lasting reminder of their legacy within the community.

Graduation day encapsulated mixed emotions of excitement and reflection for the seniors. Dominguez shared, “It’s the end of something I’ve known my whole life… I’m nervous, but more than that, I’m ready.”

The May 21 graduation was not just an individual milestone; it represented Maricopa’s growth and commitment to its youth. As Alarcon aptly noted, “Just look out for my name…hopefully, it’ll be for something big.”

In parallel, the Maricopa Unified School District is working on a minor boundary adjustment. The district aims to realign school zones due to rapid residential growth in the city, allowing more students to attend nearby schools.

Superintendent Dr. Tracey Lopeman emphasized the necessity of serving students closer to home. “As the population grows, it makes sense to adjust boundaries so students who live in Maricopa go to a school in MUSD,” said Lopeman during a recent meeting.

Currently, many Maricopa residents must travel extensive distances to attend school, with students close to Desert Sunrise facing commutes of up to 25 miles. This situation has prompted discussions among district officials to seek solutions.

Projections indicate housing developments could bring over 2,500 students to local schools in the coming years. Despite its proximity, Desert Sunrise remains outside current district boundaries.

Dr. Lopeman stated that the district is collaborating with demographers to navigate development trends and enrollment projections, highlighting a disconnect between city and school district boundaries.

The proposed adjustments align with the district’s strategic goals, ensuring educational resources meet community needs. Dr. Lopeman underscored the importance of aligning resources with local families’ expectations.

This boundary adjustment is classified as a “minor boundary adjustment” under Arizona law. It requires the majority approval of local voters and endorsement from governing boards of the affected districts.

The school board has initiated public discussions and is currently collecting signatures for a formal petition, aiming for submission to state and county agencies by November 1.

If all goes according to plan, the new boundaries could take effect by July 2026, coinciding with the opening of a new K–8 school in the Sorrento neighborhood.