MAS Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight: Yair Reyes

Yair Reyes likes learning through hands-on projects and real-world problem solving. That practical curiosity has been part of his journey since he enrolled at Mission Achievement and Success Charter School in fall 2019 as a sixth grader, and it continues to shape the goals he’s working toward.

During middle school, Yair played soccer for the MAS Bulls and joined the art club. He says both experiences helped shape who he is today by encouraging him to connect with others and build lasting friendships. They also helped him become more confident and comfortable working as part of a team.

When Yair talks about what he liked best about attending MAS, he points to the people who made the experience meaningful, including the close friends he made. He also appreciated the chance to take college classes while still in high school, which helped him feel more prepared for what comes next: majoring in a STEM subject at The University of New Mexico.

His advice to incoming freshmen reflects what mattered most to him during high school.

“Based on my experience, I would advise incoming freshmen to connect with as many people as possible. Building relationships helps you learn more about yourself, gain new perspectives, and develop friendships that can last a lifetime. Through these connections, you can also discover your interests and gain a clearer sense of direction for where you want to go in life.”

Outside of school, Yair enjoys making props for video games and learning how to fix vehicles. Spending time with friends remains important to him, and he says these interests helped him discover personal strengths. They also encouraged creative thinking, along with hands-on learning that keeps him curious.

Yair says one of the most important life lessons he learned in high school is to learn from mistakes and keep moving forward. He also learned to speak up when it matters and make time for the people he cares about.

“It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and avoid repeating them. I also learned the importance of speaking up when it matters and making time to enjoy moments with the people you care about, because time goes by very quickly.”

After graduating high school in May, Yair plans to attend The University of New Mexico and major in Mechanical Engineering. Looking ahead 10 years, he sees himself working at Sandia National Laboratories or in the automotive industry in a role he enjoys. Staying close to family and friends remains part of his vision. In his personal life, he plans to start a family of his own, live in a comfortable countryside home, and reach financial stability.

Yair says one of his biggest sources of motivation is a close friend at MAS. He values the way that friend checks in on him and keeps him accountable, especially when it comes to staying focused academically.

When it is time to dine out, Yair has a favorite meal that still feels familiar.

“My favorite restaurant in town is El Paisa Taqueria. I love getting their Torta de Jamón because it’s something I’ve enjoyed since I was a kid, and I still love it today. It’s a taste that brings back great memories and never gets old.”

Yair leaves MAS with clear plans and a steady sense of direction. With engineering ahead and a future built around meaningful work and relationships, we have no doubt he is ready for whatever comes next.