Arizona Purple Star School

At Cibola High School, we understand that transitioning to a new school can be challenging, especially for highly mobile students, military-connected students, and families who are new to our community. As western Arizona’s first Purple Star School, Cibola is proud to honor and support students and families who serve, sacrifice, relocate, and begin again. Our goal is to make every new student feel welcomed, valued, and connected from the moment they arrive on our campus.

One of the most meaningful ways we meet this commitment is through our Interact Club and its student-led Peer-to-Peer Ambassador program. Through this program, caring and service-minded students help welcome new students to Cibola, assist them as they adjust to campus life, and provide a friendly connection during what can be a difficult transition. These ambassadors serve as positive student leaders who understand the importance of kindness, confidentiality, respect, and belonging.

The Interact Club is open to any student who is interested in serving others and making a difference, as long as they meet the established grade, character, and service requirements. Within the club, selected Peer-to-Peer Ambassadors are chosen based on their leadership, compassion, reliability, school pride, and ability to represent Cibola in a positive and welcoming way. These students are entrusted with the important role of supporting new students, including military-connected students and other highly mobile youth, as they become part of the Cibola family.

Cibola’s Peer-to-Peer Ambassador program directly supports the required elements of the Arizona Purple Star School program. The program is promoted through the school’s Purple Star webpage so students and families understand how the student-led Peer-to-Peer program works and how students may become involved. Administration maintains a written Ambassador description and clear selection criteria to ensure students understand the expectations of the role. Peer-to-Peer Ambassadors receive training on confidentiality, student transition challenges, and appropriate ways to support new students. Training dates, content, and rosters are documented, along with Interact Club membership and Ambassador/Envoy counts.

Through this structure, Cibola provides more than a program; we provide a culture of care. Our Interact Club and Peer-to-Peer Ambassadors help ensure that students do not have to navigate a new school alone. Whether a student is arriving from a military family, relocating from another community, or experiencing a major school transition, Cibola is committed to helping them feel seen, supported, and at home.

From academics to athletics, activities, and friendships, Cibola strives to set the gold standard for welcoming and supporting students. We are proud of our Purple Star designation, but even more proud of the students who help bring that commitment to life every day.