Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and NMOGA had the best time celebrating the teachers who positively impact New Mexico's students. Nancy Orta, the 2026 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, joined us in Santa Fe to thank teachers for their hard work and dedication, and our team travelled around the state to celebrate with the winners of our Teacher Appreciation Week gift card giveaway. Educators are the backbone of our state, and we are grateful for the knowledge, patience, and love New Mexico teachers give to our students.
NMOGA and our members are supporting teachers, students, and schools year-round through contributions to state and local governments. The industry contributed a total of $2.4 billion to education funding in 2025, including $680 million for public schools, $638 million for higher education, and $200 million for early childhood programs. We're proud to support the teachers and staff who make learning possible and to ensure New Mexico's students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for adulthood.
This month, we encourage all eligible voters to make their voice heard and vote in the 2026 Primary Election. This election cycle is crucial to New Mexico's economic future, and every vote counts! Early voting is open now through May 30th, and Election Day is June 2nd. Go to NMVote.org for more information about this election, voter registration, and where to vote.
Vote Now in New Mexico's Primary Election
Voting is now open for the 2026 New Mexico Primary Election! This election determines which candidates will appear on the November ballot and is an additional opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
NMOGA encourages all eligible voters to head to the polls and make their voice heard! Click here to find your voting location and a sample ballot.
If you haven't registered to vote yet, New Mexico offers same-day voter registration for eligible voters.
FIND PERSONALIZED VOTING INFORMATION HERE
For Every New Mexican
https://youtu.be/REK4N_ubF8k
The oil and gas industry provides $13.1 billion in state and local revenue and supports over 100,000 jobs across New Mexico. This economic impact is felt in all corners of the state, even in counties that don't produce oil and gas.
Revenues from the industry support public education and higher education, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure. In 2025, 1,500 new construction projects were funded primarily by oil and gas.
New Mexicans everywhere benefit from oil and gas-funded schools, hospitals, roads, and public safety programs. Find out how much you benefit from oil and gas at ForEveryNewMexican.com.
Nominate a Hero
96.3 News Radio KKOB and NMOGA partner, New Mexicans for Opportunity, are honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by recognizing 250 New Mexicans whose daily actions reflect service, sacrifice, and love of community.
Nominees can be anyone making a difference — a veteran, teacher, oil and gas worker, foster parent, or neighbor who simply shows up for others. Tell us in 150 words or less why they deserve recognition. A panel of KKOB staff, community leaders, and campaign partners will select honorees based on impact, service, and patriotic spirit.
Submit your nomination by May 31. Help us celebrate New Mexico's heroes!
Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week
Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and we loved celebrating the educators across the state who have a positive impact on students.
Thank you to all the teachers across New Mexico, from every grade level, for everything you do to educate and support the next generation!
The 2026 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, Nancy Orta, recorded a special message thanking all teachers for their hard work and dedication!
Giving Back
NMOGA Commends Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico
NMOGA was proud to sponsor the Blue Door Ball, hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico, and to recognize the organization’s outstanding impact on youth across Central New Mexico.
As a 2025 recipient of NMOGA’s Energizing Our Future Foundation funding, BGCCNM continues to provide safe, supportive environments where young people can thrive. The event highlighted BGCCNM’s Youth of the Year, who shared powerful stories of resilience that underscored the organization’s lasting impact.
NMOGA commends BGCCNM for their meaningful work empowering the next generation and strengthening communities across New Mexico.
NMOGA Sponsors Welding Competition at Moriarty High School
NMOGA was proud to sponsor the welding competition at Moriarty High School, where students showcased their technical skills in a hands-on setting. High schools with welding programs from across central New Mexico participated, demonstrating strong talent and craftsmanship.
We thank Moriarty High School for hosting this impressive event. Congratulations to the top teams: Tucumcari High School (1st), Dexter High School (2nd), and Tularosa High School (3rd). NMOGA was proud to provide prizes to the winning students in recognition of their achievement.
NMOGA Engages Over 2,000 Students at Elevate New Mexico Energy + Career Expo
The Elevate New Mexico Energy + Career Expo brought together more than 2,000 high school students from districts across southern New Mexico, creating a dynamic space for career exploration and industry engagement.
NMOGA was proud to participate alongside fellow members and industry partners—including Coterra, Devon Energy, Chevron, Phillips 66, Energy Citizens, NMSU College of Engineering, New Mexico Junior College, Ag in the Classroom, and local leaders in STEM—hosting interactive booths and leading hands-on workshops for students.
We commend Las Cruces Public Schools for organizing and hosting this impactful event and for extending the invitation to schools beyond their district—broadening access and ensuring more students could explore opportunities in the energy industry. We also thank New Mexico State University for providing the venue and supporting this important initiative.
American Red Cross of New Mexico Volunteer Recognition Event
NMOGA was proud to sponsor the American Red Cross of New Mexico Volunteer Recognition Event in Albuquerque, which honored volunteers from across the state for their dedication and service in responding to emergencies and supporting communities in times of need. Many of the volunteers who played critical roles in life-saving response efforts during the Ruidoso fires and Roswell flooding demonstrated extraordinary commitment to protecting and assisting New Mexico communities.
As part of the celebration, NMOGA presented each volunteer with a token of appreciation in recognition of their invaluable contributions. NMOGA also had the opportunity to deliver opening and closing remarks and present the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, highlighting the impact of the next generation of community leaders.
New Mexico Geological Society Annual Spring Meeting
NMOGA enjoyed attending and sponsoring the New Mexico Geological Society Annual Spring Meeting at New Mexico Tech! Our staff talked with researchers, students, and professionals from across the state about geosciences, including geology, hydrology, and more! This event was a great opportunity to connect with the people advancing science right here in New Mexico.
New Mexico PTA 111th Annual Convention
NMOGA was proud to attend and sponsor the New Mexico PTA’s 111th Annual Convention in Albuquerque. The event brought together education and community leaders, families, and PTA members from across the state to share ideas and strengthen family engagement efforts. During the Exhibitor Showcase, NMOGA highlighted its Pathways to Success platform, sharing information on career opportunities and workforce pathways within the oil and gas industry.
Volunteer with the American Red Cross
Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross. Whether helping one displaced family or thousands, providing care and comfort to an ill or injured service member or veteran, or teaching others how to respond in emergencies, it’s through the efforts of ordinary people that we can do extraordinary things. The Red Cross responds to an emergency every 8 minutes, and our vital work is only possible because of people like you.
Volunteers Urgently Needed for the Following Positions in Your Community:
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Disaster Action Team Member
- Respond to local house fires and storm damage in your community by providing assistance with immediate needs such as food, shelter, clothing, etc.
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Shelter Service Associate
- Support shelter activities such as a reception, feeding, dormitory, etc. Shifts range from 4-12 hours, depending on if shelter is local or in another state.
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Preparedness Education Presenter
- Educate individuals, school-age kids, and groups on how to be prepared before a disaster occurs.
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Volunteer Recruitment Volunteer
- Work hand in hand with the local volunteer services team and help build the workforce across New Mexico.
To learn more, visit redcross.org or contact Kassandra Roybal at [email protected] or 505-205-6799.
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Thank you,
New Mexico Oil & Gas Association
