Arizona English Learner Student Success Stories

2026 OELAS Conference Web Banner

Each year at the OELAS Conference, the Arizona Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition Services (OELAS) recognizes a group of English learner (EL) students who have demonstrated noteworthy accomplishments in English language acquisition and academic achievement.

Winners of the award are introduced at the annual OELAS Conference in December.  Their stories are shared with conference attendees, and the recognized students are also asked to share their stories with the audience of teachers, administrators, parents, and invited guests. This event is always a wonderful opportunity to highlight the efforts of each EL student and their journey to English language proficiency! 

2026 EL Success Story Nomination

The Arizona Department of Education invites you to nominate a student who has made noteworthy accomplishments in English language acquisition and academic achievement as a recipient for this award. The nominated student must be a current EL, an EL that reclassified as Fluent Proficient in 2026, or an EL who reclassified as Fluent Proficient and graduated from high school in 2026. If you know of an EL who deserves this honor, please complete and submit the online nomination form. 
 

Nominations are due by September 18, end of the business day.

The winners of the 2026 Arizona EL Student Success Stories award will be honored at the 2026 OELAS Conference at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.

2025 EL Student Success Stories

Ronny De La Torre Santana | 1st Grade | Balsz School District

Manuel Gustavo Valle Lopez | 12th Grade | Nogales Unified School District

Should you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].