Janet Schultz Kahn Honored

HONORING NM HEROES

250 Flags is a statewide initiative honoring up to 250 individuals who represent the very best of New Mexico as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. We’re recognizing everyday heroes, people who lead, serve, and make a real impact in their communities. Selected honorees will receive a commemorative American flag, be recognized on-air on News Radio KKOB and in the Albuquerque Journal, and be celebrated at the official 250 Flags event.

Janet Kahn was a transformative force in Albuquerque Public Schools whose leadership helped revive and expand fine arts education for thousands of students across New Mexico. Following devastating budget cuts that had nearly eliminated elementary art and music programs, Janet led a renaissance in Fine Arts at APS, believing every child deserved access to creativity, expression, and the opportunities the arts provide.

A graduate of Highland High School and the University of New Mexico, Janet’s most lasting accomplishment was helping rebuild a districtwide elementary fine arts program that fully integrated both art and music into schools. Beginning in 1996 with the hiring of just 22 certified art and music teachers, the program grew under her leadership to more than 100 educators by the time she retired in 2012. Her vision changed the educational experience of countless children across Albuquerque.

Janet was also instrumental in creating community partnerships that strengthened arts education and launched programs that became staples within APS, including Art in the Open, the Metro Show, the Focus Show, Art Is Elementary, the Elementary Honor Choir, and A is for Art! Her work helped connect students, schools, artists, and the broader community in meaningful and lasting ways.

Before leading Fine Arts, Janet also served as the first director of APS’s Join-A-School program, which successfully paired businesses with schools to create long-term partnerships and community support systems benefiting students throughout the district.

Janet Kahn retired in 2012 and passed away in 2016 after a long battle with cancer, but her impact continues to be felt every day in APS classrooms, performances, and art programs across the city. In recognition of her extraordinary legacy, the APS Board of Education renamed Eubank Elementary as the Janet Kahn School of Integrated Arts, ensuring her lifelong commitment to education and the arts will continue inspiring future generations.

For those of you who were unable to attend the reunion, there was a memorial table that was set up to honor those classmates who have passed away.
Below is a link with names and pictures of those who have passed beginning in 2025 and going back to 1965. 

Here's the Link

On the next to last page, there are a few classmates who have passed away, but have no dates or documentation.  If you have any information, please let us know.