Chaparral High School (Arizona)

Student body and academics

Chaparral High School has consistently ranked in Newsweeks list of Best High Schools in America. In 2007, Chaparral High School was one of only 12 schools ranked in Arizona.

The high school holds the state record for having the most National Merit Scholars in one year (37 in 2014). Additionally, the school has also earned the record most in-state Presidential Scholars in Arizona, with 17 in 2003.

Former Principals

Joshua Pantier (2022-Present)

Todd Dreifort (2018-2022)

Dr. Angela Chomokos (2017-2018)

Gayle Holland (2011-2017)

Mary Lou Mucino (2002-2011)

Dr. John Kreikard (1995-2002)

Kim Greenwalt (1993-1995)

John Paul Jones (1988-1993)

Evelyn Caskey (1983-1988)

Tom Smith (1980-1983)

Stuart Kammerman (1976-1980)

James Curlett (1972-1976)

Notable alumni

Athletes and coaches

• Max Aaron (born 1992), figure skater
• Chance Adams, baseball player for the Kansas City Royals
• Brian Bannister, baseball player for the Kansas City Royals
• Charles Brewer, baseball player for the Arizona Diamondbacks
• Darrell Bevell, football coach for the Miami Dolphins and former quarterback
• Daniel Coulombe, professional baseball player
• Dylan Cozens, baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies
• Kenny Dillingham, head football coach for Arizona State Sun Devils
• Ike Davis (born 1987), baseball player for the New York Mets, Oakland Athletics
• Brianna and Nicole Garcia-Colace, professional twin wrestlers known in the WWE as the Bella Twins or Brie and Nikki Bella.
• Danielle Kamela, professional wrestler known in the WWE as Vanessa Borne
• Paul Konerko, former baseball player for the Chicago White Sox
• Taylor Lewan, professional football player for the Tennessee Titans
• Anthony Lucas, college football defensive end for the USC Trojans
• Darren Mougey, professional football player and executive
• Craig Roh, former football player for the Carolina Panthers
• Taylor Ruck, one of first two Olympic medalists born in the 21st century
• Wes Schweitzer (born 1993), football player for the New York Jets
• Lyle Sendlein, former football player for the Arizona Cardinals
• Kyle Williams, former football player for the San Francisco 49ers

Entertainment, Government and Media

• Dustin Lee Abraham, actor, producer and screenwriter
• Yassamin Ansari, Congresswoman for Arizona's Third Congressional District (2025 to present).
• Jason Bellini, journalist, lead news anchor for CBS News on Logo, former CNN correspondent
• Jarrett Bellini, former host of News of the Absurd for CNN.com, comedy writer, music journalist, social media influencer
• Alexandra Bracken, author
• Ashley Brewer, TV personality for ESPN
• Lauren Hildebrandt, pop singer, dancer, and actress
• Kongos, band
• Stephenie Meyer, author of Twilight book series
• Lymbyc Systym, band
• Jenny Mollen, actor and author
• Tyler Niknam, Twitch streamer
• Busy Philipps, actress
• Ray Herndon, country singer/songwriter and guitarist
• Daliah Wachs talk show host, media personality, author

References

References

1. "Chaparral High School". National Center for Education Statistics.
2. "Chaparral High School – School Information". Susd.chaparral.schoolfusion.us.
3. "10 Feb 1973, Page 67 - Arizona Republic at Newspapers.com".
4. "20 Jan 1971, Page 6 - Arizona Republic at Newspapers.com".
5. "7 Oct 1971, Page 8 - Arizona Republic at Newspapers.com".
6. "Chaparral High School - Orcutt {{!}} Winslow".
7. (September 13, 2014). "Newsweek".
8. (November 25, 2008). "America's Top Public High Schools – Newsweek America's Best High Schools". MSNBC.
9. "password protected article". Arizona Republic.
10. [https://www.yurview.com/featured/chaparrals-anthony-lucas-football-future-limitless/ Chaparral’s Anthony Lucas’ football future is limitless]
11. (September 15, 2007). "Former Chaparral QB converted to receiver".
12. (May 2016). "Canada's Youngest Olympians". Olympic.ca.
13. (May 13, 2021). "Stephenie Meyer Biography".
14. (February 1, 2019). "Valley Kids: Jenny Mollen Biggs Author/Actress/Media Personality". Phoenix Magazine.