Billboard Campaign Honors GRIC High School and Higher Education Graduates

June 12, 2026

Submitted by 

Gila River Development

Graduates from the Gila River Indian Community are receiving extra recognition thanks to a collaboration between Gila River Outdoor and the Tribal Education Department. Gila River Outdoor (formerly Gila River Displays), the billboard company under Gila River Development, approached TED in February with the idea of using available digital billboard space to feature GRIC high school and higher education graduates during the month of May. From there, the two groups collaborated to finalize the campaign process, design, and duration, bringing the vision of highlighting GRIC graduates on their own billboard to life.

“We are happy to support, encourage, and acknowledge the hard work of these graduates by sharing the pride of their accomplishments with the community,” said Denise Goetter, Gila River Outdoor Manager.

GRD announced the campaign on April 14, along with a link for students to upload their information and a photo. The submission deadline was May 4. Of approximately 250 GRIC graduates, 58 students submitted requests to be featured on GRO’s digital billboard, located on the Loop 202 freeway at Kyrene Road near Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Lone Butte.

Tribal Education Department Acting Director Lance Reyna said it was a great experience working with Gila River Outdoor and that one of the key goals was to celebrate GRIC graduates as role models for younger students.

“The opportunity to have students recognized and celebrated on a large platform such as a billboard is a huge step in accomplishing our goal,” Reyna said.

The billboards will be displayed from May 23 through June 13.

“Seeing this project come to life shows the strong support our students have throughout the community. TED looks forward to future collaborations like this,” Reyna said.

Locally, Arizona State University features graduates on its digital billboards, and GRO and TED aim to continue and expand their own campaign in the future.

“We will continue to honor our graduates by sharing this milestone with the community,” said Goetter.

Gila River Development General Manager Duncan Wiston said the campaign was a successful way to recognize GRIC members.

“It was great to see GRO step up alongside Tribal Education to honor GRIC graduates. Earning a diploma, degree, or certificate is a major achievement, and now thousands of people will see their billboard every day,” Wiston said.