SISD Class of 2026 highlight video
Loud cheers and applause welcomed 3,826 graduates from the Socorro Independent School District’s Class of 2026 into the UTEP Don Haskins Center. They celebrated years of hard work and achievement during the district's seven graduation ceremonies on June 5 and 6. These ceremonies not only marked the end of four years of high school but also signified the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates as they stepped into their futures.
SISD Superintendent James Vasquez congratulated the graduates on their achievements and reminded them to make the right choices as they embarked on the next phase of their lives. He emphasized that each decision they make, from choosing to be kind to overcoming difficult situations, will shape their future.
“Class of 2026, you have already shown us that you know how to make extraordinary choices. You challenged yourselves. You chose discipline, focus and perseverance. And because of those choices, you sit here today as graduates, ready for what’s next,” Vasquez said.
For SISD students, graduation marked years of preparation as they transitioned to higher education, entered the workforce, or pursued military service. This achievement was made possible by the high-quality education they received, which empowered them to follow their dreams and make a positive impact on the world around them.
Collectively, SISD graduates earned $92.7 million in scholarships, grants, military awards and dual credit savings. Graduates from Career and Technical Education programs obtained 3,267 industry-recognized certifications over the past four years, further enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. Additionally, some 490 graduates earned associate degrees before graduating from high school, according to preliminary district reports. The district also reached a milestone by awarding its 3,000th associate degree in its history.
The graduation ceremonies honored not only the graduates but also the support systems that have played a crucial role in their success. After each ceremony, families and friends gathered outside the Haskins Center to celebrate this important milestone with their graduates. During these moments of joy, graduates took a moment to reflect on their high school journeys, expressing gratitude for their teachers, friends and families while looking forward to their bright futures.
Socorro ISD also celebrated 154 graduates at the Options High School graduation and the Community Education completion ceremony on June 8 at the Student Activities Complex II. Families, friends and staff attended to congratulate the proud graduates at both ceremonies.
Here are some reflections from graduates on their graduation days:
Mission Early College High School
Dozens of cords and stoles proudly draped from Vaeda Smith’s shoulders. Each one represented a club she participated in, such as HOSA or Business Professionals of America, as well as memorable high school experiences, which helped shape her future. Smith said enrolling in Mission Early College was one of the best decisions she’d made. She earned her associate degree in multidisciplinary studies from El Paso Community College in fall 2025 and planned to pursue pre-med in college.
“It saved me so much time. I’m going for my bachelor’s obviously and seeing everybody who still has four years, it’s just kind of bizarre to me because I’m going to be done so fast in two years. It definitely cut down on time, and it’s saving my parents a lot of money,” Smith said.
Earning his associate degree from El Paso Community College his junior year in high school was one of Emmanuel Gonzalez’s greatest achievements. However, graduating from Mission Early College High School a year later was a bittersweet moment. The future dance teacher was grateful for the opportunities he had to participate in dance club, Destination Imagination, Business Professionals of America and National Honor Society, especially the chance to attend college for free.
“It’s a very bittersweet moment leaving friends behind and teachers, but I’m very excited for what the future holds and all the opportunities that are going to pop up from here on out,” Gonzalez said.
Mission Early Collage High School graduation photos
Pebble Hills High School
Paula Aultman was going to miss all her high school friends and teachers and the activities she participated in. From playing flag football, basketball and volleyball to being involved in the Black Student Union, as well as doing community service and earning her associate degree through the Pebble Hills High School Early College program, all these experiences enriched her education and helped shape her future. Her advice to future Spartans is to take full advantage of all the opportunities the school offers to help them excel.
“Don’t be scared. Be yourself. Just be authentic you. Like Shakespeare said, ‘To thine own self be true,’” Aultman said.
A highlight of Omar Chavirrya’s high school career was earning a Division 1 rating at the UIL State Mariachi Festival his sophomore and senior years. Chavirrya, who plays the vihuela, a guitar-like string instrument, proudly wore a custom-made stole decorated with an orange mariachi bow to symbolize that achievement at graduation. He plans to continue his mariachi career after graduation while studying criminal justice at EPCC, with the goal of joining US Customs and Border Protection.
“It was really exciting to go to state,” Chavirrya recalled. “It’s a proud moment I can tell my kids about, even when I’m older, that I was part of an award-winning mariachi.”
Pebble Hills High School graduation photos
Socorro High School
For Emily Castañeda, participating in the school’s color guard had a positive impact on her life. Not only did she make friends, but she also had the opportunity to travel to places like Disneyland and enjoy the spotlight while performing at football games and competing with the band. Now, she is excited to start the next phase of her life, which involves studying medical imaging at EPCC and working in a hospital to help patients. She encourages incoming Bulldogs to get involved in the school’s extracurricular activities.
“Partake in sports and clubs and everything because it really does make a difference. It really made a difference in my high school life,” Castañeda said.
Isaac Leon showcased his remarkable talent at Socorro High School, participating in 30 theater productions. His acting talent earned him the title of International Honor Thespian, the highest achievement rank in the International Thespian Society. He received $15,000 in scholarships to attend Texas State University, where he plans to pursue a degree in theatre arts and a career as a performer or theatre arts teacher. Although he was accustomed to acting on stage, he felt both nervous and excited as he crossed the stage at his high school graduation to receive his diploma.
“I'm nervous, but the excitement wins the battle, I guess, over the emotions,” Leon said.
Socorro High School graduation photos
Americas High School
For Joaquin Velarde, the last four years went by in a flash. He participated in the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program and prepared for college through his Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) class. Through hard work and dedication, he earned 37 dual credits. His biggest accomplishment was graduating seventh in his class. This fall, he plans to pursue a degree in entomology at Texas A&M University. Although he faced challenges on his path to graduation, he is grateful that he persevered and encouraged other students to do the same.
“Keep your head up. Never give up, even if things may look a little grim. Maybe you got a bad grade on a test, but don't give up. You just have to study hard and get back to it. It'll all come out good in the end,” Velarde said.
From cheerleading and serving as an ambassador for military-connected students to participating in BPA and DECA, Sophia Rubio said extracurricular activities were just as important to her as her academics. After earning her associate degree from EPCC through the Trailblazers Early College Program, she plans to pursue a career in pediatric occupational therapy in college. Although she will miss her friends, Rubio is excited to begin the next chapter of her success.
“I've made a lot of memories, and I just can't believe that I won't be in such close proximity with all these people again. I think it's crazy that we're all going to start our lives and become real adults,” Rubio said.
Americas High School graduation photos
Eastlake High School
Isabella Jaime is grateful for the support she received from her parents during high school. They cheered for her as she took the stage in productions of “Rabbit Hole” and “Why the Crayons Quit” and stood by her while she worked through her dual credit coursework. In addition, she served as a representative on the GECU Student Board of Directors. She plans to major in nursing at the University of Texas at El Paso, following in her mother's footsteps to become a nurse.
“They were there for me when I was happy, at any celebration, and through the triumphs and the trials as well. I could come home crying, and I could come home happy, and I know either way they'd have my back,” Jaime said.
Christian Jaramillo was both excited and nervous to perform one last time with Mariachi Falco at the school’s graduation ceremony. The talented violinist, who graduated in the top 10 of his class, is headed to Harvard this fall to study music. He credits the school’s Falcon Early College program with preparing him for the demands of college life.
“Early college teaches you how to be busy and manage it all effectively. I think that's what it taught me mainly, because you're moving around more, you're going to EPCC, and you're learning more challenging content,” Jaramillo said.
Eastlake High School graduation photos
El Dorado High School
Sydney Brown is excited to graduate with a high school diploma, an associate degree from EPCC, and a Level II security officer certification earned through the school’s Career and Education Technology law enforcement program. This fall, she plans to study criminal justice at the University of Texas at El Paso and pursue a career as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. In the meantime, she will work as a security officer, a role for which she feels her school prepared her well to do.
“I think that just being able to have this endorsement and get certified was a good way for me to get a job out of high school,” Brown said.
Elyan Yovenn Apodaca has ambitious goals for his future. After excelling in the Aztec Architectural Academy, he plans to attend UTEP to earn a bachelor’s degree in business, followed by a master’s in architecture. He has earned top honors at the Texas Society of Architects Student Design Challenge and the Technology Student Association competition, but his greatest aspiration is to build his parents their dream home one day.
“I promised my mom and my dad that they'll never work again in the future because I want to be that successful, especially so I can design their dream home,” Apodaca said.
El Dorado High School graduation photos
Montwood High School
After earning her associate degree from EPCC last December, Ariana Alvarado was ready to graduate high school and begin preparing for a career in teaching at the University of Texas at El Paso. Her involvement in the Texas Association of Future Educators, or TAFE, solidified her career path. Through two years of internships, she spent about five hours a week in classrooms alongside teachers, gaining hands-on experience.
“I wasn't too sure about education, but after my internships and being able to spend time with the kids and actually be in person, I really enjoyed it,” Alvarado said.
Devin McMahon was eager to graduate and begin the next chapter of his life. He graduated in the top 10 of his class. He says his involvement in organizations like DECA and student council helped build his confidence and strengthen his communication skills, tools that will serve him well at Texas A&M University this fall. He plans to study biomedical engineering and pursue a career in prosthetic design. Despite all of his accomplishments, McMahon is most proud of his close relationship with his dad, who supported him every step of the way.
“He's always supporting me, always giving me advice, teaching me how to walk through life,” McMahon said.
The graduation celebrations will continue on June 8 at the SISD Student Activities Complex (SAC) II when Options High School hosts its graduation ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by Community Education’s completion ceremony at 4 p.m.
Montwood High School graduation photos
Options High School
Monica Lopez dreams of becoming a body piercing artist and studying marine biology. She said Options High School was the best choice to help her achieve these goals, thanks to its nontraditional environment, which allows students to learn at their own pace and work toward earning their high school diploma.
“Nobody really learns the same. Everybody learns differently, and I feel like this was my way. Options was the best option for me,” Lopez said.
In addition to earning her high school diploma, Saniyah McGrew will also graduate from cosmetology school this month. She said she was both nervous and excited to start her future. She is grateful to her teachers at Options High School for believing in her and encouraging her to pursue her dreams.
“Ms. (Melinda) Ayoub was always there for me as a teacher and as a support system. I was able to go to her to talk to her about personal things, family issues, and all that,” McGrew said.
Community Education
Akire Guevara felt a strong sense of accomplishment after completing a two-month GED program in just one week. A mother of two young children, she dedicated about five hours each day to her studies. She said her motivation and commitment came from her desire to finish the program for her children.
“My kids are my biggest motivations. I want them to be as successful as they possibly can in this lifetime, so I can only be the example,” Guevara said.
Cristal Rose plans to attend college to become a dental assistant or hygienist. Before pursuing her dream, however, she needed to earn her GED. The Community Education program helped her take that important first step. Her advice to other adults thinking about returning to school is to just do it.
“I would say don't give up. It's never too late,” Rose said.