More than 3,600 graduates from the Socorro Independent School District’s Class of 2025 celebrated a momentous occasion as they crossed the stage at the UTEP Don Haskins Center during the district’s seven graduation ceremonies on June 6 and 7. These ceremonies not only honored their past academic achievements but also celebrated the beginning of new journeys filled with endless opportunities.
Interim Superintendent James Vasquez congratulated the graduates and reminded them to stay humble, hungry and smart as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives.
“Throughout your years in Socorro ISD, you've learned more than just math, science, and English,” Vasquez said. “You’ve learned how to persevere. You’ve adapted to challenges, supported one another, and kept moving forward. You’ve developed a sense of resilience that will serve you well in the years ahead.”
The outstanding education these graduates received in SISD has prepared them for success in both college and their careers. Some graduates are pursuing higher education, while others are committing to military service or are eager to enter the workforce, showcasing their readiness to succeed.
Their accomplishments reflect countless hours of study, determination, and resilience. More than 2,000 graduates benefited from participating in fine arts programs, while 905 student-athletes excelled in sports, enriching their educational experiences through award-winning extracurricular activities.
Collectively, SISD graduates earned over $69 million in scholarships, grants, military awards, and dual credit savings. Graduates from Career and Technical Education programs obtained more than 2,605 industry-recognized certifications over the past four years, further enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. Additionally, 449 graduates earned associate degrees before graduating from high school.
With diplomas in hand, graduates gathered with families and friends outside the Haskins Center to celebrate this milestone. Many took a moment to reflect on their high school journey, expressing gratitude for their teachers, friends, families, and the opportunities they had seized while eagerly looking forward to their bright futures. Here are some of their thoughts on graduation day:
Mission Early College High School
Sofia Vasquez Henderson made the most of her high school experience by participating in various student organizations, including the National Honor Society, the Environmental Club, and serving as president of the Key Club. Her service to her school and community culminated in her receiving the prestigious Phoenix Award. After earning her associate degree in multidisciplinary sciences from El Paso Community College this spring, Henderson planned to continue her education at the University of Texas at El Paso, where she intends to study rehabilitation sciences to become an occupational therapist. She was grateful for the support she received at school, which helped her achieve her success.
“I'm going to miss the staff the most because I feel I would not have been nearly as successful without their support.” Hendersen said.
Bernabe Chu wore a white cap and gown, signifying that he graduated 10th in his class. Although the education was rigorous, he enjoyed taking both high school and college courses simultaneously, culminating in an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies from El Paso Community College. He looked forward to continuing his education at Texas Tech University this fall, where he will pursue further studies in biology.
“I’m a little bit nervous because I'm going be on stage during graduation, basically with like a bunch of people in the audience and my peers. But I’m also excited because I'm going to college,” Chu said.
Montwood High School
As Lynette Lopez’s parents and sister watched her graduate high school in the stands in the Haskins Center, the rest of her family followed the ceremony on the district’s livestream from around the world. She credited her success in graduating in the top 10% of her class to their unwavering support. Her mom encouraged Lopez to enroll in Montwood High School’s Rams Early College, which allowed her to earn an associate degree from El Paso Community College in May. As a result, she will enter the University of Texas at El Paso this fall as a junior.
“My parents and my sister are probably my biggest supporters. If it wasn't for them always pushing me and always being on top of me, I probably wouldn't be where I'm standing right now,” Lopez said.
Arturo Quezada, a military-connected student, credited his teachers in the AVID college prep program with equipping him with the skills he needed to succeed at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he plans to study digital media this fall. He was also thankful for his friends who stood by him throughout high school, and he was proud to be graduating alongside them.
“I've come a long way, and I've had a lot of tough challenges. But at the end I ended up sticking with a bunch of people who helped me out through everything, so I'm just glad to be here with all of them,” Quezada said.
Pebble Hills High School
For Anaeli Portillo, joining Pebble Hills High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) was the best decision she could have made. As a flag bearer in the program’s Color Guard, Portillo had the honor of presenting the US and Texas flags at some of the district's biggest events, including commencement ceremonies. An aspiring firefighter, Portillo felt a wave of emotion as she watched a new generation of Color Guard members present the colors at her high school graduation.
“It was really good to be in NJROTC. I made a family there and all my experiences have been really good. I've been mostly everywhere and met a lot of people. It was really nice,” Portillo said.
After four years of hard work, Adrian Nevarez graduated third in his class from Pebble Hills Early College High School and earned an associate degree from El Paso Community College in December. Thanks to $80,000 in scholarships and grants, Nevarez is set to attend the University of Southern California this fall, where he plans to study human biology to become an orthopedic surgeon. With support from his honored educator, Miriam Terrazas, Nevarez has gained a head start on his career, working as a physical therapy technician.
“I think I’m going to miss my teachers the most because they pushed us and challenged us to make us who we are today. My honored educator always pushed me to go above and beyond. That's what I needed,” Nevarez said.
Socorro High School
Immanuel Rudison knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine, but he was uncertain about which field to choose. The Health Professions Academy (HPA) program helped him find his path. During his junior year, he enrolled in the HPA’s dental assistant course. As a result, he not only earned his high school diploma but also graduated as a registered dental assistant, receiving a certification in nitrous oxide monitoring. Rudison was excited to continue his education this fall at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he will prepare for dental school.
“I'm ecstatic to graduate. It’s been a long time coming. I just don't know what to expect, but it feels really good,” Rudison said.
Like many of her fellow Bulldogs, graduation was bittersweet for Aisha Deriviere, but she was eager to begin the next chapter of her life. For Deriviere, this means attending Texas State University to study medical laboratory science. A military-connected student, Deriviere moved to El Paso right before she started high school. Feeling a little lost at first, she found a home in the high school’s theater program. She also enrolled in dual credit classes giving her a head start in college.
“I originally joined theater as kind an outlet to let go of my stress. I had just moved to El Paso. I moved during COVID, so that was even more stressful. So, theatre became like a family and home for me,” Deriviere said.
Americas High School
Italia Martinez will be attending her dream school, St. Mary’s University, this fall to pursue a career in forensic science. She credits Americas High School’s criminal justice pathway for providing her with a solid foundation in the field. Additionally, her dual credit courses have allowed her to get a head start on her college coursework. Above all, she is proud to have graduated with her friends, marking the beginning of an incredible future.
“I feel excited and I’m happy. I get to experience this with the people I love and my friends, and I'm just excited to see that we're all able to graduate together,” Martinez said.
Isaac Parra achieved an impressive milestone by graduating for the second time in a year. Last summer, he earned an associate degree from El Paso Community College through the Trailblazer Early College program. He spent his senior year at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he studied biomedical science. This fall, he will take a significant step toward his ambitious future by transferring to Boston University to pursue dual degrees in medicine and law.
“I want to be a doctor; however, I want to get my M.D./J.D. degree and get both a law degree and a medical degree. I'm very excited for it,” Parra said.
Eastlake High School
At Eastlake High School, Joel Medina was actively involved in the law enforcement program and the Business Professionals of America (BPA) club, which provided him with opportunities to give back to his community. The stoles he wore around his neck proudly represented his participation in both organizations and symbolized his strong commitment to helping others through the community service he performed. He plans to use this experience to pursue a career with U.S. Customs or the police department, where he can continue to make a difference.
“It was important for me to do community service because I had to demonstrate that I was dedicated and committed to helping the community and proving that I am worthy of receiving these stoles,” Medina said.
The opportunity to join the School of Advanced Technology Applications (SATA), National Honor Society, Academic Decathlon, volleyball and other extracurricular activities allowed Yuridia Garcia to step outside her comfort zone, explore her interests and discover her passion. Before attending Washington University in St. Louis, MO, where she plans to double major in cybersecurity and economics, Garcia earned dual credit and certifications in Python, cybersecurity, and Cisco cybersecurity, giving her a head start in the field of information technology.
“I was just trying different stuff just to figure out what I liked, and eventually, I stuck with a couple of clubs I really enjoyed,” Garcia said. “They helped me step into the high school world.”
El Dorado High School
The Aztec Architecture Academy has equipped Erick Holguin with a strong foundation to thrive in the architecture program at Texas A&M University this fall. Competitions like the Texas AIA High School Design Challenge have given him the confidence he needs to excel in his studies. In addition to his academic achievements, he has also excelled in wrestling and cross country, showcasing his commitment to both his studies and athletic pursuits.
“I had multiple things going on and being able to finish now is such a weight off my shoulders. I just feel very accomplished with the things I’ve done,” Holguin said.
Alina Renata Dominguez is graduating high school at the top of her class. Not only is she ranked ninth overall, but she also earned her associate degree from El Paso Community College in December. As an active member of the Teacher Association for Future Educators, she showcased her skills through competitions at both state and national levels. Alongside these accomplishments, she demonstrated her leadership as president of her senior class and participated in the AVID college prep program. This fall, Alina will embark on a new adventure at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in aerospace engineering. With her passion and determination, there’s no doubt that her journey will lead to success.
“I just kind of wanted to go out loud. Like if I'm going out, I'm going to go big. My motto right now is if I'm out, I'm out with a banger, and I went out with a banger,” Dominguez said.