The Socorro Independent School District celebrated some 3,600 high school graduates in nine ceremonies June 9-13 at the SISD Student Activities Complex.
The Class of 2021 celebrated their milestone achievement along with their peers, family, friends, teachers, faculty, administrators, and staff in the outdoor ceremonies. Students from the Class of 2021 earned more than $69.4 million in scholarships, grants, dual credit savings, and military awards.
“For our graduates, this last year was a test of their perseverance, patience, and positivity. Look at you now … you are ready to face the world,” said SISD Interim Superintendent Marta Carmona in her speech to the SISD graduates. “My advice to you, graduates, is to keep those you love close to you, cherish those who are on your side, and respect everyone who crosses your path.”
The high school principals, class valedictorians, salutatorians and student body presidents also gave celebratory speeches to honor the Class of 2021 before the announcement of the graduates who crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.
Team SISD captured the ceremonies via video and photos. The links to the ceremonies are available below. The photos also are available for FREE high-resolution download at: https://sisdphotogallery.smugmug.com/ and through the links below.
The proud graduates, their parents and family memories were excited to celebrate. Here are some of their thoughts about the special moment:
Options High School
“I feel very special because we were first of all able to have a graduation,” said Johnny Granados, a graduate from Options High School. “I know last year was very tough for the seniors and I’m just very grateful I was able to experience this.”
“Education is very important,” said Melanie Aguirre, a graduate from Options High School. “I think I did good coming back to school; it was probably one of the best choices I’ve made for myself, my family my kids, and for my future.”
Community Education
“I feel so blessed for this big opportunity,” said Elizabeth Vargas, a graduate from SISD Community Education who earned her High School Equivalency certificate. “The teachers are really great because they motivate you so much to keep going.”
“I got very emotional because this is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Griselda Herrera, a graduate from SISD Community Education. “I feel so grateful for this opportunity that SISD has given us.”
Mission Early College High School
“I think this is a big achievement especially considering we did it through a global pandemic,” said Maya Solis, a graduate from Mission Early College High School. “It’s a bittersweet feeling because I probably won’t ever see these people again, but I wish them all nothing but the best.”
“I can’t process that the last four years have passed already,” said John Sosa, a graduate from Mission Early College High School. “It’s been such a big portion of my life, but right now I’m just looking forward to college.”
El Dorado High School
“I personally think that you can do anything in life if you set your mind to it and just go for it,” said Amaya Flores, a graduate from El Dorado High School and valedictorian. “I am blessed enough to have amazing parents and teachers whose footsteps I can follow.”
“Going through this year was difficult and challenging because it was hard not being around my peers,” said Faith Smith, a graduate from El Dorado High School. “But I do think in a way it was good because we had more resources and more time outside of school by doing it online.”
Pebble Hills High School
“I am excited for the next chapter of my life,” said Saul Flores, a graduate from Pebble Hills High School and valedictorian. “I couldn’t have done it without my family, my teachers and my classmates who all helped me get through the hardships of the previous year.”
“We are very excited and proud of our little girl, our second to graduate from high school,” said Miguel Alvarado, a parent of a Pebble Hills High School graduate. “She has done so much on her own and all we really did was guide her as much as possible, but everything else was on her own.”
Socorro High School
“I believe this past year has prepared us more for college,” said Edward Bautista, a graduate from Socorro High School and salutatorian. “The shift from in-person to remote learning was hard but we got through it and thankfully we are here celebrating today.”
“This is a great achievement for my son,” said Camila Rosales, a parent of a Socorro High School graduate. “I am so proud of him especially because of how he was able to overcome all the hard times from COVID and migrating from Honduras at such a young age.”
Montwood High School
“All the hard work has finally paid off,” said Nathanyl Bautista a graduate from Montwood High School. “All the late nights, early mornings, studying for tests and remote learning especially was all worth it receiving that diploma on stage.”
“I struggled a lot the past four years especially this last year, with the pandemic” said Jessica Diaz-Aragon, a graduate from Montwood High School. “I have never been prouder of myself and all I can say is thank you to everyone who supported me through this entire journey.”
Eastlake High School
“My high school years have literally been the best years of my life so far,” said Michelle Velazquez, a graduate from Eastlake High School. “I want to wish my graduating friends nothing but the best in their futures.”
“I am so proud my little girl finally did it,” said Ivonne Espinoza, a parent of an Eastlake High School graduate. “She is my first-born and my first to graduate high school and I know she will succeed in anything she does in her life.”
Americas High School
“Being able to walk into the real world now is an exciting but scary feeling,” said Heriberto Longoria, a graduate from Americas High School. “I’m excited for the independence but I’m also nervous for the unexpected.”
“Words cannot explain how proud I am of my son,” said Jessica Perez, a parent of an Americas High School graduate. “He’s gone through so much these passed four years and his journey is just beginning.”
Socorro ISD Class of 2021 graduation videos
Mission Early College High School
Socorro ISD Class of 2021 photo galleries
Mission Early College High School
Published June 17, 2021
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