The Socorro Independent School District celebrated some 3,600 high school graduates for the 2021-2022 school year June 10 - 11 at the UTEP Don Haskins Center and June 13 at ESC Region 19 Head Start.

Family, friends, peers, teachers, faculty and staff, and administrators gathered to cheer on the Class of 2022 from the six SISD comprehensive high schools at the Don Haskins Center for the first time in two years since the COVID-19 pandemic restricted large indoor gatherings.

The moment not only marked the completion of high school for the graduates and their K-12 education, but also the start of their future endeavors, such as pursing higher education, starting new jobs, joining the military, and embarking on the start of careers.

“There is so much potential among all of you – new graduates and our current students – and I can’t wait to see what greatness you achieve,” said SISD Superintendent Nate Carman, Ed.D., during the ceremonies. “You have seized your opportunity in Team SISD. Now, it’s time to seize your opportunity in the world. It’s waiting for you.”

The high school principals, class valedictorians, salutatorians and student body presidents also gave speeches to honor the Class of 2022 before the graduates received their diplomas.

The SISD Class of 2022 earned more than $57 million in scholarships, grants, military awards, and dual credit savings.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, proud parents and friends happily met up with their graduates. Here are some of their thoughts on the important milestone:

Americas High School

“I’m feeling excited because I’ve been waiting for this moment and I’ve been working really hard,” said Brianna Berch, a graduate from Americas High School.

“I’m proud to say that I made it,” said Sophia Navarro, a graduate in the top 10 percent from Americas High School. “I’m looking forward to what’s going to happen next after high school and excited for the future.”

Eastlake High school

“I feel very excited to be starting a new chapter in my life,” said Anaelena Ramirez, a graduate from Eastlake High School. “I’m sad to have to say goodbye to everyone, but excited to see what everyone will do and who they will become.”

“This is very exciting,” said Itzel Aguilar, a graduate from Eastlake High School. “It’s kind of surreal how quickly time passed but I’m looking forward to what’s next.”

El Dorado High School

“I feel great and I'm excited to start the new chapter of my life,” said Joshua Ramirez, a graduate of El Dorado High School. “I’m so excited to share this moment with my family.”

“I’m feeling very overwhelmed right now because I’m realizing how time passed by so quickly,” said Annette Cortez, a graduate of El Dorado High School and top 10 percent. “At El Dorado I created very long-lasting friendships and I’m grateful for the memories I created.

Mission Early College High School

“I’m feeling really excited and overwhelmed, but I’m looking forward to what the future holds,” said Daniela Chacon, a graduate from Mission Early College High School. “This is all so surreal.”

“I never thought I’d make it,” said Kennedy Ochoa, a graduate from Mission Early College High School. “It was very difficult for me and there were times that I just wanted to give up, but I’m glad I didn’t, and I am just ecstatic right now.”

Montwood High School

“This is a great achievement for me,” said Ailin Montero, a graduate from Montwood High School. “I just want to say thank you to everyone at Montwood for all the great memories.”

“I am so excited for what is next to come for me,” said Vania Montero, a graduate from Montwood High School. “I wish for nothing but the best for my friends in the future, I will miss everybody, but I know we will achieve so much more.”

Pebble Hills High School

“I have lots of emotions going through my head right now,” said Jayden Scott, a graduate from Pebble Hills High School. “It’s pretty hard to say goodbye to all the people you’ve made great memories with, but now it’s time to move on with life and I’m excited for what’s next.”

“I would say thank you to all my teachers and friends for the beautiful memories these past four years of my life,” said Victoria Orozco, a graduate from Pebble Hills High School. “This is not a goodbye, but a see you later, I wish everyone nothing but the best on their future endeavors.”

Socorro High School

“All I can say is we did it! All the hard work has paid off, but more importantly, the memories we’ve made and the relationships we’ve built with one another, it’s just something that will stay in my heart forever,” said Joel Pasillas, a graduate from Socorro High School.

“I feel so much emotion right now,” said Yanelli Lopez. “It’s like a bittersweet feeling, leaving my friends, but I know we are all off to do great things.”

Options High School

“I’m so excited,” said Frank Anthony Hernandez, a graduate from Options High School. “Initially, I was feeling overwhelmed, but once I got my diploma all the feelings started easing out and this is a proud moment for me.”

“I’m happy because I never thought I was going to graduate,” Paloma Valenzuela, a graduate from Options High School. “I’m so thankful because all the teachers here were super nice and always willing to help.”

Community Education

“Today is a day that I shall never forget,” said Adriana Garcia, a graduate from SISD Community Education, who earned her dental assistant certification. “It was not easy to get through, it took lots of sacrifices, but I did it, and I am so proud.”

“This was an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Bianca Prieto, a graduate from SISD Community Education, who earned her office administration certification. “Many people can’t say they’ve done what we’ve done, mainly because of how expensive education can be, but thanks to SISD, we got it done for free, all we had to do was work a little harder.”

  Published June 13, 2022

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