Proud family and friends packed the UTEP Don Haskins Center to celebrate the achievements and future accomplishments of some 3,600 high school graduates from the Class of 2023 during the Socorro Independent School District’s seven graduation ceremonies on June 9 and 10.
Amid rousing cheers and applause, graduates from SISD’s six comprehensive high schools and Mission Early College High School crossed the stage to collect their diplomas, marking the end of their high school careers and the beginning of a new stage in their lives. Many graduates will go on to pursue higher education, start new jobs, join the military, or head straight into their careers.
Socorro ISD Superintendent Nate Carman, Ed.D., urged graduates to use this significant milestone as a springboard to achieve their highest aspirations.
“Whatever you do, as you move on from this celebration and start on your next path, remember to value the education that you have earned in SISD,” Dr. Carman said. “Life is about taking that knowledge and pairing it with your intelligence, character, and humbleness, to make good decisions and appreciate those who support you.”
From advanced academic academies, early college high schools, Career and Technical Education and dual credit programs, graduates seized the many opportunities available in SISD to enhance their learning and prepare them for successful futures.
As such, the SISD Class of 2023 earned more than $58 million in scholarships, grants, military awards, and dual credit savings. In addition, 450 graduates earned their associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas, a record number of SISD early college high school students to do so.
At the end of the ceremonies, graduates reunited with their family and friends. Many took the opportunity to reflect on their high school careers and bright futures. Here are some of their thoughts on the important milestone:
Mission Early College High School
Sean Gonzalez’s family gifted Mission Early College High School assistant principal Angelica Zubia a flower bouquet to show their appreciation. “Ms. Zubia has been an amazing help through all my four years of high school,” Gonzalez said. “I’m very glad to have been a student at her campus.”
Giselle Reyes said the early college program was incredibly challenging but well worth her time and effort. She earned an associate degree in psychology, and she plans to continue her studies at the University of Texas at El Paso this fall. “They give us these high expectations,” Reyes said. “We have to balance high school and college at the same time, but we did it!”
Eastlake High School
Myranda Manrriquez graduated from Falcon Early College at Eastlake High School. She earned an associate degree in biology and plans to continue her studies at Texas A&M University. “I’m super grateful for my parents as well as my family. I don’t know what I would be without them,” Manrriquez said.
Jorge Ferman graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. In December, he earned an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies as part of Falcon Early College. “I’m grateful to my family because they told me I could do it,” said Ferman, who plans to major in civil engineering at the University of Texas at Austin this fall. “They know my potential, and I just kept going.”
El Dorado High School
Todd Dola plans to study biomedical sciences at UTEP in fall 2023. He took dual credit classes in high school to get ahead in his education. “It feels pretty good and surreal,” Dola said. “I just know tomorrow I’m going to wake up and no school, so that’s very cool.”
Bianka Corona was excited to be called to the stage to receive her diploma. An aspiring teacher and a future New Mexico State University Aggie, Corona said she was grateful to her parents for their unwavering support the last four years. “My parents, they always did whatever I needed,” Corona said. “If I needed a ride to school, they’d take me. If I had extracurriculars, they would take me.”
Montwood High School
Ileana Leonard was excited to cross the stage at the Don Haskins Center and receive her diploma. The co-founder of the school’s Black Student Union, Leonard looked forward to continuing her education as a Miner. “I’m going to study kinesiology at UTEP,” Leonard said. “I’m a UTEP cheerleader. I already made the team!”
Gresham Maese graduated from the high school’s Rams Early College. He said earning his associate degree in multidisciplinary studies in high school enabled him to jumpstart his university education. “Honestly, it’s a pretty smart idea to do it while in high school,” said Maese, who plans to major in computer science at UTEP. “You save a lot of money, and you get ahead in life.”
Pebble Hills High School
Juan Anguiano was a busy Spartan, serving as a student council officer and completing a physics course through the University of Texas at Austin’s OnRamps program. He earned an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies and graduated from Pebble Hills Early College’s first cohort. He’s grateful to all the special people in his life for their support. “It’s my parents, my family, my friends,” said Anguiano, an aspiring doctor, who plans to study biology at UTEP. “I think that all shapes me to be the person that I am today. I couldn’t do it without any single one of them. And I’m really grateful for them.”
Isabel Cedillo gave the closing remarks at the Spartan’s graduation ceremony. A member of the District 9 Student Council, Cedillo also served as an officer for her high school’s student council. Cedillo encouraged her fellow graduates to enjoy the next chapter in their lives. “Don’t take life too seriously,” said Cedillo, who plans to study kinesiology at UTEP. “Be involved. Do your best, but just have fun with life and our next chapter. It’s definitely exciting for us to continue this next role in our lives.”
Socorro High School
Dan Cervantes said determination and a commitment to his studies enabled him to graduate as a top 10 outstanding scholar, with a 101 GPA. He earned his medical assistant certification through Socorro’s Health Professions Academy. “Today is very exciting,” said Cervantes, who plans to major in engineering at UTEP. “It’s what I was working for these last four years.”
Destinee Camarillo was ready to graduate and embark on a new and exciting adventure – the U.S. Navy. “I think the Navy gives you a lot of benefits, and I want to travel,” said Camarillo who played violin for three years in the school’s mariachi band. “It’s a new experience.”
Americas High School
Alexia Garcia felt both excited and sad about graduating high school. Although she looked forward to starting UTEP in the fall, she said she was going to miss all her friends and teachers. The dual credit classes she took will help her save money in college and get ahead in her higher education. She also was thankful for her family’s support. “My mom played a big part,” said Garcia, the recipient of a Triple A Award in track. “She was my role model, and I feel like my teachers and coaches also helped me because they always supported me.”
Gael Padilla is ready to kickstart his career as an automotive mechanic thanks to the hands-on training he received in SISD’s automotive technology program. He plans to continue his automotive education at El Paso Community College, but he said the training he received in high school has given his career a significant boost. “I’m pretty excited about graduating,” Padilla said. “This is a very big accomplishment for me and my family.”
Graduation celebrations continued with the Options High School and SISD Community Education ceremonies June 12 at the Starlight Event Center.
Options High School
Idalys Aldaz had the distinction of being chosen to speak during the graduation ceremony. She advised her fellow graduates to take advantage of this new chapter in their lives and always do their best. “After today, we will be going away to college, any of the five branches in the military, and others will continue to go to work,” Aldaz said. “Strive to be the best version of yourselves each and every day. Peace out, Class of 2023!”
Jorge Armando Vargas III said Options broadened his opportunities after high school. He plans to become a Navy Seal or study art in college. Most of all, he is grateful to the school’s supportive environment for helping him succeed. “Most people that go to Options need emotional support, some type of support, and the teachers at Options focus on one-on-one to help you get the education you need. It was a good experience overall.”
Free high-resolution photos of SISD Class of 2023 graduations are available at https://sisdphotogallery.smugmug.com/2022-23/Commencement-Ceremonies.
Published June 12, 2023
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