More than 3,000 graduates from the Socorro Independent School District’s Class of 2024 reveled in the cheers and applause of families and friends as they crossed the stage at the UTEP Don Haskins Center during the district’s seven graduation ceremonies on May 31 and June 1. This transformational milestone signified the end of their high school careers and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives.
Acting Superintendent James Vasquez congratulated the graduates and emphasized the district's efforts to prepare students for success.
Vasquez highlighted the many opportunities provided by SISD, including Pre-K for three- and four-year-olds, elementary academies, dual credit classes, innovative CTE programs, early college high schools, championship athletics, and award-winning fine arts, all in world-class facilities.
“All these things, many of you experienced during your time in Socorro ISD,” Vasquez said. “We provide these opportunities so that by graduation day, you are ready to confidently pursue your goals.”
The exceptional education provided by SISD has prepared graduates to go on to seize new opportunities in higher education, military, or the workforce.
Despite starting their freshman year during the pandemic, the Class of 2024 persevered and excelled in their high school years. SISD graduates earned more than $64 million in scholarships, grants, military awards, and dual credit savings. Additionally, they accumulated 25,543 dual-credit hours, giving them a head start on their college education. Graduates in Career and Technical Education programs earned more than 3,200 industry-recognized certifications over the past four years, providing them with a significant advantage in the workforce. Furthermore, 410 graduates earned their associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas.
After the ceremonies, graduates continued the celebration with families and friends outside the Haskins Center. Many took the opportunity to reflect on their high school experiences and look forward to their bright futures. Here are some of their thoughts on this significant milestone:
Mission Early College High School
On Friday morning, Diego Mendoza participated in his second graduation ceremony at the Don Haskins Center in less than two years. The first ceremony was during his junior year at Mission Early College High School, when he earned an associate of arts degree from El Paso Community College. This December, Mendoza expects to walk across the Haskins stage again to receive his bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Mendoza credited Mission Early College with providing him the opportunity to jumpstart his career and open his own music studio in the near future.
“I wanted to start my dream, my journey, as soon as I could," Mendoza said. He plans to intern at Sonic Ranch recording studio this summer. "I'm getting my bachelor's in finance with my minor in marketing, and the reason for this is that I would like to open up my own studio."
Click here to view the Mission Early College High School graduation photos
Amber Gentry enjoyed her experience as a Phoenix so much, she was sad to see it end. Gentry said she will miss her friends and teachers who supported her throughout high school, but she looked forward to pursuing her bachelor's degree in biological sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso this fall.
“It doesn't feel real,” Gentry said about graduation. “I never thought high school would end so quickly. I always thought it would be forever. But now that we're here, it went by so fast.”
El Dorado High School
Melissa Gonzalez and Kayla Medford’s journey to graduation was full of shared experiences. They have been friends since seventh grade. At El Dorado High school, they joined the student council and AVID. They also cheered for each other when they earned their associate degrees in multidisciplinary studies from El Paso Community College through Empire Early College High School. Now, four years later, they are thrilled to be graduating together.
“We both participated in a lot this year and throughout all of high school,” said Gonzalez, who plans to study computer science at the University of Texas at San Antonio. “Graduating today is nerve-wracking, but it’s also exciting to commemorate it.”
Gianni Anaya plans to use the cosmetology certification she earned in high school to work as a nail technician and help pay for college while she pursues a nursing degree. Anaya also spent three years in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program. She feels secure knowing that if she changes her mind about her future plans, she has the option to enter the Navy at an advanced enlisted pay grade E3. Above all, she hopes to make a better future for herself and her six-month-old daughter.
“I'm excited, but I'm scared,” Anaya said about leaving high school. “But we have to move on, and I’m excited for college and to grow.”
Click here to view the El Dorado High School graduation photos
Montwood High School
Like many of his fellow Montwood High School Rams, Leonel Macias Jr. was a little scared and nervous about graduating from high school, but he felt well prepared for his future, thanks to his teachers and the AVID college prep program. Macias Jr. joined the AVID college prep program in eighth grade, and he’s been on the college track ever since. He plans to attend El Paso Community College and then transfer to the University of Texas at El Paso, where he will study computer science. His goal is to pursue a career in information technology.
“AVID just helped me grow,” Macias Jr. said. “It's kept me organized and everything, and it even helped me apply for scholarships. It made sure I was on the right plan.”
Breanna Gonzalez had an amazing time in high school. Gonzalez played forward on the girls soccer team for three years. Off the field, she was a member of AVID and the National Technical Honor Society. In December, she achieved a major goal earning her associate degree from El Paso Community College through Rams Early College High School. At her graduation from Montwood, she wore a blue robe signifying she graduated in the top 10% of her class.
“It's a lot of emotions I’m feeling,” said Gonzalez, who plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and study architecture. “I’m just really happy with everything that I did to get here.”
Click here to view the Montwood High School graduation photos
Pebble Hills High School
Pebble Hills High School valedictorian Robert Dickerson thanked his family for their support, his teachers for nurturing his love of learning, and his friends for making school enjoyable. Dickerson graduated from Pebble Hills Early College High School with an impressive 104 GPA. He plans to apply the lessons he learned in the early college program to excel at Texas A&M University, where he expects to study mechanical engineering. During his valedictorian speech, Dickerson encouraged his fellow graduates to persevere and never give up despite how hard life gets.
“Remember when things get tough, it’s not the end of your story,” Dickerson said.
Faith Birdsong was excited about what her future holds. The aspiring lawyer plans to study forensic criminology at the University of Texas at El Paso. In addition to joining the school’s Sparta Business Academy, Birdsong completed four dual-credit classes to advance her college education.
“Not only do you get college credit,” Birdsong said, “but it also prepares you for the rigorous course work you’ll have in college.”
Click here to view the Pebble Hills High School graduation photos
Socorro High School
Charlie Stevens was both excited and a bit nervous about graduating from Socorro High School. Like many of her fellow Bulldogs, Stevens was still weighing her options for her future. She was considering joining the Navy to help pay for her nursing studies at Houston Christian University. However, the business experience she gained as a member of DECA sparked her interest in a career in hospitality management. One thing she was sure of was that she was grateful for the support of her best friend, Michelle Quiñones, and her parents throughout high school.
“My parents are always my number one supporter,” Stevens said. “They guide me through everything.”
Thanks to SISD’s partnership with Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC) Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing pipeline program, Zoe Rosales expects to start her nursing career in 16 months. Rosales, who graduated in the top 10% of her class, earned her associate degree from El Paso Community College in December and was accepted into TTUHSC’s Bachelor of Science in nursing program this fall. She said her education has helped her develop the skills and confidence she needs for a successful career.
“It feels pretty great,” Rosales said about graduation. “I've come a long way. It's been hard, but I'm glad to be here, and I'm supported by all my family, so I'm very thankful for that.”
Click here to view the Socorro High School graduation photos
Americas High School
Osvaldo Bustamante commuted from his home in Juárez to attend Americas High School every week, staying with his aunt in El Paso. He focused on his studies and enrolled in the school’s Project Lead The Way (PLTW) engineering program, allowing him to explore his interest in an engineering career and participate in the Texas Student Association. Bustamante, who graduated in the top 10% of his class, plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Texas El Paso this fall, using the 40 dual college credits he earned in high school.
“I don't see it as sad but as the closure of something since I can finally return to my home in Juárez," Bustamante said. "I'm still going to be crossing every day to UTEP. But I'm going to be able to see my mom, my dad and my dog."
Briana Razo’s hard work during her senior year has paid off. Razo earned a scholarship to attend the University of New Mexico this fall, where she plans to study psychology. Razo wore a white gown, signifying that she was one of the top ten seniors to graduate in her class. She was a member of AVID and the Libertas Academy and served as the historian for the National Honor Society. Razo said graduating ninth in her class was not easy but worth the journey.
“It was a hard year for sure,” Razo said. “Like everything coming before, like junior year and sophomore year, was nothing compared to senior year. Senior year was difficult, but it was definitely worth it.”
Click here to view the Americas High School graduation photos
Eastlake High School
Gregorio Antonio Olivas thoroughly enjoyed his time at Eastlake High School. Olivas participated in band and wrestling. In May, he successfully earned his associate degree in multidisciplinary studies from El Paso Community College through Falcon Early College. Olivas plans to continue his education at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he will study business.
“Eastlake is a really great school,” Olivas said. “Everybody there is amazing, and the teachers are supportive.”
Catherine Sanchez’s involvement in Falcon Early College High School, Project Lead The Way (PLTW) biomedical program and HOSA helped her hone her leadership, organization and time management skills. Sanchez expects to attend the University of Texas at El Paso, where she plans to major in microbiology. Her goal is to attend medical school and become an emergency room physician. Catherine attributes her success in achieving her dream of graduating as one of the top 10 students in her class to her hard work and good grades since her freshman year.
“I'm actually very excited to walk the stage today,” Sanchez said.” I feel like graduating as one of the top 10 students was very well earned because of all the dedication and effort I put into my schooling.”
Click here to view the Eastlake High School graduation photos
Options High School and SISD Community Education graduates celebrated their ceremonies with family, friends, faculty, and staff on June 3 at the Starlight Event Center. Here is some insight from graduates at those ceremonies:
Options High School
Robert Hicks said he was grateful to Dr. Theresa Hentges, the principal of Options High School, for her support in helping him earn his high school diploma. Hicks said he was feeling a little nervous but was also excited about his future. He has plans to join the military and study computer science at Morgan State University.
“If it wasn’t for Dr. Hentges, I wouldn’t be in this school,” Hicks said. “And now I’m graduating.”
Vanessa Lucero said her mother’s support and Options’ online program made it possible for her to graduate from high school. Lucero said the program allowed her to study from home while taking care of her infant son. She hopes to continue her education and is considering a career as a phlebotomist or a pharmacy technician.
“I’m feeling overwhelmed,” Lucero said. “I’m ready to receive that diploma and just move forward with my life.”
Click here to view the Options High School graduation photos
Community Education
Adonay Aguayo said the SISD Community Education program gives great opportunities for adult students to earn their GED so they can go on to pursue other goals. She had learned about Community Education from her cousin and when she enrolled, she was able to complete her tests to earn her GED in four months. Aguayo said she is happy to serve as a role model for her son and daughter and inspire them to continue their own educations as they grow up.
“I am so happy that I got to accomplish this moment of my life,” Aguayo said. “I feel really proud of myself because it is going to help me a lot.”
Brooklyn Valles was excited to be part of the Class of 2024 earning her GED at SISD Community Education because it was the same time that she was supposed to have graduated from high school. She said the program is highly beneficial with helpful teachers and staff that assisted her to achieve her goal. Now, she plans to pursue a medical career.
“I found this program, which was a good thing,” Valles said. “It helped me and now I have my GED. I finished with my class that I was supposed to graduate with and I’m going to go to college after this. It was a really good experience for me.”
Click here to view the Community Education graduation photos