Grants High School

BEACON / FRANKLIN ROMERO

The Grants High School Class of 2009 got through the commencement exercises without a hitch. Although a few beach balls and balloons might have been slightly distracting, moments of the ceremony captured what the class believed in.

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles that he has overcome while trying to succeed.” That was said by Booker T. Washington many decades back but held true for the new graduates.

Class Valedictorian Cesar E. Soria told classmates about overcoming his obstacles. In elementary school, he came to America from Mexico and found a new culture and a different language. Soria recounted his difficulties in communication with classmates and teachers. His flawless accent proved witness to his enduring diligence in studies.

Speeches were given with bits of knowledge and wisdom to be passed to the audience. The reception of the message competed with the whizzing of balloons from the graduating section.

Only 13 classmates are choosing to join the workforce upon graduation. The overwhelming majority of the class will be heading off to college in either two or four year degree programs.

The rememberance of the passing of classmate Matthew Diaz was a tender one. The Diaz family came on stage to accept his graduation gown and diploma, as many onlookers watched with tears in their eyes.

GHS Principal Alton Autrey fittingly ended his speech to the audience, “remember, once a Pirate, always a Pirate.”

The GHS Male Athlete of the Year award had a surprising tie with two deserving young men, Chino Dakota and Kyle Nelson. Kelli Ann Moleres was named Female Athlete of the Year.

Laguna-Acoma

High School

The senior class of Laguna-Acoma Junior/Senior High School and its families shared a proud community moment when it graduated on May 23.

Kilino Marquez, Grants-Cibola County Schools superintendent, encouraged classmates to continue their education and to strive to earn their Ph.D., which stands for, Passion, Hunger and Driven.

“Always remember who you are,” he told them, “your family and your home. Once a Hawk, always a Hawk.”

Principal Ann Willyard acknowledged that high school is a difficult time when students are separating from families and acting as role models to younger students.

“Probably no one knows them better than their classmates,” Willyard said. “They are bonded for life.”

Diana Myers, senior class sponsor, has known the graduates since the eighth grade.

“They have come a long way,” she said. “They work together, play together, and know what they want. It was easier for them to pick their class speaker than their class theme.”

The chosen guest speaker, Martin “Modey” Hicks, encouraged the grads and directed advice to each student on a personal level, meant to motivate and encourage as the class takes its next step into the adult world.

At the close of the ceremonies, Hicks was given an honorary diploma and official Hawks class ring from the class of 2009.

In an earlier interview, Hicks told about how much some of the graduates had changed.

“I had 18 kids that were thugs, gang bangers.” Hicks said. “I told them, play football, graduate, and I will buy you a letterman's jacket. Only one took me up on it, Ryan Romero. I am so proud of this kid.”

Salutatorian Nicole Luna expressed her respect for her classmates.

“Never give up,” she told them, “the toughest kids come from the Rez.”

Valedictorian Amanda Pedro gave a tri-lingual greeting in Keres, Spanish and English, and then a 'shout out' to the staff, “for putting up with us, and for all their support.”

Athletes of the Year awards went to Nicole Luna and Isaac Herrera.

The Stephen A. Matthews Scholarship of $4,000 was awarded to Tyler Pino for outstanding achievement.

All together, the senior class earned $507,564 in scholarships and educational grants.

Teacher of the Year Larry Tyler was given a traditional piece of pottery, which he proudly accepted from Class Treasurer Tyler Pino. Not entirely without emotion, Tyler announced his retirement and expressed his gratitude for the time he had spent with the staff and student body of LAHS.

Led by the class officers, the grads performed the Tassel Ceremony and then marched out of the gym led by Hicks and to their theme, 'Don't Stop Believin' by Journey.