By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton High School held their graduation ceremony on May 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Tiger Gym flanked by the big Tiger on the wall that was painted by the evenings keynote speaker Bernard Sandoval so many years ago.
Isaac Garcia started the proceedings with the pledge and national anthem sung by Taityn Valdez. Reyna Marquez welcomed students and family to the event in her welcome speech. Marquez commented on the relationships these students have created and ended the speech with never avoid your past and what you have exchanged then the tears began to flow as the emotions filled Ms. Marquez.
RHS Principal Jolene Starr presented the principal’s award Robert Wick, Debbie Montoya and Isaiah Garcia. She then awarded Tyleigh Valdez with the Salutatorian honors. Valdez talked about the years leading up to this point the countless hours studying and researching, the failures and accomplishments that heave lead up to this point. Valdez then honored the most important person in her life by saying In the words of Rory Gilmore, my ultimate inspiration comes from my best friend. The dazzling woman from whom I received may name and my life’s blood Christina Coca. My mother never gave me any idea that I couldn’t do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be. Valdez went to say as her mother guided me through these incredible 18 years, I don’t know if she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her. Thank You mom, you are my guidepost for everything.
Starr then awarded Christian Kamp for his hard work with the valedictorian honor for top in his class. Kamp began dual credit classes as freshman earning his liberal arts degree as a junior in high school. Kamp noted that high school has been fun, now we get to face the real world. He added that there is always hope in Jesus Christ and alone we will always fail but with we will succeed. He went on to say that he challenged everyone including himself to work hard and not think that you deserve anything to be given to you. I challenge you to pay attention to things. Put down your phones and look people in the eye. Take an interest in others. I challenge you to put others interest above your own and have a heart of service. I challenge you to step back and listen to how foul mouthed and profane we have become in our speech and make an effort to form a sentence without dropping the F bomb. He went on to say that he challenged you to take responsibility for your choices and their outcomes.
Keynote speaker Bernard Sandoval talked about talent noting that talent only works when you keep after it much like math, music, sports ,etc. Talent is like the sea, it holds potential, but without the nurturing soil of determination, the water, goal setting and the sunlight of grit. They cannot grow into the towering tree of success. Sandoval went on to talk about the work and effort it takes to make talent a success. He went to talk about the work that was involved in making the Olympic brand for the city of Colorado Springs.
Seniors then recognized those students in the National Honor Society, students who completed course work with Santa Fe Community College, Mesa Lands and dual credits courses. The honoring of cords followed along with thanking the faculty and staff that made all this possible for these seniors. Nefertiti Yoon Senior Class President presented the key to the school to Junior Class President Anisia Martinez.
Finally it was time for seniors to receive that once in a lifetime achievement award, the high school diploma, signifying the completion of 13 years of work and dedication. 46 students then crossed the stage with diploma in hand and now they begin a new chapter in life. Congratulations Seniors!!
2024 RHS Graduation Ceremony Video
