By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
It was a bright sunny Friday afternoon as 57 Raton High School Seniors, dressed in black graduation Cap and Gowns, walked onto the grass at Tiger Stadium for the last time as students of Raton High School.
Hailey Bacca began with the opening of graduation followed by the welcome speech from Cannon Walton. RHS Principal Joleene Starr presented Elaina Gigante with the Salutatorian honor. Gigante noted in her speech how crazy it will be to begin this new life noting that some of us will keep in touch and others won’t be seen for another 10 or 20 years. It’s scary thinking of all the things we will have to do on our own which she said would be hard for her to do.
Aubrey Valdez was then introduced as the class valedictorian. In her speech she noted it didn’t feel real to be here and went on to speak about covid and how it affected the class. They the class did it together and spoke about the group chats that was so important to their well being. Valdez noted how one special friend helped her to get through the struggles of high school as they entered this time during the pandemic and the struggles that brought to the class. Valdez noted how important this day and event was to her. It was about the ones who raised her and that today is that she is carrying their hopes and dreams for her. She went on to say that she did this for them.
Anisia Martinez introduced the National Honor Society members followed by Christian Padill who listed the dual credit honors that many students achieved. Faith Howard and Wyatt Berry announced the Presidential Educational Excellence and Achievement awards. Junior Rotarians introductions were handled by Gabriela Vega. Tierra Garrett, Emma Molina and Dannielynn Perez spoke about the cords that many of the seniors were wearing. Giving a description of what each color of cord represented.
Arianna Swanson recognized the teachers and admin of Raton Public School district followed by David Valdez who had the honor of recognizing the parents and guardians of the seniors. Aurora Holling spoke of the importance of the school key and why at this time in the ceremony the key is handed down from the Class of 2025 Senior President Anisia Martinez to the Class of 2026 President Chiara Martinez.
At this point in the ceremony it is time for the RHS Principal Joleene Starr to acknowledge that the students have met their requirement for graduation and Superintendent Kristi Medina to accept the Class of 2025 and begin the passing out of diplomas. Abe Elliott was given the honor of presenting the students to Raton Public School Board members Jason Phillips, Ryan Boone and Brenda Ferri to hand out the diplomas. The tassels were turned and the Raton High Seniors of 2025 were officially graduated and now ready to begin a new chapter in life as they go forward into the world. Good Luck Seniors !!!
