San Angelo Lake View High Graduates 205 Seniors in Class of 2024

SAN ANGELO, TX — San Angelo ISD congratulated the Lake View High School Class of 2024 today. The Lake View High School Graduation Ceremony celebrating 205 graduating students was held Saturday morning, May 25, 2024 at the Foster Communications Coliseum.

The ceremony began with the Chieftain Band, led by Director Franklin Piland, performing “Pomp and Circumstance” during the procession of graduates. Friends and family loudly cheered and applauded as the graduates entered the crowded arena and took their seats. Lake View High Principal Zach Ramirez welcomed those in attendance followed by the LVHS JROTC performing the presentation and posting of colors. Graduate Aaron Munoz led the Pledge of Allegiance, Dalila Davis led the Texas Pledge, and Victoriah Villa provided the invocation.

In his graduate address, San Angelo ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Moran provided a few motivating words.

“I encourage you, never ever, ever give up,” he said. “Pursue what you want and never give up … I encourage you to give yourself a fighting chance in this life, Don’t run from your problems. Meet your challenges head on,” he said.

The class Salutatorian, Ian Cortez, then addressed his fellow graduates.

“I’d like to start this speech with some wise words,” he said. “As Ricky Bobby once said, ‘If you ain’t first, you’re last.’ So I guess we’re all losers here and I’m the biggest one,” he added jokingly. “ I’m serious though, what an honor it is to be up here speaking to the Class of 2024. We are all winners in our own rights, through various personal challenges and struggles … In my eyes, we are all winners … So sorry Ricky Bobby, you were definitely wrong there.”

Valedictorian Gabrielle Flores was next to the stage.

“Your mind is a terrible thing to waste. So stay sharp, don’t stop dreaming and most of all, have a good time … It is important to remember, as each of us enter the workforce, universities or trade schools, or wherever your dreams lie, that you don’t forget to take a second and remember to be human. Take a breath, laugh, joke, smile, and talk to friends and family … Live in the moment and appreciate what life has already given you,” she said.

Following Flores’ speech, Principal Ramirez recognized members of the National Honor Society and students who earned high grade point averages before presenting the Class of 2024 to the San Angelo ISD Board of Trustees. School Board Treasurer, Bill Dendle, gave an inspiring message to graduates before accepting the Class of 2024. “I want you to take a look at a quote that I believe describes your high school journey. It’s ‘A quitter never wins, and a winner never quits.’” he said.

Mr. Dendle reflected on the uncertainties and what the graduates had to endure the last four years. The majority of the students in the Class of 2024 were in their freshman year when the global pandemic began in 2019.

“It’s taken us about four years to get back on some sort of normal track. All this time, you were nimble, you were agile, you were flexible, and you never quit. And that’s what brings us to today … Class of 2024, you are truly winners,” Dendle said.

Following the presentations of diplomas, Juan Ledesma gave the Benediction. The Class of 2024 then shared one last singing of the LVHS School Song accompanied by the Chieftain Band before tossing their caps and celebrating with families and friends.

The full livestream recording of the LVHS graduation ceremony is available on the SAISD YouTube channel. The recording was broadcast on SAISDtv, Optimum Channel 4 in San Angelo and will continue to air on Channel 4 for two weeks after the ceremony