SAN ANGELO – Thirty-six students from Central and Lake View high schools celebrated their graduation at the San Angelo ISD PAYS Fall Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 19.
The event, held at the McNease Convention Center, recognized the students’ resilience and achievements as they prepare for their next chapter.
Families and friends packed the convention center ballroom, which was nearly filled to capacity with more than 600 attendees. The ceremony opened with a traditional processional to “Pomp and Circumstance,” led by graduate Marquis Smith, who also led the National and State Pledges.
PAYS Assistant Principal Bernadina Riojas introduced the event with opening remarks, welcoming distinguished guests, including members of the SAISD Board of Trustees and district administrators.
Among them were School Board Vice President Ami Mizell-Flint, Treasurer Bill Dendle, and Trustees Dr. Kyle Mills and Pam Duncan, as well as SAISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran.
Claudia Becerra, PAYS Coordinator of Academic Alternatives, delivered the keynote address.
“Welcome to this extraordinary celebration of resilience, achievement and the power of never giving up,” she said. “To each of you wearing a cap and gown tonight, you made it and we couldn’t be prouder … I want to acknowledge something about this graduating class. You are not ordinary students and this is not an ordinary school. PAYS is a place for those who need a different path. A place where persistence, heart and sheer determination shine brighter than any test score.”
Ms. Becerra then shared the parable of “The Old Mule in the Well,” which tells the story of a mule who, after falling into a well, uses the dirt thrown into the well to bury it as a stepping stone to ultimately rise out. The parable teaches resilience, encouraging confronting challenges and using adversity to overcome obstacles. Ms. Becerra then compared the graduating class to the resilient mule, recognizing that each graduate had faced their own struggles, personal battles or uncontrollable circumstances to reach this moment. She praised them for embodying the spirit of perseverance, overcoming life's challenges, and proving that with determination, support, and self-belief, they can achieve anything and defy the odds.
“As you move forward into the next chapter of your lives, I want you to hold on to three things,” said Ms. Becerra. “First, never underestimate the power of persistence. Life will test you but you’ve already proven that you’re stronger than any test. Second, embrace your unique path. Success doesn’t look the same for everyone and that’s what makes it so beautiful. Finally, never stop learning. Not just from books or classes but from every experience, every failure and every triumph. Growth comes from staying curious and open to what life has to teach you.”
Graduate Kenzie Gonzales shared her personal story, reflecting on the support of family and teachers in overcoming obstacles. She highlighted the impact of kindness and good decisions in achieving success.
Dr. Moran then addressed the graduates, emphasizing the positive impact of kindness and good decisions, which can create a far-reaching butterfly effect.
Following Dr. Moran’s speech, Ms. Becerra proudly presented the graduating class to the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Mizell-Flint accepted the graduates on behalf of the Board, after which she, Mr. Dendle, Dr. Mills and Mrs. Duncan had the honor of presenting diplomas. The ceremony concluded with a moving benediction delivered by Nahum Obregon, Jr.
Ms. Riojas presented the graduates one final time, and the moment was celebrated as graduates joyfully tossed their caps into the air.
You can watch the ceremony here:
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