'The Things Don’t Matter — the People Do': PAYS Graduates Honored

The event opened with a welcome from Claudia Becerra, PAYS Coordinator of Academic Alternatives. Graduate Scott Harris led the pledges and delivered the invocation before PAYS Assistant Principal Bernardina Riojas addressed attendees, who included SAISD board members, administrators, principals, and instructional staff.

During her speech, Becerra shared a personal reflection on the meaning of success, encouraging students to value the people in their lives over material things. “So my nugget of wisdom for you is this: the things don’t matter, the people do,” she said.

SAISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran served as the keynote speaker and highlighted the life-changing impact of the PAYS program. He shared a story about a former student, Roberta Salas, who credited PAYS with helping her graduate and eventually become a company partner employing more than 400 people.

“She told me how grateful she was for PAYS,” Moran said. “…and she wanted me to tell you congratulations and don’t give up.”

Sun Cha, SAISD’s Director of Community Relations and a 2000 PAYS graduate, followed with a testimonial about how the program helped her overcome hardship after losing her father and dropping out of high school. “PAYS gave me a way forward,” she said, encouraging students to be the “catalyst” for their own futures.

Graduate Charleigh Yell delivered the student address, expressing gratitude to teachers and families who supported the class along the way. “You’ve been mentors, cheerleaders, and the steady voices we needed to hear,” she said.

After Yell’s remarks, Becerra formally presented the class to the SAISD Board of Trustees. Trustee Pam Duncan accepted the graduates before board members and school principals awarded diplomas. Harper Hansen concluded the ceremony with a closing prayer.

The full ceremony is available to watch below: