Class of ’24 graduates
By John Earp
The graduation ceremony for the Jal High School Class of 2024 was held in the newly renovated auditorium at 7:00 p.m. last Friday night. A near-capacity crowd attended to see one of the largest graduating classes in recent years receive their diplomas.
Principal Dusty Loftis opened the ceremony by observing that being able to once again hold graduation in the newly renovated auditorium carried on a long tradition at Jal High School. After having the graduating class show affection for their parents, a slideshow created by Mrs. Taylah Mata including baby photos as well as senior photos of the graduating seniors was played.
Luke Guinn gave the Honors Speech, in which he expressed his appreciation for the honor of representing his class as valedictorian, acknowledging the importance of God and his parents for making him the man he has become. He spoke of life lessons he and his classmates had learned at Jal High, developing by making mistakes and learning the fundamentals “of who we are and want to be.” He said his favorite memory of high school was when the Rocketry Team went to Houston to visit NASA. He said, “Our class faced numerous challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic being our most significant challenge during our freshman year. Forced into quarantine, we adapted to a virtual classroom, where the glow of screens replaced the familiar faces of classmates and teachers. Learning became a struggle, as we fought the complexities of online education, often falling behind. Whenever this class faced adversity and uncertainty, we always showed reliance and adaptability.” He continued by expressing his profound appreciation of the exceptional educators and staff members who have guided the class of 2024 through their academic journey. He gave “a shout-out” especially to Mr. Estrada, Mrs. Savoie, and Mr. Richard, noting the positive impact each made to his high school years, “and made school fun again.”
His advice to the upcoming classes was, “Stop trying to control what you can’t. Put it in God’s hands and trust that everything happens for a reason. Find a handful of friends you love and trust completely. These friendships will support you through tough times. Cherish every day at school, and try to enjoy it. I always wanted to graduate, but now that it’s here, I wish I had more time. Enjoy the journey while it lasts.” Guinn challenged his class, “As we venture into the next chapter of our lives, let us embrace the opportunities ahead with open hearts and open minds. Let us dare to dream big, for it is through dreams that we can shape our destiny.” He continued, saying, “It is not the destination that defines us, but the journey we take through things.”
Coach Johnny Estrada had been asked to give the Graduation Address by the class of 2024. Estrada began by thanking the school administration, school board, staff members, family and friends and the class of 2024 for giving him the opportunity to speak. He reflected on his beginnings at Jal Schools, where he also taught 3rd grade and coached junior high and high school sports. He mentioned how the class of 2024 was unique when he came to teach physical education in high school in 2020, and then later taught World History to the class of 2024 their freshman year. He mentioned the bonds that were formed during those years, such that, by their senior year, most all had become very friendly and accepting of him. He said the class of 2024 taught him “it was okay to be energetic and unique, that it’s okay to color outside the lines, and it’s alright to laugh and work hard.” He finished his address by advising the graduates that “power is found in simple action. Sleep, work, exercise, get some sunlight, do some fun things with your friends, have a good cup of coffee or a Red Bull. What you do daily will determine who you become…good habits will allow you to overcome the daily grind.”
Officers of the class of 2024 included Gerardo Bustillos as president, Yaradin Fuentes, vice president, Kendra Cervantes, secretary, and Hannah Melancon, treasurer. Graduating with highest honors were Luke Guinn, Gerardo Bustillos, Araly Camunez, and Yaradin Fuentes. Graduating with high honors were Luis Herrada, Anna Ross, Adriana Orozco-Guerra, Charli Richard, Jocsan Ramos, Jaycie Parsons, Austin Giles, Alizay Galindo, Zoey Beebe, Erika Gallegos, Yecenia Sauceda, Iridihan Amaro, and Kendra Cervantes. Ushers were Anissa Melancon, Nolberto Cervantes, Roberto Rangel, Adam Juarez, Yamileth Lujan-Arzate, and Alexa Talavera. National Honor Society Senior Officers were Yaradin Fuentes, president, Hannah Melancon, vice president, and Araly Camunez, treasurer. National Honor Society Senior Class Members were Yaradin Fuentes, Araly Camunez, Jocsan Ramos, Anna Ross, Hannah Melancon, Charli Richard and Adriana Orozco-Guerra.
Rounding out the Class of 2024 were Eduardo Franco Arroyo, Mason Curtis Broom, Jesus Carreon, Caitlyn James Goodwin, Hayden Joe Green, Gregory Christopher Herrera, Brandon Tyler Houston, Kaylee Shawn James, Gabriel Ethan Juarez, Pedro Jose Lujan, Alan Jared Mendoza, Ashley Victoria Muniz, Zane Cruz Nunez, Emir Julian Ortiz, Yael Orlando Rangel, George Rian Robinson, Marina Jaelyn Ruiz, Daniel Sanchez, Orion Ramon Sauceda, Yecenia Elena Sauceda, Derek Elias Syron, Naveah Marie Valdez, Aricely Danielle Tavarez, and Nathan James Widman.
