ALAMOSA — Alamosa High School’s (AHS) class of 2023 graduated on Saturday and, while there may have been a few tears shed as students parted ways with their favorite teachers and the district where they attended school for two thirds of their lives, the event was largely celebratory beneath a clear blue sky.

The event was held at the school’s football stadium where the students formed a small sea of maroon and white and stands were packed with parents, family, and friends, some of whom went down to the field to take photos of their students walking across the stage to receive their diplomas.

Principal Andy Lavier and Assistant Principal Drew Cleveland read names while students received their diplomas, including some who were handed their diplomas by parents, specific teachers and others who played a significant role in their lives. There were warm hugs and frequent cheers from the audience as names were read aloud. Meanwhile, a large screen was erected behind the stage to provide close-up coverage for those in the stands.

Class Valedictorian Megan Curto and Salutatorian Damion Garcia reflected on their high school years and offered words of encouragement and congratulations to classmates.

A total of 117 students graduated, and AHS Principal Andy Lavier highlighted some of the accomplishments of the students while in school, noting two students who have enlisted in the military. One of those students, Lia Castillo, will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham on a $48,000 scholarship where, along with being enrolled in ROTC, she plans to study nursing. Two students earned their associate’s degree while in high school, and six other students received certifications in Certified Nursing Assistants, Veterinary Technicians plus two who obtained their real estate license.

The girls basketball team presented a large plaque to the school honoring former Athletic Director Erik Melgoza, a beloved coach, mentor and “great human being” who passed away in January of 2023 following a traumatic head injury.

The class of 2023 encountered challenges beyond their control throughout much of the first part of their high school years as an on-going pandemic completely disrupted the routine of the high school experience, with students learning remotely and schedules being changed to create cohorts and extra-curricular activities being either curtailed or cancelled all together. And, of course, the fake “active shooter” phone call was a frightening experience for students, parents and guardians, teachers, administrators, and the community, at large.

But none of that was apparent on graduation day.

Of all the moments in the ceremony, one stood out as being especially moving and joyous when the “Senior Slide Show and Video” was played on the large screen.

Assembled by AHS students Abram Bowden and Michael Madril, the slide show was a compilation of individual photos of each student — truly wonderful photos that gave the audience a sense of who the students were accompanied, in many cases, by quotations the students had chosen for themselves.

Quotes from Taylor Swift and Harry Styles were some of the favorites and others reflected individual students’ outlook going forward along with recognition of what it took to get them to where they are while the song “It’s Been a Hell of a Year” provided the soundtrack.

“It’s time I graduate, illuminate the world with my light.”

“Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen.”

“Your future is only as good as the work you put into it.”

And others…

“My parents crossed the border so I could cross the stage.”

“Feet don’t fail me now, take me to the finish line.”

There were also videos of teachers sharing with graduates what advice they could give to their 18-year-old selves knowing what they know now. Most were messages of encouragement to live life to the fullest and appreciate all that the future may hold.

Others were more pragmatic. One teacher advised students to make good choices. “Life is harder when you’re stupid,” he said. Another told students to go to trade school. “College will always be there.”

But, in going through the graduation program after the event was over, the class song by Trace Adkins probably captured best the collective emotion of the moment.

“These are some good times

So, take a look around

You may not know it now

But you’re gonna miss this.”

FOR A LOOK AT GRADUATION CEREMONIES ACROSS THE SAN LUIS VALLEY, PICK UP A COPY OF TUESDAY'S VALLEY COURIER.