Ariel Sandoval and Brandon Middlemist speak to their fellow students about hope at the 2017 Centauri High School graduation on Saturday. Sandoval will study engineering at University of Colorado Boulder on the Boettcher scholarship and Middlemist, a Boettcher scholarship semi-finalist, will also attend CU Boulder to study physiology. More than $2 million in scholarships were awarded to the entire class of 67 seniors.

Retiring FACS/FCCLA teacher Marjorie Reed stands to be recognized by North Conejos School Board President Mark Bahr at Saturday's commencement. Reed has worked at Centauri High School for 27 years. Four other retiring teachers were recognized and all five have a total of 144 years in education.

Nicole Romero watches a slideshow display videos and photos of her classmates at the 2017 Centauri High School graduation on Saturday. Romero will attend Trinidad Sate Junior College.

Samantha Romero Ruybal shakes the hands of the North Conejos School Board after receiving her diploma at the 2017 Centauri High School graduation on Saturday. Sanchez will study dental hygiene at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

North Conejos School District Superintendent Curt Wilson reaches up to move the tassel of Ty Goldbranson after he received his diploma at the 2017 Centauri High School graduation on Saturday. Goldbranson will attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

The 2017 Centauri High School graduating class throws their mortarboards into the air at the end of the commencement.