Photos by Diane Drekmann Antonito High School Salutatorian Lexie Maez and Patricia Silvas pose for a photo after their graduation ceremony on May 26. Antonito High School graduate Nathanael ‘Jerome Garcia’ Ruybal displays his diploma on May 26.

ANTONITO — Family and friends gathered on May 26 to celebrate the 2023 graduates of Antonito High School — Lexie Maez, Nathanael ‘Jerome Garcia’ Ruybal, Patricia Silvas, Airyanna Sisneros and Christine Vigil.

Vigil welcomed everyone and thanked several people who helped her on her journey to graduation.

Maez then gave her salutatorian speech, urging her fellow graduates, "Do better yourself. Don't give up on your dreams."

Silvas and Ruybal then presented a "composite" poster with photos of graduates' families, memories, signifying the importance of sharing conversations between elders and youth, learning family history, and then a video with vignettes of each graduates' life.

A favorite teacher, David Jackson was the guest speaker.

“Proud of the graduates,” he said. “They have been through a lot. The emphasis is on happiness. (But) the road to happiness is not a straight paved road. It is filled with potholes, flat tires, failure to signal, go slow, traffic jams...(Importance) of family, friends, goals hobbies...Success is not about money. Enjoy your job. Be your own person. Don't compare yourself to others...Be good for the sake of being good. Make a difference in someone else's life. Contribute to and serve others. It's your world now. Be part of something good. Life begins after high school."

Sisneros then gave her valedictorian speech and talked about "Going through ups and downs, waiting to become seniors. (Now) have more growing up to do."  

Antonito Principal Maddie Mansheim shared memories of each of the graduates.

"Christine, you're one of the most complete and articulate people I have ever met,” she said. “Airyanna is so beautiful, grateful and caring. Patricia is so emotional. Such passion is unparalleled and (will help) for being a nurse and for your family and friends. Jerome has grown to become my favorite person. You pushed yourself further than you thought. Remember five years ago you thought you wouldn't do anything after high school — why did it matter? And then you were the first senior to commit to a college. Lexie has such a beautiful, genuine smile. I'll miss your smile."

Mansheim then added, "It is a privilege to know you. I love you dearly. I'm so proud of you."

The graduates then received their diplomas.