ANTONITO — The Justice and Heritage Academy in Antonito had its second graduation ceremony on May 19.

The graduates of 2023 were Zaia Salazar, valedictorian and mother, twins Lexie and Leah Romero, and Enrique Maestas.

The Justice and Heritage Academy (JHA) will start its seventh season in Fall. An alternative school, JHA is a homeschool consortium for elementary through 12th grade, taught by a co-op of teachers and parents and the vision of Michele Trujillo.

An educator for over 20 years, Trujillo wanted to see more focus on nutritious, sustainable food, culture, as well as academics to provide a more well-rounded curriculum. She started the non-profit Conejos Clean Water in 2010 to halt the dumping of nuclear waste outside of Antonito. With the support of 400 citizens, they won an environmental justice lawsuit against the US Department of Energy.

Conejos Clean Water continues to fight for clean water and resources and is the main supporter of Justice and Heritage Academy. JHA also receives funding and support from two charter schools — Mountain Song Community School in Colorado Springs which features Waldorf education, and Las Animas High School in Durango.

Trujillo and Aaron Abeyta are co-directors of JHA. The mission is to develop productive citizens who care for their community and world.

The graduates first received benediction from Father Sergio Robles.

Co-director Abeyta recalled JHA's beginnings.

“The first two years everyone worked for free," he said.

Sarah Owens has known Abeyta for 20 years and chose to work at JHA "because of its commitment to kindness and justice."

She has a doctorate in Humanities and Arts and her area of expertise is medieval and renaissance history. She described the significance of wearing robes for graduation.

"The color of the robe signifies your area of study, like blue for medicine, white for humanities and arts. The number of stripes indicates your level of study — three stripes for a PhD. Undergraduates have plain robes with no stripes. Robes have hoods attached to hide snacks," she said.

Trujillo wore a brightly colored shawl to show Latin pride.

Former student Jose Uriate then shared his experience and gave advice. He was a high school dad who met co-director Abeyta when he was a freshman at Antonito High School. He went to CSU Pueblo and now has a master's in kinesiology working with athletes.

"This is a passport to higher learning,” Uriate said. “All young people have access to the same school opportunities. Don't be afraid to fail. Learn from your mistakes. It makes you a better person."

Teachers were recognized and praised. Trujillo was thankful "for (their) willingness to work with kids every day. We appreciate teachers, faculty sharing in the dream, showing up every day for the kids and working together. What would we do without you."

She told the graduates, "You are brilliant. You are beautiful. We love you."

The graduates thanked all who supported them on their journey to become high school graduates.

Enrique Maestas' grandpa "made him a better man." His family instilled the belief, "You can do anything you put your mind to."

Leah Romero's dad "didn't push her too much" and Lexie Romero was grateful her family "let me decide and supported me."

Zaia Salazar thanked her whole family for their support, and especially her brother KK for being there, " going through thick and thin and standing by me."

At the end of the ceremony, valedictorian Zaia Salazar gave an emotional speech.

“Forever thankful and grateful to (Abeyta), the staff and faculty and an appreciation for the parents. We have gone through it all together. Go forward. Never stop believing in yourself,” she said.