By SYLVIA LOBATO
LA JARA — Showing the world that the Centauri High School Class of 2018 is strong because they are together, some 72 graduates accepted their diplomas and left the safety of the school for the world outside.
A slide show had two or more graduates leaving the school together after thanking their parents, grandparents, teachers and other supporters.
Some will be leaving on LDS Missions, others will go on to college, a number will enter the Armed Forces and still more will work in area businesses.
For a relatively small class, this year’s students have hauled in more than $3 million in scholarships and grants; SLV, regional and state athletic championships and many other honors.
A posthumous diploma was granted to Jadyn Kylie Quintana, a class member who was killed in a traffic accident Feb. 28.
The high school has not only been accredited, but with distinction most times and other awards for excellence have been given to the school as officials from the State Department of Education have visited the elementary schools, junior high school and Centauri High School in the North Conejos School District.


The SkillsUSA chapter at Centauri High School was recently named among the top 24 SkillsUSA chapters nationally as a “Model of Excellence” recipient. This national program recognizes the exceptional integration and application of personal, workplace and technical skills in SkillsUSA chapter activities. This is one of the highest awards bestowed on chapters by SkillsUSA, which is among the largest student organizations for career and technical education.
The 24 Models of Excellence chapters will participate in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky., June 25-29.
Activities include finalist interviews, an awards dinner at the Kentucky Derby Museum, and recognition at an awards ceremony in front of more than 12,000 students, instructors and business leaders. The Centauri High School chapter will also receive a grant of up to $4,000 from program sponsor Lowe’s Companies Inc.
They will continue, stronger together.