It was one of the very first days of the year to reach 100 degree temperatures, but that didn’t stop hundreds of families and friends from braving the heat to see 210 San Elizario High School seniors walk the graduation stage to receive their diplomas. Eagle Stadium slowly baked under the setting sun, filling to capacity on the evening of June 4 as the Class of 2010 completed their journey through high school ready to begin their next adventures.

The commencement program began with much excitement as the San Elizario High School Band played “Pomp and Circumstance” and the crowd took up any available seat or shady spot. Relatives and loved ones applauded as soon as the seniors began marching towards their seats in the middle of the football field flanked by members of the campus faculty. After the presentation of colors by the NJROTC Color Guard, senior student Joanna Maese delivered a flawless performance of the National Anthem. Principal Tony Baca then welcomed the audience to the school’s graduation festivities.

Following the greetings and other speakers, Orlando Martinez who was the number one ranking student took to the podium to deliver the Valedictory Address. He recognized his family for their unconditional support and urged his fellow classmates to not let a number like class rank or other factors keep them from pursuing their dreams and reaching their goals. “Tonight you are the Class of 2010. Tomorrow you are the future,” Martinez concluded.

Joining Martinez in the top ten list of students were: Salutatorian Perla De La Torre, Victoria Valencia, Jesus Duran, Yecennia Gonzalez, Mireya Arredondo, Lizette Rubio, Amelia Peralta, Ashley Rodriguez, and Jose Conde. In total there were 22 students who earned a designation of Top Ten Percent in the graduating class of 2009-2010. San Elizario High School assistant principals Christine Jaksch, Frank Huizar, and Spanky Sanchez also presented the Aguila Awards to ten students who were nominated by the school faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions to the campus and for promoting school spirit. The winners of these awards were Yesenia Cardoza, Irazema Castillo, Perla De La Torre, Buster Delgadillo, Diego Flores, Manuel Gurrola, Christian Hernandez, Ashley Rodriguez, Arturo Serrano, Jr., and Victoria Valencia.

San Elizario ISD Board members Antonio Araujo, Vicente Delgadillo, Ramon Holguin, Irene D. Jaquez, Fernie Madrid, and Jose Rodriguez awarded each of the seniors their high school diploma. Once board President Jaquez certified all the candidates for graduation, the new graduates turned their tassels over and flung their caps into the air concluding this school year’s commencement exercises.