2025 Storm graduates with a focus on self-pride

PHOTOS: Cleveland High School graduation 2025

May 19, 2025

RIO RANCHO — As the Storm of Cleveland High School class of 2025 celebrated its graduation at the Rio Rancho Events Center May 19, an oncoming storm rumbled in the distance in a fortuitous moment.

Inside, the center was packed with families, friends, teachers and, most importantly, hundreds of Cleveland seniors. Decked in graduation gear and pride regalia, they were eager to get their diplomas. Before they could, they listened to a few speeches with a few thoughts sticking out.

Salutatorian Daniel AuBuchon took pride in his religious faith for his speech, which he said would not be a shock to anyone.

“I am grateful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” he said.

He talked a great deal about the great deeds that make people worthy of God and encouraged his peers to “keep the faith.”

“Keep Christ in your heart and remain steadfast in his word,” he said.

AuBuchon received a welcoming applause from the crowd at his words.

Tonya Budagher, a teacher at Cleveland, gave the commencement address for the ceremony, admitting that she was both honored and horrified when students voted for her to give the address. But her feelings were more sentimental at the celebration.

“I am so excited for each and every one of you, but I also didn’t realize how sad I would be to tell some of you goodbye for the very last time,” she said.

She also encouraged the graduates to pursue a job or career that they can enjoy every day.

One student was a little tired of advice but gave a little of his own. By the end of his speech, Valedictorian Gene Huntley had the whole place laughing, but his point was made with a single line.

“I can’t guarantee any of us are going to live a happy life, so whether you end up in a ditch or on the NFL, do it on your own merits,” he said.

His advice was that his peers not let “someone else’s arrogance” take away their choices and successes.

After Huntley’s speech, the graduates seemed to walk across the stage with a little more confidence as they claimed their diplomas.

The ceremony ended with a bang, literally, as the hundreds of students flung confetti in the air.