Bernalillo High graduates in cultural style

Blinding sun, wind and students speaking their native tongues made the Bernalillo High School 2024 graduation an evening to remember for graduates and their families May 23.

Bernalillo High School students and their families heard again and again the phrase "once a Spartan always a Spartan."

The welcome address by three students solidified just what that means. Olivia Tsabetsaye speaking English, Daniel Castillo speaking Spanish, and Leah Valdez speaking Keres culminated the diverse graduating class.

Valedictorian Alexis Prairie, after thanking her parents for encouraging her, encouraged her peers.

"They never gave me any idea that I couldn't do whatever I wanted and be what I wanted to be," she said.

She went on to say she and her classmates have worked hard to get to this graduation.

"You did this your way and you know what to do. Now that it's finally here, I am sorry that it is. I'm proud of you all for being here and what may come next in your chapter; keep doing it with determination and love," she ended.

Despite some strong winds, the Bernalillo graduates finished the procession with diplomas in hand and tired smiles on their faces.