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Thirty-three graduates crossed the stage to receive diplomas from the Rio Rancho Cyber Academy Friday evening at Cleveland High School.
Superintendent Sue Cleveland spoke about the impact of artificial intelligence and the unknowns it offers the world. She urged the Class of 2024 to maintain their empathy, creativity and critical thinking in an ever-changing world centered on technology.
“We never intended it to changed every single aspect of our lives,” she said, saying that humanity needs to dictate to technology rather than have it dictate to us.
Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education President Amanda Galbraith offered two secrets “that aren’t really secrets” key to making a difference in the world to the graduates: “We are more alike than we are different” and “we need each other.”
“This is your day, and I’m so excited to be here,” she said.
During the graduation, school administration noted just how successful the Class of 2024 had been academically: 22 were graduating with honors, 10 were members of the National Honor Society, and eight received RRPS Diplomas of Distinction.
PHOTOS: Rio Rancho Cyber Academy 2024 graduation
Thirty-three graduates of the Rio Rancho Cyber Academy celebrated commencement Friday evening at Cleveland High School. Two-thirds of the graduates crossed the stage with honors.
Salutatorian Sydney Cornell, one of the recognized students, talked about the doubts that plagued her through her high school years.
“Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another,” she said. “When I was going into my freshman year, all I could think when I started out the year was, ‘I wonder how I’ll get through the next four years?’”
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She attributed her favorite show and her family in helping her get through the years.
“Even though my family couldn’t help me with my school work, they were always working in the background to make it easier for me to focus and take a break when I got too overwhelmed,” she said, adding that her dad made sure her car had gas so she could get to school and her mom always made sure she was fe and motivating me.
She also gave credit to her teachers, saying they helped her find her passion, her love of learning and her fascination with science, saying they “reminded me to go with my instincts.”
“I was given the freedom to learn and grow in high school,” Cornell said. “It is very bittersweet to say goodbye, but I will always have amazing memories that I can look back on.”
Valedictorian Alyssa Zielinski, who was offered a total of $1.7 million is scholarships from the various colleges she was accepted to, also spoke.
“I know it’s been a huge accomplishment for all of us to get through high school,” she said, noting her own challenges.
She said she first enrolled in the Cyber Academy so that she could continue her journey in competitive gymnastics. An injury soon ended that journey, and a later medical diagnosis further impacted her life.
“From this experience, I chose to dive into my sport and focus on my academic achievements with the help of the wonder staff,” she said. “All of the teachers of Cyber supported my unique needs. … I’ve been able to successfully manage and fully focus on my schoolwork and other activities.”
And, she urged her classmates to not let challenges stop them.
“I know we’ve all had our fair share of struggles,” she said. “It’s about how you choose to carry those obstacles and whether you chose to succumb to them and let them control you or be resilient. In almost every single challenge, there is an opportunity to learn something about yourself that allows you to grow as you transition to whatever your next step may be. I implore you to seek this knowledge and strive to become the person you want to be.”
