Independence HS holds winter graduation ceremony

RIO RANCHO — It could be said Thursday that Independence High School students celebrated their own independence, walking across a stage to receive their diplomas and entering into life's next chapter as adults.

Twenty-five students donned their cap and gown during the alternative high school's winter 2025-26 graduation ceremony inside the Cleveland High School Concert Hall. 

Below a giant screen featuring a slideshow of the graduates — 30 students in all — speakers, including IHS graduate Maya Grajeda, reflected on their time at Independence and offered words of inspiration.

"Looking back as kids, all we wanted to do was grow up and be adults," Grajeda said. "Being here today makes me not only want to slow things down, but go back in time. Realizing we're about to be adults, going to college, trade school or a full-time job makes me appreciate all of our experience at Independence."

When she transferred to IHS, Grajeda said all she could think about was "how far behind I was" academically, believing "I wasn't going to make it through all by myself." But, she said, she wasn't alone, with both friends and teachers offering her guidance. 

"It's time we leave this chapter and start a new one. Whatever the next chapter holds for you, make sure to never give up," Grajeda said. "I know each and every one one us have fallen and picked ourselves back up."

She was one of several students who received the "Soaring Eagle Award" for demonstrating excellence. 

Even before the awards were given, Thursday's graduation demonstrated other moments of excellence, including the guitar-shredding of IHS graduate DeShaun Jackson, who performed an instrumental rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner." Jackson drew applause not only for his performance but his candor with the audience when he had to restart his guitar solo.

When the music was over, top administrators and a school board member gave graduates sound advice. 

IHS Principal Jessica Sanchez said many graduates "faced obstacles that could have easily ended" (their) story."

"Yet you are here; you chose to keep going — even on the days that felt overwhelming," Sanchez said. "You showed up and said, 'I'm not done yet.' That resolve is powerful and exactly why this moment matters."

Beth Miller, who represents District 4 on the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education, encouraged graduates to find a passion as well as "time for yourself."

"Sit down and chill — I'm sure you've heard that word. Give yourself that time each day; pull yourself back together," Miller said. "Always find joy in each day; find kindness and compassion you can give to others because it will come back to you in ways you can't imagine."

Following the graduates moving their tassels from right to left — signifying the transition from student candidate to graduate — IHS Assistant Principal Andrea Yarbrough rang a bell in celebration of students graduating.

"These Eagles are ready to fly," Sanchez said.

The students were given roses in another IHS graduation tradition.

Following the ceremony, IHS graduates, including Barley Holliday, spoke about what this day meant to them.

"I feel new (and) open to anything that comes my way," Holliday said, adding her next steps include "(taking) one step at a time and figuring it out as I go."

Her father, James Holliday, said his daughter's graduation marked "a proud moment" for him.

"I hope she feels confident in the future as she is building her career and life," James Holliday said.