Marking a milestone

A week of anticipation culminated into the tossing of caps by more than 50 graduates Friday night at the Snake Pit.

"I am ready to be done with it," said Tucumcari High School senior Zach Martinez as he waited for the start of the commencement ceremony.

As family, friends and guests filled the bleachers at the Snake Pit, the soon-to-be graduates were nervously waiting in the hallway to make their grand entrance.

"I am nervous being one of the first ones to march out," said Santiago Alires.

Alires said he was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions as he scanned the crowd for his family. He said all week long, he and his classmates have been preparing for graduation, marking the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

"We have been waiting for this day for the past four years; now that it is here, we want to take a pause, because our lives are never going to be the same," said Shant Bhakta, the class salutatorian.

Bhakta said during his speech that the diploma the graduates receive represents success and achievement. He said it is important to remember the journey each of them went through to accomplish this achievement.

"Remember the heartache, the joys all of the events and people who have helped to shape who we are today," Bhakta said. "As graduates, we owe it to our family, friends and teachers to pursue our dreams."

Even valedictorian Shiv Bhakta, who worked through four years of high school and edged out his brother for the top honor, was nervous.

Shiv lost his place in his speech several times, each time regaining his composure to continue with the support of his classmates and crowd.

"I was up at 2 a.m., trying to figure out what I was going to say, as I stood before you all," Shiv Bhakta said.

He said each of the graduates owe thanks to the teachers, staff, family and friends who have helped them to reach the high school graduation milestone. He said as they start the next chapter of their lives, they must strive to do more than just earn wages - they must accomplish their dreams.

"Our time at Tucumcari High School has given us the foundation we need to move forward and be successful," Shiv said. "The experiences, friendships and journey together these past four years will live in our memories and fuel our ambition to succeed."

The Tucumcari School Board presented an honorary diploma to the family of the late Patrick (Lil Pat) Gonzales. Gonzales, who died in October 2015, would have graduated during Friday's commencement ceremony.

Gonzales was mentioned several times during the class history presentation, and a cap and gown was placed on the stage in honor of him.

Following the conclusion of the ceremony, graduate Maribel Lopez said even though the graduates have closed this chapter of their lives, they must never forget where they came from.

"We can't turn back time; it's over; we graduated," Lopez said. "All we can do is cherish the memories of our time together as we venture out into the world."