Area students cross stage

A crowd estimated at more than 900 people gathered at Rattler Stadium on Friday morning to see 43 Tucumcari High School students walk across a temporary stage to receive their diplomas.

It had been more than 15 years since THS held a graduation ceremony at its football field. Because COVID-19 restrictions allowed 75% capacity at the spacious stadium versus 33% in the Snake Pit gymnasium, school officials took a gamble that good weather would prevail and allow more friends and family to attend the ceremony outdoors.

The gamble paid off, as the only weather complication was a stiff south wind that threatened to blow graduation caps and prepared texts into San Miguel County. Partly sunny skies prevailed with temperatures in the low 80s when the ceremony began.

High-school principal Nicole Bright-Lesly, who presided over the event, said health restrictions permitted just under 1,000 people at the stadium. With that in mind, each graduate was allotted 20 tickets to give to family members and friends.

"I'm going to assume every kid used their ticket," she said. "If they didn't, it was very close."

The ceremony went so well, Bright-Lesly didn't dismiss the notion the Class of 2022 might hold its graduation at Rattler Stadium, as well.

"We're going to look at trying to do it earlier in the morning," she said. "All the families are in town, and this gives the kids and their families more time to spend together than them coming at night for graduation."

She acknowledged planning the event amid the health restrictions was "a challenge, that's for sure."

"There was a lot of cooperation and help from the parents," Bright-Lesly said. "They were very easy to work with. I cannot thank them enough for always being willing to change and help us out."

Last year, the Class of 2020 graduated one by one, drive-up style in front of a stage erected in front of the high school entrance during stricter health regulations.

Three graduating students opted for private ceremonies Friday, including one who was quarantined because of possible exposure to a COVID-19 case.

The sacrifices and hard work by others during the pandemic were noted by valedictorian Natalie Hayes and salutatorian Nathaniel Mardo during their speeches.

Hayes thanked her principal and teachers for "doing everything they can to make this day happen."

"Life doesn't become easier; you just learn how to handle each obstacle," she said. "I'm sure most of you agree with me that past year and a half has been an unexpected experience with many obstacles. With many of our role models, we learned to succeed despite the situation."

"I'm so proud of the perseverance, persistence and endurance that our class has exhibited throughout our tenure ... especially during the trying times we are currently progressing through," Mardo said.

"Although we may have taken a distinct path to reach this point, we all have managed to end the honor of being a high school graduate and have the privilege to celebrate this momentous occasion in a more traditional fashion, given our circumstances."

The Class of 2021 also bestowed an honorary diploma to James Richard Hammer, who died in an accident in 2009. Hammer's family members were visibly moved as they received the honor.

Bright-Lesly recognized retiring faculty member Mike Russell, who is retiring after 47 years in education, including 32 years at Tucumcari. Russell, who was seated in the bleachers, received a loud round of applause from as the acknowledgement was announced.

San Jon

Ten San Jon High School students received their diplomas Saturday evening during a ceremony at the high school's gymnasium.

It was a more traditional graduation than the Class of 2020's, who received their diplomas in 104-degree heat in the town's senior center parking lot because of COVID-19 health restrictions at the time barred the use of indoor facilities.

This time, Quay County was in the turquoise zone of COVID risk assessment, which permitted a crowd of 33% capacity, or 227 people, in the gym.

Speeches by valedictorian Sayler Sours and salutatorian Bailey Montoya were at turns forward-looking or nostalgic.

"Junior year, we only thought about senior year," Montoya said. "Then, senior year, we only wished it had been more like freshman year."

During the awarding of diplomas, school board President Frank Gibson quietly switched his place in line so that school board member Tommy Evans could be the first to congratulate and hug his graduating daughter, Robyn.

Former school board member Marlon Terry strode to the stage so he could congratulate his graduating granddaughter, Aleena Quintana.

Superintendent Janet Gladu, who presided over the ceremony, expressed relief afterward.

"Throughout, the Class of 2021 spent a year and a half online and in-person (instruction)," she said. "We never thought we'd get here. So it's a huge congratulations to them for their perseverance."