The Veterans Memorial High School graduating class of 2023 will get their diplomas on May 28, at the Payne Arena in Hidalgo. The commencement ceremony will officially begin at 9:00 a.m. The seniors will enter with the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.”
The VMHS JROTC will do the presentation of colors. Zwetxy Patrice Edmonson will lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. VMHS Choir will sing the national anthem. Gabrielle Loren Longoria will provide an invocation, followed by the official welcome by Noah Nathaniel Gil. VMHS principal, Fidel Garza Jr. will introduce special guests in attendance.
There will be three addresses during the program. The first will be by Dr. Carol G. Perez, superintendent of schools. Damian Joseph Buitron-Adams will give the salutatory address, followed by the valedictory address by Jordan Abigail Hernandez.
Superintendent Dr. Perez will provide the official certification of graduates, after which, the Mission CISD Board of Trustees will award the diplomas to the members of the class of 2023.
Ethan Leon Zamora will provide a benediction.
The senior song selection, “Courage to Change” by Sia and arranged by Cherish Varlack will be performed by the senior choir: Alexis Alaniz, Brisly Ruby Bermudez, Giselle Cortinas, Isabella Marlene De La Cruz, Liza Marie Martinez, and Dayana Azeneth Torres Vazquez.
Gabrielle Loren Longoria will lead the tassel ceremony. The graduates will depart to “War March of the Priest.”