MISSION, TEXAS (MAY 27, 2024) - On Saturday, May 25, 2024, Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) hosted its Spring Commencement ceremonies for all three of its high schools at the Payne Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.
The Class of 2024, who embarked on their high school journey four years ago amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, gathered with their friends, families, and peers to commemorate this significant milestone, a testament to their resilience.
Jose E. Mejia II, Mission High School Principal said this Class of 2024 had unique circumstances to overcome.
“The Class of 2024 has achieved success in many areas,” Mejia said. “You consistently demonstrated hard work and determination, however there are two qualities you have had to demonstrate that were unique, adaptability and perseverance. These two qualities were tested throughout your high school career when times were hard, yet you adapted to meet the changes, instead of giving up.”
Mission High School’s Salutatorian, Bryana Viridian Guerra who will attend The University of Houston and pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education, spoke on how far her class has come from those initial virtual learning days.
“As a proud member of the Class of 2024 I think we’d all agree we thought this day would never come,” Guerra said. “We would all spend years hoping this day would approach but now that it’s here, we are one step closer to what life has in store for us.”
Dr. Carol G. Perez, Superintendent of Schools for Mission CISD, shared reflective words on the profound journey of the Class of 2024.
“You are the class that showed resilience in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Perez said. “You have worked so hard to close that learning gap and you did it!”
Excellence Amidst Adversity
Many of the graduates on Saturday according to their campus leadership, excelled in dual enrollment programs, seizing the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school.
They also embraced the offerings of fine arts and athletics, experiencing a more traditional high school environment from their sophomore year onwards, finishing this chapter in their lives on a high note.
“Whether you excelled on the field, on the court, on the stage, or in the studio, you have demonstrated that with passion and perseverance, greatness can be achieved,” Perez said.
Mission Collegiate High School Valedictorian Ricardo Ochoa III, who is headed to Massachusetts Institute of Technology reflected how successful their class has been amidst the chaos that first started their high school careers.
“We all came to high school during one of the strangest times in recent memories, but we made it,” Ochoa said. “Through Covid, virtual learning, trials and tribulations, senioritis. We pulled through and it’s in no small part thanks to our community, we’ve been through a lot.”
Carrying Forward Lessons Learned
Daniella Deyanira Escojido, Mission High School’s Class of 2024 Valedictorian who’s headed to Texas A&M to pursue a degree in construction science, reflected on the support she received throughout her high school career despite their classes’ unique circumstances.
“A teacher’s dedication towards their students is never forgotten, and I for one know that the person I am today is from having many one-of-a-kind teachers,” Escojido said. “I know that I will continue to carry all the lessons and advice each teacher has given me, throughout my college years and become an even more successful person.”
The day culminated in the conferral of approximately 1,000 high school diplomas across the three Mission CISD High School ceremonies including Mission High School at 9 a.m., Veteran’s Memorial High School at 2 p.m., and Mission Collegiate High School at 6 p.m.
As the sun set on the day, Mission CISD celebrated not just the academic achievements but also the resilience, tenacity, and promise of its graduating ‘COVID’ Class of 2024.