Local high schools host graduation
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - It's graduation night for several schools in the Yuma Union High School District.
Students from Cibola, Gila Ridge, Kofa, San Luis, and Yuma High all made their graduation walk after years of hard work and determination.
To put the numbers into perspective, more than 2,400 students will receive their diplomas.
They've also amassed over $ 36 million in grants and scholarships for their future educations.
Antonia Huerta-Urbalejo, a graduate from Kofa High School, received a few scholarships himself to attend Grand Canyon University that will cover most of his tuition, room, and board.
He shares who helped him reach these accomplishments.
“I probably have to thank my parents you know they they pushed me they always wanted me to strive for the best you know pushing me to get all straight A’s through high school pushing me to those AP classes to boost my GPA,” said Huerta-Urbalejo.
Meanwhile some of these now graduates never got to experience an official eighth grade promotion celebration, but now four years later, they will get a chance to walk the stage and celebrate their academic achievements.
“Already having that close like close heartedness and going through something so challenging has honestly made me feel so just so close to everyone in my class,” said Gwyneth Perea, the salutatorian at Cibola High School.
Perea is planning to go on to study at the University of Arizona as an engineer at the honors college.
Moving on to another high honors student, Ivan Lee is the valedictorian of Kofa’s Graduating class this year.
He shares how it feels taking that big step on moving away from home after living in Yuma all his life.
“I’m going to Phoenix I’m definitely nervous about living in dorms but I think I can do it I’m not too uncomfortable with being out of town,” said Lee.
Lee plans to attend Arizona State University and major in biology.
Corey Semler, Principal of Cibola High School, shared some insight he hopes the new grads will remember along their new life journeys.
“Those really important adults in your life and even some of the friendships you made along the way those life lessons that you pick up to go out and apply and do big things,” said Semler.
We wish everyone who received their diplomas good luck in their future endeavors.
The graduations was live streamed on each school's Facebook page.
Here is a list of websites and official Facebook pages for YUHSD schools:
- CHS https://cibola.yumaunion.org
- GRHS https://gilaridge.yumaunion.org
- KHS https://kofa.yumaunion.org
- SLHS https://sanluis.yumaunion.org
- VHS https://vista.yumaunion.org
- YHS https://yumahs.yumaunion.org
Facebook:
