Students symbolically turn their tassels from the right to the left side of their caps. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Friends, family fill Panther Stadium
Hundreds of family and friends piled into the bleachers at Panther Stadium to watch the graduating seniors receive their diplomas.
M-CHS Principal Jennifer Boniface served as emcee, and told the gathered crowd that this ceremony was a testament to 12 years of hard work by this class. “Your journey has not always been easy, but you have persevered and achieved this significant milestone,” she said.
The warm evening event opened with music by the Red Sky Drummers, a “Pomp and Circumstance” processional performed by the M-CHS Symphonic Winds, a presentation of colors by the VFW Post 5231 Color Guard, the national anthem sung by the M-CHS Choir, and a blessing given by Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilwoman Tawnie Knight.
The Red Sky Drummers play an opening prelude to the Thursday evening graduation ceremony at Panther Stadium. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
The VFW Post 5231 Color Guard stands at attention as Montezuma-Cortez High School graduates march into the ceremony. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
The M-CHS Symphonic Winds plays the opening processional. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Graduates and faculty processed in from both sides of the track. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Students look up at family and friends gathered at Panther Stadium before taking their seats on the field. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Graduates march in. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilwoman Tawnie Knight gives an opening blessing for the commencement. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Montezuma-Cortez High School Principal Jennifer Boniface served as master of ceremonies for the graduation ceremony. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilman Conrad Jacket tells students to never forget their Cortez home. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
M-CHS athletic trainer Mitch Taffe was selected by students to be their graduation speaker. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Salutatorian Luna Moore looks to the future as she recalls all the lessons she and her classmates learned during their high school years, often unbeknownst to themselves at the time. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Valedictorian Leopold Morey tells his classmates to never stop doubting or questioning. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Students adorned their caps in colorful and creative ways. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas, shaking hands with school board members and other dignitaries. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Graduating senior Tay Wheat receives his diploma from Montezuma-Cortez school board president Sheri Noyes. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Family and friends gathered in the audience shoot confetti into the air when their graduates’ names are read. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
This marked a monumental commencement ceremony for choir teacher Marla Sitton, who is retiring after 30 years of teaching. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Graduating senior Sophie Wright receives her diploma. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Graduating senior Sophie Wright receives her diploma. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Graduates line the track in preparation for the ceremonial turning of the tassels. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Students symbolically turn their tassels from the right to the left side of their caps. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
More confetti is shot into the air as the students are officially declared to be graduates. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
