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Central Graduates 163 in 136th Commencement
For the 136th year, Central High School bestowed diplomas on 163 Wildcats Friday at the Southwest Motors Events Center before pride-filled and congratulatory family and loved ones.
The Class of 2021 was led by Valedictorian Skylar Charles and Salutatorian Marlo Castro.
The commencement was hosted by Principal Destin Mehess and ushered in by the presentation of the colors by the school’s Continental Color Guard – in uniforms reflecting the Spirt of ’76 – and the singing of the national anthem by Wildcat junior Kaitlyn Jesik.
This was followed by a poignant reflection on those lost serving this country.
Principal Mehess noted that her tenure as Central’s leader coincided with the start of the Class of 2021’s entry into the halls on Orman Avenue.
“Seniors, when you began your journey four years ago, I began my journey as your principal,” Principal Mehess told the assembled ‘Cats. “We have had four years together that consisted of laughter, tears, happiness, sadness and yes: sometimes, some of you got ‘The Look,’ and you know who you are.
“But all in all, it was four years of being a Wildcat, wearing the Blue and White, being part of traditions that don’t exist anywhere else. And being part of a family. Despite all of the ups and downs, we are here today to celebrate your accomplishments, your future: to celebrate you.”
In her address, Senior Class Co-President Leticia Calderon encouraged her classmates to relish in the deserved spotlight while never taking anything for granted.
“Today we celebrate the accomplishments of our hard work through the years,” Leticia said. “This past year has taught me, and some of you, to appreciate family and friends much more than pre-pandemic. Playing sports, hanging with friends over the weekend, and going to school was taken from everyone so quickly. Life drastically changed for everyone.
“So everyone: go home and hug your little ones a little tighter; tell your teachers and coaches ‘thank you’ for believing in you; and take a moment to appreciate your surroundings. From here on out, continue on the path that’s meant for you and only you.”
Skylar Charles, a Hurliman Scholar bound for the University of Massachusetts Lowell, was active in athletics, school clubs and community service projects.
“We made it,” said Skylar, who served as Senior Class Co-President. “Now, I have absolutely no clue where to go from here. Who does? We make plans that are subject to change at any given time. What I do know, is this is the time to figure it out. This is our time to find out who we are, who we can be and what we are capable of doing. This is a time to do what we want before we figure out the next point in our lives.
“Remember though: it’s not the end of the world if you get lost. Harry David Thoreau once said, ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live your life as you have imagined it.’” This is the most uncertain and thrilling part of our lives. Embrace it and live with no regrets. But don’t forget the people who helped you get here.”
Marlo began by thanking her parents, grandparents and sisters for their support and inspiration before telling her fellow Wildcats, “I’ll be the first to admit that I’m going to miss high school. Central has given me memories and experiences that I will never forget and will forever be grateful for.
“Everyone here knows our world can be messy, unpredictable, mean and scary. But as a Wildcat graduate, I know you will inspire change in the world. Because as a Wildcat, I know every little part of us is different, and we do things a bit differently, too. As a Wildcat, it has never mattered who you are, where you come from, or where you are going. We all are the same underneath it.”
The parents of Skylar and Marlo were among the esteemed guests seated on the stage, and both high-achieving scholars were presented with a medallion and plaque by their parents.
The Class of 2021 was accepted by D60 Board of Education Member Judge Dennis Maes, with each Wildcat accepting their diploma from Principal Mehess before the traditional walk across the stage.
The tassel change was led by the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, and Student Body Co-Presidents Toni Horvat and Sergio Sandoval, who together tolled the hallowed Bell to great applause as the ceremony came to a close.
Musical selections for the commencement were provided by the Central Band and Central Choir.
As a group, the Class of 2021 earned nearly $2 million in scholarships to local, state and national colleges, including Pueblo Community College, Colorado State University Pueblo, University of Colorado; University of New Mexico; and South Dakota Mines and Technology.
A number of Wildcats will be serving their country in the Army, Navy and Marines.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARS 4.0 GPA AND ABOVE
Skylar Charles; Marlo Castro; Elliana Gonzales (early college graduate); Alicia Lest; Ryley Roth; Donovan Vigil; Mackenzie Turner; Caroline Catulli; Zephaniah Borrego; Lethicia Calderon; Pablo Lerma; Sergio Sandoval; Katie Alidritt; Austin Gallegos; Hunter Huffman; Joseph Ochoa Jr.; Victor Horta; Elvia Arauz
GOLD CORD SENIORS
Skylar Charles; Marlo Castro; Elliana Gonzales; Alicia Lest; Ryley Roth; Donovan Vigil; Mackenzie Turner; Caroline Catulli; Zephaniah Borrego; Lethicia Calderon; Pablo Lerma; Sergio Sandoval; Katie Alidritt; Austin Gallegos; Hunter Huffman; Joseph Ochoa Jr.; Victor Horta; Elvia Arauz; Ryan Gonzales; Maria Gutierrez-Gaspar; Michaela Santistevan; Abbey Krebs; Gage Ludwig; Brooklyn Ruiz; Katelyn Arriaga-Anderson; Jilian Golz; Logan Almanza; Claudia Sloan; Ariana Aguirre; Peyton Krupka
SILVER CORD SENIORS
Brookelyn Andrews; Marysa Valdez; Lathen Biggerstaff; Hannah Solano; Tony Horvat; Brandon Gallegos; Hailey Adame; Asia Thompson; Aidynn Pollock; Nicole Bustamante Cordero; Benjamin Brooks