Tassels turned for the CHS Class of 2022 Graduates

Congratulations to the Central High School Class of 2022 future-ready graduates! The CHS Graduation Ceremony to celebrate 767 graduating students was held yesterday morning, May 28, 2022 at the ASU Junell Center. 

CHS Principal Bill Waters welcomed graduates and attendees followed by a posting of the Colors by the CHS JROTC, state and national pledges led by Student Council President Mariah Mayville and a moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by senior members of the Bobchat Choir. Principal Waters then led a moment of silence in remembrance of the teachers and students who were lost in the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas on Wednesday, before an invocation by Senior Class President Karina Alissa Perez.

The Class Valedictorian, Elizabeth Grace Barker or “Gracie”, was then joined by her twin sister and Class Salutatorian, Elliott Faith Barker or “Ellie”, to deliver a joint speech noting the importance of the day and joking that it was the first time that they had worn matching clothes since their mother stopped dressing them. In the speech, Gracie and Ellie addressed their classmates saying, “Class of 2022, don't forget to continue supporting each other. Don’t leave the family you found along the way behind. Carry them with you, because you choose who makes up your present- appreciate the time and the place that you're in for all of its ups and downs. Because, yes the past is familiar and the future is exciting, but the present is the only guarantee you have…,” then adding “We don't need to worry about leaving the past behind, because the important stuff will stick with us.” 

Gracie and Ellie then went on to address a topic that they noted had been more apparent than ever this year, and that they each understood from a personal perspective as children of a teacher. 

“Growing up with an educator as a mom, we saw the ends and outs of what she did for her students… We saw the late nights, early mornings and work she put in on the weekends. The truth is educators are overworked, underpaid and underappreciated… Change needs to happen, and teachers need more support… Teachers are the backbone of our education system, so we’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every one of our teachers. When we had a hard time finding the motivation to get out of the bed in the morning, you were the ones we came to see. You have been there for our best and worst moments, always making sure that we were prepared for the future…”

Mr. Waters then addressed the graduates, continuing with a theme of being present, holding on to the past and looking to the future. He included three takeaways for the graduates: 

“One, make today your masterpiece… Two, know that there is always a silver lining in everything you encounter. Even in the darkest moments, there will always be something to learn…” and with his third, echoing his daily message to students during the school year, “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours…” He then continued by imparting life lessons and finishing by encouraging graduates to “Trust the magic of a new beginning” before presenting the Class to a cheering crowd.

SAISD Board Trustee Mr. Lanny Layman next shared a message before accepting the Class. He recognized the graduates’ “grit and resilience” as a class, encouraging them each to personally thank someone in their life that has been instrumental in their success, noting it as an important habit to nurture in life. Mr. Layman added a special thank you from the Board team to “all the teachers, coaches, counselors, principals, administrators and remainder of our district’s outstanding personnel team who each year make a lasting investment in the lives of our students.”

Following each graduate’s walk across the stage to accept their diploma, Salutatorian Ellie Barker ended with a Benediction, before the class shared in singing the CHS School Song led by the Class Top Ten. At the end of the song, graduates collectively yelled out one last “Sic ‘Em Cats!” before tossing their caps in a final culmination of the event before celebrating with families and friends. 

The full livestream recording of the CHS graduation ceremony is shared below and available on the SAISD youTube channel here. SAISD is proud of our CHS Class of 2022 graduates and their achievements, and honors this important milestone and stepping off point for their future.  Follow the San Angelo ISD Facebook, Twitter, and website, www.saisd.org, for related updates, to see how we celebrate our Class of 2022 graduates, and to stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD.