Tassels turned for the LVHS Class of 2022 Graduates

Congratulations to the Lake View High School Class of 2022 future-ready graduates! The LVHS Graduation Ceremony to celebrate 174 graduating students was held yesterday, May 28, 2022 at the Foster Communications Coliseum.

LVHS Principal Zach Ramirez opened with a moment of silence in remembrance of the teachers and students who were lost in the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas on Wednesday, before welcoming graduates and attendees. He addressed the Class, commending them for their contributions to Lake View and as leaders in the community. In his address he emphasized they celebrate the day, but challenged graduates in their next chapter. 

“Graduation is not a finale. Today’s ceremony is called commencement, and notes a beginning… of something… So what happens next for you?” said Principal Ramirez. “We are really celebrating a new beginning in your life- a new chapter, new friends, new horizons. ‘What happens next?’ I leave you with that question. It’s my hope for each of you that you answer that with dreams beyond telling.” 

The LVHS JROTC followed with posting of the Colors, and JROTC senior Ariona Del Rio then led graduates and attendees in the state and national pledges. Next, Student Council President Jacob Chappa gave the Invocation.

Principal  Ramirez then invited educator Brenda Barnor to the stage to honor a Lake View graduate “who had an impact at Lake View, even though his physical presence is no longer with us.” Ms. Barnor shared a story of Caden Lane Williams who passed away before the graduation ceremony, but had touched many lives at Lake View. She began by using a device that Caden had used to speak to greet his classmates. Ms. Barnor then asked graduates to raise their hands if they had been greeted by Caden while at Lake View, and a wave of graduates responded by raising their hands. 

“Everyone is born with a gift. Caden had a gift that was powerful. It was stronger than his inability to talk. It was stronger than his inability to walk… Caden had an effervescence that bubbled up and engaged people…, “ Ms. Barnor said of Caden. She then continued with a message of inspiration to the Class in honor of Caden. “Everyone has a gift… I was privileged to know Caden and support his gift, but I do not want to leave this stage without saying to you that you have a gift… Your gift needs to be unwrapped and used and enjoyed… On behalf of Caden, I encourage you to share your gift with the world. Know your gift. Expand your gift. Use your gift.”

The Class Salutatorian, Alexis Sue Williams or “Lexie” then addressed her fellow graduates. She encouraged them to find their own “K.E.” and be a “K.E.”, a term she explained meant to be someone who will always be there for you no matter what, noting that “Your future is in your hands. It starts with choosing the people whom you surround yourself with.” 

Her twin sister, Valedictorian Landra Elizabeth Williams or “Landy”, was next to take the stage. She imparted that while one chapter was coming to an end, it is only the beginning of each of their stories. She shared that “Decisions you make today will shape the future into what it will become tomorrow,” but cautioned her classmates not to get tunnel vision focusing only on the future, to the point that they miss out on the simple joys of the present. “Even enjoying the smallest of details such as the morning sunrise, a simple hi from the neighbor next door or even enjoying a good laugh- These make the story, your story, all the more worth reading.” She ended her speech with a final message, “And no matter what challenges and hardships you face in life, remember to take a step back. Learn from your mistakes... Always keep moving forward in life and you will be successful. And remember, you're on your way to doing great things... Afterall, the last page in your book is not written and done until you leave this earth. So make your story, a story worth reading.” 

Mr. Ramirez next recognized members of the National Honor Society and students who earned high grade point averages before presenting the Class to a cheering crowd. 

SAISD Board Trustee Mr. Bill Dendle gave an inspiring message to graduates before accepting the Class. After the acceptance, Mr. Dendle ended by saying, “Congratulations, and wherever you find yourself, and whatever situation you find yourself in, always hold your ‘LVs’ high.”

Following each graduate’s walk across the stage to accept their diploma, Senior Class President Joshua Torres gave the Benediction. The Class then shared one last singing of the LVHS School Song led by Zariah Labedelle and Antonio Ronquill IV and accompanied by the Chieftain Band before tossing their caps before celebrating with families and friends. 

The full livestream recording of the LVHS graduation ceremony is shared below and available on the SAISD youTube channel here. SAISD is proud of our LVHS 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.