Southwest seniors set to soar following graduation

EL CENTRO – Southwest High School seniors soared onto the Eagle’s football field, Thursday, June 1, to be honored for completing the California requirements to receive their diplomas for the 27th annual graduation ceremony.

The Southwest Chamber Orchestra and Band played the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” as the seniors strolled to their seats with thunderous applause from family and friends.

With the stage set, Principal Joe Derma called the Senior Class President Mia Angelli Fernandez to the stage to lead her fellow classmates and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem.

 As everyone took their seats, the Southwest Savapa Music Group, led by Director Stephen Spataro, performed “Like an Eagle” by Carl Strommen. This performance was followed by the Southwest Concert Band with their performance of “Flourish for Wind Band” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Derma invited the 2023 class speakers, Deborah Saraih Minjarez, and Brianna Ochoa, to give their speeches to the graduating class.

“We are finally graduating and one thing that I remember being asked all twelve years is what we want to be when we grow up. I can remember a confident little girl saying she wanted to be the President of the United States and the boy sitting next to her saying he wanted to be Spiderman,” said class speaker Minjarez. “As we think about what we actually want to do when as we leave this school for the last time, I hope that we all remember to never give up on our dreams as we strive to become the best we can. I can’t wait to see what we all have accomplished the next time we are together.”

“Oftentimes in our world, success is measured by a person's salary but what I would like to remind everyone here tonight is that even when doubt and fear fill your mind, remember that the definition of real success is accomplishing a goal or task,” said Ochoa. “So all you sitting in front of me tonight, also set the bar high and work towards your goals so you will be a success.”

Derma spoke last and told the graduating class to be a Lego, connect with others in life to build relationships and develop skills they will need. 

“Whether you students will be going away to college, entering the workforce, or joining the military, you will need to make connections in life and I want you guys to look under your seats for a Lego keychain we have given each of you so you can always remember to be like this Lego piece and make connections in your life that will help you be successful,” said Derma.

After receiving their diplomas, the evening closed with the senior song “Time of Our Lives” by Pitbull and Ne-Yo; “Congratulations” by Post Malone; and Good Ole Days” by Macklemore and Kesha.