A total of 101 Archuleta School District students are set to graduate in two ceremonies on Saturday, June 1, ending their high school careers.
Both ceremonies are open to the public.
Pagosa Springs High School
Pagosa Springs High School (PSHS) will have 79 seniors graduate this spring, according to Principal Sean O’Donnell.
Maggie Su earned the class honor of valedictorian and Karis Blackman gained the distinction of salutatorian.
The PSHS class of 2024 chose “24k Magic” by Bruno Mars as its class song, lavender as its class flower and “a little messed up, but we’re alright” as its class motto.
Mark Thompson will be the graduation speaker.
“Congratulations to the class of 2024 on your achievement of graduation from Pagosa Springs High School,” wrote O’Donnell in an email to The SUN. “It has been an honor to watch each and every one you grow over these last 4 years. 4 years ago when you entered high school and were faced with hybrid and remote schedules, I am sure graduation seemed so far away, but now, after your hard work and perseverance, you officially join all of the past Pagosa Springs High School graduates as alumni.”
The PSHS commencement will start at 9 a.m. at Golden Peaks Stadium.
San Juan Mountain School
San Juan Mountain School (SJMS) Principal Stewart Bellina wrote that the school’s class of 2024 has 22 graduates this year.
SJMS opened in 2020 and this is its first year with graduates that have attended the school for all four years. There are two graduates who have attended SJMS since its opening, Bellina noted.
The SJMS class of 2024 chose “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson as its class song, the spider lily as its class flower and “Futures don’t make themselves. You have to create them.” as its class motto.
Katelynn Baltazar receives the honor of valedictorian and Paulianna Paquin receives the honor of salutatorian. The class of 2024’s Charter Award is going to Jaydrian Lujan.
Members of the graduating class will hand out blue roses to those who supported them throughout their high school careers as a symbol of new beginnings and mystery.
“The class of ‘24 has been an impressive group to watch this year. The younger students at SJMS look up to this group tremendously,” Bellina wrote in an email to The SUN. “I will always remember their camaraderie on the overnight trips we took, especially the fun we had on our Denver trip ... Their appreciation of our staff and kindness to the underclassmen helped our culture improve every day.”
The class of 2024 selected Andy Guinn as its class speaker for the ceremony. Guinn resigned from his position at the school teaching science, technology and math and is moving to Fort Collins with his wife, Dana Guinn, Bellina explains.
“He helped start the school in 2020 and has been an incredibly valuable member of our staff ever since,” Bellina wrote of Guinn. “He has left his mark on SJMS, and we will forever be grateful for his energy, intellect, and creativity in our formative years.”
Scott White, social studies and health/PE teacher at the school wrote, “A special congratulations to our seniors at San Juan Mountain High School on our 4th anniversary. As you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your journey, remember the lessons learned, friendships made, and experiences shared during your time here. We are immensely proud of all that you have accomplished, and we look forward to seeing the incredible paths you will continue to blaze in the future. Thanks for making the first 4 years of San Juan Mountain HS a great experience.”
The SJMS graduation ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. in the PSHS auditorium.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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