In a pair of graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 31, Archuleta School District, families and friends will honor the work of an estimated 94 graduating seniors as they close the book on their high school careers.
The first ceremony of the day will feature Pagosa Springs High School’s graduates beginning at 9 a.m. at Golden Peaks Stadium.
Then, at 1 p.m., San Juan Mountain School’s graduates will be honored in a ceremony in the Pagosa Springs High School auditorium.
Pagosa Springs High School
Pagosa Springs High School anticipates having 74 graduates this year.
Hailey Sams earned the honor of being the class valedictorian and Sophia Sottek earned the distinction of salutatorian.
The class chose “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears as its class song, the sunflower as its class flower and “Best of the worst ones” as its class motto.
Justin Pond will serve as the staff speaker at the ceremony.
“Congratulations to the graduates of the class of 2025,” Principal Sean O’Donnell wrote in an email to The SUN addressing the graduates. “Your hard and perseverance has paid off as we honor your accomplishment. We are all excited for you and your future endeavors. As long as you have dreams, goals, and perseverance, you will achieve outstanding life accomplishments. You all have the ability to achieve great things!”
San Juan Mountain School
San Juan Mountain School’s ceremony will feature 20 graduates.
Mackenzie Moraine earned the distinction of class valedictorian, with Kate Cernosek earning the salutatorian title.
The school’s annual Character Award will go to Zayda Skai Cardoso.
The class chose “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar as its class song, the lotus as its class flower and “Stay in class” as its class motto.
The school’s annual rose ceremony will feature purple roses, representing royalty, the extraordinary and mystery.
Jami Harms will serve as the graduation speaker.
“On behalf of the entire staff at San Juan Mountain School, I would like to wish our graduates the very best in all of their endeavors,” Principal Stewart wrote in an email to The SUN addressing the graduates. “We will miss you all and appreciate the work you put in to make our community stronger and the education of all our students more valuable. You’ve left a positive mark on our school and in our hearts.”
randi@pagosasun.com
