Magdalena graduates celebrate with family and friends

Magdalena Valedictorian Krae Stephens reminded his fellow students their chapter of high school has ended but their adventures are just beginning during his commencement ceremony speech on Friday.

“As we stand here on the brink of our graduation, it is a moment filled with a myriad of emotions. Weâ¯are excited, anxious, nostalgic, and perhaps a little apprehensive about what lies ahead. Butâ¯amidst allâ¯ofâ¯these feelings, one thing remainsâ¯certain,â¯we have made it,” Krae Stephens said.

He expressed gratitude to his teachers, coaches, friends and family.

“As we step into the next chapter of our lives let us never forget the potential that lies within each and every one of us to create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Congratulationsâ¯to Class of 2024. Ourâ¯journey may have come to an end, but our adventure is just beginning,”â¯Krae Stephens said. Salutatorian,â¯Monique Baca, introduced by herâ¯uncle,â¯wiped away tears as she walked up to the stage to give her speech.

“Everyone kept telling me to enjoy these years and that these are going to be the best years of your life; they were right,” Baca said.⯓But,â¯in theâ¯end,â¯all of it was preparing us for the life ahead.â¯Itâ¯all came down toâ¯this,â¯high school is not the highlight of our lives, itâ¯is the end of the first chapter in the rest of our stories.”

Jim Sauer, the guest speakerâ¯spoke of his memories with the class of 2024 and encouraged them to contribute to society.

“A short seven or eight years ago,â¯ya’llâ¯satâ¯in a chair that was too big for youâ¯andâ¯your feet couldn’t even touch the floor.â¯â¯Iâ¯know this because I watched your little legs pedal in the airâ¯back andâ¯forth about eight hours a day,” Sauer said.

The presentation of diplomas and turning of the tasselâ¯was followedâ¯by family and friends getting their hugs and photos with the graduates.