San Jon graduates walk

QCS photo: Steve Hansen

San Jon High School's nine graduates were sent off to the future in a commencement exercise Friday night at the San Jon High School gymnasium. The commencement ceremony included scholarship awards, short talks by student leaders, and a commencement speech by Supt. Colin Taylor. The class valedictorian is Matthew Evans; the salutatorian, Antonio Martinez. San Jon Schools Supt. Colin Taylor delivered the commencement address. More pictures and information will be in next week's Quay County Sun.

The nine graduates of San Jon High School's Class of 2013 called themselves "The Lucky Ones" as the town gathered Friday to welcome them to their future.

The commencement ceremony included scholarship awards, short talks by student leaders, and a speech by Supt. Colin Taylor.

Taylor urged the new graduates to measure their lives in services and contributions, not wealth and position, as they begin their adult lives.

Life should be about "what you give," he said. "Not what you get. Your success should be defined as how you serve."

Valedictorian Matthew Evans told the gathered family, friends and community members, "We've been in school for 13 years, and we're prepared to make a difference."

Following the ceremony, the graduates gathered at individual tables laden with graduation gifts and greeted friends and family.

Graduates

Valedictorian: Matthew Evans

Salutatorian: Antonio Martinez

Other graduates include:

Heather Kneitz

Adam Smaistrla

Jacob Benally

Allie Benally

Ashley Bobbitt

Corey Sandoval

Jasmine Gutierrez