Graduates of Ignacio High School toss their mortars after receiving their diplomas to close out the 2023 Commencement Ceremony. Ignacio High School had 31 students receive their diplomas in the Ignacio High School Gymnasium, Saturday, May 27, before a packed house of families, friends and loved ones.
Southern Ute graduates, Sharlene Whyte and Domonique Rael ascend the steps for attendees to get a better view of graduates.
Dignitaries comprised of the Igancio School District, Ignacio High School, Ignacio School Board and Southern Ute Tribal Council, grace the stage prior to the Commencement Ceremonies.
Ignacio School Superintendent Chris deKay gave the Welcome Address to begin the annual ceremony.
Southern Ute tribal member, Dominique Rael focuses on the Commencement Ceremony, flanked by Trinity Crane and Faye Hackett. Crane gave the Valedictorian’s Address
The Yellow Jacket Drum group sings an honor song after the welcome by Ignacio School District Superintendent, Chris deKay.
Graduates listen intently to the Yellow Jacket Drum group as they sing an honor song.
Beau Moore, who gave the Commencement Address, speaking of essentials a student needs in life as demonstrated by Trinity Strohl, Christopher Walker and John Riepel demonstrate each essential need.
A Classmate Dedication was presented by Lisa Olguin, Keaton McCoy and Zane Olguin for the late Ethan Kremer, who would have graduated in 2023.
During the Parent Dedication students gave flowers to their parents and loved ones. Southern Ute tribal member, Autumn Sage receives a hug from her mother, Lynette Sage, accompanied by father, Roger Sage Jr.
Johnson O’Malley, Ignacio High School graduate, Zane Olguin shakes hands with Southern Ute Tribal Council Treasurer, Marvin Pinnecoose after receiving his diploma.
Southern Ute, Ignacio High School graduate, Autumn Sage shakes hands with Southern Ute Tribal Council Treasurer, Marvin Pinnecoose.
Autumn Sage proudly holds her diploma.
Johnson O’Malley, Ignacio High School graduate, Alexis Ortiz shakes hands with Southern Ute Tribal Council Treasurer, Marvin Pinnecoose.
Alexis Ortiz proudly holds her diploma.
Ignacio School Board meber Jay Dee Brunson hands Sunii Begay her diploma.
Cassidy Lane accepts her diploma from Ignacio School Board Treasurer, Leila Baker.
Damarion GoodTracks proudly holds her diploma.
Shalisa Chavez proudly holds her diploma.
Sharlene Whyte proudly holds her diploma.
Dominique Rael proudly holds her diploma.
Alexis Hatch-Thompson proudly holds her diploma.
Harmony Reynolds proudly holds her diploma.
Ignacio High School seniors Eppie Quintana and Johnson O’Malley student, Damarion Goodtracks perform the “Tassel Switch” as instructed by fellow graduate, John Riepel.
Sharlene Whyte and members of her family stand beside their graduate.
Harmony Reynolds and family members assembled for a group photo after the Commencement Cermonies.
Family members are all smiles with Ignacio Graduate, Alexis Ortiz after the Commencement Ceremony.
proudly holding her diploma, Sunnii Begay stands with her family after the Commencement Ceremony.
The family of Cassidy Lane gather for a photo. Cassidy is the younger sister of Joan lane who is also an Ignacio High School Graduate.
Southern Ute tribal member, Shalisha Chavez and her family gather in the exterior commons area of the Ignacio High School after the Commencement Ceremony. Other family members gathered around the school grounds for photos, hugs and best wishes.
Expressing their excitement, Faye Hackett a National Honor Society graduate, Trinity Strohl was honored as Salutatorian, Suma Cum Laude, and National Honor Society graduate and Alexis Ortiz, Johnson O’Malley student, after their Commencement Ceremony.
