San Angelo ISD congratulates the Lake View High School Class of 2023 future-ready graduates! The LVHS Graduation Ceremony celebrating 223 graduating students was held Saturday morning, May 27, 2023 at the Foster Communications Coliseum.
The ceremony began with the Chieftain Band, led by Director Josh Bailey, performing “Pomp and Circumstance” during the processional. Once graduates had taken their seats, LVHS Principal Zach Ramirez welcomed by saying, “It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome you all to this momentous occasion as we celebrate the remarkable achievements with this graduation ceremony.”
LVHS JROTC performed the presentation and posting of colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Amalia Alvarado, the Texas Pledge led by Damien Davis and an invocation from Juliana Mascorro. Mr. Ramirez then addressed the Class emphasizing the celebration of the day, but challenging them to continue to work hard in the next chapter.
“As you Level Up into the next phase of your lives, remember that with great accomplishments comes greater responsibility. Use your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on society…Take risks. Recognize failure as a stepping stone to success and never stop pursuing your dreams. Graduation marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth and learning. Remember that education does not stop here but rather serves as a foundation upon which you will build your future achievements…May you continue to Level Up and reach even greater heights in all your aspirations.”
The class Salutatorian, Giovani Pablo, then addressed his fellow graduates. He shared an important lesson he learned during his high school experience. “Do not let the past define you. Let it guide you instead.” During the address, he made a special nod to his mother who has been his life inspiration and biggest cheerleader.
Valedictorian Mischa Watts was next to the stage. She imparted that while one chapter was coming to an end, it is only the beginning of each of their stories. She remarked on the positive impact the Class of 2023 has made at LVHS. “Though our journey at Lake View is coming to an end, there is one thing our class is to be remembered for and that would be for bringing people together. From building successful organizations from the ground up to changing the culture at Lake View one pep rally at a time, there is no other group that has so positively impacted our community.”
Mr. Ramirez next recognized members of the National Honor Society and students who earned high grade point averages before presenting the Class to a cheering crowd.
SAISD Board Trustee Mr. Bill Dendle gave an inspiring message to graduates before accepting the Class. After the acceptance, Mr. Dendle ended by saying, “Congratulations, godspeed in all your future endeavors, and Go Chiefs and Maidens.”
Following each graduate’s walk across the stage to accept their diploma, Jonathan Amos Garza gave the Benediction. The Class then shared one last singing of the LVHS School Song accompanied by the Chieftain Band before tossing their caps and celebrating with families and friends.
The full livestream recording of the LVHS graduation ceremony is available on the SAISD YouTube channel. The recording was broadcast on SAISDtv, Optimum Channel 4 in San Angelo and will continue to air on Channel 4 for two weeks after the ceremony
SAISD is proud of our LVHS Class of 2023 graduates and their achievements, and honors this important milestone and stepping off point for their future. To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.