Crownpoint High graduates 78 seniors

By Quentin Jodie
For the Independent

CROWNPOINT — A picturesque backdrop of an eagle flying into the evening sky seemed to fulfill the unifying theme for Crownpoint High School's graduating Class of 2007.

The backdrop, created by graduate Andrew Perry, depicts a foretelling journey for the 78 seniors as they make the transition from childhood into adulthood.

In her valedictorian address, Stephanie Thayne cited the hard work they underwent while in high school and followed with a strong message about their choices.

"Today is the day we choose what our future holds," she said. "A new chapter has begun and we are the authors of our lives, and (we) will choose how the chapters ahead are written."

"We need to follow our dreams because dreams are like stars ... We all have special qualities that (we) have developed to help us with the obstacles that lay before us ... so go and seek your star so you can shine."

Jesse Howell, the salutatorian, said mistakes are bound to happen in their future endeavors, but by overcoming them he recited Abigail Adams' famous quote, "May we learn through defeat the power of becoming invincible."

Howell added, "We have the potential to become invincible through life's lesson and every experience will make us stronger, wiser and more able to make it in the world."

After receiving their diplomas, many graduates thanked their parents and teachers for nurturing them this far in their lives, including Alisha Murphy who will be enrolling at NMSU this fall.

"Right now I'm feeling so happy," she said. "Through all my struggles, my parents (Tim and Kathy) helped me through it. I want to thank them for sticking behind me."

Fellow graduate, Pam Tso added, "I have to thank my family (Ernest Tso and Mae James) for being there and my friends. As we seek our independence and try new things, I just hope that we'll never forget each other."