More than 500 Akins Eagles received their diplomas at the Frank Erwin Center today as they completed their high school careers.

The school's namesake, Charles Akins, attended the celebration and addressed the graduates.

Akins was ranked as one of the most challenging high schools in the nation by The Washington Post.

Akins valedictorian and quarterback, Michael Gonzales II, shared inspiring words with his class and thanked coach Joesph Saxe.

“You not only taught me how to become a better quarterback, but you taught me how to be a better man,” he said.

Other acoomplishements were highlighted, including:

• More than 90 percent of students successfully applied and were accepted to college.
• The 2016 class completed 747 AP exams.
• Cumulatively, the students received more than $4.2 million in grants and scholarships.
• Their class completed more than 500 career certifications, with students being certified in fields such as phlebotomy and as EMTs.

Congratulations to the Akins High School class of 2016!

We're #AISDProud of our #AISDGrads!