Families and friends gathered at the Frank Erwin Center today to celebrate the successes of Eastside Memorial Early College High School's graduating seniors.

Superintendent Paul Cruz congratulated the more than 100 graduates, and highlighted some of the class's achievements.

• Boys' soccer team were regional champs for the second year in a row.
• Julio Flores Hernandez and Janette Hernandez served as emcees for the annual State of the District event.

Valedictorian Clara Herrera, who will attend UT Austin to study biochemistry, congratulated her classmates.

"We're finally here, and what we've learned is proving to influence the rest of our lives," Herrera said. "My whole life has changed, and we're going to continue to change in the next chapter of our lives."

Principal Miguel Garcia applauded the Class of 2019 for its resiliency and exemplification of greatness.

"Thank you for your hard work and determination. You're ready to take on the challenges your post-high school world will offer," Garcia said. "Class of 2019, thank you for the lasting memories."