The Lanier Early College High School community of teachers, staff, families and friends joined graduating seniors at the Frank Erwin Center this afternoon to celebrate the Class of 2019.

Superintendent Paul Cruz congratulated the 325 Lanier graduates, and recognized some of the class's achievements.

• Elena Segura, who was recognized for excellence in her criminal justice class and was awarded a 12-week internship with Austin Police Department.
• Melissa González, who won the Greater Austin High School Musical Theater Award.
• Hector Manchuca, who was one of 25 students in the nation selected by PBS News Hour for a week-long internship in Washington, D.C.
• Yesenia Ramos, who graduated with not only her high school diploma but also her associate degree and Pharmacy Tech Certification.  

Valedictorian Juancarlos Hernández thanked his family and teachers for their support during his time at Lanier and offered some advice to his fellow graduates.

"Pursue whatever makes you happy and make sure you're the very best," Hernández said. "In our time at Lanier, we've defined who we are. However, this is a new start for us and we have the opportunity to define who we will be."

Salutatorian Osvaldo Sanchez Salgado also expressed gratitude for the support he had received from family, classmates and Lanier teachers.

"Our time in high school won't be remembered by our grades, ranks or popularity—but by our relationships and the people we were," he said. "We will continue to achieve greatness by leaving those we meet with a little more happiness and hope."  

Principal Steven Covin congratulated the graduating class on all they have achieved.

"We celebrate not only the academic accomplishments, but the high school experience," he said. "We celebrate the relationships that have been established, and your social and community engagement. And most importantly, we celebrate the future."