The Navarro Early College High School community, staff, families and friends joined together June 16 to celebrate the 2020 graduating class through a virtual ceremony.

Superintendent Paul Cruz congratulated the graduates of this year's class via a video statement. His remarks were followed by a speech from Principal Steve Covin.

"You have overcome challenges in the classroom, and all other obstacles life has thrown in your way. You have persevered through times of social turmoil, the name change of your school, and an international pandemic," Covin said. "Through it all you have achieved anyway. The accomplishments and contributions from the Class of 2020 are second to none and have paved the way for Viking graduates to come. This class has it all."

Next, Salutatorian Sydney Sanchez Salgado spoke about how regardless of the challenges faced during their senior year, the Navarro Class of 2020 achieved graduation with a positive attitude. 

"We will remember this year, not only because we graduated from high school, but also because we stood strong and maintained a positive attitude," said Sanchez Salgado. "Through alternative and innovative ways we have shown who we are and what we are capable of achieving. For example, this year many of us learned through virtual meetings or completed online courses. Despite the challenges we faced, we are graduating."

Before the reading of the names of each graduating senior, Valedictorian Cesar Menchaca highlighted how high school has prepared them for their next stage in life, whatever it may be. 

"Don't let obstacles and pitfalls stop you from seeing the bigger picture and taking advantage of all the opportunities that they bring. We have one life to live, so we must live it to the fullest and not have any regrets," Menchaca said. "The only way we can have control of our future is to deliberately work toward it in the present. We may not know what tomorrow brings, but we do know that today both concludes and begins an era of our lives. We are prepared. We are hopeful. And we are ready to take on the world."

The ceremony concluded with a reading of the names of each graduating senior. 

The AISD community is proud of our students and eager to see their future accomplishments. Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We are #AISDProud of our #AISDGrads!