The Travis 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 Christina Steele Hantgin.

“You are becoming adults amid a crisis, and you have proven that you have the confidence, the perseverance and the skills to tackle the unexpected. This was a year no one could have possibly imagined or prepared for, yet here you are in front of me. You did it," Steele Hantgin said. "You made it through this important and defining chapter in your lives. You are graduates. Our Rebel family is strong and proud."

Next, Salutatorian Franklin Juarez Ramirez thanked Travis teachers, staff and the community for supporting the Class of 2020 throughout their high school years.

“I would like to thank the people that were there to help us every step of the way on becoming better students, but also they helped us on becoming the people that we are now. One of the best things about Travis is our teachers,” Juarez Ramirez said. "They make us feel welcomed and appreciated, but I think most importantly, they're willing to listen to us and help in whatever way they can. "

Before the reading of the names of each graduating senior, Valedictorian Olivia Hantgin highlighted how skills learned in high school have prepared them for their future.

"Go out into the world with the confidence that you can use different methods to find a solution, learn from the past, be critical of the information you receive, and the ability to use your vocabulary to spread positivity," Hantgin said. "And if you ever forget any of these lessons, then just remember this last most important one. Once a Rebel, always a Rebel."

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!