HOUSTON – Aug. 23, 2016 – With a standing-room-only turnout from family and friends that filled the Dekaney High School theater, Spring ISD’s summer 2016 commencement ceremony this past weekend marked the accomplishments of approximately 125 students completing high school graduation requirements and receiving their diplomas. Held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, the event featured a combined ceremony for graduates from each of the district’s high schools and drew more than 1,000 attendees to join in the celebration and cheer on the graduates.
Spring ISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. Rodney Watson, student speakers and school administrators were all featured during the event, along with the Spring High School Navy ROTC Color Guard – on hand for the presentation of colors – and members of the Dekaney High School Choir, who performed the national anthem.
Several graduates were featured during the ceremony: Anthony Gutierrez, Spring Early College Academy, led the Pledge of Allegiance; Dayana Ponce, Dekaney High School, offered words of welcome to the graduates and their guests; Crissy Froyd, Spring High School, along with Board President Dr. Deborah Jensen, presented congratulatory remarks; and Jaivon Jerrell Daileon Smith, Westfield High School, gave a special farewell message to the Class of 2016.
In her remarks to the graduates, Jensen emphasized the various skills learned in school that would aid them in the years ahead. In particular, she stated that qualities of character and determination would serve graduates long after the commencement festivities had ended.
“Congratulations on your grit, your tenacity, your ability to stay the course to earn your high school diploma,” she said. “You will need those qualities in your life.”
Officers from the Spring ISD Police Department were also on hand to coordinate parking at the high school and direct traffic before and after the hour-long ceremony.