The graduating Class of 2025 of Rocinante High School celebrated 67 graduates at the Farmington Civic Center on May 21.
Despite the societal stereotypes, these students from Rocinante High are resilient in overcoming life challenges. Some of these students are first-generation graduates, and some have experienced extreme hardship. However, they’re gritty! They took their chances to make a better version of themselves, and I congratulate them for standing proud at their graduation.
Among the six honor students who spoke, the sense of community and the support that they received throughout their high school careers have inspired their life missions.
This special day was for them and their achievements of receiving their high school diplomas. Rocinante High School is part of the Farmington Municipal Schools and serves some of our Navajo students.
The ceremony included individual speeches from honor students who thanked their teachers and faculty members for being their support system. What was heartfelt was when each of the students gifted their class flowers – lilies – to acknowledge their parents and loved ones.
In my congratulatory address, I encouraged each student to carry the values of discipline, respect, hard work, and service. Everything they do should be done with pride because every person in attendance is proud of their students’ success.
Your story is not over, it is just beginning. Everyone deserves a chance at life, and these students are examples of how to dig deep within themselves to do better and to be the change agents of our communities.
Thank you, Rocinante High School, for allowing me to speak and provide words of encouragement. You’re the writer of your own life story! Congratulations!
-Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
