El Paso High School handed out diplomas to 381 students at the historic R. R. Jones Stadium.
Family and friends arrived hours before the ceremony on Friday, June 5, as graduates checked in at the school gymnasium, showing off decorated caps, stoles, cords and medals that reflected their achievements and plans.
Graduates took photos with their friends and faculty as they waited for the commencement to begin.
With a storm approaching, graduates walked down the school’s iconic marble stairs about 20 minutes ahead of schedule as organizers moved the ceremony along to beat the rain.
Valedictorian Madeline Nicole Thorn, El Paso Independent School District Superintendent Brian Lusk, and El Paso High School Principal Dr. Sandra Rocha addressed graduates before they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.
Students then moved their tassels from right to left before ending the night by tossing their caps into the air and celebrating with hugs from friends and classmates.
Gaby Velasquez may be reached at gavelasquez@elpasotimes.com; @gabyavelasquez on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso High Class of 2026 graduates 381 at RR Jones Stadium
Reporting by Gaby Velasquez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Gaby Velasquez, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
