Eastlake High School celebrated more than 760 graduates at the Don Haskins Center, where Principal Gilbert Martinez presided over his final commencement ceremony before retiring.
Martinez helped open Eastlake in 2010 and became principal the following year after serving as an assistant principal. A Hanks High School graduate, he earned degrees from UTEP and Sul Ross State University and spent more than a decade leading the campus after helping establish it in its early years.
“It’s surreal,” Martinez said, referencing a country song lyric: “Days go by slow and years go by fast. I can’t believe how fast it’s gone.”
The ceremony Saturday, June 6, included several Eastlake traditions, including the presentation of 10 Falcon Awards and the school’s signature Roller Coaster, led one final time by Martinez. Students also surprised him with a Falcon Award of his own.
“Our kids are graduating with a lot of self-confidence,” Martinez said. “They believe in themselves. The families and friends they have are preparing them to take that next step, make new connections and experience new places. They’re ready to move on.”
Graduates celebrated with family and friends as purple and orange streamers and balloons filled the arena at the conclusion of the ceremony before crowds gathered outside.
Families posed for photos and one group surprised their graduate with a live banda performance.
Martinez said a TikTok video his daughter shared has drawn reactions from former students.
“It went viral,” he said. “To hear from alumni and see what they’re doing now, how successful they are — that’s the gratification. It shows we’re doing this for the right reasons. It’s always about the outcome, and right now, that outcome is what matters most. They’re knocking it out of the park.”
Gaby Velasquez may be reached at gavelasquez@elpasotimes.com; @gabyavelasquez on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Eastlake High graduates 760; principal leads final commencement
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
