Wingate High School made a smart decision last Friday, May 15, when they moved the Commencement Program inside the gymnasium. Although it was a little crowded inside, it was definitely warmer, and the spirit of the audience was not dampened by the fierce winds or the dropping temperatures.
The JROTC Color Guard posted the colors prior to the processional and the national anthem was led by Tonisha Desiderio, Unique Largo, Jacinda Bodie, Kaelyn Bahe and Hurlicia Nez. The Pledge of Allegiance was a tri-cultural event as Pauletta John and Alondra Willie recited the verse in Navajo, Shaqnia Livingston and Garek Thomas followed with a Spanish version and Allana Largo and Terrence Martin finished in English. Sherry Begay gave the invocation.
Principal Gloria Arviso welcomed the guests and introduced the special guests on the stage before turning everyone’s attention to the Valedictory Address by Mariah Peshlakai and the Salutatory Address by Danielle Peshlakai.
Cora Lucio introduced the Guest Speaker, Dr. Regina Holyan, followed by the recognition of outstanding graduates by Principal Gloria Arviso and Athletic Director Alfred Martinz. The Honor Graduates were Mariah Peshlakai, Danielle Peshlakai, Shalina Morgan, Willhelmina Murphy, Selena Largo, Pauletta John, Jeremy Augustine, Jr., Syndi Walker, Jasmine Becenti and Teesha Antonio. Danielle Peshlakai was recognized as the Senior of the Year and had been Senior of the Month for December. Mariah Peshlakai was Senior of the Month for November while Sherry Begay was awarded that recognition for January, and Pauletta John was the Senior of the Month for February.
Nicole Yazzie expressed gratitude to the teachers and residential staff and Deianara Billie gave a Tribute to the parents.
Finally, diplomas were presented to the 83 graduates by Acting Associate Deputy Director Emily Arviso; the Wingate High School Board of Education; Principal Arviso; Assistant Principal Mark Woestehoff; Academic Counselor Marjie Long; and Class of 2015 Sponsor Roberta Avery.
After a short benediction, the recessional began while the Class songs were played: Fire by Gavin DeGraw and Dreams by Fleetwood Mac.
