(BURGES HIGH SCHOOL -- June 7, 2022) — The Burges Mustangs celebrated their commencement exercises Wednesday at the Don Haskins Center during Day 4 of the El Paso ISD Graduation Season. 

A total of 344 Mustangs received their diplomas and earned more than $12 million in scholarships, including QuestBridge Scholar Isabel Rodriguez, who received a full-ride to the University of Notre Dame. Among the graduates were 78 students from the Burges Early College High School who already have received their associates degree.

The class is led by valedictorian Meris Damjanovic, a three-year graduate, and salutatorian Marisol Castillo, who also is the 2022 All-Burges Girl. All-Burges Boy is Ethan Rojas-Tovar.

Castillo asked her fellow graduates to embrace the moment – the last one of their high school years.

“I believe everyone is either a lesson or a blessing, and each one of these people sitting around you has impacted your life either which way,” said Castillo, who will attend Hawaii Pacific University. “Take those lessons and learn everything you can from them, and take those blessings and cherish them forever. Your life is now in your hands, and it is your responsibility to make sure you do what is right for yourself. Making mistakes along the way is expected and encouraged, but only as long as you learn through every opportunity.”

To watch the Burges Class of 2022 graduation, visit www.episd.org/live.