More than 360 Burges Mustangs graduated Friday morning to kick off Day 4 of EPISD's 2021 Graduation Season.
(BURGES HIGH SCHOOL -- June 18, 2021) — Baty-Simmang Stadium was clad in purple and gold Friday morning to celebrate the commencement exercises of the Burges Class of 2021 and kick off Day 4 of this year’s EPISD Graduation Season.
A total of 360 Mustangs received their diplomas and boasted more than $20 million in scholarships. Among the graduates were 105 students from the Burges Early College High School, including 58 who already have their associates degree.
The class is led by valedictorian Leonard Gonzalez and salutatorian and senior class president David Gonzalez. Both reflected on their high school years and entering a new chapter in their lives.
“Make sure to go through life without any regrets and always do what you’re passionate about and what you love,” said Leonard Gonzalez, who plans to attend UTEP to study music. “Remember that money isn’t everything because each and every one of us here is worth more than an extra zero in our bank account. Always go through life being humble and being kind to people. And always remember, while it is nice to be important, it is way more important to be nice.”
The salutatorian took time to reflect on hardships and vulnerabilities of high school life, but in the end challenged classmates to follow their passions.
“This is the time in our lives to find new passions and bid farewell to ones we’ve outgrown. Maybe we fall in love with something new or maybe we don’t but I encourage you to try,” said David Gonzalez, who plans to attend Harvard University to study economics. “I challenge all of you to reflect on your high school years, on who you were, and who you want to be. When you do, I think you will be just a as shocked as I was with what you find.”
Wellesley College bound Mia Cadena, All-Burges Girl, spoke about the “Chrysalis of Adolescence,” while All-Burges Boy Christian Torres, who plans to major in healthcare administration at Texas State University, concluded the ceremony with the turning of the tassel ceremony with his speech “Rise as One.”
To view a rebroadcast of the Burges Class of 2021 graduation, visit www.episd.org/live.
Photos by Leonel Monroy