(COLLEGE, CAREER & TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY -- June 15, 2020) — EPISD kicked off long awaited Class of 2020 Graduation Season on Monday with a socially-distant ceremony for CCTA filled with emotion, candor and inspiration.

The ceremony was one of two at the majestic Jones Stadium on the campus of El Paso High School this year. The outdoor ceremonies were necessary in response to health guidelines in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The non-traditional high school academy celebrated the accomplishments of the 95 graduates – many of whom overcame personal obstacles and great hardships to earn their diploma. Among those is valedictorian Brianna Bonilla. 

The school recognized All CCTA Boy and Girl Shalom Celeste Nava and Tomas Carranza; and CCTA Principal Phoenixes Jose Santiago and Nicole Garcia.

Bonilla spoke poignantly about her journey as a teen mom and how the birth of her child gave her reason to come back even stronger.

“I’m so proud of all graduates at CCTA who overcame their own obstacles on their journey to this point,” she said. “You have proved to everyone that teenage pregnancy, financial hardships, anxiety, depression and even a global pandemic are not reasons to give up.”

She challenged them to work hard and continue to reach their goals. 

“My experiences have taught me that setting goals and persevering are the recipes for success.  My time at CCTA has taught me that there are no excuses to not continue our education no matter what your circumstances are,” she said. “Always remember to keep going because the sky is the limit.”