The name Lucio Solomon Nuñez resounded throughout the evening at graduation ceremonies held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium for 70 graduates of San Pedro High School who received their diplomas on Saturday June 11, 2011.
There were many students who shone like intellectual and athletic stars but certainly the auditorium had to offer a standing ovation to Lucio who was decorated with four ribbons for his honors in honor roll, highest marks, valedictorian, and student of the year. There were 20 students decorated with honor roll ribbons, 17 girls and three boys.
Others receiving Student of the Year awards were Brianna Leslie (Freshman), Irma Noriega (Sophomore), Ismael Kay (Junior) and Lucio Nuñez (Senior).
The welcome address was given by Salutatorian Miss Cindy R. Novelo, the Vote of Thanks by Miss Roxette Santos, and of course an exceptional Valedictory by Mr. Lucio Nuñez. Lucio urged the graduates to believe in themselves. He reminded the graduates not to let anyone tell them that they cannot do something but to believe in themselves like the Honorable Patrick Faber, Minister of Education told them recently. Acting as Mistresses of Ceremonies were Miss Janel Alvarez and Miss Yakarelis Hernandez, who did an exceptional job.
In addressing the graduates of the Class of 2011 as guest speaker, Mrs. Celi McCorkle urged the graduates to have their dreams and cling on to them with persistence. She gave paradoxical examples of San Pedro High which was the dream of a young man in 1971, Mr. Angel Nuñez, Mr. Al Felly a benefactor of Madison Wisconsin, and a dream of hers also 40 years ago and today the graduates are part of that dream.
Similarly Celi recounted to the graduates the persistence she had when she opened Holiday Hotel, the very first on the Island and one confronted with a lot of obstacles like the lack of electricity, running water, professional chefs nor guides. However 46 years later we can look around and see the success of not only hers but many fine hotels on the Island.
Principal Emil Vasquez gave an account of his stewardship for the past year citing success in academic competitions, an increase in passes at CXC examinations, and many victories in sporting competitions. He was very thankful to those responsible for providing three new classrooms for both the high school and the Junior College by means of the Hon. Manuel Heredia Hall. He also offered thanks for the new bathrooms now under construction and his new office which will finally be completed. Final compliments were offered to the new PTA which is very dynamic even in fund raisings for the improvement of the school.
As in past years there was the Rose Ceremony and the Candlelight ceremony but no ring ceremony. The thanksgiving mass was offered by Father Arturo Añonuevo.
