Royal High School was excited to hold the inaugural Winter Graduation on Thursday, January 18. Fourteen class of 2023 Falcons graduated, and ten of the 14 participated in the ceremony. Congratulations to the following graduates:
- Kelsey Betnazos
- David Ceballos
- Jimi Foller
- Ramon Lopez Santos
- Carlos Lopez Santos
- Kevin Lopez Santos
- Alex Martinez
- Marcos Murillo
- Denise Murillo
- Zeniada Neri
- Arnulfo Olivarez
- Jennifer Soto
- Jabbarnice Thorn
- Lucia Urbina
Royal is committed to investing in our tomorrow, and we are excited to see how our newest Falcon graduates SOAR. Thank you to Royal High School, Royal Teaching & Learning, the Royal School Board, and everyone who made this possible. School Board Trustees Elton Foster and Cori Vahalik, the Royal MJROTC, RISD Superintendent Rick Kershner, Assistant Superintendent Duana Brashear, and other members of the district administration team joined the graduates to celebrate their achievement.
RHS English Teacher Candace Ervin shared a quote by Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." To the graduates, Mrs. Ervin stated, “Congratulations RHS graduates for accomplishing this milestone on your education journey. We can’t wait to see what paths you take as you SOAR into your futures.”
The graduates were joined by Royal’s Executive Director of Teaching & Learning, Mrs. Phylicia Glover, who shared her feelings on the graduation. “I am so thankful and blessed to work with educators who have such big hearts and are passionate about ensuring our children are successful. Last night, we held our first ever Royal High School Winter Graduation. Graduate Zeniada Neri was surprised to see her village from her junior high days surround her with love and support. Former RJHS Principal Justin Johnston drove in from San Antonio to celebrate her. He was her junior high principal, and he also gave me my first assistant principal job. He will always hold a special place in my heart. He is not only my mentor but a true friend. He has a servant’s heart.” Mr. Johnston promised Zeniada that he would watch her graduate, and he kept that promise.
Zeniada stated, “I’m excited that all of my middle school teachers will be there. That’s something that I really wanted for graduation, and now it’s actually happening.” Pictured below (L-R): RJH English Teacher Clare Morgan, RJHS Math Instructional Specialist Esmirna Hernandez, Justin Johnston, Zeniada Neri, former RJH English/Theater teacher Brittney Beall, Royal Executive Director of Teaching & Learning, Phylicia Glover, and RJH ag teacher Kenna Harwell.
