Although Dublin High School presented 67 diplomas on Friday, May 26, not all of the students were able to walk across the Cervetto Field in front of the packed bleachers.
One student who was noticeably missing was Jordan Sanchez who died in an accident earlier this year.
His picture was carried to an empty seat by his brother, Alfonso Sanchez (who accepted diplomas for both of them Friday), and his absence was addressed by Valedictorian Ayush Patel in his speech, offering a somber note in a ceremony which was otherwise punctuated by the celebration of accomplishment.
“Jordan was unexpectedly taken away from us on April 7, 2023,” Patel said. “I’m speaking for my whole class when I say Jordan will be missed by all of us.”
Patel spoke fondly of Jordan’s kindness and humor in relating stories from their time together.
He also spoke fondly of the entire class albeit with some playful sarcasm.
“This group behind me has really amazed me at how much of an indecisive and obnoxious group we are,” he joked. “Yet I still wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Patel ended his speech by encouraging all graduates to be the ‘best version of themselves’ in any circumstance.
He also took time to thank all the people who supported the seniors on their journey such as families, teachers, administrations and school staff. This sentiment was also presented in the speech of salutatorian Trinity Haby. who encouraged all to remember humility and be kind to others.
“The more respect you have for others earns you more respect for yourself,” she offered.
The ceremony also included an invocation by Joli St. Germain, a benediction by Madilyn Loper, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ruby Ortega and Lucas Master and the National Anthem sung by Mrs. Susan Thomasson.
The Class of 2023 was well accomplished as their tassels were turned and the class had earned a total of $293,250 (as of the middle of May).
Accomplishments included: Alfonso Sanchez: Jordan Sanchez Memorial Scholarship, Eddie Hernandez Memorial Scholarship Alicia Gomez: Cross Timbers & Professional Women Scholarship, Mickey Belew Memorial Scholarship, Dublin Rotary Club Ayush Patel: Terry Foundation Scholarship, Dell Scholars at UT Austin Scholarship, UT Austin Success Scholarship, ICEV Scholarship, Mickey Belew Memorial Scholarship, Upward Bound Bridge Scholarship, DABC Bernardo Ortega: DABC Bianca Morales: Nitro Pay for College Scholarship, “Be Bold” Scholarship, Cappex Scholarship, 100 Bold Points Scholarship, Don’t Mess with Texas Scholarship Carissa Nieto: UNT Excellence “Scrappy” Scholar Award Carla Saucedo: Mickey Belew Memorial Scholarship, DABC Chris Teten: Mickey Belew Memorial Scholarship, McMurry University Merit Award, McMurry Legacy Scholarship Cooper Pickett: Mood Scholar Award, Southwestern University-Georgetown, Mickey Belew Memorial Scholarship, DABC Dalan Rasberry: Mirabeau B. Lamar Award, Bart & Ruby Greenway Memorial Scholarship, DABC, Dublin Rotary Club Gabriyela Herrera: DABC Grace Luedke: Dublin FFA Chapter Scholarship, Tarleton Presidential Scholarship Joli St. Germain: Danny Prater FFA Memorial Scholarship, LaNell Whitehead FFA Memorial Scholarship, Dublin FFA Chapter Scholarship, Diamond Cross Rodeo FFA Scholarship, Dwain & Carlolyn Brunder Endowed Scholarship (Tarleton St. Univ), Miss Dublin Ambassador, President’s GAP Scholarship (Tarleton St. Univ), Mickey Belew Memorial Scholarship, Dublin American Legion Scholarship, Higginbotham Brothers Scholarship Lizbeth Solis: Mickey Belew Memorial Scholarship Lizveth Cervantes: Mickey Belew Memorial Scholarship, Dublin American Legion Scholarship Lucas Master: UNT Excellence Scholar Award Madilyn Loper: Town & Country Bank Scholarship (Tarleton St. Univ), Tarleton Presidential Scholarship, DABC Marina Sanchez: West Texas A&M University Distinguised Merit Scholar Level Award, Texas A&M University Kingsville Academic Excellence Award Nathan Rios: Upward Bound Bridge Scholarship Nathaniel Minor: Mickey Belew Memorial Scholarship, DABC, Hazelwood Scholarship Patience Cutler: James & Dorothy Doss Foundation Scholarship (Texas Bank) Ruby Ortega: TSU Band Scholarship, DIS “Faith in the Future” Scholarship, Upward Bound Bridge Scholarship Sarah Resendiz: Thomas Carroll DDS Family Dentistry, Miss Dublin Pageant, Mirabeau B. Lamar Award, Upward Bound Bridge Scholarship, DABC, Hightower Memorial Scholarship Tembree Brown: W.L. & Barbara Nix (Erath County) Scholarship, Tarleton Pride Scholarship Trinity Haby: Daughters of the American Revolution: Good Citizens Scholarship Yahir Rodriguez: Diamond Cross Rodeo FFA Scholarship, James & Dorothy Doss Foundation Scholarship (Texas Bank) Zander Bullard: Dublin Secondary Scholarship, Bob Sohm Agricultural Scholarship.