Future commences

PORTALES — The 168 graduates at the 2017 Portales High School commencement Friday night at Greyhound Arena had much to be grateful for, but the ability to strive for greatness — regardless of the circumstance — neared the top of their lists.

The challenges leveled at Angela Mendoza in her time at PHS are what prepared her the most for the nursing program at Clovis Community College in the fall.

"I know the nursing program is going to be really challenging, so I'm ready for it," said Mendoza, adding that the teachers were a major source of support in difficult situations.

"All the teachers are close. If you're having a bad day, they notice, and they talk to you," she said.

A degree in education at Eastern New Mexico University is next on Teresa Albert's agenda, but she said she will always value "being able to stick with this class ever since we were little."

"We're graduating all together now. We're going to be together no matter what," Albert said.

An education wasn't Mario Viera's only priority in high school; he also had to contend with a full-time job. Through all of that, however, he persevered.

"I worked nights, from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. every day. I just wanted to finish it. They (faculty) really helped me out a lot," he said. "You play around and whatnot, and they still help you out until the end. They never gave up on us, so it kind of makes you not want to give up on what you want to do."

Viera will continue to work while attending college at CCC.

Isaac Constantopoulos similarly credited the teachers at PHS with helping him maintain a path toward success.

"They pretty much made sure I was on the right path toward things, made sure I did my work. If I mess up a class, a teacher will probably give me a boot or something," said Constantopoulos, who plans to pursue an English degree at ENMU in the fall.

Thomas Tulk will move on to New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where he will play college golf. One aspect of PHS he will take with him always, he said, is the relationship he forged with the teachers and coaches.

"My golf coach is super cool. I'm real close with him, so I'll probably miss that the most about high school," said Tulk.

In delivering the farewell remarks, graduate Olivia Austin reminded her peers that perseverance would help them in all their coming adventures.

"Guys, this is just the beginning. Life has so much more in store for us. You've all come so far, faced so many adversities, and you should be proud of who you are today," she said.