Clovis High School graduation Saturday

Their high school principal believes in them.

“The Class of 2023 will push the status quo in all that they do. Their potential will be fully realized when they look back and can appreciate the changes they have made,” Clovis High School Principal David Fredericks said of the class that will graduate Saturday at the Curry County Events Center.

Fredericks said 424 graduates are set to be in the ceremony that begins at 2 p.m. Saturday.

“This includes 68 graduates from the Early College High School (ECHS) and 13 seniors from iAcademy. Additionally, 47 students have graduated with their associate degrees from Clovis Community College thanks to the ECHS program run by Melissa Winn,” Fredericks said.

Fredericks has been struck by how the Class of 2023 fought to bring back classic high school experiences “with their unique twist.”

“Students came out and took back opportunities to experience high school as they understood it to be,” Fredericks said.

“We’re looking at about 5,000 people attending,” Curry County Events Center General Manager K.C. Messick said.

Messick said with over 400 students being allowed 10 admission tickets each along with attendance of faculty and “special invited guests” attendance will be capped at 5,800 people.

“We’re just having the graduation ceremony, the concessions won’t be open,” Messick said.

“The process of admission will be similar to years past,” Fredericks said.

He pointed out if additional tickets are available, students will be able to collect additional tickets.

Fredericks said while the commencement ceremony begins at 2 p.m. there are other things to keep in mind.

“As always traffic and parking will need to be factored in. Additionally, this year we will be utilizing pass through detectors at the entrance,” Fredericks said.

Fredericks thanked Messick and the staff of the Events Center for the work to maximize the number of those who may attend without exceeding allowed capacity.