NEARLY 200 COLTS JOIN THE RANKS OF SOUTH ALUMNI

The 66^th commencement of South High School saw 197 Colts walk across the Southwest Motors Events Center stage to accept their diplomas and join the ranks of South alumni.

South’s top scholar is Catlin Bonicelli, with Kennedy Comacho-Orona recognized as the Excellence in Academics Scholar.

Catlin, who served as student body president, said, “Take a moment to appreciate how far you have come. Be proud of yourselves—not just for crossing this stage, but for everything it took to get here. This moment is not only a celebration of achievement, but a reminder of what you are capable of.”

As top scholar, Catlin received a medal and had the honor of presenting a custom sculpture to her parents.

Kennedy, who will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, added, “I am forever indebted to my teachers – for guiding and teaching myself and my classmates critical lessons that extend beyond the halls of South. They stressed and encouraged the acquisition of fundamental life skills while developing leadership and academic excellence that will serve us well into the future.”

Kennedy also presented a custom sculpture to her parents.

In the absence of retiring Principal Mike Kovac – in Virginia to see his son graduate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy – his successor D.J. Johnson, assistant principal, served as commencement facilitator.

“Together, we went through a lot during your four years as South Colts,” Assistant Principal Johnson said. “There were hard days that tested us, moments that pushed us, and victories that brought us together. Through it all, you showed resilience, heart, humor and determination. You learned how to lean on one another, how to persevere, and how to keep moving forward when things weren’t easy.”

Chace Hurley, senior class president, spoke on “Colt-ture.”

“Before we look ahead to what comes next, we have to look back at the foundation that brought us here. Our roots are planted firmly in the halls of South High. They are built into the school we walked through every day, the time we spent studying, the victories we cheered for, and the setbacks we overcame together,” he said. 

“No matter how far we travel or how high we climb, these four years are a permanent part of our foundation. Never forget where you started, because the grit, character, and community we built here will be the anchor for everything we do next.”

As Key Club president, Diana Flores Hortado spoke on the theme “call to service.”

“Never underestimate the impact your actions can have,” she said. “No matter how small, no matter what project idea it is, it can still change someone’s life. Through the process, it will also change yours. New opportunities will emerge. You will meet new people, find new things about yourself, and grow closer in community.”

In all, 53 Colts graduated with honors in the Latin Laude system – 21 with the top-tier Summa Cum Laude: Distinction -- with more than $9.6 million in scholarships earned to colleges and institutions across the state and nation.

The ceremony, which included numbers by South vocal and instrumental performers, saw recognition of “Colts Defending America” -- graduates who will serve in the military: Michael Aragon (Army), Malu Aiono (Army), Alicyn Leyba (Navy), Chloe McLaughlin (Navy), Armando Abarca Martinez (Air Force), Emiliano Jaramillo (Air Force), William Shannon Jr. (Army), and Jaiden Estrada (Army.)

The late Blake Harris, a South graduate who died in action, was remembered with bell tolls and the playing of taps.