GCCS ends academic year with promotion parade

Roberto A. Jackson
Gila River Indian News

The Gila Crossing Community School class of 2020 cruised to the finish line in a slow-rolling sendoff along Pecos Road for families and friends to say goodbye to the outgoing students with cheers, signs, and horns honking from decorated vehicles. Instead of a traditional promotion in the brand-new auditorium, Gila Crossing Community School promoted the class of 2020 in a parade that wound through the school parking lot where students received their certificates. The school used the unique approach to honor the eighth-grade class while following safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Lt. Gov. Stone joined in the celebration. Gov. Lewis participated with the students and later addressed the graduates. Lt. Gov. Stone gave the opening remarks as the students lined up for their final moments as GCCS Eagles.

He repeated the school’s motto: “Believe You Can,” and said he was honored to join them for the special occasion. Lt. Gov. Stone also reminded the students of their upcoming opportunities in education. “There’s more to come, right?” said Lt. Gov. Stone. 

Board president Anthony Hill also thanked all the families for attending the one-of-a-kind promotion ceremony. He implored the audience to support the class of 2020 and their dreams for the future. 

“Tonight, let us put their dreams forward,” said Hill. 

Superintendent Jim Mosley and principal David Marks also presided over the ceremony which included recorded speeches from valedictorian Candace Foulke and salutatorian Samuel Lujan Jr.

Class of 2020

Joeanna Acunia 

Manayh Allen 

David Andrews 

Dominique Aragon 

Raymond Avery 

Jazmine Barajas 

Kevin Carlisle 

Monique Cerna 

Ariyanna Charley 

Dominic Chiago 

Skylar Cordova

Allura De Anda 

Messina Delowe 

Morningstar Delowe 

Bertram Donahue 

Skye Donahue 

Victor Enos 

Gracie Flores 

Candace Foulke 

Amani Francisco 

Richard Francisco

Enyssa Fulwilder 

Johanna Goseyun 

Anthony Grant 

Spotted Eagle Harris 

Jasper Hutchinson IV 

Kiana Jack

Quentin Jackson 

Todderick Johnson Jr. 

Zeara Johnson 

Alexis Juan 

Desmond Lewis 

Isaac Lewis 

Jacob Lewis 

Nizhonnie Lewis 

Sage Lewis

Rachel Ludlow 

Samuel Lujan Jr.

Ezra Mack 

Cassandra Madrid 

Christopher Miguel 

Destiny Miles 

Stanley Miles III 

Deshaun Miranda 

Landon Morago 

Raul Morrillo Jr. 

Jeremiah Narcia 

Adrien Navasie 

Saya Osife 

Reginald Pablo III 

Diego Rhodes

Angel Miguel Riley 

Jade Silas 

Merra Soke 

Gwendolyn Suchta 

Heather Terry 

Joshua Valdez 

Miguel Valencia

Miah Villareal 

Garyn Yazzie