Gila Crossing Community School Holds First In-Person Promotion at New School

Kyle Knox

Gila River Indian News

On Wednesday, May 25, vehicles lined Pecos Road leading to Gila Crossing Community School (GCCS) for its eighth-grade promotion ceremony.  The event was the first in-person ceremony held at the new school building since its completion in 2020. 47 students rode into the school to receive their certificates presented by the GCCS administration, board of trustees, and Governor Stephen Roe Lewis.

GCCS Superintendent Jim Mosley said, “We’re always excited for our promotions, so it’s an exciting time tonight.   Some of these students had a chance to return to the classroom this year, so there’s an even greater air of excitement for tonight.” Despite all that the eighth graders had to endure during the pandemic, Mosley was happy of the turnout and amount of support shown to the students.  “I wish everyone the best, and I hope next year everyone gets back in the classroom so we can do bigger and better things for them next year at Gila Crossing,” said Mosley. 

The ceremony was a drive-thru style to keep everyone safely distanced.  However, families and supporters were allowed to attend by parking along Pecos Road and tune in to the ceremony remarks from the comfort of their vehicles. 

“This is not the class of 2022 or the class of 2026.  This should be the class of 2030 when you graduate from college…because here at Gila Crossing, we expect you all to go far in life,” said Anthony Hill, GCCS Board President.  “You’ll all be here one day addressing the future GCCS graduating classes because you’ll all be the future leaders in [my] place,” said Hill.

“I’m so honored to be here today.  You have one of the largest graduating classes here in the Community,” said Gov. Lewis.  “It’s such a blessing to hold this safe kind of promotion tonight that will keep everyone safe thanks to the dedication of the school’s teachers, principals, leadership, and board.”

Gov. Lewis praised the school’s proactive safety measures this year that allowed students to return to school.  GCCS was the first school to allow students back in the classroom.  In his closing, Gov. Lewis wished everyone a safe summer and the best to all the students as they proceeded to high school.

The class of 2022 valedictorian Rosalinda Lucero led the parade of cars into the school, waving to her supporters and everyone gathered.  During her remarks, she shared the difficulties of online schooling.  Lucero mentioned how online schooling affected her public speaking but said returning to in-person was the best part of eighth grade.  “We are proud to be graduating from Gila Crossing Community School and to move forward into our future, thank you, Gila Crossing, from the graduating class of 2022,” said Lucero at the end of her address.