Sixty-eight Killeen ISD seniors stepped across a high school stage for the last time Thursday, earning their diplomas during the district’s annual Mid-Year Graduation.
The students, representing six high schools, wore their varied colored caps and gowns, processing into the Shoemaker High School auditorium and recessing to the familiar strains of Pomp and Circumstance.
School Board Vice President Susan Jones praised the students’ accomplishments and urged them to keep learning, to seek out mentors and to express gratitude to their numerous supporters.
She challenged students to reflect on the obstacles they overcame to reach the milestone of high school graduation and to propel that success into the future.
“Use the knowledge passed on to you to broaden your horizons, never stop learning and write a life story that will make your parents and community proud,” she said.
Graduation, said Jones, is a reset on life to move forward and make positive choices and take the initiative to make a difference in life.
Before leaving the auditorium, Pathways Principal Bobbie Reeders directed students to move their tassels from right to left, representing the transformation from student to graduate.
At the conclusion of the formal ceremony, the party began as students reunited with family and other supporters in the auditorium lobby and outside the school.
“It feels really good,” said Shoemaker graduate Shaina Watson. “I’m planning to go to college and start my career. I think I’ll remember my friends and classes. It doesn’t really feel real yet.”
“It feels good. High school was very stressful and I’m happy to go to college because I know what I want to do,” said Killeen High graduate Caleb George, who is planning to enter a career in psychology.
Choosing to graduate early as part of the Class of 2025, George said he was able to finish by “just staying on top of things and not get too overwhelmed.”
Gilbert Fernandez of Early College High School also managed to finish high school in front of his peers.
“It feels amazing and relieving,” he said. “Now I can focus on college to become an ultrasound tech. I’m first generation to go to college.”
He balanced school during the day and in the evening to finish and said his many supporters helped push him through.
KISD Class of 2025 mid-year graduates include:
Killeen High School
Yonta'Jah Aalica Lashae Austin, Fabian Dante Avila, Sirena Tajahnae Bell, Za'Kiya La'Trese Coffey, Penelopea Kay Darby, Jeffery Eugene Ferguson II, Caleb Thomas George, Trevell Jeremiah Gilmore, Reu Darrius Monquelle Jackson, Brayden Quenell Lamar McCleary, Cora Elisabeth Melcher, Ah-Tionna Sabri Meza, Jhurnee Jyre Miller, Galen Jerrard Mitchell, Ethni Kate Newberry, Angel Lizette Palma Martinez, Danalee Jeannette Pizarro-Verdejo, Taliyah Diane Taplin and Alexua Patrice White
Ellison High School
Nizayen Ikeriun Lebrian Edwards, D'Aundria Janae Marie Essell, Zy'Lin Amir Jordan, Thanina Kaylee Latelers, Juan Isidro Llorente, Kaydrian Renea Padfield, Lizandro Alexis Romero Moreno, Jaytin Romen San Nicolas, Damonte Dion Thomas, Karlo Tray'veon Washington, Janira Antonique Williams and Me'Shellei Lillian Wright
Harker Heights High School
Kiara Calderon, Sophia Elizabeth Faulkner, Cailyn Grace Foster, Vanessa Nicole Hampton, Erik Hurtado, Alexander Dale Jones, Zane Matthew Jones, Michael Fielding Pete Jr., Benjamin Jose Ramos and Michael Scott Thomason
Robert M. Shoemaker High School
Jovanni Yandel Aguilar, Kaylee Lynn Andera, Tavish Correg Bragdon, Cristian Miguel Burgos Colon, Juan Pablo Claudio, Luis David Claudio, Cally Caroline Cote, Avion Camren Deeb, Delphine Ndoye, Xavier Otis Ramos, Edwina Silencieux and Shaina Rayshell Denise Watson
Early College High School
Peyton Ruth Carpenter, Priscilla Nicole De La Cerda, Seraphine Elizabeth Dennis, Gilbert Issac Fernandez, Layla Mae Huffcut and Zoe Addison Tounget
Chaparral High School
Brianna Nichole Banks, Qamora Beck, Camryen Crump-Forrester, Darwin Mateo Acevedo, Malaeka Wandawa Mirembe, Martin Rivas Rosaldo, Amyrah Shaban-Gonzalez, Veloni Ward and
Wayne Charles Wilson
Photo Gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720323391889
