Academy Del Sol graduates 61 students

ALAMOGORDO — Academy Del Sol gathered Thursday at Tiger Stadium to send 61 students off to the next chapter in life.

"Graduation is a gateway to the future," said Principal Dr. Johnny Walker. "Some students don't realize that in order to accomplish the big things, they've got to take care of these things. Tonight was a culmination of things they've done to show them this is just a stepping stone to the bigger things they will accomplish later in life."

This year, for the first time, Academy Del Sol hosted their commencement ceremony at Tiger Stadium.

"It's was amazing to be here," said Walker. "It was not what we were used to but I think by being out here, it showed our school and our community that there is one tiger in Alamogordo. We're all tigers."

Academy Del Sol, Alamogordo Public School's alternative high school, was created to address the district's issue with graduation rates. In it's beginning, Academy Del Sol was comprised of 60 students that needed extra intervention.

Asia Howell, one of the graduates tasked with giving the student address, touched on the adversity she and her peers faced.

"Pressure creates diamonds," Howell said. "Let's think about the pressure we faced in high school. The pressure needed to create a diamond is immense. Some teenagers face immense pressure and become diamonds. Some teenagers face the pressure of being bullied, but instead of breaking down or hurting themselves, they become confident, stronger and fearless. Some teenagers become young mothers, but instead of breaking down they learn the skills they need to become loving and caring parents. Some teenagers face the prospect of holding a job while still finishing high school, but instead of breaking down they push even harder. Some teenagers face physical and mental abuse but instead of breaking down they pray, overcome the bad, focus on the good and make the best out of every situation."

Credited several times during commencement for getting these students to graduation, were the Academy Del Sol educators and principal.

"Academy Del Sol is a real warm spot in my heart," said APS Board of Education President David Weaver. "These kids are getting a super second chance. The staff we have in that building is doing an awesome job. I believe this is the largest graduating class they've ever had, just over 60 kids. We're doing something right there."