
This is the second graduating class in recent years to have been converted back to a 4.0 grading system without honors or Advanced Placement classes carrying a weighted 5.0 designation.
And because of that, this year there are eight class valedictorians, all with cumulative grade point averages of 4.0.
They are, alphabetically, Deanna Alvarez, Amanda Borden, Katelynn Goodman, Brenda Herrera, Miquela Jurado, Yarely Ogaz, Arianna Reyes and Kelsey Smith.
And there are two class salutatorians, both with cumulative grade point averages of 3.92.
They are Carmina Aragon and George Ortiz.
The student-selected commencement speaker this year is Deming High School special education teacher Greg Simmons. Simmons, who also has coached Wildcat football and baseball, has worked for Deming High School for 23 years.
This year's class flower is the white rose, class colors are navy blue and cardinal red, class song is the Class of 2016 Mix and the class pin is an infinity loop with Wildcat paws.
The class motto is: “It’s not about who you used to be, it’s who you’ve become.”
Commencement begins at 8 p.m. with the traditional senior walk around the track.
Seating is first-come, first-seated, with no reserved seating. Gates will open at 6:45 p.m.
Parking is available around the campus, and Deming Police Department officers will be directing traffic.
No alcoholic beverages or weapons will be allowed into the football stadium.
Also, prohibited will be musical instruments including air horns, along with coolers and ice chests, picnic baskets, umbrellas, beach balls, balloons and other inflatable items, backpacks, glass containers, cans and thermoses, and baby strollers.
All guests are subject to search.
The commencement ceremony will be followed by a free party for the graduates at the Sam Baca Aquatic Center.
The party is for graduates only – no guests – and will feature hamburgers and other food. Doors will close at midnight, and the party will run until 3 a.m.