
This is the third 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 seven class valedictorians, all with cumulative grade point averages of 4.0.
They are, alphabetically: Shirley Galaviz, Carmen Jimenez, Julieanna Lerma, Alyssa Magana, Cristian Sanchez, Isha Shura and Marisa Wertz.
And there are four class salutatorians: Jarrod Harrington, Edward Kemp, Ciarra Sanner and Warren Shafer.
Special recognition also goes to graduating senior Mikaela Morris, who has received her Associates of Arts in Liberal Studies from Western New Mexico University while in high school.
The student-selected commencement speaker this year is Deming High School history teacher and Social Studies Department Chair Elizabeth Kriegel, who is a senior class sponsor and also has served as the faculty sponsor for Deming High’s Honor Society.
This year's class flower is the peony, class colors are cardinal red and navy blue, and the class song is “Verge” by Owl City, featuring Aloe Blacc, with lyrics that include: “I ain't too sure what I believe in, but I believe in what I see, and when I close my eyes, I see my whole life ahead of me.”
The class motto is from former President Barack Obama, who said “Our destiny is not written for us, it's written by us.”
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.