San Angelo ISD congratulates the Central High School Class of 2023 future-ready graduates! The CHS Graduation Ceremony celebrating 621 graduating students was held Saturday morning, May 27, 2023 at the ASU Junell Center/Stephens Arena.
CHS Principal Bill Waters welcomed graduates and attendees followed by the presentation and posting of colors, performed by the CHS JROTC, a moving rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” sung by the Bobcat Choir, the national and state pledges led by Itzel Arredondo and an invocation given by Haley Wroblewski.
“Over the years, we’ve shared lots of firsts, plenty of lasts and there’s much more to come,” CHS Valedictorian Franchesca Untalan “Chesca” said during her valedictory address. “I’ll suggest, live. Live with the courage to be yourself. Live with intent. Live with all you’ve got. Make your life yours and make it beautiful. Because we are just beginning. Thank you. And ‘sic ‘em’ forever, Class of 2023!”
Presenting this year’s CHS graduates held extra sentiment for Mr. Waters, as it was his final graduating class to present. After 15 years of service to the Bobcats, this was Mr. Waters' final year as Central HS principal. His pride for Central HS was evident as he gave his address. “I have had the honor to stand here 15 times,” Mr. Waters said. “I’ve stood proud at a large number of events the last 15 years that gave me a pep in my step that said, ‘That’s right. Those are my kids. Yes, Sir, I am the principal of that school that just accomplished that amazing feat, that won that title, that raised that money, that beat you with class and sportsmanship and beat you bad,” he said followed by a loud applause from the audience. “I have been given the joy of celebrating the accomplishments and talents of almost 36,000 high school students since I stepped foot on the beautiful grounds of Central High School … I loved my job and I hoped it showed.”
Mr. Waters presented the graduating class to members of the SAISD Board of Trustees, with School Board Vice President Ami Mizell-Flint accepting the graduates. CHS administrators presented diplomas to the graduating class. The 2023 CHS graduation ceremony closed with a benediction from CHS Salutatorian Rheanna Dancel-Javier followed by the CHS school song performed by CHS’s Class of 2023.
"Graduates, what I want you to take away from this are the memories, the good times and of course, the diploma you are about to receive,” Mr. Waters said. “Know that high school was the start, not the end. Yeah it’s kind of scary to go out there into the real world from the security and the safe space at CHS. Adulting is overrated. But it is what’s next. And CHS gave you a really good first step. YOU are high school graduates … Always remember, make it a great day or not. The choice is yours.”
The full livestream recording of the CHS graduation ceremony is available on the SAISD YouTube channel. The recording was broadcast on SAISDtv, Optimum Channel 4 in San Angelo and will continue to air on Channel 4 for two weeks after the ceremony.
SAISD is proud of our CHS Class of 2023 graduates and their achievements, and honors this important milestone and stepping off point for their future. To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.