The Crockett Early College High School community, staff, families and friends joined together June 15 to celebrate the 2020 graduating class through a virtual ceremony.

Superintendent Paul Cruz congratulated the graduates of this year's class via a video statement. His remarks were followed by a speech from Principal Kori Crawford.

"Graduates, you have welcomed me with open arms since becoming your principal," Crawford said. "I trust that you will do the same with whatever life brings your way. So as each of you move on to your own new journey, I want you to trust yourselves, light up the world around you, be kind, and live your new life with determination, peace, love, hope, and light, and last but certainly not least, remain always victorious."

Next, Salutatorian Chloe Matyis spoke about how the graduates' experiences through a historical year will equip them to change the world. 

"We are experiencing a moment in history that will be written about in textbooks," Matyis said. "We're coming out of Crockett with a diploma, but also with the opportunity shaped by our unique place in history to make real change in a nation that is suffering."

Before the reading of the names of each graduating senior, Valedictorian Jenny Dang highlighted that many lessons were learned in her high school years, but the most important is that it's okay to be okay. 

"Even though our time and experience with each other was cut short, we've learned so many lessons along the way that will resonate with us for a lifetime," said Dang. "As people, we have to learn to be content sometimes with mediocrity and remember that as long as we're doing our best, we're all successful in our own ways."

The ceremony concluded with a reading of the names of each graduating senior. 

The AISD community is proud of our students and eager to see their future accomplishments. Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We are #AISDProud of our #AISDGrads!