Some 93 orange-clad graduates of Mineola High School set forth into the world on Friday night following a ceremony moved to the high school gym due to impending weather.

During the presentation of the class history it was noted that they wore masks to start their freshman year during the pandemic and endured Snowmageddon their sophomore year. 

The class is smaller than normal due to 15 early graduates a year ago.

The class was led by Valedictorian Chevelle Smith and Salutatorian Yuka Torres, whose friendship worked its way into their respective speeches.

Smith said, “I would like to thank my best friend, Yuka Torres, the salutatorian, for being there for me throughout high school, throughout all the rough times, and being next to me no matter what, even in class ranks. Even if I did beat you in class ranks, you have been such a harsh competition to overcome this year. Your work ethic inspired me to push myself to fight for my spot even more than I had originally planned. Even if I had gotten salutatorian, we would continue to be best friends no matter the results, but now I just have the chance to tell you that I beat you at least in one thing.

“With all the support and appreciation to the individuals who made an impact on my life, I would like to say thank you and congratulations to my graduating class of 2024. We survived high school!!! I understand that everyone felt that high school would last forever and never come to an end, but as this day became closer and closer, the reality of graduating began to settle in. This is the very last day that we will be together as a class. Although some are happy to be leaving, I can not help but feel remorse about leaving this life and community I have known for the past twelve years. I am only going to be a town away, but I will never be able to experience what I felt in such a tight-knit community. I am going to miss the teachers who supported us throughout all these years and my friends who constantly stood with me through thick and thin.”

Torres remarked, “I’d like to take this time to thank that friend, Chevelle, who has become a big part of my life ever since we started drawing together under the awning in 5th grade. I’ve experienced and learned so much from you and with you since graciously having you as my best friend. Your competitive drive and determination to achieve only the highest possible score really, and I mean really, forced me to try my best as well. And though you beat me here today in ranks, I bet I’d still beat you in a 1v1 in Valo, so hop on.

“I thank all the people that I consider my friends and I honestly hope your futures are as bright as you envision them. It’s been a long ride for me and everyone else sitting here. I find it crazy that after this ceremony ends, all of us are freed from high school and can finally start the next chapter of our lives. Though we have all had our mishaps and struggles, we have successfully finished this lengthy and time-consuming journey with the proof being the bright orange caps and gowns we have on today. In wherever life may take us, I hope and pray that my fellow graduates find themselves and others in their well-awaited futures. We’re all living our first life, so let’s try not to waste it and enjoy whatever comes at us.

“I trust that each one of us is going to find our place in the world, even though we may have to go through trial and error. It’s crazy to think that we finished our high school careers and now have to accept the harsh adult life ahead of us, but it’ll all be worth it in the end, whether you are going into the military, college, or the workforce. Keep striving for excellence in your life, and do not hang onto the negative memories of the past because the past does not define you. Instead, use your past mistakes as a stepping stool and as encouragement for your future goals.”

Principal Chase Thomas described the class as 93 amazing young men and women.

Noting it was his first MHS senior class as principal, he said they made the school year a remarkable one.

Countless individuals in the community offered assistance to the graduates, and their combined impact of all of them laid a strong foundation.

“You always have a home in Mineola,” he said.

In certifying the graduates, Superintendent Cody Mize echoed that sentiment, quoting his uncle who said you spend half your life trying to get away and the other half trying to return home. This is a place full of people who loved you and cared about you, he said.

The top ten graduates were honored: Chevelle Smith, Yuka Torres, Marianna Delgadillo, Ella Lynne, Aiden Gould, Marco Medina, Fernal Ventura, Zaid Palma-Valdez, Macy Fischer and Ana Delagarza.

Recognized for joining the military: Parker Harris (Army), Jasmine Hollins (Marine Corps) and Matthew Patterson (Marine Corps).