Central Union High Honors Class of 2025 in Emotional 117th Commencement

EL CENTRO, Calif. — Cheers, applause, and a sea of blue and white filled Cal Jones Field on Wednesday night as 445 seniors from Central Union High School walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, marking the school’s 117th Annual Commencement Ceremony.

The event began promptly at 8 p.m. with a formal student procession. Families rose to their feet as the graduating class made their entrance, taking their seats as the ceremony began. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Senior Class President Diego Quezada, followed by a stirring performance of the National Anthem by the Great Spartan Band under the direction of Drum Major Valeria Guevara.

In his opening remarks, Principal Craig Lyon welcomed attendees and shared a message encouraging students to embrace opportunities and self-growth.

“My advice to you is to seek out opportunities and never be afraid to challenge yourself to become a better person in life,” Lyon said. “Remember the glass is always half full if you believe in yourself.”

One of the most moving parts of the night came as Lyon honored the late Efren, a former school resource officer at Central who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. His daughter, a member of the graduating class, walked the stage as officers from the El Centro Police Department stood in uniformed support. Their presence, including members of the department’s Honor Guard, underscored the deep ties between the school and its community.

“It is an honor to have El Centro Police Department — both officers and personnel and their Honor Guard — here tonight to share this with her and our graduates,” Lyon said.

Galilea Coronel the daughter of the officer was escorted to the stage by the El Centro Police Department Honor Guard, who stood in support of their fallen brother’s daughter. As she reached the end of the stage, Galilea was presented with a bouquet of roses by members of the department.

The tribute, witnessed by hundreds in the stands, served as a visible reminder that Officer Coronel’s legacy endures through his daughter — and through the law enforcement family that stood beside her.

“Galilea, your father’s legacy shines brightly through you,” the department later shared in a statement. “Your courage, strength, and perseverance inspire us all at the Police Department and throughout our community. In all your future endeavors, know that the El Centro Police Department will always stand beside you with unwavering love and support.”

As the ceremony continued, two graduating seniors delivered heartfelt speeches, offering a mix of humor, honesty, and encouragement.

The first, Aidan Rodriguez, opened his address by surprising his mother and family, who didn’t know he would be speaking. His speech focused on the importance of learning from mistakes — both small and life-changing — and how those missteps help build character.

“They shape us. They mold us. They polish us into who we are today,” Rodriguez said. “Without failure, there can be no success.”

Referencing Rocky Balboa and Theodore Roosevelt, Rodriguez reminded his classmates that life hits hard — but perseverance matters more than perfection.

“Go out there, make these mistakes, learn from them, do it in front of people. Don’t be afraid of falling flat on your face.”

Next to take the podium was Azul Amador, who brought her childhood memories full circle by comparing her high school experience to climbing across monkey bars — something she used to do at recess, proudly earning calluses on her hands.

“At first glance, it looks easy… one bar after another. That is exactly how we felt walking into high school freshman year,” she said. “But then we did it. We got the first bar. Then slipped.”

Amador spoke about setbacks, group projects, cafeteria food, and learning how to regain balance — both literally and figuratively — when life gets tough. She credited her mother, whom she thanked in Spanish, as her strongest supporter.

“Estos callos son un recordatorio de que trabajamos duro para llegar hasta aquí… pero lo logramos,” she said. “These calluses are a reminder that we worked hard to get through — but we made it.”

As both speeches concluded, the Great Spartan Band returned with a medley of celebratory selections that brought smiles and swaying heads from the stands to the stage. The music echoed across the field as the graduates prepared for the final moments of the evening.

Principal Lyon presented the Class of 2025 to the Central Union High School District Board of Trustees, who joined him on stage for the formal acceptance. Families watched proudly as students were recognized for a wide range of academic and vocational achievements.

In addition to diplomas, several seniors received honors for academic distinction, including Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude designations. Certificates were also awarded in career pathways such as Arts, Media and Entertainment; Business and Finance; Engineering and Architecture; Building and Construction; Health Science and Medical Technology; Information Technology; and Public Service.

District leaders, including Board President Sandy Noujaim and Trustee Bea Mora, were in attendance to congratulate the graduates. Simultaneously, district officials were also present at Southwest High School’s ceremony across town.

As the sun fully set and stadium lights bathed the field in gold, the graduates of Central Union High lined up on both sides of the stage. One by one, they crossed — some smiling wide, some crying, some waving to family and staff. Every student was met with applause as they exited the stage, diploma in hand, officially stepping into a new chapter of life.

It was a night of celebration, remembrance, and renewal. One that the Class of 2025 — and their families — won’t soon forget.

“We worked really hard to get through,” Amador said. “But we made it.”