Credit Oñate High School graduation, 2019 The Class of 2021 will wrap up their senior year with in-person graduation ceremonies and a hand-delivered diploma this year – a first since the COVID-19 pandemic forced Las Cruces Public Schools to host drive-through graduation ceremonies last year.
All six LCPS high schools will host graduation ceremonies at the Field of Dreams May 21 and 22. District officials, working closely with high school principals, coordinated details that allow for families to watch in person while ensuring all public health orders are followed. Seniors will be allowed 16 tickets each for family and friends, will be required to wear a mask throughout the ceremony and will be socially distanced.
Carlsbad Mayor: Rain welcome in city. Few incidents reported
Dale Janway
Thursday’s rain was very welcome. Our monitor at the airport reported 1.8 inches of rain, while individuals in north and central Carlsbad reported receiving more than 2.2 inches. A flood advisory was in effect for a portion of Thursday evening, with some requests for barricades near James Street. The chance of rain dropped Friday morning and there did not appear to be any significant issues in the morning. We hope to see more rain.
It is scholarship time in Carlsbad, and the Carlsbad Community Foundation announced this week that more than $130,000 has been awarded to local graduating seniors. Announcements for the 109 scholarships were made on the Foundation’s Web site at www.carlsbadfoundation.org. The scholarship award process began in January with a series of virtual meetings. The application process was open between Feb. 1 and Feb. 21.
Number of graduation guests allowed for high school seniors in Las Cruces doubles
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - After a tumultuous and uncertain senior year, high school students in Las Cruces will be able to graduate on a stage with more of their family and closest friends in the stands.
“My heart is so full that we’re getting to have a graduation for this senior class, said Michelle Ronga, the principal of Las Cruces High.
After Doña Ana County s Covid-19 infection and vaccination rates improved to the turquoise level on the state s rating map this week, the Las Cruces Public Schools was able to double the number of graduation tickets allowed per student from 8 to 16, the district confirmed.
Eligible students, staff and their families will be able to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, May 5, following the announcement from Las Cruces Public Schools that a second clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to noon in the north parking lot at Las Cruces High School.
The district vaccinated 79 students last week at its first clinic. Anyone 16 years of age and older, with parent permission, was eligible. Those same students will receive their second dose on May 19.
Through a partnership with the New Mexico Department of Health and the Office of Emergency Management, district officials say more doses will be available this week, allowing opportunities for staff and families of students and staff to be vaccinated if they haven’t already.
Sherri Burr
Sherri Burr is the recipient of New Mexico Press Women’s 2021 Communicator of Achievement Award. The award recognizes members who have distinguished themselves within and beyond their profession. Recipients are living members in good standing for at least two years in New Mexico Press Women and the National Federation of Press Women. Burr was elected president of NMPW in 2018. She has been a law professor for more than 30 years, worked as a columnist for The Albuquerque Tribune and is the author of multiple books.
“Shook: An Earthquake, a Legendary Mountain Guide, and Everest’s Deadliest Day,” by New Mexico author Jennifer Hull.