In a ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23 at Harbison Field, Globe High School graduated its 130 seniors.

The graduates processed to their seats as the GHS Band played the time-honored Pomp and Circumstance.

After the GHS JROTC Color Guard posted the colors, the band played the Star-Spangled Banner and Student Body Vice-President Camille Hudson led the pledge of allegiance.

Student Body President Kayla Howard welcomed everyone, then told her classmates, “Congratulations, we did it.”

Nizhoni Pike gave the invocation in both English and Apache. “May we walk in strength,” she said.

Master of Ceremonies and GHS Alumnus Edward Lopez introduced Petty Officers Ind and Conway, with the Navy Recruiter Station in Superior, who acknowledged graduates Hunter Meeks and Trace Hill, who would be joining the Navy after graduation.

Lopez then introduced Marine Corps Sgt. Blackmore who called to the stage graduate Jaden Grice who would be joining the Marine Corps.

Blackmore also acknowledged Adam Stapley, who was already in training and not present at graduation that evening.

After Principal Robert Armenta’s selfie with the class, Lopez introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, GHS Alumnus Ed Gardea.

A 1980 graduate, Gardea said that he was both “honored and scared,” when asked to be the keynote speaker because he tries to teach students to be successful and have integrity and a sense of self-worth.       

As a parent, teacher, coach and former Globe businessman, Gardea said he has learned that true success comes from “helping others be successful.”

Gardea said that having kids changes you. 

“You are my new kids and you change me,” said Gardea, naming students in the graduating class who have inspired him and why.

He also reminded the students that graduation is “the starting line, not the finish line.”

Salutatorian Era Joy Agus gave her address entitled, “Faith, Hope and Love,” challenging her classmates to “pursue what you find most dear.”   

Co-Valedictorian Stewart Kim followed with his address, “Reflective Essay Due,” and Co-Valedictorian Mariel Jones with, “Bid Me Run.”              

After being presented by Armenta, Globe Unified School District Superintendent Jerry Jennex accepted the graduating class.

Assistant Principals Sue Hocking and James Simmons and Transitional Specialist John Gibson read the roll call, as members of the GUSD Governing Board awarded the diplomas.

Senior Class President  Esmeralda Guardado Rico led her classmates in the turning of the tassels, then the GHS Choir sang the Alma Mater.

Student Body Treasurer Michael Patnaude gave the closing address and the GHS Band played the fanfare and recessional.