(Seguin) – It is graduation night this Friday at Matador Stadium. In fact, this will be the first time in many years that Seguin High School has not only finished its school year but has held its graduation ceremony before the Memorial Day weekend.
Tonight, an estimated 475 students are set to walk across the stage beginning at 8 p.m.
School Principal Dr. Hector Esquivel says he is proud of this year’s senior class and its ability to stay on top despite the challenges that it has experienced over the last four years.
“This year’s Class of 2023 is a very special class. I think they’ve been through a lot with COVID for one. But I think they persevered that. They are a phenomenal group. They are going to do some amazing things and I believe Seguin will be reading constantly about what they are doing post high school. I believe in them so much, have so much confidence that they are going to be successful in anything that they do. I’m very proud of them,” said Esquivel.
This year’s graduation ceremony, however, will be bittersweet for the longtime educator who is set to retire this summer.
“It’s always difficult when you’ve been at the same place for eight years and I think when you pour you heart into what you do. It becomes very personal and I’ve very proud of what we’ve done here at Seguin High School and I’m more than confident this will continue with our new principal. But I’m very proud of Seguin. I will always be a Matador fan and just excited for this opportunity that Seguin gave me eight years ago and I couldn’t thank the community, the board, my staff enough for this. I leave on very good terms and very excited for what is going to be happening next for Seguin High School,” said Esquivel.
Esquivel says his departure from Seguin High School makes this class even more special.
“I’m very proud of them. I’m very proud to walk my last class and I’m glad it’s them because ever since they’ve been freshman, they have been an amazing class. I tell them that they are the best I’ve ever had but I would make everybody else upset but deep down inside, my first and last class will be memorable to me,” said Esquivel.
Leading this year’ class will be Valedictorian Kaden Legore, the son of Dave and Judge Kirsten Legore. He will be accompanied on stage by this year’s Salutatorian Anastasiia Berezovska, the daughter of James and Marianna Nolte.
Families and friends are reminded about the stadium’s clear bag policy. Also, no large bags, backpacks, balloons, noise makers, signs, gifts or parcels will be allowed into the stadium. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony will follow at 8 p.m.
Those unable to make it to Matador Stadium are encouraged to cheer on their special graduate by watching along via live stream. That link can be found on the Seguin High School Facebook page.