GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It's a very special time of year for the students of Southwest Middle High School in Grand Rapids.
The school, which was started only four years ago in a predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhood of the city, is celebrating the graduation of its first class of seniors.
But it's just not any group of seniors. Most graduates are bilingual, and many represent the first generation of their families to graduate high school. Classes are taught in both English and Spanish and students have the opportunity to earn the Seal of Bilteracy through the State of Michigan.
"My mom put me in the school so that I could learn Spanish to give me like a better opportunity," said Aaron Allen, a graduate. "Since kindergarten, I've been learning Spanish."
Aaron is planning to go to the Michigan Technical Educational Center to get a job in welding some day.
Southwest Middle High School graduation
Another senior, Danny Jorace Lorenzo, has similar plans. He says the walk through his old elementary school was an emotional one.
"Now we have to move on to the real world," he said. "I'm very glad that the school taught me and my classmates how to be real people in this world... I'm grateful."
Through programs the school offered Danny, he's already got a job lined up.
"As soon as I graduate, I'll be able to get a welding job. Not only that, I get two years free for GRCC. So I'll be able to become an engineer like I wanted to. So I'm ready to make my parents proud," he said.
Maite Reyes and Rosalinda Lopez, the valedictorian and salutatorian, agree it was a sad day, but a proud one nonetheless.
"It's very emotional, but exciting," said Maite. "We've been looking forward to this for so many years now."
"I think I'm gonna tear up," said Rosalinda.
The school's commencement ceremony is set for Tuesday, May 21 at 5 p.m. at Houseman Field.
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