San Angelo ISD congratulates the PAYS Class of 2025 future-ready graduates! The PAYS Graduation Ceremony celebrating 52 graduating students was held Thursday evening, May 22, 2025 at the McNease Convention Center. 

While family and friends walked into the Convention Center ballroom, a presentation played on a rotation on the large screen at the front of the room – then-and-now photos of each of the graduates of the PAYS Class of 2025. The support of the graduates was plainly visible by the room full of families and friends. Almost every one of the nearly 1,000 seats in the ballroom was occupied. As the procession of graduates entered the ballroom, the students’ families and friends loudly clapped and cheered as the graduates took their seats.

The PAYS graduation ceremony began with a warm welcome from Claudia Becerra, PAYS Coordinator of Academic Alternatives, setting the tone for an evening of reflection and celebration. Graduate Scott Harris followed by leading the pledges and offering the invocation. The ceremony continued with remarks from PAYS Assistant Principal Bernardina Riojas, who addressed a distinguished audience that included the SAISD Board of Trustees, district administrators, principals, at-risk coordinators and homebound teachers.

During her graduate address, Mrs. Becerra offered a heartfelt message of encouragement and wisdom. She reflected on her younger years, recalling how she once believed that success meant acquiring material things – like the latest technology, fashionable clothes or dream cars. “When I was 18, I wanted many things and I believed at the time that acquiring those things is what mattered,” she said. “But I was wrong,” she said. 

As her perspective evolved over time, Mrs. Becerra came to realize that the most lasting and meaningful parts of life are not things, but people. “As you begin this next step toward adulthood what I want you to remember is this – in the long run the only things that will matter are the people,” she said. 

She shared memories of teachers, mentors and loved ones who shaped her journey, emphasizing the powerful impact of human connection. Among those who influenced her were her PAYS students. “I remember my PAYS kids, who have taught me how to be a better human,” she said. “So my nugget of wisdom for you is this: the things don't matter the people do.”

Mrs. Becerra concluded with a quote from German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, “‘The things that matter most must never be at the mercy of the things that matter least.’” Then, with pride and encouragement, she congratulated the graduates.

SAISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Moran followed as the keynote speaker, offering words of encouragement and hope. He spoke about the powerful, long-term impact of the PAYS program, sharing a story that showed how it can truly change lives. “Recently, I was in Austin, Texas, and was approached by a lady who told me a story of moving to San Angelo in her junior year and wanting to drop out of school, but PAYS saved her life,” Dr. Moran said. 

Dr. Moran recalled a recent encounter in Austin with a woman named Roberta Salas, who shared how PAYS helped turn her life around. She had moved to San Angelo during her junior year of high school and was ready to drop out – until she found support and a second chance through PAYS. With the help of the program, she graduated, went on to college, and is now a partner at a company with more than 400 employees. “She told me how grateful she was for PAYS,” he said. “...and she wanted me to tell you congratulations and don’t give up.

He then introduced Sun Cha, SAISD Director of Community Relations and proud 2000 PAYS graduate, as the next speaker. Ms. Cha shared a personal account of her high school experience and how PAYS changed the course of her life. 

She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced after her family moved and she began high school in a new district. Among those challenges was the devastating sudden loss of her father. Isolated and grieving, she recalled feeling judged and unsupported by the new school environment. After a series of painful setbacks, she made the difficult decision to leave school. But eventually, she found the strength to return – this time, to PAYS.

Ms. Cha said, at PAYS, she found what she had been missing: compassion, flexibility and the support to move forward. With encouragement from her teachers, she was able to complete her credits and graduate with a diploma from Lake View High School.

Today, Ms. Cha is a proud mother of two, a Penn State graduate and a dedicated community leader. “And every bit of that is possible because I didn’t give up,” she said. “Because PAYS gave me a way forward.”

She reminded graduates that although high school may be one of the hardest parts of life, it does get better. “That doesn’t happen on its own – it happens because you decide to change the story,” she said. “You become the catalyst. You become the fuel that drives your own future.”

Ms. Cha praised the graduates for their resilience, reminding them that their accomplishments reflect strength, courage and perseverance. “You’ve done something incredible,” Ms Cha said. “You’ve stared down circumstances that could have broken you, and you’ve risen. You’ve proved to yourselves and to the world that you are not defined by your past, but by your persistence, your courage, and your refusal to quit … you are not just graduating – you are rewriting your story. You are building a life with meaning, with strength, and with purpose. Let this moment remind you of what you're capable of. Because if you can make it through everything that brought you here today, there is absolutely nothing you cannot overcome … The world better make room – because here you come.” 

Following the testimonial, Charleigh Yell delivered the student address, sharing her personal journey of perseverance and transformation. “Today my heart is full,” she said. “As I stand here, I can’t help but feel the weight of what this moment means. This is not just a day to celebrate our accomplishments; it’s a day to honor the journey that brought us here.” 

Charleigh spoke of the challenges she faced and the strength she found through the support of the PAYS community and paid heartfelt tribute to the teachers, families, and mentors who played a crucial role in the graduates’ success. “To our teachers – you’ve been more than educators,” she said. “You’ve been mentors, cheerleaders, and the steady voices we needed to hear. Thank you for pushing us to dream bigger and for never letting us settle for less than we are capable of … To our families – thank you for your sacrifices, for believing in us when we couldn’t, and for being the unwavering support that carried us through … Whoever has helped you on this journey – we owe this moment to you.”

Following the student address, Ms. Becerra presented the graduating class to members of the SAISD Board of Trustees. School Board Trustee Mrs. Pam Duncan accepted and addressed the graduates. Board Vice President Mizell-Flint, Board Treasurer Bill Dendle, Board Trustees Dr. Kyle Mills and Pam Duncan, Central High School Principal Jill Ross and Lake View High School Principal Zach Ramirez presented diplomas to the graduating class followed by Harper Hansen closing the ceremony with a prayer.

The full livestream recording of the PAYS graduation ceremony is available below or on the SAISD YouTube channel. The recording was broadcast on SAISDtv, Optimum Channel 4 in San Angelo and will continue to air on Channel 4 for two weeks after the ceremony. 

San Angelo ISD is incredibly proud of the PAYS Class of 2025 and their outstanding achievements. This milestone marks not only the close of an important chapter but the exciting beginning of their future endeavors. To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and X.