Flaco Guapo Media, Mikaela Oliver, ASU Intern

SAN ANGELO – When Justin Dela Cruz and Natasha Flores, Central High School seniors, stand before their fellow graduates, faculty, family, and friends, they will give their brief speeches like all the other past CHS Valedictorian and Salutatorians before them.

The one big difference at this year’s 9 a.m. commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 29, 2021 will be a historical one. Both Dela Cruz and Flores are the first Hispanics in the history of the school to deliver greetings and closing remarks in their respective titles.

“It shows young Hispanics that they also can do it, regardless of their culture or background” Flores, this year’s salutatorian with an impressive 106.6 GPA, said in regards to her achievement.

“We as people are making great strides in the sports, arts, and academics of the world” added Dela Cruz, Central High School’s valedictorian with an astounding 109.0 GPA.

During their time in high school, Dela Cruz and Flores both participated in extracurricular activities. For Dela
Cruz, his fondest memories include his time on the UIL Math team, where he met lifelong friends. For Flores, a trumpet player in the Mighty Bobcat Band, it was attending all the football games, pep rallies, and band competitions.

As for their upcoming speeches, Dela Cruz and Flores said that they wanted to highlight the positive takeaways that came from this less-than-normal school year.

“Central High School has made historical successes in a year of historical failures and suffering,” said Dela
Cruz.

“We want to stress that while change was hard, we are stronger because of it,” said Flores.

The next step for both students is college. Dela Cruz plans to attend UT Austin, and pursue a career in biomedical research. Flores is headed to Rice University where she will major in Health Sciences.