Flaco Guapo Media founder, Jim Sánchez
SAN ANGELO – Santa Rita Elementary School’s graduating class of 53 kids whose memories, their friendships formed and bonded connection to their teachers: Mrs. Aguirre, Mrs. O’Dell, and Mrs. Smith finally closed the chapter to their fifth-grade education on Friday, May 31, 2024.
Left-to-right: Santa Rita Elementary, Kallie Fontenot, counselor, and Principal, Kay Scott 
The Star Spangled Banner was sung by the 2024 Santa Rita Choir.
Principal, Kay Scott, and Kallie Fontenot, counselor, greeted the Falcons graduates’ family, and other relatives during the 8:45 a.m. ceremonies held in the gym.
Before the certificates were awarded to the 53, looking back on their young lives, they first attended Santa Rita as kindergartners who along the way experienced respect, honor, pride, caring, character pillar traits displayed in the elementary school’s courtyard at one time or another.
Principal Scott, Assistant Principal, Misty Gallimore, and staff personnel made sure their students were top priority as they fostered an environment where students and staff build character, encourage creativity, build confidence, inspire dreams and touch hearts, in partnership with the kids’ family.
“We will all be working together to build a high-performing school culture where students know they are loved, and are challenged to grow” per its website https://santarita.saisd.org/
When the kids entered the hallowed halls of the elementary school, they truly knew they were loved by Santa Rita’s staff which includes:
Vela, Diana Ortega, Kyann Slaughter, Marie Marshall, Misty Gallimore, Kalie Fontenot, Christina Schneider Michelle Richardson, Abigail Hernandez, Jessica Boling, and Sara Lewallen.
Below is the 2024 graduating fifth graders of Santa Rita Elementary
Armendariz, Ariana Gonzales, Arianna Renfro, Brynlee
Bailey, Eli Guajardo, Marco Ritterbusch, Riley
Belmont, Braxton Harvey, Xander Rodriguez, Celyna
Beltran, Madeline Hernandez, Victoria Rodriguez, David
Burditt, Makayla Hoffman, Jett Runion, Cheney
Cabrera, Bryson Jackson, Phoebe Salazar, Avazamora
Castilleja, Heston Lewright, Annistyn Samaniego, Avry
Cornell, D’Aisha Lopez, Alexis Samarripa, Jayce
Curry, Addyson Lopez, Olivia Schneider, Jacob
Darby, Joey Mahaffey, Sutton Scott, MacKennah
De Leon, Adalynn Maxwell, Jalen Stillwell, Lyric
Deremo, Madison Mendez, Deleon Estella Storey, Brenam
Dison, Aleah Middlebrooks, Lilly Tovar, Enrique
Dougan, Ryan Mikeska, Emma Trufant, Thomas
Eschberger, Audrey Noel, Kayden Vander Ark, Maxwell
Fraga, Annali Pfaff, Grace Williams, Tiana
Gilbert, Brooklyn Powell, Jaxen Wilson, Maxwell
Goldman, Bear Puckett, West
For a look at the 024 Santa Rita 53 graduates' album, go to https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=859050432923218&set=pcb.859052112923050
“My Days at Santa Rita have finally come to an end. My school will remain a part of me like a loyal, and trusted friend. Graduation is upon me, and from here I must depart. But my memories of Santa Rita are safe and with my heart.” A Student’s Farewell poem to Santa Rita, author unknown.
Among the fifth graders to receive their certificate was Flaco Guapo Media’s great nephew, Jayce Samarripa, son of Jeremiah Samarripa and mother is Molly Guerra. Jayce and his ‘024 Falcons' fifth-grade graduates in seven years will be the future, graduating Class of 2031.
