HISD seniors celebrate success and perseverance at Spring 2022 graduation ceremonies

The Houston Independent School District held graduation ceremonies June 1-12 for the Class of 2022.

More than 11,400 HISD seniors walked across stages at various venues including Barnett, Butler, and Delmar Fieldhouses, NRG Arena and NRG Stadium.

“This is a proud moment for HISD parents, partners, educators and staff who have continuously adapted and overcome every challenge thrown their way,” said Superintendent Millard House II. “We join our graduates in celebrating this milestone knowing that they are now more equipped than ever to succeed in the next phase of their lives.”

Hundreds of HISD students have already begun that next phase. More than 350 seniors from Jones Futures Academy and the district’s Early College campuses not only received their high school diplomas, they simultaneously earned associate degrees or level 1 certificates from Houston Community College.

Also among the Spring 2022 graduates are ten seniors who received the superintendent’s Scholars Award. Autumn Aaron of Yates High School is now college-bound after facing and overcoming many personal obstacles to finish high school.

This year’s graduating class at Lamar High School also marks the end of a unique journey. Some of the seniors are completing their educational circle with Principal Rita Graves who they started kindergarten with at Roberts Elementary School then followed to Pin Oak Middle School.

“Seeing them reach this milestone, whether they started with me as preschoolers or met me for the first time this year, drives my passion as an educator and excites me for all the things I know they will accomplish,” said Graves. “Our graduating class of seniors come from a variety of backgrounds, and each have had their own unique journey to the finish line.”

Lamar High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian have had very similar journeys up until this point. Alex and Lauren Koong are twins whose grade point averages are only narrowly separated. In the fall, they’ll head to universities on different coasts.

Bellaire High School once again made national headlines after it was announced that the graduating class would have a record-breaking 13 valedictorians.

Recordings of all the graduation ceremonies can be found here.