‘It means the world’: Emotional high school seniors return to Las Cruces elementary school

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Ahead of their graduations from high schools across Las Cruces, fifteen seniors inspired, motivated and encouraged Jornada Elementary School to excel in their classes.

“At the beginning of the year, I didn’t think we were going to have a graduation," said Camryn Viramontes, a senior at Centennial High School. "It’s very heartfelt to me, because I get to see my friends and family.”

During her visit, Viramontes was reunited with her fourth grade teacher, Danis Saenz.

"Camryn has always been such a kind and sweet child," said Saenz. "She was always very excited to come to school.

The elementary school students created posters and congratulated the graduating seniors, cheering their own excitement to graduate high school one day.

"I do feel like some of us took high school and all this for granted," said Nathan Nevarez, who is graduating from Centennial High School. "We shouldn't have because now we wish we could turn the clock back."

Graduation dates and times at the Field of Dreams:

Friday, May 21

Oñate High School, 9 a.m.

Arrowhead Park Early College High School, 1:30 p.m.

Mayfield High School, 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 22

Las Cruces High School, 9 a.m.

Rio Grande Prep Institute, 1:30 p.m.

Centennial High School, 6 p.m.