JT Keith
The city turned out Thursday night as families, friends, and residents packed the Bulldog Bowl to celebrate the 234 graduates of Artesia High School’s Class of 2026.
For a night, the Bulldog Bowl felt more like it does on a bitter rival football night with Roswell than a graduation, with cars lined up for blocks and a standing-room-only crowd filling the stadium.
On a clear spring evening, graduates entered the stadium in pairs, soaking in the cheers as they made their way to their seats on the field.
The ceremony opened with the presentation of the colors, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a formal tone for a night marked by pride and celebration.
Superintendent Darian Jaramillo welcomed families and graduates, and Artesia High School Principal Halee Goff addressed the class before introducing the student speakers.
The student speakers looked back on how far the class had come, touching on the uncertainty of earlier high school years and urging their classmates to walk into the future with confidence.
It was also a reminder of what makes Artesia, Artesia — the Dog Pile, the high expectations and the pride that comes with wearing orange and black.
But the applause was not reserved for athletics alone. Graduates were recognized for their work in FFA, choir, band, cheer, and other activities that shaped their high school years.
Members of the Class of 2026 will head to colleges and universities with a combined $2,976,846 in scholarships to support their education.
The evening also marked a milestone for Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Danny Parker, who is retiring after more than 34 years of service to Artesia Public Schools.
Family and friends pack the Bulldog Bowl for the 234 graduating seniors on Thursday night.
Master of ceremonies Tony Jaramillo kept the energy high, prompting cheers, car horns and air horns from families and supporters throughout the night.
By the time graduates were told to move their tassels, it was clear the night had become more than a commencement. It was Artesia celebrating 234 graduates ready to step into what comes next.
After the ceremony, graduates and their families streamed onto the field, sharing hugs, tears and photos as one chapter ended and another began under the lights at Bulldog Bowl.
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