Students reflected on hard work, future plans and community support during Ray High School’s senior awards ceremony.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Seniors at W.B. Ray High School gathered with classmates, families and alums on Friday for the school’s senior awards assembly as graduation celebrations continue across Corpus Christi.
The ceremony honored graduating seniors for their academic achievements, scholarships, and honors earned throughout the school year, while students reflected on the next chapter of their lives.
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“It’s kind of surreal,” senior Daniel Lee said. “I spent 12 years trying to work for something. It’s really great seeing this world where I can finally make the last step and really go into that next stage of life.”
Lee encouraged younger students to stay focused and find their purpose.
“No one’s here for no reason,” Lee said. “Once you find it, really grasp it and then work and give it all.”
Senior Adam Aguilar said the large turnout showed the strong support students receive from the community and their families.
“It feels great,” Aguilar said. “It just shows support and shows that we did something.”
Aguilar said he plans to attend Texas A&M University after graduation.
Another senior, Maddie Aguas, said receiving honors during the ceremony made the moment feel bittersweet as graduation approaches.
“I feel good,” Aguas said. “Starting as a freshman and now here, it’s nice.”
Aguas advised younger students to continue showing up even when school becomes difficult.
“Keep motivating yourself every day even when school gets hard,” she said.
Saara Bindingnavele said the strong support system at Ray High School helped students succeed through challenges.
“I think it’s really great that there’s such a great support system here at Ray,” Bindingnavele said.
She plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in nutrition while pursuing a dual degree through the honors program.
The event also included scholarship presentations from the Ray High School Class of 1975 alum group.
Lynette Haynes said the alum association raised $20,000 during its recent 50th reunion, allowing the group to award four $5,000 scholarships this year.
“We want to pay it forward,” Haynes said. “We’re proud that we’re from Corpus Christi. We’re proud that we’re from WB Ray Texans.”
Haynes said alums hope to continue expanding the scholarship program in future years to help graduating seniors pursue college and career goals.