May 14, 2019
Dr. Victor “Matthew” Pacheco delivered the commencement address. He encouraged the graduates to set their goals in life and to plan for the future.
Mesalands Community College recently held their commencement ceremony at the Tucumcari High School Auditorium. The 2019 graduating class represented 109 certificates and degrees and 11 high school equivalency diplomas.
Dr. Victor “Matthew” Pacheco of Tucumcari, a former Dual Enrollment Student, and now an area dentist delivered the commencement address. He talked about the importance of setting goals in life and how he knew early on he wanted to become a dentist. His journey started as a Dual Enrollment Student at Mesalands Community College. He also shared his advice on how the graduates could continue to succeed in the future.
“My advice to you is to set your goals and keep looking forward. Never quit,” said Dr. Pacheco. “It’s not what you fail at that defines you, but the decision to get back up and to keep going that defines you. There’s only so many times you will fail, before you succeed.”
Dr. John Groesbeck, President of Mesalands Community College, presents Mesalands graduate Brandon Smith, with a framed certificate of his 2019 Phi Theta Kappa New Mexico All-State Academic Team recognition.
During the commencement ceremony, five Dual Enrollment Students from Tucumcari High School and graduates of Mesalands Community College were recognized.
Brandon Smith, graduating with an Associate of Applied Science Degree and an Applied Science Certificate in Wind Energy Technology, was also recognized for being named to the 2019 Phi Theta Kappa New Mexico All-State Academic Team. Smith plans to transfer to Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM to complete his bachelor’s degree in the fall.
“I can tell you that there’s not one test or class that grants you your degree, but the accumulation of years and long nights and dedication that does,” Dr. Pacheco said. “From one small town kid to you, congratulations class of 2019!”
Mesalands Community College Graduating Class of 2019
High School Equivalency Diploma
| Gerald Baca | Tristan Monterrosa |
| Jory Byrd | Issa Orday |
| Raymond “Chano” Chavez | Zachery Parks |
| Dylan Knight | Dylan Szaloy |
| Jesus Lopez | Brandon Vigil |
| JonAnthony Miller |
Occupational Certificate
| Jenaro Acosta | Stephen M. Hope |
| Gynelle M. Baca | Samantha Hyslop |
| Frank Beltran+ | Christian Josue Ivarbol |
| Katie D. Bradfield | Dane M. La Count |
| Kristy Briones | Ryan Lopez |
| Sarah Brown | Michael Lucero |
| Hannah Bruhn | Jeri Mares |
| Faith R. Carmody | Michael Marroquin‡ |
| Dylan Carrillo | Emmerick E. Martinez |
| Anna Castillo | Alyssa Martinez |
| Victoriana Chavarria | Jordan Mirabel |
| Shyla Mae Curry | Jesus Murillo |
| Rebecca Marie Darrup+ | Jessa Jade Paddock |
| Adam B. Derrick | Jasmine N. Perez |
| Andrew G. Diaz | Colton Prudencio |
| Daniel Evans‡ | Eufemia Rayos |
| Taylor J. Foard | Moises Reyes* |
| Johnathan Lucas Garcia‡ | Tyler Sanchez |
| Devante Garcia | Antonio Segura |
| Dylan Germaine+ | Alyssa Sena |
| Josue Grajeda | James Stanczak |
| Priscilla J. Griego | Monica Trillo-Barraza+ |
| Bailee Gries | Jodee Vargas |
Applied Science Certificate
| Victoriana Chavarria | Brianna N. Lucero |
| Christopher J. Copeland | Adena A. Schaff+ |
| Rebecca Marie Darrup+ | Brandon Smith+ |
| Dylan Germaine | Macy Marnae Smith |
| Roy Jackson |
Liberal Arts Certificate
| Kayla Gutierrez |
Associate of Arts Degree
| Nicholas Andrada** + | Crystal Perrine** |
| Misty Diane Belanger | Annette Burke Ross* |
| Rebecca Marie Darrup***+ | Eva M. Sawyer** |
| Melissa Gardea-Delgado | Adena A. Schaff ***+ |
| Kayla Gutierrez*** | Diedra Ann Vargas |
| Cristal Madrid** | Dolores N. Vazquez |
| Heather Nicole Maggi | Tanya J. Watson |
Associate Applied Science Degree
| Jenaro Acosta | Michael Logro* |
| Dylan Carrillo*** | Bailey P. Mcknight** |
| Rebecca Marie Darrup*** | Patrick C. Mendez |
| Roberto Mendoza DeLeon | Jessa Jade Paddock |
| Susan L. Elrod**+ | Eufemia Rayos |
| Daniel Evans** | Moises Reyes* |
| Tatum U. Garcia* | Sidney Sena |
| Dylan Germaine***+ | Adena A. Shaff ***+ |
| Joe Gonzales | Brandon Smith**+ |
| Levi Gray** | Macy Marnae Smith*** |
| Merleen Antonia Gutierrez | Jaylene A. Tsosie |
| Kenneth Hoke**+ | Brook Marie Valentine*** |
| Christian Josue Ivarbol | Diedra Ann Vargas |
| Dane M. LaCount*** | Desiree Walker**+ |
Degree Honors
* Cum Laude (GPA 3.25 – 3.49)
** Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.50 – 3.79)
*** Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.80 or higher)
+ Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
‡ Veteran or Active Military
