Copper Canyon High School class of 2021 seniors walked across the stage at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on May 24 after a year of wondering if the moment would actually arrive. The ceremony went off without a hitch and left the students in a reflective mood.

“I thought it was fun hanging out with friends,” said Joshua Romero about high school. “It was also a motivation to keep studying.”

Alejandra Beltran Felix, another senior, also thought back fondly on the year.

“My experience was really good,” said Beltran. “Moving to Copper was good because I got to learn great things like how to interact with people and be more social.”

“I thought it was crazy that I was in high school,” said senior Catherine Zarate. “It also went by fast.”

All three seniors credit joining clubs, sports and other organizations to enhancing their high school experience.

“I have joined soccer, sports medicine, and tennis,” said Romero.

“I’ve joined soccer and Aztec Media,” said Beltran.

Zarate has been in student government since her freshman year.

Each senior also has a favorite moment or class from their academics at Copper.

“My favorite classes were medical foundations, integrated science, sports medicine, AP world history, physics, advanced algebra II, advanced anatomy, medical assisting, and internship sports medicine,” said Romero.

“The best classes I’ve taken are digital media and senior english,” said Beltran Felix.

“My favorite class by far was student government,” said Zarate.

Graduation night is a time to reflect on the achievement of goals and each senior remarked on what they had accomplished.

“I’ve passed all my classes,” said Romero. “I also learned how to interact and make new friends along the way.”

“One goal I’ve accomplished is being social,” added Beltran.

“One of my accomplished goals is being in student government all 4 years,” said Zarate. “Another one of my accomplished goals is being in West-Mec.”

Before they move on, each senior shared a memory or favorite moment from the last four years.

“My favorite memory was riding the bus back to Copper from soccer games.” said Romero.

Alejandra Beltran Felix’s favorite memory was hanging out with her friends.

“My first favorite memory was when the class of 2021 planned Copper’s Quinceñera,” said Zarate. “The other one was when we planned Copper’s Sweetheart.”

Overall, these seniors have plans that will take them in different directions after high school.

Romero is deciding on going to NAU or staying in the Valley.

“My plans after high school are to maybe go to NAU or stay here in Phoenix,” said Romero. “And then a plan C is to get certified to become a physical therapist.”

“I plan on going to colleges such as GCU or UFA,” said Beltran.

“My plan after high school is to go to University of Arizona to get my bachelors and health care in fitness,” said Zarate.

Full ceremony link: CCHS 2021 GRADUATION CEREMONY