(Riverton, WY) – Riverton school officials and community members celebrated the graduation of Frontier Academy student Aurora Gracia Alcarez during a local school board meeting Tuesday.
Frontier Academy instructor Ross Ziegler shared several stories about Alcarez during the event, reminiscing about her ability to bring good-natured fun into the classroom, either by drawing smiley faces on her classmates’ papers, creating a “wanted” poster for a stuffed fish that had gone missing, or organizing a secret Bingo game for the class.
“Aurora is a student that brought smiles to (the) whole group,” Ziegler said. “That’s just who she is. (She) added just an amazing amount of personality to our school.”
Alvarez said it was “an important goal” for her to graduate early this year, and she thanked the Frontier Academy staff, the school board and administration, and her family and friends for giving her “the support to make that happen.”
“I’m really just excited to begin this new part of my life,” she said. “Completing this goal has given me the confidence that I can continue to accomplish more goals in my life.”
She specifically thanked the Frontier staff for always making her feel welcome at the school.
“They’ve been so patient and respectful in helping me explore all my options so I can make educated decisions about my future,” she said. “Frontier has helped me not only achieve some of my goals but helped me set new ones.”
Alcarez also gave special recognition to Ziegler and instructor Rob Winn “for being so kind to me.”
“They both have a very special place in my heart,” she said. “Thank you both for all your help and patience.”
Finally, she thanked her friends and family “for always being here for me.”
“The support you all give me makes me feel like I can do anything,” she said. “I don’t know where I’d be without you guys. … You’ve all helped me more than you’ll ever know.”
Click here for a recording of the school board meeting.