Schedules, Safety, and Congratulations
CIBOLA COUNTY, NM – Cibola County’s two high schools are preparing to send off their graduating seniors this week with ceremonies planned for Friday and Saturday. As students at Grants High School and Laguna Acoma High School prepare to walk the stage, local officials and law enforcement are also stepping up efforts to ensure celebrations remain safe, sober, and meaningful for the entire community.
Grants High School Graduation – May 16
Grants High School will hold its 2025 commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. in the GHS Gymnasium.
Doors open to guests at 4:00 p.m., and this is a ticketed event. Tickets are not for sale and will be distributed to graduates during the final practice session that morning. Every attendee—regardless of age— must have a ticket to enter.
Clear bags will be required, and early seat-saving will not be allowed.
This year’s graduating Pirates have chosen a white rose as their class flower and “You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan as their class song.
The Pirate Class of 2025 quote is: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they are too small.”
A full schedule of mandatory activities leads up to the ceremony, including a senior checkout, elementary school walkthroughs, an Honors & Robing Ceremony on May 15, and a final graduation rehearsal on the morning of graduation day. Parking at the school will be limited, with open guest parking highlighted in green zones on the school’s official campus map. Blue and red areas are restricted to staff, dignitaries, and emergency personnel.
Laguna Acoma High School Graduation – May 17
Laguna Acoma High School will host its graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 17 at 9:00 a.m. inside the LAHS Gymnasium.
Unlike Grants, no tickets are required, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hawks seniors have selected the blue hibiscus as their class flower and chosen the track “Rocketeer” as their class song.
The Hawks Class of 2025 class motto: “Nothing lasts forever, but at least we have memories.”
LAHS students will participate in a series of practices, recognition events, and school walkthroughs at elementary schools across the county. Seniors will do a walkthrough of their elementary schools.
On Tuesday night a Senior Night ceremony took place, where students were honored with scholarships and a robing presentation.
DWI Saturation Patrols Planned for Graduation Weekend
With hundreds of families expected to gather for this milestone weekend, the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office has announced a series of DWI saturation patrols scheduled for Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. Deputies will be patrolling high-traffic areas near both high schools, local gathering spots, and known trouble zones to deter impaired driving.
“Graduation is a time for celebration, but it can quickly turn tragic when alcohol and impaired driving are involved,” wrote Cibola County Sheriff Larry Diaz in a press release. “If you drive impaired, you will be stopped and arrested. Our goal is to prevent crashes and save lives.”
Undersheriff Jeff Marez added that deputies will also be on the lookout for speeding, distracted driving, and other reckless behaviors. Law enforcement encourages parents to talk to their teens ahead of time and help them plan safe rides and make smart decisions.
The patrols are part of a larger, months-long DWI prevention campaign coordinated by the Cibola County DWI Prevention Office, which has been running extensive newspaper ads and public messaging in the Cibola Citizen throughout March, April, and May. The campaign aims to reinforce the message that drunk driving kills—and is 100% preventable.
Law enforcement reminds Cibola County that providing alcohol to a minor is a felony offense.
Safety Reminders for the Weekend
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Always wear a seatbelt • Designate a sober driver
• Report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 As the Class of 2025 prepares to close one chapter and open another, the community stands ready to celebrate their achievements—and protect their future. The Cibola Citizen extends its congratulations to all graduates and urges every attendee to make safety a priority during this special time.