5-23-2024 11:05pm

Meet Alamogordo High School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Chris Edwards Editor

Tiger 2024 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Kaeden Thomas and Omar Enriquez

Graduation is coming around the bend for Alamogordo High School seniors and AlamogordoTownNews.org with KALHRadio.org was behind the scenes today with principal, April Shay as she gathered the seniors with lots of staff assistance for a run through of the graduation ceremony.

The students were obviously excited and happy…

Along the way we got to spend a few minutes with the two academic class leaders, Valedictorian, Kaeden Tomas and Salutatorian, Omar Enriquez. Each student is well accomplished and will present a speech as a part of the graduation ceremony.

Kaeden Thomas’s speech is related to farewells, however his philosophy that he shall speak to is “there are no farewells in life as it is ongoing.” Kaeden is a student of the military having arrived in Alamogordo about a year ago after his family was transferred to Holloman from Las Vegas. A bit shy and soft spoken, he excelled at APS in S.T.E.M. learning and has a passion for music. We asked Kaeden which teachers had the biggest influence on his success, he responded he’d “be hard pressed to highlight just one.”

In his spare time he plays the guitar and is influenced by the Indie Pop Genre. He plays instrumental covers on his guitar and his favorite song is,”Come a Little Bit Closer.”

Leaning on his success with S.T.E.M. Learning, Kaeden will be leaving Alamogordo and going off to college, going to the College of Engineering at the University of Alabama, Huntsville.

This years 2024 Tiger Salutatorian is Omar Enriquez. Omar has received a lot of press coverage both on air and in print for his athleticism in Cross Country and Track and Field. However, he demonstrates a student that is successful in athletics and academics as the Salutatorian.

We asked Omar which teachers had the biggest influence on his AHS experience. He said that Mr. Paul Sena taught him the “skills of respect and how to be a go getter.” Omar said he was also heavily influenced by Ms. Colleen Teske, as she is “full of kindness and the best math teacher ever.”

Omar explained math was critical for him as he will use it as he prepares for flight school with a goal of getting into the American Airlines Flight Academy.

Omar claimed his biggest inspiration or idol is his sister Emile, “she is hugely successful and talented and I so much respect for her and hope to emulate her accomplishments.”

Omar’s speech to his class will emphasis the power of exploration, encouraging his classmates to explore the world.

We asked both Kaeden and Omar if they had any other wisdom to share of their experiences at Alamogordo High School or wisdom for the next phase of life, the theme from both was that, “most people really don’t know what they are doing or what direction or path life will take them, but, whatever their journey may be, just take a leap of faith, believe in themselves and TRY! “

Wise words and beliefs from two different perspectives. After speaking with each, it’s easy to see why they are the academic leaders as the Alamogordo High School Class of 2024 as the Valedictorian, Salutatorian. Congratulations to Kaeden and Omar and each and every student about to walk across the stage and enter the next phase of life! Celebrate the evening and enjoy the life and opportunities before you!