Future Educators Honored on Educational Signing Day at CHS

By Misty Cryer

Education Pathway is part of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Academy at Carlsbad High School. Four seniors were honored and celebrated in an educational signing ceremony for their commitment to continue their journey in education at the postsecondary level. The four senior interns honored were Ella Hovrud, Deandra Balcazar, Cameron Zumbrun, and Rebecca Brown.

The ceremony began with the teacher of Education Pathway, Kasey Graziano, welcoming attendees and making opening remarks. Kathleen Arias, Health and Human Services Principal at CHS, delivered the keynote address, followed by a presentation by Graziano, students signing letters of intent to pursue degrees in Education, closing remarks, and a reception with refreshments served.

“We are here tonight because we have four lovely ladies who are signing up to all New Mexico colleges,” said Arias. “Ms. Graziano has done a great job growing and developing—creating this program. She has built this from the ground up, and she’s done a beautiful job,” she said.

To the students, Arias said, “Just always know that everything that you do in our classrooms is really important—every conversation that you have with students and every minute you spend with them—it’s really something beautiful.”

The presentation delivered by Graziano included a short bio of each student, a note from the teachers they assisted, and a message from home. The following bios were extracted from the presentation.

Deandra Balcazar: “She was involved in Educators Rising, Volleyball, and Track and Field. This year, she worked with third-grade students. Deandra’s dedication to her academic and professional development stands out, marked by her thoughtful engagement and genuine care in working with both students and teachers. Her passion and persistence will undoubtedly shape her into a compassionate and effective educator. She will be attending NMSU in the Fall of 2025 to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.”

Rebecca Brown: “She is involved in Educators Rising and Student Council. She was involved in Volleyball and Basketball. She also worked in a third-grade classroom. Becca brings energy, warmth, and dedication to everything she does. Her fun-loving spirit, paired with a strong commitment to education, makes her a natural fit for a future in teaching. Becca will continue on to NMSU and pursue a degree in Elementary Education in the Fall of 2025.”

Ella Hovrud: “She was a member of Educators Rising. She also worked with second-grade students. Ella has shown exceptional dedication to her educational path, showcasing both skill and compassion in her interactions with students and teachers alike. This commitment is essential as she prepares for her future role as an educator. Ella will continue on to ENMU Ruidoso and pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education.”

Cameron Zumbrum: “Cameron worked with third-grade students. She was a member of Educators Rising and Student Council. She participated in Volleyball and Basketball. Cameron has such a vibrant personality and commitment to education. Her warmth, compassion, and joyful spirit light up every room she enters. Her genuine care for others, combined with her humor and dedication, will make her the kind of educator who leaves a lasting impact on every student she meets. Cameron will continue on to NMSU and pursue a degree in Elementary Education in the Fall of 2025.”

Graziano ended the presentation with an emotional statement to her students: “You guys have been such a tremendous joy to have in my life. I love you dearly. I can’t wait to see what your future holds. Hopefully, one day, you get to come back, and we will get to teach alongside each other. I’m so proud of you.”