Two Cousins Meet Their Academic Goal at LHS

By Misty Cryer

Tobias Chacon, son of Robbie and Denise Chacon, was named valedictorian for Loving High School (LHS), with Jayce Munoz, son of Arturo and Dawndri Munoz, earning the title of salutatorian. An interesting part of their story is that these young men are cousins who, in their sophomore year, set a goal to graduate at the top of their class.

“I played basketball my whole high school career,” said Tobias, adding he managed to play football his senior year. “I also was in a program called FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America). It really helped me with my public speaking and presenting skills,” he said.

During high school, Tobias said he took dual-credit classes at the college, including college composition, college algebra, public speaking, and an arts class—Western Music Appreciation.

For his next step, Tobias said, “As of right now, I’m going to Las Cruces to the Dona Ana Community College. I was pretty set on the HVAC trade, but as I’m doing an apprenticeship now, I am getting the full experience on the trade, and I might change to something else.” He said he is trying to see what really interests him, exploring his options, and will go from there.

Acknowledging the difference in student numbers between the two schools, Tobias said he got close to his teachers after transferring from Carlsbad to Loving, and he credits them as inspirational. About his experience in Loving,” he said, “Teachers really see you every day, even when you aren’t in their class, and they really care for you, become a big part of your life, and push you to be the best, and really try to develop a skill, and to always be determined to work hard.”

While in high school, Jayce said he was involved in football, basketball, baseball, track, FCCLA, National Honor Society, and yearbook. Through FCCLA competitions, he said, “What I do is present a small business idea to the judges, and we talk about how it helps the community.”

Jayce said, “I’ve been doing dual credit since my sophomore year.” After graduation, he said he plans to go to Las Cruces to study business. “I want to run my own business one day.”

While he hasn’t decided what kind of business to open, Jayce said, “I’ve been around my family, and we have people who own businesses. I like the idea of owning a business in the community and giving back to what raised me.”

Acknowledging that it is hard to see ahead, Jayce said he may come back to Loving if that’s where God takes him. “Loving will always be home. No matter what happens, this is my place.”

When asked who inspired him in school, Jayce said, “Of course, I have to shout out Jesus,” adding that he’s been with him through ups and downs. In choosing someone, he said it would be his dad. “Dad sacrificed a lot for the family, and it just inspires me. If he can do it, I can do it,” he said.