Joshua de la Ossa, a 1994 graduate of PUHS, was the commencement speaker at the PUHS Graduation ceremony on May 23. He told the audience that he grew up in an adobe house without heating or air conditioning in Lochiel, built by his grandfather. It was a 45-minute bus ride to school. He spoke of his getting a full scholarship to the U. of A. and then losing it after the first year through a technicality.
Thereafter he worked two jobs to finish his undergraduate degree and went on to get his master’s with distinction at Northern Arizona University.
After marriage, the birth of two children and purchase of a house, Joshua decided to go to law school. He and his wife sold their house to finance his further education, and he became a lawyer. He told the graduates that “education is a lifelong process” and that “you may leave Patagonia, but Patagonia never leaves you. The lessons you learn here last a lifetime.”
Eighteen Patagonia High School seniors graduated in May. Fourteen of them plan to continue their education at a community or four-year college. One young woman will enter the Air Force. The careers that interest them cover a wide spectrum…biochemistry, criminal investigation, ranch hand, dietician, ultrasound tech, welder, respiratory care therapy and more. PRT applauds and congratulates the Class of 2014–and the parents and teachers who have guided and encouraged them. Below are the graduates and their plans for the coming year:
James Ambrose plans to work as a ranch hand.
Lorenzo Beltran is looking into attending the culinary arts program at Pima Community College or seeking a career in fire science.
Berenice Cabrera will attend the University of Arizona to major in gender and women’s studies
Marisela De La Ossa plans to attend the University of Arizona, majoring in biochemistry with a minor in mechanics.
Jaime Duarte is interested in moving to Las Vegas and a career in law enforcement.
Tyler Filigenzi-Hudson plans to move and work on a ranch in Oklahoma.
Alyssa Graham is attending Cochise Community College and wants to become an ultrasound technician. She received an $8,000 scholarship from Patagonia Womans Club, and a $1,000 Anne Stradling scholarship.
Faith Hendricks has enlisted in the Air Force and departs for training on June 16, 2014.
Miranda Jaramillo will attend Pima Community College before transferring to the University of Arizona to study respiratory care therapy.
Jacklyn Kallner-Venos will attend Pima Comm. College, then transfer to the U. of A. to study special education or equine veterinary science
Jonathan King will attend Eastern Arizona College, majoring in business. He won a $1,000 Anne Stradling scholarship.
Nathaniel Lucero plans to attend Coconino Community College, majoring in business administration.
Chani McEldowney hopes to go to Northern Arizona University and study mathematics.
Johnny Montanez will attend Northern Arizona University to major in exercise science.
Kenneth Oliver will study welding at Cochise Community College.
Jodie Quiroga plans to attend Northern Arizona University, majoring in health sciences to become a dietician.
Savanah Skiver is moving to Tucson to study criminal Investigation at the University of Arizona.
Felix Wharton will attend Northern Arizona University to pursue a master’s degree in education or environmental studies. Felix received a $5,000 Mary Bowman scholarship, $5,000 from Friends of Madera Canyon, and $8,000 from the Patagonia Women’s Club.
