The Journey Continues: Graduation 2018

My journey this week takes me to my west Texas hometown newspaper, “The Double Mountain Chronicle,” from Rotan, Texas, which covers four towns: Aspermont, Jayton, Roby and Rotan.

In reading last week’s graduation supplement for the four high schools, one graduate’s challenging journey was of note and I want to share it with you.

Alfonso Chavero-Chavez graduated from Aspermont High School as the Salutatorian. In his speech he said, “I will always remember the first day of school when I could not understand anything of what they were saying. It is not easy to reach another country, there will be people who will laugh at you, talk trash behind you, and never help you. But at the end of the day, they will need you.”

Chavero-Chavez attended all four years of high school in Aspermont. I spoke with his principal, Zach Morris, who said, “He is a quiet young man who is all about business.”

School Counselor, and countywide ESL Coordinator Teddye Myers added, “He is a success story. It was a pleasure to watch him grow in scholarship in the pursuit of a diploma.”

Chavero-Chavez was given the perfect attendance and citizenship awards his senior year. His reward as Salutatorian included the Snipes Ranch and the Santa Rosa scholarships, totaling $10,500. He plans to attend Texas State Technical Institute in Sweetwater in preparation for a career in transportation.

“‘ For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Jerimiah 29:11

From the NIV Life Application Bible Commentary footnotes: “We’re all encouraged by a person who stirs us to move ahead. Someone who believes we can do the task he has given and who will be with us all the way. That is God – he knows the future and his plans for us are good and full of hope.”

I named this column “The Journey Continues” because I want to speak life into the journeys of people I write about. Alfonso Chavero-Chavez, go forward and know that God is on your side.