LAFAYETTE, Colo. — For Nicholas Asocar, a high school graduation is something many people thought he would never attend. Asocar was diagnosed with autism at a young age and doctors told his mother there was a chance he would never talk or be able to take regular classes.
But Asocar said he was able to join the more than 250 Centaurus High School graduates on Saturday because of the support he received from his family, friends and, most of all, his mother.
“She said I could do anything I set my mind to,” Asocar told his fellow graduates. “She also never gave up on me.”
Centaurus Principal Rhonda Haniford praised the hard work Asocar and every other graduate has put in throughout high school.
“A large chunk of them are going off to four-year universities or two-year universities. Some of them are traveling internationally, going to international schools,” she said before the ceremony. “I have great hopes for them, they have high aspirations and I know they’re gonna make it.”
Some of the graduates said that, though they will miss Centaurus and the friends and memories they’ve made, they are excited to go on to experience new things. Cody Goetsch, 18, said it feels good to finally be recognized.
“All the work that I’ve done for the last four years ... It’s good to finally know that I’ve accomplished something,” he said.
Steven Chereson, a language arts teacher who was recognized as the Centaurus High School Honored Teacher and presented with the Gastellum Award for involvement in the school and with the students, said he is proud of this class but that he will miss them next year.
“I find that every year when graduating time comes — when they’re about to leave us — I’m losing members of family but (with) this class it’s more so than others,” he said.
And, though they’re all going in different directions, Asocar assured the graduates there are great things in store for each of them.
“I know the future holds great things for everyone,” he said.
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