Seniors' journeys just starting

At the end of today, 164 Portales High School graduates will be turning their tassels and walking across the stage of the Eastern New Mexico University Greyhound Arena into their new lives.

Here is what some members of the 2013 PHS graduating class had to say about their high school journeys and their futures:

• Tatiana Castillo wants to study youth ministry in Waxahachie, Texas, after she graduates. At PHS, Castillo was active in choir, where she and her fellow students sang at community events such as the Christmas Light Parade and the city's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Castillo said she likes all types of music including metal, classic rock, pop and big band.

"It's about the music. If it sounds good to my ear, why not," said Castillo.

Castillo

In her spare time, Castillo likes to work with stained glass. First she picks out the design and colors and cuts out the pieces of glass she wants to work with. Then she grinds the individual pieces into shapes and puts them together like puzzle pieces.

• Coby Carter wants to pursue a career in mechanical engineering technology. Having grown up on a farm and participated in the agriculture club at PHS, Carter said he wanted to continue living the relaxed and open lifestyle while pursuing his career aspirations.

  Carter

  Outside of school, Carter plays the fiddle in bands from Texas and New Mexico.

  "I'm excited to just get out in the real world and get my feet underneath me and get started on life," said Carter.

  • Audriana Underhill wants to study graphic design and art at Eastern New Mexico University.

  Underhill likes to sing and said that likes to listen to any kind of music as long as it sounds good.

  Underhill

  "Graduation is a great way to celebrate," said Underhill. "It's the start of my life."