Shoutout to successful Clovis grads

Once again, we are approaching the time of year when we celebrate Clovis High School graduates who have gone out into the world and excelled in their fields. Organized by the Clovis Municipal Schools Education Foundation, this special event has been held for a number of years at the Clovis Civic Center.

The Education Foundation strongly believes it is not only an opportunity to celebrate noteworthy alumni, but also to showcase examples of excellence for our current students, many of whom are involved in helping out in various capacities at the event.

This year's recipients are:

• Amando Jauregui (class of '87) in the category of Business/Industry. A Clinical Team Manager for Bayer Pharmaceuticals, he's headed a research team working on a cure for Hepatitis C.

• Under Sports/Entertainment is Joseph Durepos ('74), Executive Editor trade book acquisitions at Loyola Press.

• Patrick Lyons ('72) is a recipient for Government/Public Service, working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., continuing on as state senator and in other positions, winning awards along the way.

• Walter Bradley ('64), also a recipient for Government/Public Service, served a number of years as Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico, as well in the senate, also collecting a number of other awards along the way.

A distinctive category is the Top Cat Award, an honor which goes to a recipient who is not necessarily a graduate of CHS, but who has contributed greatly to the district in time and/or resources over the years. This year's Top Cat goes to Donna Quinn, local attorney for 35 years, formerly a teacher in the Clovis system.

This year a posthumous Top Cat award will also go to the late Ester Smith Van Soelen ('49), who also happens to be a graduate of Clovis High School. Receiving a bachelor's degree in Anthropology, she went on to earn a master's degree in Religion, both from ENMU. Van Soelen obtained her law degree from the University of Oklahoma and returned to Clovis to practice law as the first female lawyer in Clovis. She remained a well-respected member of the legal community and eventually taught at the Clovis Community College for many years, as well as remaining much involved with a number of local groups closely associated with the Clovis Municipal Schools.

Add May 12 to your calendar, to join us for this year's Hall of honors Banquet, a gala opportunity to come meet these and reunite with former classmates.

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the instructional technology coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools. She can be reached at [email protected]