Portales High commencement Friday

PORTALES — Four years can pass by in what seems like no time at all, and suddenly you’re on to your next adventure. For 153 Portales High School seniors, that future begins on Friday.

The PHS commencement ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. at Greyhound Arena, and though they have their entire lives to look forward to, PHS Guidance Counselor Thomas Tafoya said their accomplishments so far have already made him proud.

“We’ve got some amazing students that have accomplished so much, and I guess seeing them mature and grow as young adults, that’s the biggest thing,” he said.

Seeing the students leave may be bittersweet, but Tafoya said he looks forward to seeing what else they will be able to achieve.

“Teachers bond with them for four years and before you know it, they’re gone. That’s a natural phase of life,” he said.

PHS Principal Mark Gormley began his job in 2015 when the graduating students were sophomores.

“They’re gonna do well. They’re really good students and they’re just really good people,” he said.

Gormley said attendees should show up early to avoid chaos in the parking lot. While there are no specific guidelines for crowd behavior, he asked that attendees be respectful.

“Just try to keep the noise down a little bit. It’s a fun night for everybody,” he said.