Drive-thru Recognition

NORTH VALLEY, N.M. – On May 31, the North Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a drive-thru graduation celebration for its high school and college graduates. Over 30 cars drove around the parking lot honking their horns in celebration. Graduates stood distanced in a line and received gifts and cards from their fellow members. 

The graduates from the Class of 2020 who were honored included: Alanah Ambriz, Lydia Denise De Lira, Isaak Oscar Calderón, David López Jr., Alyssa Ramos, Perla Perez, Gizell Rebecca Reyes, Frida Rosas, Alejandro Gabriel Saldívar and Ivonne Quezada. 

North Valley church’s youth director, Karen Márquez, who helped coordinate the event, said it had been challenging to meet the needs of the youth during the pandemic, but the church wanted to honor its seniors and congratulate them for persevering through this time.

“It feels surreal, yet very exciting to have graduated under such unusual circumstances,” said Perla Perez. “The drive-thru celebration was really touching and encouraging!” Perez graduated from Sandia View Academy and plans to study to be a physician assistant. 

Fellow graduate Frida Rosas also expressed how grateful she was for the celebration. “It is a little disappointing that as a senior I didn’t get to experience the usual senior activities and the traditional graduation ceremony,” said Rosas. “It was amazing and gratifying to see all the support and love from many church members. They not only took time to celebrate our accomplishments, but it reminds me that I have people who are cheering me on in life.” Rosas graduated from Sandia High School and is attending nursing school. Despite what is going on in the world, members of North Valley church say they are a family committed to sticking together during difficult times. The drive-thru celebration was just one of the ways the church remained connected while the physical doors of the church were closed. 

“I felt so loved and happy that so many members came to support me,” said Perez. “It made me proud to be a part of North Valley. It is not just a church but a family that is with you through thick and thin. I am very grateful!” 

By Debby Márquez,

Communication Director