First grade students at Harrison Schmitt Elementary School are already thinking about attending college and Western New Mexico University officials are welcoming them 11 years before they graduate high school.
Students in Mrs. Denise Ruelaz’ first grade class were recently given Letters of Acceptance by WNMU President Joseph Shepard along with university paraphernalia, in an effort to welcome the Class of 2031.
The acceptance ceremony took place in Mrs. Ruelaz’ class on Friday. Mrs. Ruelaz and her teacher’s aid Mrs. Castillo are both alumni of WNMU. They decorated their class in purple and gold, and asked their students to wear Mustang shirts.
“WNMU means so much to me and my family,” said Mrs. Castillo, who organized the event to teach her students the importance of attending college. “I let my kids know that they didn’t have an option and they had to attend college after high school.”
Castillo graduated from WNMU and her three children are currently students.
The event included presentations by Matthew Lara, Director of Admissions; and Dr. Shepard, who posed with each child and presented the certificates. WNMU mascot Rawhide also visited classrooms and entertained students.