SW New Mexico News

The Class of 2024 will partake in commencement ceremonies from May 23-25 at the Pan American Center, located at 1810 E. University Avenue on the campus of New Mexico State University. This marks the first occasion since 2019 that all six high schools within Las Cruces Public Schools have hosted their graduations at the Pan Am.

Attendees are required to adhere to NMSU’s clear bag policy, which stipulates that any bags not in compliance with the policy will not be permitted inside the venue. Approved bags include those made from clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and must not exceed dimensions of 12 inches wide by six inches deep and 12 inches high. Small clutch bags and soft, flexible seat cushions are also permissible.

Items such as confetti, noisemakers, large posters, “fat head” photos that could obstruct others' views and balloons are prohibited.

The commencement schedule is as follows: Arrowhead Park Early College High School on Thursday, May 23 at 9 a.m., followed by Organ Mountain High School at 6 p.m. Rio Grande Preparatory Institute will hold its ceremony on Friday, May 24 at 9 a.m., with Las Cruces High School following suit at 6 p.m. On Saturday, May 25, Mayfield High School's commencement begins at 9 a.m., with Centennial High School rounding off the proceedings at 6 p.m.

On Thursday there will be an early release for students at Organ Mountain High School. Similarly on Friday, classes at Las Cruces High School will be dismissed early and Rio Grande Prep will remain closed so staff can attend the commencement ceremonies.

Guests are requested to use the northeast and southeast entrances to the Pan Am as east and west entrances will remain closed. Doors will open to attendees one hour prior to each ceremony.

All commencements will provide Spanish translation services as well as an American Sign Language interpreter. For those unable to attend, all ceremonies will be livestreamed at www.lcps.tv.