Felix Garcia and Katelynn Commissaris are Superior’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Photo by Debbie Torres
Graduation is just a week away with students and teachers all anticipating the end of the school year. The top two students at Superior High School share their plans for the future and how growing up in Superior has shaped their lives.
Felix Garcia is the number one student for the Class of 2025, the son of Mary Romero and Felix Garcia. His grandfather Art Romero has raised him and he gives much credit to his grandfather for guiding him and raising him. After high school, Felix is planning to attend Northern Arizona University where he is planning to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. His long term goal is to invent and develop electrical systems that can be more affordable for people in need, and most importantly wants to bring these systems back to Superior.
Felix focused on his school work and academic success throughout his high school career, while also helping to care for his grandfather. “Taking care of my grandfather taught me responsibility, hard work and commitment qualities that I would have gained if I had participated in sports and clubs,” he explained.
“Growing up in Superior showed me the importance of helping others, working hard, and never giving up. It made me passionate about using my skills to make life better for people in need, just like many of the families living in Superior,” he said. It was not uncommon for him to go into a store and hear people calling his name. “I like that everyone knows each other, we are able to look out for each other and that influenced me to be a kind person,” he said.
His advice to underclassmen, “Never be afraid to take chances, work hard and not everything has to be perfect as long as you are giving your best effort. Everything is going to work out.”
Felix expressed great gratitude throughout his interview. “I want to give special thanks to my grandfather Art Romero who has raised me, practically my whole life. He is the man who taught me these traits and qualities of being a good person.” He also expressed thanks to his mom Mary Romero, dad Felix Garcia and his Tios, Tias and cousins. “Thank you for all your support,” he said.
Katelynn Commissaris is the Salutatorian, number two student in the class of 2025 at Superior High School. She is the daughter of Stephanie Commissaris and Ken Commissaris. She will be attending Grand Canyon University to study graphic design. She plans to work for a private company on a design team.
Katelynn has been an actively involved student in Superior. She was a member of Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Student Council and the Town of Superior Youth Council. She has also worked as a lifeguard for the Town of Superior.
She has enjoyed living in Superior and attending Superior schools because of the wide variety of opportunities to try and step out of their comfort zone. “With every new experience I participated in, I was able to learn valuable lessons that I can take with me throughout life and discover my true potential,” she said. “Growing up in Superior during high school truly shaped me in to the best version of myself, I hope to give back to those who once served me and contributed to my success,” she replied.
Her advice to underclassmen: “No matter what happened in your life, never give up. Keep persevering because things will get better.”
She extended much gratitude and thanks in her interview. “I would like to thank all of the teachers and staff at Superior Jr. Sr. High School that inspired me to open myself up and blossom into the person I am today. I also want to thank all of my closest friends and family who supported me and through the most challenging times during my four years of high school and inspired me to keep going, no matter what difficulties I faced.
“Overall, every positive word of advice and guidance by everyone involved in my high school journey helped me grow and become a successful and stronger individual, and I would not be who I am now without it.” She attributes to her success to many and extended her thanks and gratitude.