SAN ANTONIO — It’s kind of fitting that East Central High School’s 2020-21 school year ended with heavy rain, but students like Zahley Maldoando persevered.
“There was a lot of twists and turns. You never really knew what was going to happen. It was definitely a good year though. Still got the grades I had to get and still had an amazing year with Honeybees,” Maldonado said.
Maldonado was preparing for a drive-thru graduation because that’s what East Central did last year. Instead, she was able to walk the stage in San Antonio’s largest indoor-venue, the Alamodome.
“When we were at rehearsal, they mentioned how much bigger it is than the Freeman (Coliseum) and I had been to the Freeman for my brother’s, so it was crazy to see how big it is,” Maldonado said.
Even though she’s walking the stage at the Alamodome, there really isn’t a ceiling for her as she graduated Summa Cum Laude and is on her way to the University of Texas.
“I have a lot of family going. I’m the last of all of my cousins. I’m the last grandkid to graduate. I’ve been to everyone else’s graduation, so now everyone is forced to come to mine because I went to theirs,” Maldonado said. “So, it’s really nice that they get to be here and see me graduate and just to wrap up this really weird year.”
The moment Maldonado had her name read aloud as she crossed that stage, she knew that was it. It’s a moment that parents think about for years.
As Maldonado’s parents cheered from section 132, she gave them a wave as a chapter in her life came to an end.
“I feel so excited. I don’t think I’m sad, I think I’m kind of feeling very nostalgic, but I’m like really excited. Now, I’m just ready to see what happens next,” Maldonado said.