BERNALILLO — The highly-anticipated moment finally came for Bernalillo High School’s graduating class of 2022, as 178 students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas Thursday at BHS.

Speakers addressed the graduates about the significance of the ceremony, including making it through obstacles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those speakers included Bernalillo High School Principal Aubrey Tucker, keynote speak and 2008 Bernalillo High graduate Nancy Molinar, BHS Salutatorian Zenaida Diaz and BHS Valedictorians Perciliana Moquino and Gabriela Aragon.

The photo descriptions are listed below, starting with the first one on the screen:

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Gabriela Aragon and Paulle Martinez check in for the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Bernalillo High School’s graduating seniors wait to check in for Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Aliana Coronado waits for the start of the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Leonard Baca looks on ahead of the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Families take their seats for the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Juan Maldonado looks on ahead of the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Tristen Ludi-Herrera and Chase Darnell, right, mingle prior to the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Mario Sanchez adjusts his tassel while waiting for the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Aimee Esquibel, front, and Kaylena Duran take a selfie ahead of the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Graduating seniors walk toward the stage for the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Graduating seniors take their seats for the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Bernalillo High School Principal Aubrey Tucker addresses the graduating seniors during the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Keynote speaker Nancy Molinar, 2008 Bernalillo High School valedictorian, addresses the graduating seniors during the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Bernalillo High School salutatorian Zenaida Diaz addresses the graduating seniors during the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Bernalillo High School valedictorian Perciliana Moquino addresses the graduating seniors during the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Juliana Aragon receives her diploma from Bernalillo High School Principal Aubrey Tucker during the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Horatio Ashe receives his diploma from Bernalillo High School Principal Aubrey Tucker during the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Tamika Aguilar receives her diploma from Bernalillo High School Principal Aubrey Tucker during the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

Sydney Calabaza receives her diploma from Bernalillo High School Principal Aubrey Tucker during the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bernalillo High School.

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Photos by Rio Rancho Observer staff writer Matt Hollinshead.