Monday the 1st Beth and I went to San Baltazar to watch Epifanio's son graduate from preparatoria (high school). Miguel Angel was the first of eight siblings to graduate from high school. To earn money for college Miguel is going to give one year of service to the government in exchange for three years help with college. He is going to teach at an elementary school. His most likely location will be in a rancho far from civilization. I was told that many of these pueblos are without electricity. Some teachers are unable to complete their service due to the primitive conditions. 

While discussing Miguel's prospects Epifanio informed me that San Baltazar didn't receive electricity until nineteen seventy. The first phone in the village was installed in nineteen ninety. Cell phones have been in operation for about four years. One of the things that I am completely stunned by is the difference between my early life compared to the early lives of men my age. It's fascinating to hear men recall how life was for them. So many things I took for granted!

The ceremony lasted about two hours. There were seventeen students in the graduating class. It's pretty unusual for a village the size of San Baltazar to have a high school. I can't think of another. 

It was wonderful watching these young people receive their diplomas. They are Mexico's future. The comaraderie amongst the students was touching. They have uniquely close relationships due to the small size of their student body. 

Miguel being congratulated by members of the Municipio.

With diploma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These are some of the parents and grandparents of the graduates. The generational difference between them and the graduates is enormous. 

One of the younger classes provided entertainment with a traditional dance. The girl below is just beautiful. 

Of course Coca Colas were passed out to administrators.

This young lady was the equivilent of Valedictorian. In her speech she thanked those involved in her educational process. She also had words of wisdom for her graduating class. I spoke to her after the graduation and was very impressed by her. 

Miguel with a younger schoolmate.

Part of the graduating class with their instructors.