Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 plays through the speakers of the packed Anton High School Auditorium.
Only this time, three graduates cross the stage.
Despite the various unique circumstances presented to Olan Johnson, Carlos Boldivano and Rosendo Boldivano during their time in high school, the three stood before the crowd, decked out in purple caps and gowns, eager to finally receive their high school diplomas.
“Tonight is about honoring promises kept with integrity, and the idea that it’s never too late to finish what you’ve started,” Anton Superintendent Freddie Tobias said. “Gentlemen, your presence here tonight teaches us all that education is timeless, that dreams don’t have expiration dates and about that quiet determination to finish and receive what is rightfully yours.”
Aside from receiving diplomas, the men received awards from United States Senator Ted Cruz, honoring the Boldivano brothers for their service and thanking Johnson for his devotion to his community.
A portion of Cruz’s message to the Boldivano’s read: “... because of your unwavering service and sacrifice, current and future generations can enjoy the freeness upon which our nation was founded. Your life’s journey has been one of strength and deep purpose and today’s recognition honors not only your academic achievement but a lifetime of service, resilience and dedication. Today’s recognition is more than the awarding of a diploma. It is a tribute to honor your lifelong commitment to Anton, to hard work, to public service. Your journey reminds us all that integrity, perseverance and sacrifice never go unnoticed.”
In his message to Johnson, Cruz highlighted his leadership and labor efforts: “... decades ago, you made the selfless decision to leave school and work on your family’s farm, putting the needs of others before your own. That same spirit of dedication and service continues throughout your life, including your time as mayor of Anton, where your leadership helped shape the future of your community.”
Lacking only one credit to graduate, Johnson aspired to receive his diploma for over 40 years.
Nonetheless, from working at the La Harte Theater, to bagging groceries, picking cotton and opening a barber shop in Anton, Johnson accumulated an exten- sive resume over the years, with even more positions than listed.
Notably, Johnson served as Anton’s mayor and city manager.
“It’s a celebration and completion of everything,” Johnson said, referencing what Anton’s centennial meant to him. “I didn’t have any siblings in my family that graduated, so that’s kind of the way it turned out. I’ve spent about 50 years of my life here, and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.”
Now, finally receiving his diploma, Johnson joked that the only problem he faces now is deciding what job to apply for next with his new accolade.
Unbeknownst to him, Carlos learned about receiving his diploma the day of the ceremony.
“I’m in shock… I didn’t know nothing about this,” Carlos Boldivano said, “it was a big surprise to me, but it makes me feel good.”
The Boldivano brothers both served in the Vietnam War, cutting their time in high school short.
“I used to have dreams of walking in the hallway, hoping to get a diploma,” Rosendo Boldivano said, “I finally got it.”
However, with pride and devotion, each brother left to represent their community and serve their country.
“ A lot of service men and women come from small towns,” Rosendo Boldivano said. “I just happened to be one who served my country and came back. Many never return; we should never forget about them.”
Recounting fond memories in Anton and at school, the Boldivano brothers remained grateful to revisit the community and relive past experiences.
After the ceremony, the graduates mingled among family members and friends in the school’s library, still wearing their purple caps and gowns. The congratulatory heir of the room remained as strong as the prominent smiles on the graduates’ expressions.
For upcoming graduates, Carlos said he advises them to maintain an authentic sense of perseverance.