As another graduation season rolls around and students begin preparing to celebrate with their family and friends, there are many places and activities to do to commemorate this joyous achievement.  

Most students choose to eat at a fancy restaurant with their loved ones such as Ruth Chris’s Steak House, Mesa Street Grill, Landry’s Seafood, West Texas Chop House, Crave Kitchen & Bar, Ardovino’s Pizza, Corralito’s Steakhouse, and many other delicious restaurants located around the city.  

Graduates also mark the occasion by hosting parties at their house or a party venue. Local party venues include The Barn Venue, 2828 N Lee Trevino Drive, and the El Patio Party Room at 11500 Pelicano Drive. If you want something more historic or antique, Magoffin Hall at 801 Magoffin Ave. has its own beautiful history. For graduates who enjoy the outdoors, Keystone Heritage Park on the west side offers a unique experience in its botanical gardens. The McKelligon Canyon Pavilion on 1500 McKelligon Canyon Road offers guests the chance to be engulfed in the El Paso wilderness.  

One graduate decided he didn’t need a fancy venue to celebrate with his loved ones. 

“I just want to eat some good food with my family and friends,” said Ramon Castro, an industrial engineering major graduating from UTEP. “I’m going to have a taco bar at my house with aguas frescas, salsa, guacamole and more great food. I’m so excited to finally be graduating… I have waited many years for this moment and want the day to be special.”  

There are many pretty spots around El Paso that graduates can take pictures at to memorialize their special day. These picture-worthy spots include a pic in front of the iconic Plaza Theatre’s façade. Across the street stands the newly renovated Plaza Hotel and Paso Del Norte Hotel with their new restaurants and rooftop bar. Anywhere in downtown El Paso is a picture-perfect spot with all of its tall buildings, murals, historic structures, new skyscrapers and hotels. El Paso is filled with all sorts of beauty with awesome mountain backdrops, urban and nature spots. Tom Lea Park is also a hidden gem nestled in the mountains. Other parks include Album Park, Centennial Park, the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens at UTEP, Memorial Park and the Franklin Mountains State Park, to name a few.  

End-of-year recitals are also a great way to celebrate a student’s college achievements. Senior Nicolas Acedo Aguilar, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in commercial music, said this is the best way to finish his college career.  

“My senior recital is the best way to finish off my college experience,” said Aguilar. “It’s a great way to thank all of my professors, family and friends who have supported me throughout my time at college. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to top it all off.” 

Alyson Rodriguez is a contributor and can be reached at [email protected]; @alyson_rod1127.