Mexico City, July 15, 2026.— The boys’ high school at the Catholic University of Mexico ( Universidad Panamericana ) celebrated the graduation of the 109 students of the class of 2023–2026 in a moving ceremony held in the Roberto Cantoral Hall, where students, families, and teachers commemorated the end of a chapter marked by academic excellence, a well-rounded education, and Christian humanism.
The ceremony included a Mass of Thanksgiving, the presentation of diplomas, and a message to the graduates encouraging them to approach their transition to college with leadership, service, and responsibility, under the motto that defines the student community: “Pantera—not just anyone!”
A Farewell Rooted in Faith and Purpose
With the iconic Roberto Cantoral Hall serving as the venue, the community of the Panamericana High School for Boys gathered to bid farewell to the students who had completed their high school studies.
Accompanied by their families, teachers, special guests, and the Board of Directors, the Class of 2023–2026 gave thanks during a moving Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Enrique Arce, the school’s chaplain, as part of the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
During his homily, Father Enrique reminded the graduating students that God’s care and guidance are essential in their daily lives. He also highlighted five key pieces of advice that the Pope recently offered to young people for navigating today’s world:
- Seek God in silence, far from the noise of the outside world.
- Seek the truth, which endures in the face of fleeting ideologies.
- To bear witness to the faith through a life lived with integrity and joy.
- Be agents of change, rejecting passing fads and deceptions.
- Administering justice in the face of the challenges of contemporary society.
Leadership with a Human Touch: The Students' Message
Speaking on behalf of his class, Francisco Mieres Olivares, president of the Student Association and a future law student at the Universidad Panamericana, emphasized that prepaUP offers not only academic excellence but also an education focused on serving others.
“We live in an age that constantly encourages us to think about personal success […]. But education has a deeper purpose. It seeks not only to produce competent students, but also people capable of putting their talents to work for others,” Mieres reflected.
Responsibility and hard work: the Pantera hallmark
Alberto De la Barreda, M.A., principal of the Panamericana High School for Boys, recognized the efforts made by the class of 2023–2026 and encouraged them to approach college with determination, discipline, and responsibility.
He shared three key messages for this new phase:
- Take charge of your own life: “Don’t wait for someone else to come along and solve everything. Ask for help, listen to advice, and let others support you.”
- Don't shy away from hardwork: “Hard work isn't optional—it's the only way to achieve great things, no matter how much talent God has given you.”
- Show what you're made of: “You don't graduate from high school because you've finished your education; you graduate because you can now start showing what you're made of. A Panther—not just anyone!”
A Mission to the World with a Christian Identity
One of the most significant moments was the presentation of diplomas and institutional insignia by Dr. Santiago García Álvarez, rector of the Universidad Panamericana , Mexico campus.
- A diploma certifying the completion of your studies.
- Your graduation pin and the 2025–2026 school year yearbook.
- A crucifix engraved with a thought by St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer: “May you seek Christ; may you find Christ; may you love Christ.”
In his closing remarks, the university president encouraged the young people to strengthen their character through daily discipline, service, and commitment to others.
“And how can we foster positive feelings? By learning to share. By engaging in community service that truly helps others. Wherever you go, be radiant beings who inspire others, because, as St. Josemaría said: ‘To be happy, you don’t need a comfortable life, but a heart in love,’” he noted.
UP trains leaders with academic excellence and a sense of humanity
With the graduation of the Class of 2023–2026, the High School of the “ Universidad Panamericana ” reaffirms its commitment to the well-rounded education of young people capable of facing the challenges of today’s world with academic excellence, leadership, responsibility, and a strong humanistic vision.
The conclusion of this phase marks the beginning of new personal and professional endeavors for a generation ready to transform their environment through the knowledge, service, and values that set the Panamerican community apart.
