The Class of 2020 Luis Acosta Sebastian Alba Erika Chavez Jacob Cordova Ethan Corral Daniela Delgado Keiddrick Fizer Carlos Flores Alan Garza
Isaac Gonzalez Tamara Gonzalez Cristina Medrano Judith Mendoza Sebastian Navejar Ricardo Plata Ashley Robledo Kihana Wilson
Graduation & Awards Ceremony June 26, 2020
Welcome .............................................................Dr. Dorothy Scrutchin, Director Invocation .........................................................................................Jason Moreno Candle Ceremony .............................................Dr. Laura Henry, Former Director Recognition of Faculty .........................................Dr. Dorothy Scrutchin, Director
Major Prizes & Awards Community Awards ..........................................................Lindsay Trostle, Teacher Jordan Huynh, Teacher Future Leaders Award ...............................Laura Hipps, Director of Development President’s Award ..................................Alan Ratliff, President, Board of Trustees Leadership Award ................................................Dr. Dorothy Scrutchin, Director Serendipity Award College Board Recognitition Angel Nolasco Award .................................Aby Cisneros, Director of Admissions Dillon Anderson Memorial Award Albert H. Herzstein Memorial Award Senior Essay Prize Award ..................................Dr. Laura Henry, Former Director Introduction of Stephen Perrault .................................................... Jacob Cordova Message to the Seniors ...................................................Stephen Perrault, Teacher Introduction of Senior Gift .................................................Sarah Yockey, Teacher Senior Gift Presentation................................Tamara Gonzalez and Isaac Gonzalez Introduction of Commencement Speaker .................................Cristina Medrano Commencement Speaker ....................................................Chris Horton, Teacher Awarding of Diplomas .........................................Dr. Dorothy Scrutchin, Director Kacie Horton, HS Dean Presentation of the Class of 2020 Presentation of Roses by Graduates Alumni Association Welcome School Year Closing Bell ...................Ximena Rodriguez, SLC President, 2020-21 Video by Kihana Wilson
2019-2020 Board of Trustees PRESIDENT & S E C R E TA RY Alan G. Ratliff
EXECUTIVE VP & TREASURER Ste ve n S a l te r s
V P D E V E LO P M E N T S a r a h C a l l a h a n B a ke r
V P N O M I NAT I N G C h r i st i e C a rd o n
I M M E D I AT E PA S T PRESIDENT B a r to n R . B e n t l ey
VP BUILDINGS & G RO U N D S Williams W. Heinzerling
S a r a h A g u i r re J o h n N. A n d e l l S a m u e l F. B owe n , J r. Jamila M. Brinson M a rk D a l to n B r u c e W. D e r r i ck G a rd n e r H . D u d l ey Al Galik C r i st i n a G a m b o a L u ke G i l m a n
C o n r a D . G i st , P h . D . Ro g e r G re e n b e rg Re a g a n K n e e s e J a m e s L ew i s J e n ny L i s s o n n et G e o rg e O . M c D a n i e l I I I D av i d M e d i n a Ru t h i e J o h n s o n M i l l e r M i ch e l l e Na s s e r, P h . D . G u a d a l u p e Nav a r ro , J r.
B re n d a n O ’ L e a r y M a r y Pete r s o n Ti f fa ny St a f fo rd Rya n S y n n ot t Ro b e r t Tr a i n e r I I I M a rc e l l a Wa t k i n s B y ro n W i l l e fo rd Brian Williams S a r a h Yo ckey
Advisory Board S o f i a Ad ro g u é , P. C . Ro s e H o ch n e r E d wa rd R . A l l e n I I I K ay S . H o l m e s Leigh Ann Arnold G a r y H o r n b e rg e r C a ro l i n e E . B a ke r E t h e l E m e r s o n H u t ch e s o n S u z a n n e B l a ke l y Thomas Ir win A l e j a n d ro J . B o l a ñ o s Jar vis Johnson M a r y L o u C a b re r a J o h n W. J o h n s o n J e n n i fe r C h r i st K ay J oyc e Ke l l y P. C l i b u r n M av i s P. Ke l s ey I I I Barbara M. Collie T h o m a s R . Ke l s ey L a u r a M i t ch e l l D a l to n Ste p h e n L . K l i n e b e rg Fe l i x Fr a g a A . J o h n K n a p p , J r. Pa m e l a S . G i r a u d A n d rew Ko l l a e r A l f re d C . G l a s s e l l I I I Ru b e n L i n a re s S a n d r a S . G o d f rey B r u c e L o n g a ke r Carlos Gonzalez W i l l i a m N. M a t h i s Lincoln Goodwin Edmund John McAleer III Janice C. Hall Re b e c c a A . M c D o n a l d E u g e n e B l a ke H aw k M . Pete r M o r r i s Hon. Belinda J. Hill W. J a m e s M u rd a u g h , J r. We n d y J . H i n e s L i s a Ne b l et t
L e o n M . Pay n e , J r. B ret t Pe r l m a n L a r r y A . Pete r s o n Belinda Phelps Lori Pinder Ste p h e n M . Po p p Ro b e r t S a n b o r n Ann G. Smith C h r i s s i e N. St a m ey S u s a n P. St a s n ey W. S p e n c e r St a s n ey Pa u l Tete n H . G r a n t T h o m a s , J r. Ste ve n D . Ti m m s E l i ot P. Tu cke r Pay s o n E . Tu cke r Ro b e r t H . Wa l l s , J r. B a r ret t We b ste r B e n j a m i n D . W i l c ox Fr a n c i e W i l l i s B e s s B a ke r W i l s o n
2019-2020 Faculty & Staff Nick Alden Conchi Barquin Axxa Carrasco Aby Cisneros Noreli Delgado Vanessa Dodson Claudia Dufrene Craig Duncan Jeremy Duncan Victoria German Laura Henry Josh Hines Laura Hipps Chris Horton
Kacie Horton Jordan Huynh Jana Kirksey Dulce Melgoza Elena Morales Liz Myers Paul Nichols Debbie Palacios Stephen Perrault Marlyne Plata Alonso Postigo Angela Postigo Tricia Ratliff Joi Ross-Moore
Haley Ryan Mary Jo Sadler Dorothy Scrutchin Cesar Tamez David Tamez Diana Tenorio Greg Thompson Lindsay Trostle Marcella Watkins DeMointĂŠ Wesley Donna Widener Jonathan Yockey Sarah Yockey Ashley Young
Founders Robert P. and Maxine Moore I’m going to start a school for underpriviledged youngsters, young [people] who are the potential leaders of their communities. I want to take capable youngsters, those both culturally and economically deprived, and prepare them for college in a re-structured and realistic curriculum and a totally democratic atmosphere.
Senior Essay Prize Winner Contest Judge: Scott Lannie
Kihana Wilson
According to both biological evolutionary theory and historical anthropological evidence, the species Homo sapiens are believed to be naturally social animals. As a member of this species, I wholeheartedly resented this fact for the better part of my life. And up until this past year, I had never understood why I struggled with living up to this human element that was supposedly innate to me. I never understood why something which should come so naturally to me ‌ didn’t. Turns out that just because something is inherent doesn’t make it easy. Reflecting upon my personal growth over the last four years, I realize I was missing something that would have allowed me to unlock my social potential much earlier: trust. Trust: the assured reliance on the character, sincerity, and integrity of someone, particularly someone you care about. When I joined the Chinquapin community in August some four years ago, I was utterly trust-deficient. Time and again, my trust had been broken by people I cared for. In order to protect myself within this new and unfamiliar community, I maintained high concrete walls. I was reserved far beyond my natural disposition; standoffish; withdrawn. I alienated myself from everyone and everything I felt to be untrustworthy, which meant that I alienated myself from everyone and everything. Gradually, however, I began to grow comfortable enough to tear down my walls one brick at a time.
Where before I could not connect with my peers, my amazing classmates showed me that I could be myself because they would accept me. Where before I refused to engage in my classes for fear of being judged or misunderstood, my teachers taught me not to be afraid to embrace my own unique intellect. Where before I shut down from all those who tried to counsel me, my mentors swayed me to explore untapped corners of myself and tap into untouched wells of potential I never thought I possessed. And with each and every display of patience, show of acceptance, and act of compassion, my walls came down brick by brick. This once foreign community became more like a second home. Today, I am the most confident, self-assured, radiant, and trusting I have ever been. The trust I have gained has allowed me to heal my own wounds so I may go out into the world and heal others. With this newfound trust, I have been able to give to others what has been given to me. To my dearest Lauren Tanner, I hope you know that the trust you have invested in me as a big sister figure means the world to me. To my beloved Wesley To, I hope you understand how much warmth and happiness your hugs and sweet energy have provided me in the short time I’ve been gifted with you. To my adorkable roommate Kathy Tran, I hope you remember that you taught me just as much about life and lightheartedness as I taught you about school and friendship. I want you all to know that you have helped me grow immensely through our respective bonds and mentorships. You have shown me just how beautiful the power of trust can be. Not only have I matured academically and socially, but I have grown as a person. I am so very proud of the young woman I have become over the last four years in this community. I am even more ecstatic for the woman I will become over the next four years at UChicago. As I prepare for my transition, I want to express my sincerest gratitude for those who have helped shape who I am today. From my most cherished teachers current and past, from Cody to Lindsay; to my adored mentors Doc, Eduardo and Michelle de la Torre. From the best cheerleaders and supporters anyone in the world could hope for — my adoptive family Mom and the Perkins. And the most gentle and compassionate therapist anyone could ever hope for — Shahrzad Yekta. To those who have been in the corner from the very start: my grandparents. I deeply appreciate everything you’ve sacrificed and provided for me. With all the humility and love I can give, thank you all.
Luis Acosta
Before attending Chinquapin, I believed my worth as a student was determined by a number, that I could be described by a series of test scores and academic achievements. I am not a number, I am an individual with a personality and unique set of traits and interests. Chinquapin taught me there is more to a student than academics and test scores. Most importantly, Chinquapin showed me the importance of giving back to your community. I would have never imagined before attending Chinquapin how fun and satisfying it was to do chores. I am proud of my school for teaching me valuable life lessons and skills that I will cherish and remember. This warm feeling of helping others was not reserved to the Chinquapin community. Volunteering and community service became a hobby. I helped distribute food and served as a teacher-assistant during Summer Session. Chinquapin taught me the importance of being a community member and leading by example. Chinquapin gave me an education and the opportunity to become a first generation college student, which I could never have achieved by myself. I will forever be grateful for the privilege of attending Chinquapin, my second home. I want to thank all the people who have helped me be the person I am today. Thank you to my family, who motivated and supported me. My parents worked relentlessly to ensure I would never worry about not having enough. To all the teachers who have taught me and pushed me to strive for greater, and to my classmates who I see as my second family and have been by my side during this chapter of my life. Again thank you so much. These past 7 years have been wonderful.
Sebastian Alba
Chinquapin started out as just a school my parents forced me to attend because my brother was already there. I never imagined how much my mindset would change. In sixth grade, I was a shy kid who didn’t know anyone, but as the years passed, I had friends and teachers who were always there to support me, help me, and guide me through any hardships. Chinquapin gave me a second family. In November of my junior year, I started saving money. I worked with my dad’s friend on the weekends and during our school breaks. My goal was to eventually save enough money to buy the Oneplus 6, one of the newer phones I most desired. I spent countless hours watching videos about this phone and showing my roommates and classmates all of its cool features. By the end of November, I was finally able to buy my dream phone. I showed it off to all my friends. They were excited and proud of me. About a week and a half later, I was in the weight room. For some reason, I decided to place my phone on the floor near the spot I was working out. I felt one of the weights slipping as I was finishing an exercise with the dumbbells. That one second felt like 20 seconds. All I could do was watch it fall on the back side of my phone, shattering it all the way through the front screen. My heart sank. All my hard work was gone in a second. I immediately ran back to the dorms. I tearfully asked Keiddrick if I could use his phone to call my parents. He was so confused, but after I talked to my parents, I told Keiddrick what happened. He knew I was heartbroken. Keiddrick gathered the class without me knowing.
Since Christmas was coming, they decided to all pitch in with anyone from the school who wanted to contribute and buy me another phone. This was all carefully and secretly planned. I was oblivious to what was going on. After the last midterm, my class gathered to “exchange” our Christmas gifts. I was ignorant about what was about to happen. All of a sudden they all started saying “I got Alba!”... “Wait, I got Alba”... “No, I got Alba!” They surprised me with a new phone, an even better version than the one I had originally bought. Nobody in my life has ever done something so kind and heartwarming. For me, it was not about the phone. It was the fact that my friends organized all of it because they cared for me. They even called my parents to let them know. This gesture reminded me that the class of 2020, as well as the other classes, are all a big, supportive family. You will never see anything like this in any other school. Yes, we have our problems every now and then, but Chinquapin offers something more than a great education. It offers a second family that will always have your back, no matter what. My friends and teachers always try to help in any way they can, and that is something I will always be grateful for. I thank Chinquapin, the teachers, and all the friends I have made throughout my journey here for giving me the chance to be part of this amazing family.
Erika Chavez
As an immigrant, I feel as if I am constantly searching for a place I am not sure even exists. A place that does not make me feel as if I am meant to be anywhere else but there. A place to call home.
It’s almost as if all immigrants feel stuck between here and there. Back in Mexico, my Abuelita has a living room whose walls are plastered with smiles. Strangers might not recognize every face, but they can tell the photographs have captured a moment everyone can appreciate. Sometimes my Abuelita forgets to pay the cable bill, so the next best thing is to admire her favorite pictures strategically placed on the TV stand. These pictures include a picture of my grandfather, who we all miss, and the pictures of my cousins in their high school graduation caps and gowns. Conveniently, my grandmother has included a picture of me wearing my kindergarten graduation cap and gown. This picture is there to reserve my place in her collection of valuables. Graduating high school was something none of my older family members had even come close to. I knew the second I walked across that stage I’d prove that coming to this country wasn’t a mistake. I would hear my name being called, and I would look out into the audience searching for their faces only to not see a single one smiling back at me because they couldn’t make it. There’s a border and 731 miles between us. I remember during a meeting prior to graduation, my peers talked about how many of their family and friends would be attending, and how many tables and chairs they’d need. When it came to me I could only think about how my mother, father, and brother would be my only 3 family members in the audience that day. I was truly heartbroken. A mailed picture of me in my cap and gown will be the only way my Abuelita will see that I have graduated. A phone call will be the only way she will hear my excitement. I knew she would never get to see my smile or the tears I shed that day. For me, graduation is a reminder of the distance between me and the place I was born. That day at the senior meeting, I wanted to cry when I looked around the classroom and noticed how happy everyone was. After seeing everyone’s silly grin, I was reminded that my class and Chinquapin community have become like family to me. Even though all of my family wouldn’t be in the crowd the day of graduation, I knew my parents, friends, and teachers would be the ones smiling back at me. I am forever thankful for the time, love and care they’ve given me. Chinquapin was once the place I called home, but it’s now my time to continue my search again.
Jacob Cordova Before coming to Chinquapin, I was not really sure of myself or aware of my own identity. Isolating myself in my room was a safe space to avoid confronting my anti-social habits. I distracted myself with video games and tv shows. I used to constantly feel hostile, which made it harder for me to make myself vulnerable. However, this hostility was not coming from my environment, but from a fear within me. I feared not feeling accepted, and I limited myself based on others’ definitions of success. Throughout my years at Chinquapin, my relationships with my classmates have grown exponentially. Before I came to Chinquapin, I was afraid to speak. I did not want to be vulnerable. My classmates have stabilized my emotional and sensitive personality. Feeling-circles have become our way of creating a tighter bond with one another. I do not think I have ever had deep emotional conversations with anyone other than my classmates. My classmates have helped me discover my identity. They have consistently opened their arms to me, especially when I felt lost. It is one thing to have people acknowledge you, but it is another to have them actually listen, and my classmates listen. During our junior year, I mentioned how hard I was on myself. Afterwards, I was welcomed with hugs and words of reassurance, which restored my sense of happiness. Knowing I have my classmates by my side has allowed me to become much more self-assured. They have helped me appreciate my own self worth. Being introverted, I would not have expected to develop such strong relationships with my Chinquapin classmates. Each and every one of my classmates has inspired me and taught me not to limit myself. During my time at Chinquapin, I learned to become the young man I am today. I love each and every one of these individuals and the memories they have given me. Overcoming my fear of rejection is a gift they have given me, and I am grateful for all of their love and support during both my lightest and darkest moments. I wish nothing but the best for my classmates. I wish for them to continue being the good people they are and spreading their positivity to others, the way they did for me. Coming to Chinquapin, I expected to make a few friends, but I never thought I would gain a family.
Ethan Corral Before I attended Chinquapin, I lived my life for others. I was the child who never did wrong for fear of upsetting people. I would push myself to make others happy, even if I didn’t enjoy it myself. I lived my life like that until my junior year when Chinquapin taught me to let go of that fear of what others thought of me. My friends taught me how to love myself, that family is important, that those around me are essential, and that a growth mindset is crucial for my development. Each one of those lessons came from a different person at Chinquapin. During my first year of boarding, Ricardo quickly became one of the friends I hold dear to my heart. He taught me how important it was to love myself for who I am. Many nights, I fell asleep to the sound of Ricardo giving me advice on everything, nothing, and all things in between. There were times when we would stay up listening to music while we told each other about our lives and worries. Those nights are the ones that made my freshman year memorable. He made me realize there was more to me than I ever knew, and I can confidently say he was the first of many people to change my life for the better. Desiree and Sebastian were the people who taught me to cherish family. Desiree and Sebastian were always there for me. I appreciate Desiree for always saying “Love you” when she hung up the phone. She taught me that you never want to miss the chance to express love to people you care about. Everyone I met at Chinquapin has taught me the lesson that those around me are essential. Each one of my classmates and teachers had their own ways of life and showed me their unique individualism. The lesson I value most is the importance of a growth mindset. Cody Sharma taught me this lesson. Cody never accepted the easy answer. He demanded more of me. He expected me to think, reach deeper, and always strive to do better than simply enough. He is one of the people I’ve met who exemplifies the growth mindset he constantly pushed us to have. Seeing that quality in Cody pushed me to grow and not stay stagnant in life. I will always push myself to be better.
I am beyond grateful to Chinquapin for putting these people in my life and putting me on the path to becoming a better person. All of those mentioned before and so many more are the reasons I am the person I am today. I can now look myself in the mirror and be proud of the person I see before me. I will still strive to do better because of those who showed me I can always be better.
Daniela Delgado
My immediate and extended family have always been my rock. They are the most important people to me in this world. I look forward to our chaotic games of la loterĂa with lighthearted yelling at our kitchen table, or to our family gatherings where we eat pan dulce while talking through the night. I was never one who believed I could feel the same love I had for my family toward strangers. However, the strangers I have spent the last seven years of my life with have become additions to my family. My relatives have supported me through the hardest times of my life. My father became very ill in June of 2019. There were constant drives, numerous scheduled appointments, and long waits at hospitals and clinics. My aunts and uncles never hesitated to drive us or bring us food when we needed it. A month later, my dad passed away. I did not know how to react when I got the news. I was in disbelief. My legs were shaky, my breathing was quickening, my head was spinning. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. The following months were the most challenging months of my life. I did not know how to cope with the thought of him being gone. Thankfully, I still had my biological family. They never stopped supporting me with their calls or with their constant invitations to attend carne asadas.
It was not only my relatives who lifted me up, but my Chinquapin community as well. As school approached, I dreaded going. I stressed over all of the responsibilities that came with senior year, plus I felt guilty abandoning my mother during our troubles. I struggled for the first two months of the school year. I left classes when I was consumed by the memories. I felt so helpless and weak. The days blurred and my attention was continuously elsewhere. One morning, I felt the prickly hurt in my stomach and stinging in my eyes. All I wanted was to talk to my mom or my sister. Laura Henry saw me and rushed to embrace me, an action I never would expect from a director of any other school. At that moment, I did not just see her as my director, but as family. Sometime later, I entered the office smiling and offered my usual perky “Hi Marlyne!” She greeted me and, in a concerned tone, asked me how I was doing. She gave me guidance on moving on and offered to be a listening ear. Her words resembled my mother’s heartwarming and comforting advice. I felt at home. Additionally, my classmates continued to be the constant joy in my life. They never once let me wallow in my pain. With their constant jokes and endless love, I was able to focus on my life again. Chinquapin had all of the qualities I considered “family.” They are my rock. For all of these impactful encounters, I am eternally grateful. For the people I sleep, eat, study, and lead with, they are engraved in my heart. Few people have the privilege of saying their school was a second home. I do not know who I would be without Chinquapin’s constant encouragement. Chinquapin is part of the reason I can continue to make my dad proud in my cap and gown. There is no simple way to describe the effect this school has had on me because I have learned so many lessons throughout my seven years here. What I do know is this: Chinquapin never failed to communicate the love it had for me, like my family. The teachers, staff, and my classmates were always willing to listen and help, like my family. There will always be a piece of me at the place where the sidewalks flood and the red bell rings. I loved being part of the place where nuestra escuela es nuestra casa.
Keiddrick Fizer When I was ten, I had two choices: manage a life with an alcoholic and drug addicted mother, or make my own path for my future. I chose to live a life where I would make it out of the “projects” and leave behind the toxic environment handed to me. I took with me the thing I knew would get me far, education. Education made me feel proud of myself and helped me cope with hardships. Moving from Houston to Chicago to Wisconsin did not give me a stable platform for the best education. Changing schools and meeting new people was overwhelming. Eventually I met my mentor, Blair, who I have known since fourth grade. Now my mother, Blair guided me and gave me access to the education I yearned for. My entire life I had been waiting to find steady-ground. I found it when I stepped onto Chinquapin’s campus. When I was younger, I always wanted to go to a boarding school...in London. While I did not get the London part, I did get the boarding school, and I would not change anything about the isolated location with wonderful peers, teachers, and volunteers. I fell in love with Chinquapin at first sight. It provided me with the education I sought when I was younger. Additionally, I found an interest while at Chinquapin, which I will pursue in college. I want to be an international consultant, helping underprivileged international students get into elite schools. Before Chinquapin, I already appreciated the importance of education because of my background. Being surrounded by positivity and supportive people ignited my ambition to help those who need it. Here, at Chinquapin, I felt safe in my own skin. My biracial complexion, sexuality, and personality were embraced. I never expected to rise up through all the hardships I faced. Instead of thinking of myself as a victim, I have taken my story, and these painful memories, and curated the strong-willed, motivated individual I am today. I have used my memories to motivate and push myself forward. I’ve helped myself; now I want to help others.
I would not be here if it were not for Blair and the Bentley family, my family. I was able to obtain a rigorous education. I was also treated with compassion and love. I thank them for all their sacrifices in order to allow me to prosper. In addition to Blair and her family, I would like to thank Chinquapin. Teachers, staff, and peers, I thank you for all the glorious memories we have created together. While five years is a lot, I know we will have many more years of friendship. Teachers and staff, thank you all for giving me the thing I wanted the most, an education, I have you all to thank for my next journey: Colorado College! The Class of 2020, remember, together we are strong. I love each and every one of you for many different reasons. Thank you for putting up with my craziness and loud personality. Love, K
Carlos Flores “And make sure you bring this home and get it signed by your parents, son. Take responsibility.” I gave Mr. Maher a reluctant “okay” and walked into the hallways, which were unapologetically small, as if Harmony Science Academy was constructed for a generation of kids two feet shorter than us. I shuffled just out of Maher’s sight and crammed the copy of my report card into the deepest depths of my backpack. That week I waited outside each day in the crisp fall afternoon until the mailman delivered my report card, which I hastily ripped and tossed into the irrigation ditch flowing down Calhoun Road. My first two years of middle school were nothing short of abysmal. I chose the wrong friends, consistently misbehaved, and committed little to no effort to my school work despite having compassionate teachers who urged me to be better. In retrospect, I realize this version of myself didn’t perceive himself as worthy of anything after repeated rejections from Chinquapin.
The quarter was over, my report cards were either crumpled in my backpack or peacefully floating down Brays Bayou. I considered myself in the clear. That Saturday, while I languished my weekend away, my dad entered my room, set my backpack onto the floor, and established himself on my bed with unspoken solemnity. I was as intrigued as I was anxious. Conversations with my dad had always been a sort of battle of wits between us, a game of mental chicken. This time was different. “Oyes mijo, have I ever told you about my life in Ciudad Valles as a child?” I told him he hadn’t. “Good. As a chico, I wanted to study, but your abuelos, my brothers, and I had to work constantly just to scrape by. There was no time for school.” I sat up quietly from my position in bed and faced the ground, listening. “I still made it work, though. I had to. When I was 12, I enrolled into primaria, what you would call middle school. Man, did this tick your Huelo off,” he said with a chuckle. “He wanted me nailing roof tiles and cleaning homes, not chasing some stupid education, especially if it cost him. At the end of my first year, he gave me a choice: either come back, and keep on living the same miserable way we had been, or remain in Valles on my own.” He hesitated. As if he caught himself off-guard with his own story and he didn’t know the answer himself. I had no idea why he was sharing this with me, but I always welcomed his stories. “And so I stayed in Valles, my mother and brothers moved back to our rancho, and your Huelo would cross illegally for whatever work he could find and, much to his displeasure, send money for my school. I rode two buses and walked for an hour daily to arrive at school. Coming home to nobody was probably the hardest part. Mijo, I went through everything I did because I wanted my kids’ only job to be school. Nothing else. I’d be damned if my kids had to worry about their next meal. I know I didn’t work my butt off for you to be failing school and hiding it. Your only job is to do good in school, why can’t you even do that?!” I felt my heart drop to my soles. He didn’t say much after that other than the school had contacted him about my performance, he let his silence do the rest.
I felt guilty for failing to pay homage to my dad’s hard work. I went on to correct my behavior and managed to be admitted into Chinquapin, where my academic career flourished. I’m grateful I had my reckoning sooner rather than later, because I can now be proud of everything I’ve accomplished in high school. I thank Chinquapin for contributing to my character more than I could express in this text and providing me with an exceptional education.
Alan Garza Everyone at Chinquapin is destined to be remembered, through a cheeky joke, horror stories, or relatable example. Some standouts are the legend of Cody and his difficult and long homework assignments, Thomas Su for his kindness, Craig for his stoic figure, and Stephen for his manic gesticulations over a book. Chinquapin stories span generations and capture the very essence of the Chinquapin spirit.
Back in my public school days, I would excitedly wake up at 5 AM because school was a dreamscape for me. I didn’t know what new thing I would learn that day. But then I learned about this private school catering to low socioeconomic students. When applying to Chinquapin my sixth grade year, I didn’t know what I was entering into. My parents said, “apply now” and I said, “ok sure why not.” I went through Chinquapin’s testing, interview, and summer session. I didn’t get in my first or second try. But eventually Chinquapin became my home. I feel like I’ve been at Chinquapin since the sixth grade. Even without being a student at the school until the ninth grade, I always felt a part of the family. My brother, Ramses, who was already in the school, kept telling me about his days at Chinquapin: The eccentric teachers, the loving classmates, and the adventures in the dorms. Hearing about how special the people in the school were encouraged me to keep applying.
I was declined for being immature. I couldn’t wrap my head around what they meant. Ramses continued telling me his stories. I could imagine Derek Henson walking into class wearing sandals, John competing with other teachers for the best beard, Jose Castillo falling through a ceiling, students standing in the rainy line outside the old dining hall, and Joaquin Rangel arriving “professionally early” to class. Then it hit me. All these stories exemplified the ideal of the family-type community. It read “be yourself.” In public school, you are taught to follow the wave, to follow the trends. At Chinquapin you are encouraged to ride your own wave, to establish your own identity. We are encouraged to leave a legacy and become a legend. With this in mind, I applied for ninth grade and established myself as an individual during summer session. I started making my own stories and being a part of others’. I would always ask my math teachers if I could play music during the test. In tenth grade I ran through the biology door and got dubbed “Kool-Aid Man.” I’m known as the most unintentionally aggressive defensive player on the soccer team. I am now known as the senior who sent an email to the entire school asking them if they wanted to be a part of a Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament and actually hosted one. Sadly none of the teachers came out to play, but I was able to get a couple of students to sign up. I started to become a legend in my own right just like the teachers and students of the past, present, and, soon, the future. Chinquapin allowed me to find myself and ride my own wave. I’m happy I added my own stories to the generations of Chinquapin legends and lore. I wish to thank Chinquapin’s students and faculty for continuing to uphold the Chinquapin spirit during these uncertain times. It’s about giving back to those who have built you up, and everyone had a helping-hand in doing that.
Isaac Gonzalez Lo mĂ s Seguro, es lo mĂ s amarrado. The most secured, is the most secure. My father taught me if I wanted to be successful, I had to secure opportunities for myself. My father was denied an education in Costa Rica, which severely limited his choices in life. I was determined to pursue a different path.
Before ninth grade, I applied to a school called Chinquapin, which seemed like a perfect fit for me. The school also offered a tight-knit community where classmates and teachers felt like family, a great college-preparatory program, and affordable tuition based on family income. I applied by writing essays, completing tests, and interviewing with faculty. I was rejected. This was a wakeup call. I began studying until midnight and waking up at 5 AM to perfect my assignments. I wanted to improve my academic level and become the strongest candidate possible for Chinquapin. A year later, I went through the process all over again, going through the same rigorous tasks. This time, I got in. At Chinquapin, my drive for education accelerated in an environment where my intellectual curiosity was fostered. I expected to grow by leaps and bounds in my education, but to my surprise, I discovered I had the unique characteristic to lead others to reach their highest potential. During the fall of my junior year, I overheard that our school may not have a middle school soccer team, because no adult agreed to coach. The middle schoolers were distraught when they found out soccer might not happen. I decided to talk to our Athletic Director and asked if I could coach. The next Monday, I began practices.
At our first practice, I saw that many of the kids had the heart to play yet lacked the skill. I began coaching the basics of soccer, teaching them how to kick, defend, and pass the ball. I taught them about the importance of teamwork, and how the sport is not of one, but eleven. Through drills like passing the ball through cones, kicking the ball on target, and going one-on-one against each other, I worked to create synergy among the players. I wanted to create the atmosphere of a second family, advising them not only to practice together but spend time together off the field. After several weeks of practice, the players had improved immensely. They kept the same heart during games, pushing through as I motivated them from the sidelines. We were undefeated. Lo màs Seguro, es lo màs amarrado. My father gave me opportunities to become successful, and at Chinquapin, I was given the opportunity to pay it forward. As a soccer coach, I helped my players develop skills they could use on and off the field to be successful in life. This led to my passion to become a teacher so I can help students discover their curiosity and potential. I worked hard in high school to secure my success, but now I also feel that success is best measured in the opportunities you give others.
Tamara Gonzalez Identity is born with your native tongue but refined by experiences. My parents came to this country 18 years ago. My mom was pregnant with me, and they were ready to begin this journey to a “better” life. Little did they know this “better” life and this journey they were about to embark on would point out the trademark of their nationality, the Spanish language. My parents’ tongue was a gift which I quickly forgot after realizing my peers did not understand it. They did not understand me. Since I was 5 years old, not only did I learn to speak English, but I also learned to make fun of my parents’ “broken English” (and I still do). I learned to grow up fast.
Circumstances demanded I take the role as my family’s spokesperson. I spoke for us at restaurants, on the phone, my dad buying a car on Craigslist, or translating to him when a police officer was giving us a ticket. Teachers have always said I needed to “speak up more” in class. Little did they realize I have been speaking up my whole life. I was laughed at for being a little kid trying to have adult conversations. My parents were laughed at for not being able to converse. When people mention the American Dream, most say it doesn’t exist. I’m here to tell you it does. It is a real goal for immigrants; not for themselves but for their children. My parents’ American Dream was for me. They endured torment as payment for my education. One day after Superchores, I came home complaining about the calluses on my hands from sweeping all day. My mom looked at me and was quick to say, “Ah verdad? Si no quiere hacer eso el resto de su vida, póngase las pilas y estudie.” My mom’s goal for me is to be better than her simply by receiving an education. It hurts me that my mom believes education is what makes you better than everyone else. That isn’t true. Most immigrants spend hours working the jobs nobody wants in order to support their family, and they don’t complain. That is love. Anyone who loves like that is a good person. At Chinquapin, I have studied vigorously, held up my responsibilities, and seen myself grow into a person who could actually attend college. I am most thankful to Chinquapin for living up to their title of being a college preparatory school. The education I have received these last few years has been the valuable education my parents dreamed for me. Chinquapin has also instilled in me the value of education, leadership, and community service. I know I can continue to make my parents proud and receive my college degree. I would like to especially thank Sarah Yockey for being my mentor and for always being invested in my future. Thank you to Profesora Postigo for being so passionate about Spanish and helping me realize the beauty of it. Thank you to my classmates for growing with me and being fun and supportive. Thank you to all the teachers for believing in our dreams as if we were your children. Ultimamente, me gustaría agradecer a mis padres por enseñarme el valor de la educación y de hacer las cosas bien. Gracias por su apoyo y por creer en mis habilidades.
Cristina Medrano I remember my first day of school at Chinquapin. I remember being welcomed by Mrs.Scrutchin’s charming smile and charismatic, “Good Morning!” as I walked into the old 6th grade classroom. Without missing a beat, she expressed how proud of us she was. It was the first time I recognized my potential. Years later, I realized the potential I imagined was achieved through the love I received. Chinquapin has taught me how to love by showing me boundless love. I was shown love in the form of silent actions. When I was overloaded with duties during crew, restlessly trying to wash dishes and pots or clean tables and chairs, friends always assisted me without the exchange of any words. As I sorted through forks and spoons, students would gather to help get the job done quicker, never seeking praise or gratitude. I will always appreciate that empathy and consideration are never in short supply at Chinquapin. I was also shown love in the form of availability. Teachers happily took on my problems in times when I needed guidance. They approached my problems as if they were their own. I can’t count the number of times I slunked down the hall to knock on Sarah’s door minutes before our bed time. Whether she was doing work, assisting other students, or relaxing (which I doubt she did because of people like me), she promptly asked, “Hey what’s up?” Like my own mother, she never once minimized my problems or hesitated to help. At Chinquapin, I learned to love without hesitation. We learned to love without hesitation. Over the summer, one of our classmates worked every single day in the scorching hot sun to save up enough money to buy himself a new phone. After buying it, not a single week passed before a dumbbell shattered it. He didn’t even get the chance to buy a warranty. That following Christmas, instead of having our yearly Secret Santa, our class came together to surprise him with the exact same phone he worked so hard to buy. That was love.
Without being shown love, I would not have walked across the stage today. As my seventh and final year comes to an end, I am delighted to be the woman I have become. I have been understood, cared for, and forgiven. In return, I have made it my mission to show others understanding, care, and forgiveness. I could not have overcome adversities or celebrated my accomplishments without my Chinquapin family. Mom and Dad, thank you for loving me and allowing me to be loved by such an amazing community.
Judith Mendoza
Many of my teachers and classmates know the story of the huge impact Chinquapin has had on my life. It’s a story I love to tell younger students who are new to Chinquapin because most of the time it relates to how they are feeling. But I want to tell a different, “behind the scenes” story. One focused on my classmates and how they made my entire Chinquapin experience worthwhile. Growing up, I dealt with many circumstances that helped me become an independent child. I was the type of person who didn’t believe in friendship. I had a lot of trust issues because I was bullied a lot. I never considered anyone a friend. I was always expecting some sort of betrayal or to be left behind by the people I talked to.
As the years passed, it became easier for me to shut people out because I had built an emotional barrier, preventing me from getting attached to others. My first year at Chinquapin, I felt the same struggle to fit-in because it seemed like everyone knew each other, and I didn’t know anyone. I expected to be bullied or to be neglected by all my classmates for being the “new” girl, but instead I received the warmest welcome ever. Everyone was kind and welcoming, even though they didn’t know me. Throughout the entire first year, everyone was willing to help me with classes and adapting to the Chinquapin ways. As time passed, I got to know each individual person better, and my life was never the same after. I have built a unique relationship with every single one of my classmates. I have spent every weekday for the past 6 years with these people, and they have helped me become the person I am today. They made me believe in friendship, something I never thought I’d appreciate. My classmates became my friends and confidants. After growing so fond of them, it’s hard to believe I will no longer see them everyday. But no matter how much things change, I will never forget them because they will forever be my family.
Sebastian Navejar My past five years at Chinquapin have crossed and overlapped each other like a set of shoelaces running through a pair of sneakers. My recollection of the details doesn’t serve me well, but the culmination of these past years has proven to be an everlasting exercise in discovering myself. I arrived as a brand new pair of white canvas sneakers, with a lack of character and no idea of the potential I had hiding within me. I can only imagine what I must look like now: worn soles, laces with some added “character”, an array of drawn doodles, and scuffs and rips from hard work. However, I am certain my transformation from a brand new pair of white kicks to a worn pair of sneakers has made me unique.
Coming into my 8th grade year, I lacked uniqueness, confidence, and character. I was indistinguishable from the crowd. As a pair of sneakers, I was fresh from the factory. I had been sealed within my shoebox and placed onto a shelf in a warehouse with many other shoes in boxes on shelves. I was a part of the masses. I felt lost as I walked among the crowds. Luckily, a special sneakerhead, Chinquapin, decided to invest in a specific pair of white sneakers, guaranteeing I would not remain blank for long. I look back at my past self with embarrassment. I have grown to be an individual, my own person. I know I’ve grown a step closer to the best version of myself. Chinquapin helped me transition into a confident and unique individual. I arrived at Chinquapin, a pair of blinding white sneakers. Over the years my experiences have added color and character. The sneakers have been smeared with marker and decorated with doodles and quotes. However, these new markings aren’t sloppy and scattered, they have been carefully thought out and placed aesthetically upon my canvas. My years at Chinquapin are coming to an end. I have gained so much. I have gained confidence in myself, and I stand out in a crowd. Most importantly, the man I have become brings smiles to my peers and teachers. And now, as customization appears on my canvas, and mud gets stuck on my sole, I have become unique and resilient. All of the years of tireless work have finally paid off. What Chinquapin has accomplished with me is beyond any repayment I can offer. I can only hope that the sneakerhead who customized me will smile proudly when I am slipped on to be showcased to the world.
Ricardo Plata Coming to high school, I feared boarding. Being separated from my family for the first time was intimidating. After a couple of days, I was ready to go home. I don’t think I made it through a full week the first quarter of freshman year. However, the family-like environment of Chinquapin allowed me to develop a sense of independence, establishing a family away from home. When thinking of my struggles with homesickness, I always recall a story my mom tells about what her friends thought of Chinquapin. “Lori, why are you sending your son to a boarding school? Do you not love him? He’s not a bad kid, he shouldn’t be sent away like one.” My mom would then have to explain how Chinquapin was my choice, and how she supported it because Chinquapin was preparing me for a college education. Just like me, my mom had to get used to this new lifestyle. She too had to come to terms with the fact that her only son would not be at home five days out of the week. She had to justify how she was a good parent to her peers, all while having to cope with me not being there. At first, this is how boarding was. Fear on both of our ends. It seems funny to think just two years later we would both look forward to Mondays. Finding my independence has prepared my mom for a future of having her kids away at college. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity Chinquapin provided me. Being able to dorm allowed me to develop study habits and social skills that will be useful during the next stage of my education. To think that I was nervous about boarding my freshmen year now makes me laugh, as I know freshmen Ricardo would be glad to hear that boarding was one of the most enjoyable parts of Chinquapin. I am also grateful for my mom, who willingly dealt with the heartbreak of having me leave home for the benefit of a better education.
Ashley Robledo “Mom what’s the difference between casa and hogar? Don’t they both just translate to house?” My mother looked up at me with a little more emotion in her eyes than I had expected.
I instantly knew this question was going to lead to one of her important yet long life lessons. She asked me to sit by her, and she would explain it to me so I never forgot how different these two words are. She said to me that casa referred to “house”. A casa is made up of wood or red bricks. It has a roof and siding. It can be all sorts of colors and have many windows. A casa is something you can buy if you work hard enough. However, an hogar is none of these things. While hogar does translate to home in English, it holds a much deeper meaning in Spanish. An hogar has more to do with feelings and emotions. It is made up of warm hugs and “I love you’s”. It is filled with laughter and bad jokes. An hogar is what everyone needs, a place of acceptance and care; a place where you are not afraid to share your thoughts or run around barefoot wearing the same pajamas you wore the day before. It is a place where your soul feels at peace. After that talk, I realized I was immensely blessed because I had more than one hogar. Chinquapin is my second hogar. I first came to Chinquapin in the sixth grade. I was beyond terrified of middle school. I wish I could tell twelve-year-old me to relax...and maybe wear a different outfit. I was so scared. I was not aware of how special this place was, but that quickly changed. Chinquapin has been everything my mom described an hogar to be and so much more. It is a place that accepted me even though I was bad at math. A place that made me realize I had worth. A place that introduced me to some of the greatest, most giving human beings. It is a place that sees beyond the labels society places on you.
Chinquapin accepts you because it knows you hold so much potential. Without Chinquapin, my story would be completely different. I would not have learned how to ask for help or how to give it. I would be trapped in a mindset that told me I was small and insignificant. I would not have gained so much independence. I would not be as loud or confident as I am. My time here has meant the world to me, and I am proud to be graduating from Chinquapin. This place has taught me all the lessons it could, and while it saddens me the time has come to move forward, I find solace in knowing I will always have an hogar to come back to. Before I leave I must execute one lesson Chinquapin taught me, which is to always thank those who have positively impacted your life. I must thank my parents, Bertha and Carlos. Thank you for not only providing food for the table but also enough love to last me a lifetime. Thank you to my older sister for being the one to conquer every monster so I wouldn’t have to, and to my younger one for being my biggest joy. Thank you, Lola, for continuing to inspire me. Thank you to my Abuelita for being brave enough to come to this country. Thank you to my aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors. I hope I have made all of you proud and that you all know que los llevo dentro hasta la raĂz.
CLASSES 1975-1995 CLASS OF 1975 Frederick Bryant Richard “Speedo” Mahan David Medina Curtis Renaud Ernest Vaesa Leo Zamora CLASS OF 1976 Frank Aguilar Jaime Elizondo Javier Giraldo Lynn Hughes Bruce Manuel Luis Puentes Floyd White CLASS OF 1977 Otis Grant Gayland Holloway Neil Kerr Abel Martinez Lupe Martinez Gary Pittman Rudy Sanchez CLASS OF 1978 Hector Elizondo Earl Mayfield Gilbert Perez Elliott “Doc” Williams CLASS OF 1979 John Benedict Ignacio Galindo Donald Grant Curtis Hogan CLASS OF 1980 Nick Arrazolo Pete Cerda Faye Clark Alphonso Darden Eric Grant Kelvin Thompson CLASS OF 1981 Eloy Ornelas Christopher E. Robles Martin Ruiz Darrell Thompson
CLASS OF 1982 Alfredo Alaniz Alma Arrazolo Kenneth Brooks Earl Bruner Alfonso Cepeda Alberto Gonzales Paul Gonzales Lance Gunter Phillip Jones Israel Lopez Adbeel Martinez Fausto Nolasco Marcy Valdez Craig Wade CLASS OF 1983 Minh Dang Eddie Hobbs Raul Lugo Stephen Suarez CLASS OF 1984 John Arrazolo Martha Arrazolo Jose Guajardo Sergio Vazquez Nelson Vela CLASS OF 1985 Gilbert Arrazolo Joe Casares Frank Garcia Mike Henry George Hernandez André York CLASS OF 1986 Marc Brackens Victor Garcia Luis Lopez Jacob Martinez Nabor Morin Robert Vasquez Tony Vasquez CLASS OF 1987 Jose Amaya Gil Arrazolo Mirna Arrazolo Sandra Casares Bruce Howard
Velika Johnson Julian Lopez Jorge Vazquez CLASS OF 1988 William Freire Robert Gonzales Hector Guzman Manuel Martinez Juan Rodriguez Jose Trejo Victor Vasquez Daryl Williams CLASS OF 1989 Felix Arrazolo Roberto Carter Catalina Garcia Carlos Gonzalez Brian Howard Juan Martinez Edin R. Medrano, Jr. Jessica Ramos Ricardo Romanos Rene Ruiz Russell Terry CLASS OF 1990 Marizol Cabrera Isabel Espinoza Miguel Espinoza Yolanda Garcia David Gonzalez Jarvis Johnson Mario Lopez Pablo Salazar Maria Silva Damon Walden
Claudia Gonzalez Maria Lucio Guadalupe Muñoz Anthony Salazar Juan Salazar Enno West Jason Wycough CLASS OF 1993 Susette Arrazolo Hermes Gonzalez Gricelda Gutierrez Angel Lopez Jennifer McKnight Maria Nolasco Annalissa Roath Roger Robles Alfredo Sutton Rosalba Tamez Toy Triplett CLASS OF 1994 Rosa Arrazolo Yadira Castellanos Gene Cook Syietta Daniels Jeff Lemaster Ruben Lucio Vicky Muñoz Porfirio Piña José Rea John Riley Greene Clinton Starghill
CLASS OF 1995 Rissel Durand Frances Garcia Tamba Giles Kemyar Greenaway Veronica Gutierrez CLASS OF 1991 Tyrone Hill Alex Bolaños Marco Antonio Cabrera Michelle Nasser Michael Scrutchin Ana Moreno Maurenzo Smith Nilanjan Mustafi Yvonne Villasana Araceli Piña Norma Villasana CLASS OF 1992 Patrick A. Castellanos Sonia Castro John Cerda Tomas Garcia
CLASSES 1996-2007 CLASS OF 1996 Cherí O. Brown Yohanna Bruno Cynthia Castellanos Fernando Hernandez Blanca Lucio Karina Navarro Betty Orta Fernando Ruiz Christopher S. Shelley Jessenia Torres Monica Torres Beth Valera Jessalyn Viera Guilivaldo Villanueva Juan Villasana CLASS OF 1997 Angel Aviles Claudia Cavazos John Cook Tonatzin Cruz Silvia Echartea Laura Jalomo Marcus Johnson Jarrod Lewis Eduardo Moreno Lupe Navarro Hector Padilla Amador Salazar Ivan Sandoval Mia Segovia CLASS OF 1998 Amy Barnett Joseph Bruno Tiffany Chatmon Veronica Cruz Frank Farrera Fernando Fernandez Nathan Hernandez Silvia Iglesias Marissa Jimenez Kalah Lewis Claudia Moreno Jackie Reyes Nell Valera CLASS OF 1999 Danny Alvarado Maribel Aviles Eddie De La Torre San Juana DeLeon
Gre’Juana Dennis Jennifer Johnson Sergio Lopez Ruth Lugo Adriana Ortega Carlos Tejada Apolonia Tijerina Jannette Valencia Rosalinda Vargas CLASS OF 2000 Jackee Bruno Belinda Chaidez Maria Estrada Oscar Farrera Jim Fernandez Jaime Flores Saul Gonzales Emilly Jasso Adriana Marroquin Jesse Morales Thoai Nguyen Juan Ortiz Erik Rios Dante Sandoval Eddie Villanueva Anthony Wright CLASS OF 2001 Brook Griffin Lam Ha Ana Hester Jonathan Horak Velencia Johnson Monica Loera Anna Lugo Rudy Martinez Oscar Ortiz Chris Palacios Milagros Salazar Lonnie Sharp Gerard Shelley Peang Sou Katrina Staggers Michael Starghill Cesar Tamayo Evelyn Valdez Sergio Vasquez CLASS OF 2002 Evelyn Anderson Ciro Aviles Trey Barrett
Brittani Barriere George Bruno Nolan Camero David Cañamar Karla Coreas Vincent DeLeon Reginald Doss Edward Garnica Noah Grant Angelica Marroquin Shatara McGee Melissa Rodriguez Michael Salazar-Medina Danny Stringer Cannel Tyson CLASS OF 2003 Selene Arrazolo Alex Aviles Eveth Castellanos David Corzo Jose Davila Aida Del Moral Mayra Garcia Reymundo Garcia Aira Jimenez Angelica Lugo Marco Martinez Jessica Montalvo Leslie Rodriguez Maria Torres Rafael Trujillo Isai Vasquez CLASS OF 2004 Liliana Barrios Flor Guevara Maria Holmes Donald Johnson Nancy Khuong Ja’Kiah McNair David Moran Moises Ojeda Eduardo Olvera Melissa Perez Alan Puac Julian Streete CLASS OF 2005 Jamal Abdullah Aracely Arrazolo Chris Gomez Bobbie Rae Lara
Oscar Le Krystle Liggins Maria Lugo Nhial Malia Hope Ngumezi Karla Olvera Kevin Puac Julio Rodriguez Nancy Sandoval Ericka Smith Catalina Tijerina Michael Webb CLASS OF 2006 Joseph Ageitos Carlos Barron Flor Bolainez Manuel Canizales Zuri Guardiola Jennifer Luna Armando Martinez Sulamita Mora Glen Nunez-Marquez Morris Nwogwugwu Jonathan Perez Stephanie Perez Jessica Preston Itajha Shields Ana Silva Leslie Tamez Flor Torres CLASS OF 2007 Mayra Anaya Traveon Butler Israel Favela Griselda Gallardo Elizabeth Garay Estefani Gonzalez Erik Herrera Emelin Laynez Jose Lopez Angel Meza Courtnie Penson Mariela Pineda Rudy Ramirez Andy Rangel Diana Tamez Shiarnice Taylor Lisa Tran
CLASSES 2008-2017 CLASS OF 2008 Maria Alvarez Alsa Bruno Nancy Cervantes Kassandra Flores Jose Galvan Felipe Guevara Raven Humphrey Phillip Le Raymond Licon Diana Lopez Citlalli Martinez Ociel Martinez Jesus Meza Karen Morfin Carmen Perez Juan Rodriguez Karen Sanchez CLASS OF 2009 Sara Alvarenga Dena Andrade Edward Bender Marcus Cooper Rachel Duncan Leticia Farrera Leonel Garcia Victor Garcia Grace Gutierrez Nayib Moran Nayeli Moyeda Myrna Ortega Adellanira Ramirez Teresa Reyes Yamile Reyes Claudia Tax Ileana Tijerina Pedro Villalobos CLASS OF 2010 Guadalupe Barajas Tianna Bruno Yesenia Chavez Abigail Cisneros Lauren Clemons Tracy Garcia Rykeem Hackett Marcell Johnson Ivan Loredo Dimonque Lott Nailah McFadden-Frost Javier Macias Montemayor
Luis Navarro Marixa Rodriguez Kersia Salazar Mauricio VĂĄzquez Johnathan Vela CLASS OF 2011 Tamar Alvarenga James Casas David Copeland Michelle Diaz Marissa Garcia Elizabeth Herrera Cesar Larraga Rebecca Loredo Lucila Martinez Shomari McFadden Marcos Montalvo Samuel Mora Lorena Perez Robert Ramirez Elber Reyes Ajejandra Rodriguez Alexis Roman Nicholas Saenz Brenda Salvador Chassidy Smith Nyerere Thornton Genesis Zarazua CLASS OF 2012 Bryan AcuĂąa Alejandra Badillo Eduardo Belalcazar Erika Dennis Kevin Euceda Ana Flores Liszette Garcia Lizett Gutierrez Richard Juarez Erick Martinez Otilio Rios, Jr. Alan Rodriguez Angelica Toscano Eric Volpe CLASS OF 2013 Jessica Bernal Theo Daniel Destiny Davis Victoria German Jose Angel Guevara Oscar Guevara
Jennifer Hernandez Joshua Hines Angelica Jaimes Rahsaan King Maria Medellin Daniel Medrano Fatima Morfin John Nguyen Jasmine Rangel Nathaly Reyna Melissa Valdez Michael Webber II CLASS OF 2014 Michelle Anaya Daisy Campos Estefany Euceda Gabriel Higuera Jessica Loredo Yanelly Martinez Karely Osorio Raymundo Pacheco Hernan Perez Melida Perez-Errasquin Kelvin Reyes Ilusion Rivas Brianna Rivera Jassiel Rodriguez Saul Sandoval Christian Su Alexadriana Thammavongsa Johnny Tran Logan Westberry CLASS OF 2015 Esteban Alba Cesar Barragan Isaac Britten Francisco Canamar Miya Connor Itzayana Fabela Carmen Garcia Eduardo Garcia Hector Guzman Karina Loredo Andy Maldonado Rebekah Osbon Emely Sagastizado Vanessa Salgado Jamonte Strawder Thomas Su Jorge Toriz
Kevin Vargas Julia Volpe CLASS OF 2016 Elizabeth Bernal Shurelle Butler Dilver Canales Naomi Galindo Christian Garcia Dezirae Gomez Adriana Guevara Ahmad Hill Alejandro Izaguirre James Landry Kevin Leon Jose Meza Yadi Quintanilla Diego Rivera Lesley Robledo Yasmin Rojas German Romaldo Myrna Valdez Claudia Zavala CLASS OF 2017 Denilson Calderon Francisco Campos Esmeralda Coreas Genaro Galarza Sara Garcia Ricardo Garza Josue Gusman Antonio Gutierez Natalie Gutierrez Ricardo Lopez Augustin Medellin Carolina Nunez Adrian Pachuca Joseph Pedraza Nery Perez Maria Renteria Ronaldo Reyes Angelica Rodriguez Socorro Rodriguez Analilia Rojas Desiree Toutai Rudy Valencia Malik White Sandra Zavala
CLASSES 2018-2019 CLASS OF 2018 Jennifer Delgado Vanessa Flores Andrea Garcia Nicole Giron Samantha Gonzalez Ramiro Guevara Faith Hernandez Morelia Hernandez Jose Melendez Jovani Olvera Ashly Orozco Andrew Perez Keila Rodriguez Paola Rodriguez Zoe Rodriguez Robert Stephenson Josue Torres Sibeles Torres Darien Truong Miriam Valdez
CLASS OF 2019 Cithlaly Aguilar Abigail Castillo Jose Castillo Arelly Cisneros Carolina Coreas Janae Flakes Miller Galvis Ramses Garza Jessica Gonzalez Josue Gonzalez Emanuel Gutierrez Elena Guzman Emmaleigh Lewis Mario Lopez Jose Medellin Diana MuĂąoz Julian Noyola Daphne Rodriguez Ricardo Romaldo Victoria Tello Estefania Torres Nicole Trujillo
The Chinquapin Alumni Association (CAA) would like to welcome the Class of 2020! The legacy of quid pro quo and the familial community will always be with you. CAA is proud of all your hard work and commitment. As you embark on this new journey, remember you have worked hard and are more than worthy of the future you have created for yourselves. Please know you have a network that wants to support all your endeavors.