CSD IDEA Greater Austin Program 2023

IDEA GREATER AUSTIN

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2023 10:30 AM • PALMER EVENTS CENTER 900 BARTON SPRINGS RD, AUSTIN, TX 78704

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 1

College Signing Day is a celebration recognizing our scholars’ achievements as they proudly reveal the college or university they will attend this fall.

Additionally, this event marks an important accomplishment for IDEA students, many of whom will be the first in their families to attend college. These students have beaten many odds, and their decision to attend and finish college marks a significant change in the trajectory of their lives.

From tearful speeches to the roar of the crowd, no event represents every family’s hopes and dreams more than College Signing Day. Though each senior is embarking on their own journey to and through college, the lessons and memories they have gained during their time with IDEA will remain with them for a lifetime.

PROGRAM Welcome Student Remarks Senior Reveals Scholarship Presentations

Give Me 5 Regions Bank Al & Judy Lopez Scholarship Fund

Closing

2 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

LETTER FROM THE

SUPERINTENDENT Today is what IDEA Public Schools is all about—and we are so glad you are part of it.

Hoy es el día de lo que se trata IDEA Public Schools, y estamos muy contentos de que usted sea parte de ello.

College Signing Day (CSD) is a tradition unlike any other.

It began more than two decades ago as IDEA’s promise to parents: “Your child will go to college.” Today, across the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and the Austin metro area, CSD is an opportunity for our seniors to announce a meaningful commitment and for our schools and communities to celebrate everything that led up to this joyful and pivotal moment.

College Signing Day (CSD) es una tradición como ninguna otra. Comenzó hace más de dos décadas como la promesa de IDEA a los padres: “Su hijo irá a la universidad”. Hoy, en todo el Valle del Río Grande, San Antonio y el área metropolitana de Austin, CSD es una oportunidad para que nuestros alumnos de último año anuncien una decisión significativa que han tomado y para que nuestras comunidades celebren todo lo que llevo a este momento alegre y crucial.

So, if you want to feel inspired, you’re in the right place.

If you want to feel hopeful about the future of our community, our country, and our world, stick around.

If you came to cheer on your own student today, don’t be surprised if you’re screaming for one you have never met.

Across IDEA’s Texas campuses, the 1,966 members of the Class of 2023 have achieved over 9,000 acceptances to colleges and universities across the country. Today we learn where everyone is headed.

While this moment is a culmination of sorts, it also represents a new start for the students who have worked so hard to get here. So many opportunities, adventures, experiences, and challenges lie ahead.

For now, this is a day for celebration. For every senior who declares their college choice on this stage, let’s also celebrate and be grateful for the teachers, counselors, principals, parents, siblings, grandparents, mentors, employers, neighbors, friends, and everyone else who has supported these students.

Class of 2023: Congratulations! You’re going to college.

Así que, si quieres sentirte inspirado, estás en el lugar correcto.

Si quieres sentirte ilusionado sobre el futuro de nuestra comunidad, nuestro país y nuestro mundo, quédate aquí.

Si vinieron a animar a sus propios estudiantes el día de hoy, no te sorprendas si estás gritando por uno que jamás has conocido.

A través de todos los campus de IDEA en Texas, los 1,966 miembros de la Clase de 2023 han logrado más de 9,000 aceptaciones en colegios y universidades de todo el país. Hoy, conoceremos hacia dónde se dirigen todos.

Si bien este momento es una culminación de clases, también representa un nuevo comienzo para los estudiantes que han trabajado muy duro para llegar aquí.

Quedan muchas oportunidades, aventuras, experiencias y, sí, desafíos, están por venir.

Por ahora, sin embargo, este es un día de celebración. Por cada estudiante de último año que declara su elección de universidad en este escenario, también celebremos y estemos agradecidos por los maestros, consejeros, directores, padres, hermanos, abuelos, mentores, empleados, vecinos, amigos y todos los demás que han apoyado a estos estudiantes.

Clase de 2023: ¡Felicitaciones! Vas a ir a la universidad.

JEFF COTTRILL, Ed.D. Superintendent IDEA Public Schools COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 3

IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LEADERSHIP

COLLIN SEWELL

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JESSICA HESS

CHIEF OF STAFF TO SUPERINTENDENT

LAYNE FISHER

MARTIN WINCHESTER

CODY GRINDLE

LEANNE HERNANDEZ

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

4 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

SUPERINTENDENT

ALEJANDRA LOYA

CHIEF GOVERNANCE OFFICER & EXECUTIVE CHIEF OF STAFF

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

DR. JEFF COTTRILL

CHIEF HUMAN ASSETS OFFICER

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

DOLORES GONZALEZ CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

DR. ERNESTO CANTU AREA SUPERINTENDENT

PHILLIP GARZA CHIEF COLLEGE OFFICER

ROLANDO POSADA

SPECIAL ADVISORY TO CEO

JILL DOMINGUEZ

AREA SUPERINTENDENT

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

ERNESTO CANTU, Ed.D AREA SUPERINTENDENT

ANDREA FERNANDEZ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Collin Sewell, Chair Ed Rivera, Vice-Chair and Treasurer Ryan Vaughan, Secretary Reba Cardenas McNair David Earl

Erich Holmsten Michael Adams Gary Lindgren Theresa Barrera-Shaw Nanette Cocero

REGIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AUSTIN

Yolanda Davila, Board Chair Angel Escobedo Rex Gore Erin Hall Barbara Knaggs

Alejandra Vela Marin Miguel Morales Lindsay Neuren Dr. Richard J. Reddick Selicia Sanchez-Adame

IN MEMORIAM

AL LOPEZ COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 5

F O S S A CL

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SENIORS, DID YOU KNOW?

The IDEA ALUMNI AFFAIRS TEAM is here to support you through your college journey!

IDEA PARENTS!

¡PADRES DE IDEA!

Stay informed with IDEA ALUMNI AFFAIRS TEAM:

Manténgase informado sobre el EQUIPO ADMINISTRATIVO DE EXALUMNOS:

• Alumni College Success 1:1 Coaching • Upcoming College Campus Events • Upcoming Financial Aid Deadlines • Semester Registration Deadlines • Scholarship Opportunities • College to Career Exploration

• Éxito de Ex Alumnos Universitario 1:1 • Entrenamiento Próximos Eventos del Campus Universitario • Próximos Plazos de Ayuda Financiera • Plazos de Inscripción Semestral • Oportunidades de Becas • Exploración de la Universidad a la Carrera

AND MORE!

¡Y MAS!

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 7

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS COLLEGE FOR ALL $35,000

TO & THROUGH COLLEGE SPONSOR $10,000

PENNANT SPONSOR $5,000

SCHOLARSHIP GAP SPONSOR $2,500 Dr. Richard Reddick & Family

Alejandra Vela Marin SPECIAL THANKS TO Abel Gonzalez Instant Balloon Stands

8 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

THANKS TO OUR COLLEGE PARTNERS

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 9

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA MONTOPOLIS! My Dear Bulldogs, Class of 2023, It brings me immense honor to stand before the best and brightest senior class. You are scholars who see college as not only what comes “next,” but the passport to pursuing a passion and creating a future you deserve. Your experiences and your challenges have paved the way to becoming the next immigration lawyer, the next cardiologist, the next engineer, and the next leader.

You are already proving the possible—with Bryan Escalante, who’s been named a National Quest Bridge scholar and who will receive a full 4-year scholarship to one of the nation’s most selective colleges. With Maritza Aguilar and Diana Lopez, who have been named Dell Scholars and who demonstrate drive and promise. And for the first time ever, we have Elena Barcenas in the founding cohort of the Hector and Gloria Foundation Scholarship, receiving a full ride!

Class of 2023, you have achieved 100% college acceptances, 75% Tier 1/Tier 2 acceptances, and have been awarded over 6 million dollars in scholarships and grants.

AND IN four years from now, you will be college graduates, and many of you will be the first ever in your family to graduate from college. Do not ever underestimate your potential: you belong in the college of your choice, and you will make it to and through college.

AND before you reveal your college decisions, I am going to leave you with this message: Remain humble, remain hungry, and seek to understand.

And as always, remember, we are bulldogs. Be determined, be optimistic, be generous, and be strong. If no one tells you they love you, we love you and always will.

Congratulations, Montopolis Bulldogs!

Desiree Novodvorschi Principal, IDEA Montopolis College Preparatory

10 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

CLASS OF 2023

 Maritza Aguilar  Gabriela Alejandro-Raso  Irvin Jovani Alvarez Torres  Elizabeth Alvarez  Isaiah Samuel Arvizu  Elena Mariecruz Barcenas  Luis Eduardo Bernal Guzman  Natalia Arisela Botello  Monserrat Guadalupe Cabrera  Ashlee Fernanda Cabriales Guerrero  Joselin Elvira Cardenas Romero  John Edgar Chavez Perez  Francisco Mariano Chavez  Jazmine Abril Cortes-Vazquez  Cristian Crispin-Franco  David Cruz-Sustaita  Jorge Rodrigo Cuevas Gutierrez  Elena Soledad Davis  Luis Javier De Paz Jaimes  Ricardo Duarte Melendez  Yadhira Itzel Duran-Ortiz  Bryan Escalante Genesis Espinoza  Emily Alysse Estrada  Braylon Arturo Flores  Raylon Jaysean Ford  Derek Orlando Frias  Leslie Gabino Benitez  Johana Araceli Galdamez  Leslie Vanesa Gamez Silva  Ashley Ruby Garduza Perez  Xavier Charles Gilbert  Bernardo Gonzalez-Espinoza  Jennifer Celeste Gutierrez Dominguez  Julian Alex Hernandez  Benjamin Hernandez-Quintana  Lyllieanna Alizae Herrera  Jose Adrian Huerta  Hilario Jesus Iwabuchi  Justin Eulalio Jalomo-Lozano  Abril Belen Jimenez  Oziel Leon-Juarez  Diana Elizabeth Lopez Martinez  Jorge Gabriel Lopez Rodriguez Eduardo Agustin Lopez-Orellana  Christopher Luna Salas  Carlos Manuel Mata-Cruz Rashaud Delane Mayberry  Erikka Diamond Middleton  Abdon Morales  Eliud Neftali Morales-Hernandez  Luis Enrique Munoz-Flores

 Estrella Najar Mendieta  Naomi Faith Nolasco  Gerardo Ortiz  Jonathan Benito Palacios  Liyah Zoye Palma  Brayan Pastrana-Rodriguez Elida Mariangela Quintero Martinez  Jeffrey Patino Darwin Adan Resendis  Jakayline Reyes Rojas Francisco Josue Reyes-Ramirez Mariam Belen Reyes-Ramirez  Maria Reyna-Padilla  Allison Rios-Ugalde  Julio Rivera Gonzalez  Ruby Robles  Alexa Nicole Rocha  Daniela Rodriguez-Rivera Elizabeth Rodriguez-Rodriguez  Arely Ivania Roldan Prisciliano  Mariela Romero Muniz  Jose Alfredo Romero-Gonzalez Arturo Roque-Sanchez Brianna Nicole Sanchez  Aida Elinee Sandrez  Anthony Santos Hernandez  Reign Scott-McChristian  Azael Soria-Olvera  Erick Suarez Garcia Sophia Tavira  Michael Ignacio Torres  Samantha Renee Valdez  Amy Lizbeth Vallejo Alameda  Natalia Vasquez Gasca  Celso Vazquez Martinez  Emma Elizabeth Vega Torres  Kimberly Victoriano-Bautista  Daniel Eduardo Villalonga-Cruz

 FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA RUNDBERG! Dear IDEA Rundberg College Prep Class of 2023, Congratulations on this momentous achievement! Today, we celebrate your incredible accomplishments and the exciting next steps on the road to and through college.

Seniors of the Class of 2023, you have shown that it is possible to overcome anything that comes your way. You are strong, tenacious, and persistent. You exude confidence and love for yourself and others. As your principal, and for many as your English teacher, I have seen you grow into incredible leaders on our campus. You are continuing to uphold the promise you made to your community to go to college after graduation. I am grateful that you and your families trusted us to help you fulfill this promise. Thank you for spending these seven years with me and proving what is possible. You are an amazing group of young adults, and I will always cherish being your teacher and principal. I cannot wait to hear about the places you will go.

While today is your day, we must also acknowledge the people in your lives who helped get you here. Remember to thank those who supported and influenced you along the way to your success. They want nothing more than to see you thrive in college and beyond. They will always be here for you.

Ok, 2023. We are not done yet. There is still work to do and a lot of memories to make. But for today, take the time to celebrate. Take it in, smile, and enjoy your accomplishments. You deserve it.

Congratulations and Go Rattlers! SSSSssssss Meggie Summers Principal, IDEA Rundberg College Preparatory

12 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

CLASS OF 2023

Norvet Franklin Aguirre-Jaimes  Joshua David Anaya  Rubi Maribel Anaya Limon  Jose Manuel Arce-Garcia  Bryan Alexis Avelar Zumba  Catia Avelar-Armenta  Angelica Bautista-Elizalde  Christian Bautista-Juarez  Christopher Bautista-Juarez  Coby Ian Benitez Juarez  Fabiola Cardoso Macedo  Izabella Marie Carlos-Garcia  Mia Simone Cazares  Alexis Dario Chamorro Melendez  Ingrid Janeth Chan Rosas  Kimberly Covarrubias-Castaneda  Anthony Ryan Cruz  Brittany Rubi Cruz  Emily Cruz  Sebastian Diaz Rogel  Jared Espinosa Lopez  Estefania Espinoza  Lizeth Flores-Rodriguez  Melanie Frias  Bryan Garcia House  Fernando Alexis Garcia Vera  Alfonso Agustin Garcia  Denise Garcia-Anaya  Jason Alexsander Gonzales  Luis Alexander Guizar-Espitia  Orlando Hernandez Peralta  Alexandra Hernandez Rojas  Hector Hernandez  Letxy Mariana Hernandez-Cabrera  Cinthia Corina Hernandez-Granillo  Cielo Veronica Isaguirre  Isai Jaramillo Dominguez  Jonathan Jimenez Tellez  Diana Jimenez-Gomora  Riley Leon

 Nancy Veronica Loredo Villegas  Diana Martinez Hernandez  Jocelin Belinda Martinez  Christina Corinne Maya  Crisitian Montes De Oca  Jason Primitivo Morales Alonso  Miguel Jr. Orosco-Zuniga  Gael Deony Ortiz Ramirez  Yajaira Pena-Gonzalez  Briceida Perez Sosa  Michelle Perez Ugarte  Nanci Perez-Anacleto  Miguel Perez-Fuentes  Christina Ramirez Lopez  Jazmin Ramos  Jacob Juliann Reyes  Samara Reyes  Jose Enrique Rico Martinez  Pedro Rodriguez Medina  Dyllan Joshua Rodriguez Tolentino  Eduardo Rodriguez-Cervantes  Consuelo Liseth Salazar Gutierrez  Leslie Brizeth Salgado Jimenez  Jaqueline Salinas Espiricueta  Yanduri Jessica Sanchez-Aguilar  Mauricio Antonio Sandoval-Lerma  Kevin Yahir Tovar  Kevin Daniel Valencia Zumba  Maria Magdalena Villalta-Aguilar  Amy Zavala Morin

CLASS O

F

 FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA BLUFF SPRINGS! Dear Seniors, We are thrilled to be here on College Signing Day, celebrating our commitment to college for the first time with our first generation of seniors! We are making history! Seven years ago, IDEA Austin decided to open IDEA Bluff Springs.

I am honored to be the new principal of this resilient school. I am humbled to present the first generation of senior students at IDEA Bluff Springs College Preparatory, where 97% of our seniors are first-generation college acceptances. To name a few of our accomplishments, we have 21% of our IDEA Bluff Spring Seniors accepted to Tier 1 Universities, the best colleges our country has to offer, with 76 % accepted to Tier 2 Universities with an accumulation of 10 million dollars in scholarships, gifts, aid awards.

We are so proud of our Bats. Students, teachers, counselors, staff, and parents are here to support you. We know your commitment to college. Being here means you have your seat in the university of your choice and will be a college graduate in the following 4 to 6 years. As you walk along this platform, I would like for you to see your parents first, who support you at all times. Thank you, parents, for your support! “Se llego el dia.” Thank you on behalf of the students for the wake-up call. For the “jalones de orejas” and for asking your kiddos to try their best and for pushing them to never give up! Also, look at your teachers and counselors who supported you all these years. We are all super proud of you. Whether it is Austin Community College or Harvard University, you are taking your seat as a college student. Never underestimate your power and strength! Never let anyone tell you that you are not ready! In less than two months, I have seen your passion for attending college. You inspire me daily with your ALL-IN attitude, how you focus on class, sweat the small stuff, and advocate receiving the best education inspires me daily. Seniors, today is your time to shine!

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

Gisela Guerra Principals, IDEA Bluff Springs College Preparatory 14 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

CLASS OF 2023

 Brianna Alvarado-Montanez  Angelina Ray Arriaga  Paola Joan Avila-Salazar  Ulysses Ayala  Michael Victor Cardenas  Emilio Miguel Casanova  Cesar Chiroy-Menchu  Antonio Jehova Contreras  Saira Contreras  Daniel Contreras-Bueno  Alex Coody  Alejandro Cortes-Soto  Sarahi Cruz Ramirez  Mariana De La Rosa-Gonzalez  Favian Diaz Deja Destinee Doctor  Alexia Erasto Rodriguez  Alyssa Kriselle Garcia  Mia Alyssa Garcia Mindy Marie Garcia  Leticia Suzette Gonzalez  Vanessa Guadalupe Gonzalez  Carisma Guerrero  Madisyn Avianna Harris  Jesus Jaramillo-Tejeda  Cindy Lix-Chiroy  Daniela Lopez-Alvarez  Sarah Elizabeth Lopez Cortez  Alyssa Paula Lopez  Alexa Lugo Garcia  Juan Carlos Maldonado-Tejeda  Jose Martinez

 Rafael Alexander Martinez  Deisi Mata-Carbajal  Jonathan Matias Jara  Emily Jade Mayo  Axel Montes De Oca-Arteaga  Valentina Mora Conde  Madian Nava Bravata  Henry Ochoa Berrios  Ashley Olmos  Josie Annette Palacios  Jacqueline Peralta Guzman  Ricardo Alexander Perez Luna  Yaritzel Perez-Gorostieta  Malia Elizabeth Rose Perry  Angela Prado  Jonathan Abel Rico  Diego Rivera-Ortega  Daniel Alejandro Robles-Hernandez  Brian Rodriguez Silva  Pablo Arturo Rodriguez  Ruben Rodriguez  Kayla Wu Ruiz  Rosa Maria Ruiz-Gonzalez  Jasmine Serrano-Leija  Andrey Abed Suarez Torres  Belen Esmeralda Torres  Jesus Alberto Velazquez-Garcia  Dailin Vences-Sanchez  Nashley Alexandra Viera

 FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 15

#CSD2023 16 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY