CSD IDEA Austin Program 2024

IDEA GREATER AUSTIN TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024

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 Alumni Speech Senior Reveals Scholarship Presentations Closing

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LETTER FROM THE

SUPERINTENDENT Team & Family,

Equipo y Familia,

Welcome to my favorite IDEA event of the year—College Signing Day (CSD)!

Bienvenidos a mi evento favorito de IDEA del año: ¡College Signing Day (CSD)!

College Signing Day is an IDEA 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 es una tradición de IDEA como ninguna otra. Comenzó hace más de dos décadas como una 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 ultimo grado anuncien un compromiso significativo y para que nuestras escuelas y comunidades celebren todo lo que condujo a este momento alegre y crucial.

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

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

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 2,200 members of the Class of 2024 have achieved over 11,600 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 2024: Congratulations! You’re going to college.

Si quieres sentirte esperanzado sobre el futuro de nuestra comunidad, nuestro país y nuestro mundo, quédate con nosotros.

Si el día de hoy, estás aquí para apoyar a tu propio estudiante, no te sorprendas si estás gritando por uno que jamás habías conocido.

En todos los campus de IDEA en Texas, los 2200 miembros de la Clase de 2024 han logrado más de 11600 aceptaciones en colegios y universidades de todo el país. Hoy aprendemos hacia dónde se dirige cada uno.

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

Tantas oportunidades, aventuras, experiencias y desafíos por delante.

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

Clase 2024: ¡Felicidades! Vas a ir a la universidad.

JEFF COTTRILL, Ed.D. Superintendent & CEO IDEA Public Schools

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 3

IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LEADERSHIP

DR. JEFF COTTRILL SUPERINTENDENT & CEO

CODY GRINDLE PRESIDENT

LAYNE FISHER

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

MARTIN WINCHESTER CHIEF HUMAN ASSETS OFFICER

MARLON SHEARS CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

DOLORES GONZALEZ CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

DR. ERNESTO CANTU CHIEF SCHOOLS OFFICER

PHILLIP GARZA CHIEF COLLEGE OFFICER

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JESSICA HESS

CHIEF GOVERNANCE OFFICER

KATHLEEN ZIMMERMANN CHIEF COLLEGE OFFICER

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

ANDREA FERNANDEZ AREA SUPERINTENDENT

MICHAEL BATTLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IDEA GREATER AUSTIN

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Collin Sewell, Chair Ed Rivera, Vice-Chair and Secretary Erich Holmsten, Treasurer Al Lopez, In Memoriam

Michael Adams Gary Lindgren Theresa Barrera-Shaw Nanette Cocero

REGIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AUSTIN

Yolanda Davila, Board Chair Angel Escobedo Rex Gore Alejandra Vela Marin

Stephanie Perryman Dr. Richard J. Reddick Selicia Sanchez-Adame

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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS COLLEGE FOR ALL

CHAMPION SPONSOR

TO & THROUGH COLLEGE SPONSOR

PENNANT SPONSOR

SCHOLARSHIP GAP SPONSOR

SPECIAL THANKS TO Abel Gonzalez

Instant Balloon Stands

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THANKS TO OUR COLLEGE PARTNERS

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 7

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SENIORS, DID YOU KNOW?

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

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THE ROAD BEGINS AT

IDEA!

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR GRADES K – 12 APPLY NOW,

or visit the ENROLLMENT TEAM in the lobby for more information!

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 11

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA BLUFF SPRINGS! My Bat Kiddos, As your proud principal of IDEA Bluff Springs College Prep, it is with immense joy that I address you on this pivotal College Signing Day. Your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with moments of tenacity, curiosity, and collective achievements that have not only enriched our school but have laid the foundation for your promising futures.

Each of you has left a great mark on our community here, from reaching academic excellence awards to the daily acts of kindness that did not go unnoticed. Your next steps are into a world that awaits your insights and contributions.

As you move forward, remember that the lessons learned and the friendships forged here are as much a part of your education as the academic knowledge you have gained. They will be your guiding stars.

So, as you sign on to your new adventures, know that you do so with the full support and admiration of every teacher, every staff member, and your fellow students at IDEA Bluff Springs. We are all incredibly proud of what you have accomplished and even more excited about what you will achieve next.

Congratulations, Class of 2024! Go out there and make the world a better place.

Gisela Guerra Principal, IDEA Bluff Springs College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2024

Mario Bustillos Ariana Camacho Regino Carrasco-Badillo Mia Castillo Lopez Isaac Chino Michelle Conchas-Rodriguez Andrea De Jesus Di Gregorio Gomez Mario Flores Morando Lissette Ganster Frank Garcia Esaias Grajeda Juan Granados Acevedo Paola Hernandez Reynaldo Lopez Ruben Lopez-Gonzalez Gustavo Mata Carbajal Kayce Maynor Lillian Maynor Daniel Medina Francisco Mendez Mia Mendez Sergio Mora

Mariel Nava Bravata Aria Olvera Andre Ornelas John Pallares-Lara Alexandra Peralta Guzman Ashley Perez Arzola Katia Rangel Alicia Rivera Angel Rodriguez Sebastian Rosado Andujar Hope Saenz Ennio Saenz Zeledon Cesar Segovia Rojas Justin Tejada Chirinos Erica Valdez-Perez Maria Valdez-Perez Jocelyn Vera Iycess Yancey Hendricks Louis Kirby Julio Mora Luke Treviño

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA MONTOPOLIS! Seniors, I am brimming with pride and admiration for each of you. Your journey at Montop has been extraordinary.

I have witnessed your unwavering dedication, relentless perseverance, and steadfast commitment to your academic pursuits. From the countless hours invested in preparing for TSI exams to the late-night study sessions for AP exams, your determination has been truly commendable.

Gone are the days of being told to remove your air pods, put your cell phones away, or remove your non-IDEA sweaters. Now, you stand ready to become the individual, college-going students you’ve always aspired to be.

Carry the lessons learned at Montop forward. Cherish the bonds of friendship forged, uphold the guiding principles instilled, and never forget the unwavering support from your school community.

Many of you are trailblazers in your families. Your journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reaffirming that with determination and hard work, all barriers can be overcome.

Always remember that you are Bulldogs, be determined, be optimistic, be generous and be strong and if no one tells you they love you today, we love you, you’re appreciated, and your contribution to this world is needed you matter and...

Gooooooooooo Seniors!

Desiree Novodvorschi Principal, IDEA Montopolis College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2024

Marco Aguirre-Chavez Dyana Alejandro Raso Ricardo Alonso Hernandez Autumn Alonzo Jonathan Alvares-Solis Damaris Amador Jaynie Bacca-Marquez Alexa Barrera-Zavala Alexis Benitez-Granados Julian Castro Addison Chavez Balderas Carina Conejo Martinez Vida De La Cruz Martinez Camila Espinosa Rodriguez Brayan Espinoza Rodriguez Monica Estrada-Jaimes Gerardo Flores-Martinez Ana Francisco-Anacleto Briana Garcia Elena Garcia Ricardo Garcia-Pena Sherlyn Gonzales Jimena Gonzalez-Sanchez Henry Grimaldo-Colmenero Misael Hernandez Michel Hernandez Jimenez Juvencio Hernandez Perez Carlos Jaramillo Zavala Daniel Jimenez Shiryi Lara Andrea Lara-Valderrabano Alejando Lopez Cardenas Alexander Lopez Garcia

Bryan Lopez Gomez Mariah Lopez-Saucedo Magaly Lopez-Silvano Braulio Luna Estrella Mar Cruz Amy Martinez Morales Juan Mendez Genaro Ortiz Richard Pastrana-Rodriguez Samantha Perez-Castelan Diego Perez-Elias Alvin Perry Melissa Ramirez Guerrero Keren Ramirez-Gallegos Andrea Nicole Razo Alexia Cerise Rendon Angel Reyes Contreras Ana Mayly Rincon Reyes Alex Rosales-Martinez Elise Saldana Jackeline Sanchez Banda Omaira Sixto Sanchez Mia Suarez-Santos Jeremiah Daniel Tahay Victor Jr. Vallejo Alameda Jorge Jose Vasquez-Gasca Edwin Damian Vega Yareli Antonia Velazquez-Rodriguez Estrella Victoriano Bautista Diego Villasenor-Sagrero Eliud Abimael Zeferino Jair Nathan Zeferino-Cisneros

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA RUNDBERG! Dear IDEA Rundberg College Prep Class of 2024, Congratulations on this momentous achievement! Today, we celebrate your incredible accomplishments and the exciting next steps on the road to and through college.

You have shown our campus to never take anything too seriously. Each of you has the uncanny ability to reach ambitious goals while bringing joy and laughter to all situations. 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 young adults 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. You are an amazing group of young adults, and I will always cherish being your teacher and principal.

Take a moment acknowledge the people in your lives who helped get you here. Remember to thank those who supported and influenced you. They want nothing more than to see you thrive in college and beyond. They will always be here for you.

There is still work to do and memories to make. But for today, take the time to celebrate. Take it in, smile, and enjoy your accomplishments. You deserve it.

Meggie Summers Principal, IDEA Rundberg College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2024

Ariana Acuna Carolina Antonio Garcia Jaqueline Bautista Denise Becerra Jennifer Beltran Guerrero Carlos Bonilla Leslie Campos Alfredo Cazares-Rodriguez Beverly Covarrubias Erisvey Cruz Hernandez Deisy Cruz Ruiz Fernanda Diaz-Hernandez Arisdelcy Espinoza Antonio Jacqueline Estrada Cruz Jocelyn Galaviz-Ruiz Brandon Garcia House Daisy Garcia Santiago Luis Gonzalez-De La Torre Nelly Gonzalez-Gallegos Joshua Gonzalez-Moreno Alan Guerrero Trejo Hector Hernandez Amy Hernandez Granillo Rachel Hoyos-Gomez Lizkaren Juaregui Calderon Abraham Juarez Jennifer Lang-Martinon Wendy Leiva Dania Leiva-Ramos Kaitlyn Lemus Malagon Julia Lopez

Alexandra Lopez Silva Alexander Lopez-Herrera Diego Manzo-Elorsa Miguel Martinez Lesly Mejia Julio Mejia Rivas Wilder Melendez Parks Alexis Millan Banda Helen Mondragon Suarez Kevin Nava-bello Efren Navarrete Gallardo Nathaly Pantoja-Soto Nevaeh Pensin Aime’ Perez Yaretzi Perez Sosa Danay Quechol-Salinas Daisy Rendon-Anacleto Ariel Sproul Tynett Swist Mariana Torres-Banda Miriam Torres-Gallegos Emili Trujillo-Espinoza Kevin Valadez Trejo Stephanie Vargas Garcia Jafeth Villalvir-Rodriguez Brandon Williams Brian Zambrano Alvarez Nataly Anaya Munoz Rodney Johnson Selvin Mendez-Godinez

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