CSD IDEA El Paso Program 2025

El Paso, TX

TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025

6:30 PM • EL PASO CONVENTION CENTER ONE CIVIC CENTER PLAZA EL PASO, TX 79901

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 Guest Speaker Senior Reveals Scholarship Presentation Senior Reveals Senior Speakers Senior Reveals 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 as IDEA’s promise to parents: “Your child will go to college.” Across the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, the Austin metro area, El Paso and Baton Rouge, 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 como una promesa de IDEA a los padres: “Su hijo irá a la universidad”. Hoy, en todo el Valle del Río Grande, San Antonio, el área metropolitana de Austin El Paso y Baton Rouge, 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 schools, the 3,190 members of the Class of 2025 have achieved over 15,976 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 2025: 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, los 3,190 miembros de la Clase de 2025 han logrado más de 15,976 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 2025: ¡Felicidades! Vas a ir a la universidad.

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

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 3

IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LEADERSHIP

DR. JEFF COTTRILL CEO & SUPERINTENDENT

CODY GRINDLE

DOLORES GONZALEZ

PRESIDENT

LAYNE FISHER

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

MARTIN WINCHESTER CHIEF HUMAN ASSETS OFFICER

MARLON SHEARS CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

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DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT

JESSICA HESS

CHIEF GOVERNANCE OFFICER

KATHLEEN ZIMMERMANN CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PHILLIP GARZA CHIEF COLLEGE OFFICER

COLLEEN STEARNS, Ed.D. CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

DR. DIONEL C. WATERS AREA SUPERINTENDENT

FRANKIE GRAY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EL PASO

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

Gary Lindgren Theresa Barrera-Shaw Nanette Cocero Connie Miner David Dunn

REGIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS EL PASO

Juan Alderete Jason Chambers Lawrence Davenport Jessica Herrera

Ronnie Lowenfield Dr. Gilberto Moreno Marybeth Stevens

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 5

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS COLLEGE FOR ALL SPONSOR

CHAMPION SPONSOR

PENNANT 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!

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 11

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA EDGEMERE! To my amazing Falcons!

Today, we are here to celebrate a monumental achievement. Each of you has worked tirelessly to reach this moment. Remember, the lessons you have learned here extend far beyond textbooks and lectures. You’ve learned the importance of persistence through shifting teachers and leaders, the power of collaboration, and the beauty of seeing challenges as opportunities for growth.

As you move forward, always remember that success is never achieved alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, support you, and challenge you to be better. This community, this network of friends, family, and mentors, will help you navigate the challenges ahead and celebrate the victories that are to come. You have laid the foundation of excellence upon which future generations of Fierce Falcons will build, and your legacy will endure in every success that comes next.

Rise up, fly high, Soar Falcons Soar!

Alejandra Najera Principal, IDEA Edgemere College Preparatory

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Octavio Medina Sean Dante Michela Vince Geovany Molina David Isaiah Monarrez Cristobal Santiago Moreno Gabryella Christine Murphy Andres Esteban Nanez Diallo Mikhail Onyame Jose Manuel Palma Yamila Azanneth Peraza Melany Aylin Perez Damian Jonathan Alexander Perez Natalie Nicole Pong Yaritsa Yamilet Portillo Villasana Jesus Osbaldo Quintana Zambrano Mauricio Gabriel Rivero Caleb Isai Rodriguez-Hernandez Antonio Rosales Evelyn Rosales Vivika Rowland Aolani Marie Salazar Sophia Camile Salazar Christian Israel Samper Matthew Sanchez Joshua Antonio Sifuentes Matthew Joshua Silva Damien Sebastian Soto Quan Son Tran Gael Triana Jasmine Marcela Trimmer Robledo Sofia Veronica Trimmer Jorge Manuel Vargas Noah Ezekiel Vargas Jordan Rebecca Wilson Monica Zavala

GE

LLE O C

O

B

CLASS OF 2025

Lesley Guadalupe Aguirre Mariana Elizabeth Aldape Colton Jesse Barron Tziyyon Alejandro Dantes Bednar Ariel Cardenas Rivera Abril Castañeda Briana Castañeda Natalie Cristin Cazares Christian Xavier Christie Elena Melanie Cruz Diego Andres Cuevas Ruiz Diego Gael Dominguez-Montanez Emily Enriquez Diaz Luiselle Charlotte Esparza Esteban Rey Estrada Sebastian Rey Estrada Logan Kaimana Fuentes Aurora Marie Galbo Andrea Garcia-Dimas Mia Jade Gibson Rebecca Sophia Gonzalez Zion Emanuel Grandison Jose Guadarrama Giana Guadian Isabella Guerra Damien Addiel Jacquez Joshua Lee Johns Joshua Alexander Korff Angel Jesus Laca Julio Lara David Lozano Joshua Isaiah Lozano Victoria Eileen Magallanes Mario Alberto Marquez Athena Judith Mayer Gonzalez

UND

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 13

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA MESA HILLS! Fellow Wolverines: Andrea, Juan and Valeria, Congratulations to the first three early graduates of IDEA El Paso Region! Your achievement surpasses expectations and marks the beginning of something truly remarkable. Graduating early showcases your dedication, hard work, and commitment to academic excellence. Your journey at IDEA Mesa Hills has been a testament to perseverance and the core values of IDEA, embodying the spirit of a Wolverine of Excellence.

Reflect on the friendships, connections with teachers, and cherished memories from your time here. Embrace the growth and lessons that have shaped you. Carry forward the resilience, kindness, and passion for learning that will guide your future endeavors. Your foundation at IDEA Mesa Hills College Prep sets the stage for continued success in your academic pursuits.

Approach the future with confidence, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Your potential knows no bounds, and I am confident you will leave a lasting impact wherever life leads you. Continue to lead, solve problems, and inspire others. You will always be an integral part of our Team and Family, empowered for the journey ahead.

Congratulations once again, and remember – once a Wolverine, always a Wolverine.

Norman Candelaria Principal, IDEA Mesa Hills College Preparatory

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GE

LLE O C

O

B

CLASS OF 2025

Andrea Amaya Juan Pablo Colunga Valeria Inthalangsy

UND

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 15

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA RIO VISTA! Dear First Graduating Class of IDEA Rio Vista, As I write this, I reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. Today, as you step into a new chapter, I want you to know how truly proud I am of each of you.

When you first arrived, you were filled with hopes and uncertainties. Over the years, you’ve grown—academically and personally—facing challenges with resilience and determination. Your hard work and support for one another have left a lasting impact on this school.

This year, especially, has proven your strength. As the first graduating class, your legacy is forever part of this school’s history. The foundation you’ve built will inspire future students.

I am excited for what lies ahead. The world is full of opportunities—take what you’ve learned and make a difference.

Success is not just about achievement but also kindness and impact. Stay curious, keep learning, and never fear taking risks. You have everything you need to succeed.

Congratulations on your graduation. The future is yours to create. Go Raptors!

Patricia Landavazo Principal, IDEA Rio Vista College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Ethan Alvarez Miguel Baeza Angie Borja Jaydan Canales Briana Carlos Garay Carmona Ian Castillo America Diaz Grecia Diaz Seth Elizalde Santiago Esparza-Olaya Madison Felix Rosales Flores Ilene Gallegos Carolina Garcia Marion Garcia, Galen Gonzalez Joshua Gonzalez Bryan Guerrero Jodi Hernandez Ramon Hernandez Amerie Hernandez Alijah Holguin Parker Howard Omar Jacobo Alexa Limas-Gibbs Aaliyah Lopez Alberic Macias

Alexa Martinez Bruno Martinez Diego Martinez-Ledezma Kimberly Medina Yoali Medina Isabella Molina Akeila Montalvo Benjamin Ordaz-Bejarano David Orozco-Alvarez Angel Perez Gerardo Portales Sebastian Portillo Avril Ramirez Dilian Ramos Francisco Rivera Nathan Rivera Alyssa Rodriguez Isiah Rodriguez Esteban Salazar Abraham Sanchez Braulio Sandoval Marco Sandoval Rotsen Solis Janice Tarin Azul Varela Miguel Vera Dante Yu

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#CSD2025 18 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY