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.
Welcome
Alumni Speech
Senior Reveals
Scholarship Presentations
Closing
LETTER
FROM THE
SUPERINTENDENT
Team & Family,
Welcome to my favorite IDEA event of the year—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.
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 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.
Equipo y Familia,
Bienvenidos a mi evento favorito de IDEA del año: ¡College Signing Day (CSD)!
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.
Así que, si quieres sentirte inspirado, estás en el lugar correcto.
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
DR. JEFF COTTRILL CEO & SUPERINTENDENT
FISHER
CODY GRINDLE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER CHIEF GOVERNANCE OFFICER PRESIDENT
MARTIN WINCHESTER CHIEF HUMAN ASSETS OFFICER
GONZALEZ DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT
HESS
KATHLEEN ZIMMERMANN CHIEF COLLEGE OFFICER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
GARZA
STEARNS,
CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
LAYNE
MARLON SHEARS
JESSICA
COLLEEN
Ed.D.
PHILLIP
DOLORES
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
DR. DIONEL C. WATERS
FRANKIE GRAY
AREA SUPERINTENDENT 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
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
COLLEGE FOR ALL SPONSOR
CHAMPION SPONSOR
PENNANT SPONSOR
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Abel Gonzalez Instant Balloon Stands
THANKS TO OUR COLLEGE PARTNERS
SENIORS, DID YOU
KNOW?
The IDEA ALUMNI AFFAIRS TEAM is here to support you through your college journey!
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
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
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
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
CLASS OF 2025
Juan Pablo Colunga
Valeria Inthalangsy
Andrea Amaya
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
