CSD IDEA RGV 2 Program 2025

Rio Grande Valley, TX Edinburg, Quest, Weslaco, Brownsville

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025

9:30 AM • McALLEN CONVENTION CENTER 700 CONVENTION CENTER BLVD., McALLEN, TX 78501

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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 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

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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

JILL DOMINGUEZ AREA SUPERINTENDENT

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 RIO GRANDE VALLEY

Alyssa L. Romero, Board Chair Maria Antonia Chapa Cerise R. de Garduno Sarah Garza Zulieda Lopez-Habbouche

Andrea Rodriguez Bobby Saenz CJ Sanchez Jesus (Jesse) Zepeda

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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

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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!

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA EDINBURG! Class of 2025, Today is more than just a milestone, it’s a celebration of your dreams, your hard work, and your unstoppable spirit. On this College Signing Day, you will stand in front of your family, your friends, and the entire IDEA community to announce where your journey will take you next. You’ve worked for this, you’ve earned this, and now it’s here!

I could not be prouder to share that 100% of you have been accepted to a four-year college or university, with 78% gaining acceptance into Tier I/II schools. Among you, we have a QuestBridge Scholar heading to Brown University on a full-ride, our first-ever acceptance to West Point Academy, a Dell Scholar finalist, and a Hispanic Scholarship Fund finalist.

Class of 2025, you have left a legacy that will echo through the halls of Edinburg College Prep for years to come. You’ve shown what passion, perseverance, and belief in yourself can achieve. You have lifted each other up, defied expectations, and proved that anything is possible. Congratulations!

Kind Regards,

Ramiro Gomez Jr., M.Ed. Executive Principal, IDEA Edinburg

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CLASS OF 2025

Stacy Acosta Ernesto Acuna Laura Aguilera Briana Alcoser Karla Alfaro Lesly Alvarez Evelyn Alvarez Sinai Arambula Alexander Atkinson Edwin Avila Denise Bautista Hellen Bello Vivian Bishop Saburi Bright Daniela Calderon Mayren Cantu Eugenio Cardenas Allison Castillo Christian Castillo Alondra Colin Hector Cruz Galilea Davila Patrick De Leon Moises Elizondo Brianna Estrada Jeronimo Flores Israel Galindo Yuraima Gallardo-Zarate Gael Gama Diego Garcia Alina Garcia Kimberly Gonzalez Isabella Herrera Analia Hershberger Jaime Hinojosa Britza Hinojosa Janitta Ibarra Joseph Lara John Martinez Bernardo Martinez Rodriguez

Miles Morales Ittzel Ortiz Maria Ortuno Urban Rafael Oyervides Giovani Pacheco Jose Palacios Paulo Parra Maya Peña Jesus Perez Samara Ponce Perez Nelson Quintero Sebastian Ramos Bellido Ruby Ramos Jasmine Rangel America Reyes Rose Reyes Eleazar Reyes Samuel Rivera Marco Robledo Leah Rodriguez Viviana Rodriguez Cepeda Ana Rodriguez-Hernandez Isla Rojas Joscelyn Ruiz Mayra Salazar Brandon Salinas Alexis Salinas Savannah Samano Fabian Solis Lisseth Torres Alejandro Trujillo Leah Valdez Daniela Vega Danna Victorino Joel Villafuerte Jennifer Villanueva Lilia Vincent Freddrikk Young Sarinna Zamarripa Samantha Zepeda

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA QUEST! Dear Graduates of 2025, Congratulations! Today, you stand on the threshold of a new chapter, one that is filled with infinite possibilities, challenges, and exciting opportunities. Your journey has been anything but ordinary. You’ve faced obstacles, pushed through uncertainties, and yet, you’ve persevered. You are a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of adaptation.

As you move forward, remember that the path ahead will not always be linear. There will be moments of triumph and setbacks, but each experience, whether good or bad, will shape you into the person you are becoming. The path may not always be easy, but every step you take brings you closer to your future. Don’t shy away from challenges, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way—there is power in collaboration, and you’re never alone in this journey.

Stay curious. Keep learning. Don’t be afraid to explore new passions and chase bold dreams. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and to others. The relationships you build and the way you contribute to the world will be your true legacy. The world is vast, and your potential is limitless.

The future is yours to create—don’t be afraid to take risks, ask questions, and make a difference. As you step into this next phase, know that you are ready. Your hard work has prepared you for what lies ahead.

Don’t ever forget, we are here to continue to support you even from afar because once a BLAZER, ALWAYS a BLAZER. Continue to carry the spirit of resilience, innovation, and excellence with you wherever you go. Congratulations and we can’t wait to celebrate this day with you. You’ve worked hard, and now, the world awaits you. Continue to blaze your trail with pride!

With pride and excitement for all that you will achieve, Congratulations once again!

Mary Arrezola Principal, IDEA Quest College Prepatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Briseidy Viviana Zayra Victoria Luis Madellin Juan Sebastian Jacob Diego Damian Edy Anthony Mario Steven Heidi Kearra Sebastian Silvan Carlos Sabrynah Nalani Marilyn Sophia Andros Daniel Joshua Mariana Shanice Yeyetzi Sylvia Alberto Angel Brianna Donna Erin Aleena Carlos

Acosta Aguilar Alanis Alarcon Alvarez Archer Arratia Avalos Avila Balleza Bolanos Cantu Capetillo Carmona Castaneda-Trevino Castro Yerena Cervania Chapa Chapa De Leon Diaz Fernandez Flores Flores Garcia Garcia Garcia Garcia Garza Geronimo Gonzales Gonzalez Gonzalez Gonzalez Grimaldo Guajardo Harris Hernandez

Jair Giana Brandon Jakqueline Adile Eric Axel Natalie Adrian Brandon Isabella Isaac Eluojo Oliver Martin Lesly Jaycob Jayden Paula Randy Ashley Sebastian Daniel Ismael Jan Esteban Aaliyah Deseree Ashley Rhianna Randall Brooke Curtis Andres Erick Salvador Annabelle Janae

Jimenez Lopez Ruiz Lopez Lopez Luna Maninang Martinez Martinez Medina Mercado Mercado Mireles Okonji Ortega Ortiz Otero Perez Perez Perez Perkins Ponce Quitanilla Radilla Ramirez Ravelo Rodriguez Reyes Rincon Robledo Rodea Rodriguez Salazar Silva Somado Trevino Vallejo Vela Writer York

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA WESLACO! Amazing graduates, Today marks a momentous occasion, one where our hearts swell with immense pride and admiration for each of you. As you stand on the brink of a new chapter, know that your journey here has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

You have woven a tapestry of resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit throughout our school’s halls. Your unwavering commitment to growth and excellence has left an indelible mark on our community.

In every challenge, you’ve exhibited grace and fortitude, embodying the very essence of courage. As you traverse new horizons, remember the bonds forged here and carry forward the values of empathy, integrity, and tenacity.

Your dreams are the compass guiding you forward, and we stand behind you, believing in your ability to illuminate the world with your brilliance.

Congratulations, graduates! Your journey has just begun.

With heartfelt admiration,

Dr. Abigail Molina Principal, IDEA Weslaco College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Angelique Aldaba Yanellie Alvarado Harley Aranda Zuleyka Arguelles David Avila Christopher Barco Josseline Beltran Fidel Bonilla Diamond Bowie Peter Buffa Ruby Cameron Denisse Cantu Vanessa Cantu Danyiell Cardenas Andrea Castillo Martinez Javier Cavazos Francis Cedillo Lynnette Coronado Brianna Coronado Jewel Covarrubias Valeria Covarrubias Amy Diaz Elijah Enriquez DeAndraLee Enriquez Jeremiah Fraire Isis Garcia Melanie Garcia Alexandra Garcia Ariel Garcia Daniel Garcia Georgianna Garza Asia Garza Yzabelle Gonzalez Lesly Gutierrez Dylan Gutierrez Asiel Guzman Juan Hernandez Zoey Jimenez Alondra Landeros Dariana Lazaro Rojas

Aissa Lerma Lucio Lopez Sebastian Macias Mirka Maldonado Marco Martinez Anthony Martinez Ricardo Martinez-Mata Jose Melgoza Manuel Mena Oscar Mendoza Jasmin Miranda Amara Monroy Leah Moreno Jennifer Moreno Romeo Muñoz Mia Muzquiz Jazmine Obregon Lizbeth Orozco Hailey Ortega Abdiel Pichal Karla Pichales Emilio Pinales Layla Ramirez Angelina Reyes Emily Rodriguez Isabella Rodriguez Priscilla Rodriguez Emma Rodriguez Jose Rodriguez Reynosa Issac Romero Zaylin Romero Rodriguez Monserrat Ruiz Georgina Ruiz Francisco Salgado Josue Sarmiento Deisy Trejo Ximena Vargas Mia Ybarra Lynzie Zapata Kymberli Zuniga

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA BROWNSVILLE! Dear Class of 2025, Congratulations! Today marks an extraordinary milestone in your journey— College Signing Day 2025! This moment is a celebration of your hard work, resilience, and dedication to your education and future aspirations. Each of you has worked tirelessly to reach this point, and we are proud of the bright futures ahead of you.

Your decision to further your education is a testament to your commitment to growth, knowledge, and excellence. Your path is uniquely yours, and it is one that will lead to great success.

As you embark on this next chapter of your lives, remember to embrace challenges, remain curious, and continue to strive for success. The world needs your passion, creativity, and leadership. Never forget the values and lessons you have learned here and always carry with you the pride of being a graduate of IDEA College Prep Brownsville.

Go Bobcats!

Marco Lopez Principal, IDEA Brownsville College Preparatory

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Desiree Marleen Magdaleno Carlos Adrian Maldonado Jesus Roberto Mancilla Merari Lizbeth Marquez Joncarlo Marroquin Cesar Martinez Camila Mayorga Victoria Mayorga Jonathan Mejia Jose Pedro Mejia Armando Damian Mora Efren Montenegro Jonathan Isai Moreno-Jimenez Mirella Alicia Olazaran Andrea Orozco-Ballesteros Johan Arnoldo Peña Nicole Alexandra Pulido Villagran Jose Sebastian Ramirez-Rosales Valeria Robles Julio Esai Robles Adlih Rodriguez Lizeth Rodriguez Alondra Rodriguez-Garcia Anthony Gabriel Rohrer Cristobal Sebastian Rosas Damian Noah Saldana Nathaniel Alec Saldivar Carlos Arturo Salinas Stella Javiana Sanchez Juan Daniel Serna Mario Alfredo Silva Evan David Singleterry Alondra Leilany Teran Lauren Samantha Treviño Roberto Treviño Javier Alejandro Treviño Fernanda Italia Urena Ava Gabrielle Villarreal Sebastian Zapata

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CLASS OF 2025

Ximena Alcala Alex Amozurrutia Larissa Lannet Banos Ximena Barrera Torres Clover Jae Barron Kevelyn Alexandra Bazan Savannah Marie Behnke Khloee Belmont Michael Abel Castellon Ian Eduardo Castillo Adli Castillo Samara Aseret Castillo Torres Carlos Omar Cervantes Ximena Charles Layla Rebeca Colunga Katherine Fay Conde Alexander Gael Conde Cristian Alexis Contla Julio Garcia Andrea Elizabeth Garcia Idan Garcia Franklyn Alexander Garcia Roberto Sparks Garcia Danna Isabella Garza Dante Xavier Gomez Jacob Nathaniel Gonzalez Asher Aaron Gonzalez Anakaren Guerrero Xavier Guevara Michelle Abigail Hernandez Neo Xavier Herrera Samantha Hidalgo Stephanie Itzhel Jauregui Flavio Esteban Jauregui Valeria Zulin Jimenez Sana Khan Roberto Longoria Andres Isaiah Lopez Abdiel Lopez

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