CSD IDEA RGV 3 Program 2025

Rio Grande Valley, TX Elsa, Owassa, Rio Grande City, Weslaco Pike

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025

2:00 PM • McALLEN CONVENTION CENTER 700 CONVENTION CENTER BLVD., McALLEN, TX 78501

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 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

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 ELSA! My incredible Badger graduates, Seven years ago, we embarked on a journey together—one designed to prepare you not only to get to and through college but also for the challenges and opportunities that life will bring. Today, as I stand before you, my heart swells with pride, admiration, and immense hope for the future of our nation. I have no doubt that each of you will leave a lasting impact on the world. You possess the knowledge, the skills, and the determination to create meaningful change wherever you go. In just a few days, you will set off to universities across the country, ready to make your mark. As you do, remember that you are not just representing yourselves—you are carrying the spirit of the Badgers with you. The world is waiting for your brilliance, and I have no doubt you will make it better. Congratulations.

Antonio Garza Founding Principal, IDEA Elsa College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Carlos Omaet Acosta Emily Morgan Acosta Kendra Nayeli Aguirre Jonathan Enrique Anariba Lopez Rebekah Jayleen Caballero Roberto Clemente Caceres Isaiah Daniel Cano Yulissa Cano Jonathan Casas Lerma Melody Shezell Castillo Jonathan Andrew Cerda Alexzandria Conde Josie Marie Cruz Seth Alexander Cruz Julio Cesar Del Angel Joshua Emir Escobedo Jose Francisco Figueroa Alexis Gabrielle Flores Carlos Guadalupe Garcia Emma Elaine Garcia Jasmine Isabel Garcia Ryanna Nicole Garcia Kazzidy Faith Garza Klarissa Justien Gomez Jeslynn Jay Gonzalez Andres Guillen Angel Gutierrez Salvador Gutierrez Camila Yatzil Hernandez Olmedo Luis Manuel Hinojosa Mia Alexandra Ibarra Yaretzi Lara Angel Marie Leal Kevin Alberto Lopez Bermudez Aylin Lopez Treviño Brianna Judith Lopez Jocelyn Lopez Mattias Jaime Luna Seth Kingsley Manriquez Gabriela Lisette Marichalar Caleb Ezekiel Mata Ruth Noemi Mata

Isela Mendoza Chavez Miguel Mendoza Oscar Joel Montelongo Kaylee Desiree Morales Garcia Abira Zuleika Morales Michael Ivan Morales Lizzie Vianey Moreno Layla Patricia Muñiz Erwin Ernesto Murillo-Moreno Alyssa Jocelyn Norato Aldo Sebastian Nuñez Josue Olmedo Jacqueline Paez Jose Luis Palma Kevin Parra Melanie Parra Kailei Alexandra Pemberton Dale Jared Porras Adrian Jay Ramirez Ily Sharik Ramirez Kiara Ramos Derrick Simon Rangel Heidi Dallana Rios Pimentel Amanda Rivera Alekzander Rodriguez Anthony Ray Rodriguez Evalynn Rodriguez Krystal Rodriguez Yoshima Del Socorro Roel Sergio Saldana Andrea Guadalupe Salinas De Leon Lexi Shantal Salinas Ethan Xavier San Miguel Dominic Nicole Sanchez Manuel Alexander Serna Miguel Angel Sustaita Ashley Taylene Torres Andrea Monique Treviño Ebony Skyy Villalpando Emery Mist Villalpando David Villanueva Abigail Zuniga

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA OWASSA! Founding Bronc Class of 2025, Today is more than just a milestone, it’s a celebration of your dreams, your hard work, and your unstoppable Bronc 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 76% gaining acceptance into Tier I/II schools. Among you, we have a QuestBridge Scholar with a match to College of the Holy Cross, a Gates Finalist and 1st ever Ivy League acceptance to Brown University, and several acceptances to top notch universities such as Villanova University, College of the Holy Cross, Babson College, and Lafayette College. All of you have made our school proud!

Class of 2025, you have left a legacy that will echo through the halls of Owassa 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!

Saddle Up and Go Broncs!

Stevie Luera Founding Principal, IDEA Owassa College Prepatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Andres Aggi Ruben Aguilar Jr. Fernanda Alvarez Gonzalez Itzy Baltierra Ismael Bocanegra Annasofia Cantu Steve Chairez Jimena Conchos Ilian Contreras Romina Contreras Isabella Contreras Carranza Jan Delgado Daryana Dominguez Luis Esparza Yasmin Fernandez Yosselin Flores-Castillo Samantha Garcia Valentina Garcia Guzman Kareidy Garcia-Bocanegra Miah Garza Laiza Garza Joel Garza-Gonzalez Richard Gomez Juan Gonzalez Daniel Guillen Rodriguez Novalee Gutierrez Melissa Gutierrez Ortiz Constanza Hernandez Hernandez Juanangel Herrera Aretlii Hinojosa Ethan Linton Christian Lopez Martin Madrigal Camila Maldonado Darian Martinez Derick Martinez Galilea Medina Kane

Laura Mendez Celeste Mendoza-De La Rosa Nathan Meza Natalia Montalvo Alexis Murillo Andrew Murillo Hector Nuñez Jorge Ozuna Stephanie Paredes Alvarado Ashley Peña Elizabeth Peña Julia Perez Guadalupe Posada-Gutierrez Alan Resendiz Paris Rios Maldonado Bryanna Rodriguez Ceja Juilio Romero-Merancio Michael Ruiz Samantha Ruiz Angelique Salazar Diego Salazar Efrain Sanchez Emily Sanchez Joel Sanchez Eric Sarmiento-Barcelata Miguel Saucedo-Guerra Adalberto Sepulveda Angel Serna Sandy Serrano Andrade Naomi Vasquez Sarahi Vasquez Miguel Velazquez Celeste Villarreal Juliana Villarreal Gonzalez Yahaira Zapata Renee Zuniga

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA RIO GRANDE CITY! Students of the IDEA Rio Grande City Class of 2025, Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! As you stand on the threshold of your college journey, take a moment to reflect on the dedication, perseverance, and growth that have shaped you throughout your high school years. Your hard work has led you to this moment, and we could not be prouder of all you have accomplished.

As you step into this next chapter, embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and every success as a testament to your strength and determination. Approach the future with confidence, curiosity, and an open heart, for it is in these moments of discovery that you will uncover your true potential. Your unique talents and perspectives will make a meaningful impact wherever you go.

No matter where life takes you, remember that you will always have a home at IDEA Rio Grande City.

With pride and admiration,

Karmen Alaniz Principal, IDEA Rio Grande City College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Vanessa Alaniz Angel Manuel Alvarez Ivan Gerardo Ayala Virgilio Barrera Melanie Rachel Barrientos Armando Guadalupe Bazan Alexa Renee Carrillo Daisy Liset Cerda Leonardo Jericho Cervantes Hugo Yahir Cruz Kira Angelyn Davenport Airy Giselle De La Garza Alexia Marie Flores Roberto Garcia Gonzalez Cariely Garcia Hinojosa Eliazar Garcia Larissa Victoria Garcia Devany Garza Eduardo Garza Samantha Ann Garza Karla Yudania Garza-Gomez Yuliet Gonzalez Regina Guajardo-Dehoyos Catalina Karen Guerra Joanna Yvonne Hartley

Pedro Hernandez Susan Alejandra Machuca-Contreras Edeiny Mar Cynthia Martinez Adamaris Mascorro Anette Marisol Mayorga Yadier Mijares Romero Molina Angela Makay Moreno Jesus Alberto Muñoz Camila Yulianna Rojas Melanye Rubio Hermilo Ruvalcaba Amarilis Saenz Adan Benito Salas Mia Lizeth Salinas Gilberto Sanchez Mariani Silva Heidi Tamez Bryan Alexander Vazquez Ricardo Arturo Vela Eva Madeleyne Villarreal Rojas Alec Villegas Ann Jackeline Zamora Valeree Lizeth Zuniga

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA WESLACO PIKE! Mighty Maverick Class of 2025!

What a beautiful day to be celebrating with you in the company of your peers and loved ones! It is a moment that I hope you will always remember because YOU have earned the right to walk that stage and share your accomplishments today!

It was just a few years ago that you were in your bright red polo and being mischievous. Today you are still a bit mischievous, full of creativity, and always marching to the beat of your own drum. You have surpassed the goals and the expectations that we set before you.

During your time at Maverick Nation, you have been taught lessons by your teachers, counselors, and administrators. My hope is that you will use these opportunities to grow and push through any adversities. Remember that we will always be here to cheer you on!

And remember that if you no one has told you that they love you, that we love you, and always will.

Your Proud Principal,

Janet Guerrero Principal, IDEA Weslaco Pike College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Abraham Martinez Emmanuel Martinez Jacqueline Martinez Josaiah Martinez Brandon Martinez Banda Michael Ryan Mascorro Alberto Joshua McDonald Acacia Virginia Mendez Alejandro Esteban Mendez Kaitlin Isabel Mendoza Raphael Montejano Flores Jayson Ryan Muñoz Jose Murillo Star Lee Navarro Sophia Isabel Nguyen Natalie Christine Ontiveros Janeth Ortiz Ruby Zulet Osorio Diego Parra Almamia Sinai Perez Jarek Anthony Rendon Valeria Sarahi Reyes Mendoza Melanie Michelle Reyna Victor Isaac Reyna Fernando Rivera Armando Rocha Leonel Joel Rodriguez Odalis Alexa Rodriguez Delaney Angelic Rojas Leonardo Roque Alexandra Daneli Ruiz Marc Rene Salinas Neida Magali Sandoval-Garcia Ivette Santiago Marcus Jaden Sifuentes Victoria Tamez Joel Sebastian Telles Anette Isabella Torres Rebeca Ashlin Torres Mazariegos Brian Alexis Treviño Jason Ramon Vasquez Cristian Noe Veraza-Zamora Jacklyn Nicole Villarreal Scarlett Zamora Izael Dario Zavala Preston Riley Zavala

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Gerardo Anguiano Melanie Alexa Araujo Francisco Alonso Arratia-Puente Pedro Ivan Baez Jasper Alexis Borrego Paola Valeria Canales Quinteros Alondra Carino Corral Alondra Jimena Carranza Marco Antonio Carreon Madelynn Juliet Casarez Ashely Nicole Casas Antonio Cavazos-Santes Gerardo Cavazos-Santes Everardo De La Cruz Cuitlahuac Gabriel Dominguez Jairo Daniel Esparza Kayla Yvette Foytek Elizabeth Garces Amanda Garcia Rogelio Garcia Kevin Nathan Garza David James Gil Melanie Jade Gonzalez Ted Gonzalez Aneela Rae Gonzalez-Lopez Benjamin Seth Gutierrez Carmen Olivia Gutierrez Jose Saul Gutierrez Louie Adan Gutierrez Debanhi Lyl Hernandez Diego Hernandez John Maximus Hernandez Kalista Jo Hernandez Lizania De Jesus Hernandez Erasmo Herrera Jaqueline Edith Herrera Logan Jeremiah Hurtado Javier Angel Ibarra Savana Tirza Jackson Maria Fernanda Jimenez-Silguero Vania Alejandra Juarez Katelyn Marie Landeros Aaron Leos Larissa Limon Nolan Davis Luna Alondra Maldonado Mia Maldonado

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