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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
