CSD IDEA RGV 5 Program 2025

Rio Grande Valley, TX Donna, Frontier, McAllen, Toros, Tres Lagos

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 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 DONNA! Class of 2025, Happy College Signing Day! The day so many of you have anticipated is finally upon us and I couldn’t be happier that the time so many of us eagerly await has arrived!

Today as you announce the universities and colleges that each of you are committing to, we will not only be hearing names but the thousands of hours you spent studying and working on assignments, we will be listening to the voices of your tenacity and grit, we will be listening to the culmination of so much hard work, both seen and unseen.

The Class of 2025 continues to add to the Flagship legacy by earning nearly 300 college acceptances with 100% of you being accepted to a 4-year university–what an incredible accomplishment.

As you transition into this new chapter of your lives, remember all of the steps you took that led you to this path and how you might be able to use those skills as you continue on. Your smiles, presence, ideas, and vibrant energy will be missed in our hallways, but we know you will do great things and that our halls will always be ready to welcome you with open arms.

Congratulations!

With admiration,

Amanda Canales Sr. Principal, IDEA Donna College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Jeraldine Acosta Elisa Sofia Alanis-Treviño Andrew Alejandro Miguel Angel Armendariz Destany Noelia Avila Cloe Jessell Bernal Angela Michelle Cantu Andrea Cardenas Jadira Marie Casanova Mario Alain Castillo Hernandez Homero Cavazos Zeyla Michelle Cavazos Everardo Cavazos-Reyes Brandon Cervantes Raul Chavez Isaias Costilla Marlie Makana Cox Ariadna Kayllen Cruz Anahi De La Rosa David Angel De Leon Sherlyn De Leon Hector Ivan Degollado Daniel Duarte-Cortez Carlos Jahel Espinoza-Perez Joel Anthony Garcia Gemma Navi Garcia Wendy Esmeralda Garcia Hernandez Ana Karen Garza Emily Gomez Crista Diamante Gonzalez Josselyn Gonzalez Itzel Gonzalez Kinereth Yamilith Gonzalez Campos Valeria Michelle Gonzalez-Marquez Thomas Edward Graham Kevin Hernandez Fatima Herrera Jazmin Lopez Genesis Lopez

Yuridia Macias Jose Alvaro Marquez Salvador Martinez Christopher Daniel Martinez Carlos Alberto Medina Jesus Medrano Roy Melendez Sarah S. Melgoza Roberta Isabel Mercado Esteban Morales Amber Frances Pedraza Miguel Perez Sheyla Lizeth Perez Gonzalez Roberto Prado Jesus Alberto Quiroz-Puente Alejandra Ramirez Jose Carlos Ramos Ana Fernanda Rangel Isabella Guadalupe Reyes Kimberly Josselyn Reyes Rodriguez Dulce Sophia Rodriguez Fatima Rosales Lisa Marie Ruiz Daniela Saenz Isabela Saenz Christian Omar Salinas Regina Salinas-Cepeda Ezequiel Sanchez Vega Miranda Santiago Fernandez Melina Santiago Fernandez Joselmy Tique Mariana Nayeli Treviño Alan Alejandro Valdez Priscilla Vasquez Noe Vasquez Ximena Velez Gonzalez Lunna Fernanda Villalobos Diego Villegas-Rodela

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA FRONTIER! To the Class of 2025, I am truly honored to welcome you to College Signing Day. As I reflect on the past year, I feel immense pride in witnessing your drive, resilience, and optimism. I am excited to know that you will carry this legacy forward, making a lasting impact on your families and community.

Over the years, I have been humbled to see how your optimism and resilience have shaped this generation. This cohort has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to collaborate and work together to achieve shared goals. Time and time again, you have shown a positive attitude and unwavering dedication, ensuring your class stands out and our community recognizes your commitment to excellence.

I eagerly anticipate the profound impact you will make as you embark on this next chapter of your life. I am confident that many of you will bring honor and recognition to our school, our community, and your families. Your hard work and determination will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, and I cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish.

I am immensely proud of each and every one of you and extend my heartfelt wishes for success in all your college endeavors.

Remember, no matter where your journey takes you, once a Charger, always a Charger!

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Charge On!

Yadhira Flores Principal, IDEA Frontier College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Naema Corinthia Alatorre Alexandro Martin Almanza Diego Campos Alexa Esmeralda Canales Rene Candelaria Angelica Maria Carrillo Elisa Itati Chaires Mario Alberto De Leon Angelica Guadalupe Esparza Fermin Flores Jonathan Alexander Flores Luisernesto Flores Mariah Virginia Garza Paloma Linda Guerrero Ener Yandel Leal Monica Lisa Limon Angel Felix Lopez Juan Francisco Lucio Aracely Martinez Marely Martinez Vicente Samuel Martinez Angel Giovanni Moreno Jose Guillermo Morin Emily Nicole Olvera Melanie Padilla Paola Sofia Perez Anastasio Mario Arturo Quezada Nathaniel Gyafi Rios Ximena Rios Jorge Rivera Mary Jane Rivera Ganiva Lizbeth Sierra Arturo Vazquez Santiago Blackmore Hailey Lynette Castro Victor Miguel Cavazos Victor Jesus Esparza Evelyn Franco Hernandez Jose Ivan Garcia Melaney Mariette Garza McDaniel Alejandra Victoria Garza Sophia Nicole Garza Daniela Alejandra Gonzalez Natalia Melissa Gonzalez

Vanessa Guzman Mia Daniela Hernandez Perez Alexa Ximena Hernandez Braulio Hernandez Crystal Del Carmen Hernandez Krystal Hinojosa Mia Nicole Izaguirre Alexandra Martinez Naivy Enith Martinon Nataly Medellin Yatzyry Sherlyn Montano Montanes Andrea Fernanda Osorio Lizbeth Ramos Torres Angel Gabriel Rivera Osorio Celeste Abigail Rodriguez Valeria Elizabeth Rodriguez Carla Isabel Salgado Elliott Alexander Sauceda Juan Jesus Treviño Ricardo Antonio Tristan Edson Abdiel Zarate Rios Otoniel Zuniga Sherlyn Abigail Zuniga Angel Cristobal Avalos Deyanara Maxim Castro Salvador Cepeda Samantha Fabiola Felix Cristian Garces Hugo Alejandro Garcia Miranda Milan Garcia Mariano Julio Guerra Roberto Adrian Herevia Jolie Jimenez Alfonso Iram Lucero Ryan Steve Medina Kevin Nepthaly Mendez Jose Armando Montiel Kimberly Sahily Najera Uresti Andres Santiago Ornelas Hannia Itzel Perez Charles Alexander Ramos Diana Maria Treviño Azelyah Jolie Vela Sheyla Joseline Zuniga

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA McALLEN! Dear IDEA McAllen College Prep Senior Class, Congratulations! You have made it to college signing day and soon you will have made it to graduation. You should all be so proud of this and all the accomplishments you have achieved on your way to this moment.

Your class will forever be remembered for its heart, school spirit, and dedication to reaching goals. I will always treasure the memories you helped create here at IDEA McAllen. From pep rallies to IB festivals, you always took whatever we were doing to the next level, and it was a joy to experience. I encourage all of you to continue being kind, good natured, and accomplishers of the impossible. You deserve the world so go out there and take it.

Although I have asked so much from you already during your time as IDEA McAllen Tigers, I have one final request. Finish the mission. Start college and then finish it. Never give up on the goal. Use your independence to move through barriers. Use your strength of spirit to motivate yourself to keep going. Whether it takes 2 years or 6 years, I want you to reach the finish line. Let the class of 2025 continue to set the bar high.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. It has been an honor to serve as your principal and work with your families, teachers, counselors, and administrators as we supported you through your high school years. We are all immensely proud of you and are excited to see you write the next chapter of your story. As you reveal your chosen college, enjoy the moment. Celebrate this amazing milestone in your life because you worked hard to get here.

Congratulations Tigers! Go out there and make your presence ROAR!

Roberto Garza Principal, IDEA McAllen College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Yizel Aguilar Jorge Alberto Alcala Rocio Amador Cortes Everardo Arreola Arlett Ximena Avendano Regina Constanza Bartoluchi Eliud Raymundo Benavides Andre John Bourbois Samuel Camargo Karol Fernanda Campos Brianna Michelle Cantu Denise Cantu Ekaterina Aurora Carranza Alix Carolina Castrejon Gael Cavazos Brandon Ceballos Carlos Anakin Chong Aurelio Isai Contreras Jayden Maxon Coronado Matthew Lee Covington Diego Espinosa Curiel Roberto Flores Brianna Yazmin Garcia Santiago Garza Juan Pablo Gomez Frida Abigail Gonzalez Elian Isaid Gonzalez-Casas America Elizabeth Guijarro Sophia Hasbach Raul Yarib Hinojosa Fatima Elena Huerta Mora Valeria Michelle Ibarra Josue Gadiel Lara Josef Simplicio Bacus Larrazabal Sarah Aydee Longoria Frida Lopez Rodriguez Ethan Alexander Lopez Alfredo Malpica

Jared Maonri Marquez Yram Mejia Dominguez Noe Emmanuel Montero Andrea Elivet Montes Sophia Alicia Morrison Camila Kate Orocio Eduardo Pedraza Ana Paola Pelayo-Cardenas Ana Sofia Peña Mulia Jonathan Emiliano Perales Abril Ariadna Perez Mario Oswaldo Quilantan Abigail Quintanilla Brandy Lizette Ramirez Valeria Joselyn Robles Ozuna Carlos Adrian Robles Andres Rodriguez Isai Elian Rodriguez Jezbel Lee Rodriguez Malaki Evan Rodriguez Mariel Fernanda Rodriguez Roberto Paolo Romero Marcos Ramiro Saldivar Jacob Elliot Steckler Garcia Austin Tyler Torres Ethan Hiro Torres Josue Angel Torres Kaitlyn Sofia Torres Jocilynn Anahi Treviño Jonathan Jacob Treviño Diego Armando Valdez Martinez Keiry Vargas Victor Fernando Vargas Diego Elian Villarreal Violeta Nassui Waters Jennifer America Zamarron Mirka Lorena Zamora

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA TOROS! Class of 2025, Today is a day of celebration, reflection, and excitement for the future. You have spent years learning, growing, and pushing yourselves to reach this moment. You have set goals, faced challenges, and persevered with grit, resilience, and determination. Now, you stand on the edge of something incredible—your next chapter, your next challenge, your next opportunity.

This next step will require just as much dedication, perseverance, and work ethic as it took to get here. College will challenge you in new ways, but you have already proven that you have what it takes.

So, as you announce your next step to everyone here today, do so with confidence. Know that you belong in every classroom, on every campus, and in every opportunity that comes your way. Know that your Toro family is cheering for you, believing in you, and always here to support you.

Your future is limitless.

With pride,

Viviane Castillo-Manzano Principal, IDEA Toros College Preparatory

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Rodolfo Martinez Amando Maya Muniz Sophia Mina Roel Molina Cristian Asiel Montelongo Bryan Montiel Diego Mora Stephanie Murillo Gabriela Naranjo Parra Axel Perez Francisco Jesus Reyes Garza Riell Anthony Quindo Reyes Luis Angel Saavedra-Garcia Alexander Antonio Salazar Jose Gerardo Salazar Fernando Salinas Magaly Salinas Cesar Israel Sanchez Mendez Samuel Rey Sanchez Jesus Armando Torres Miryam Treviño Jose Manuel Valdez Garcia Jorge Armando Vargas Alberto Yanez

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Lincon Adair Arellano Camila Isabella Castañeda Juan Francisco Cepeda Julio Cesar Cervantes Clarissa Mariah Chacon Carolina Cisneros Eduardo Corona Vega Vivian Cruz Jorge Eduardo De Leon Ricardo Emanuel Fernandez Leonardo Galvan Garcia Jaime Gael Garcia Ruiz Cesar Diovanni Garcia Yuleiry Anneth Garza Jimenez Sebastian Garza Gael Gomez Travis Cole Gonzales Dylan Hernandez Nicolas Emiliano Hernandez Moises Jimenez Julia Sophia Juarez Emilly Desiree Leal-Hernandez Saul Emmanuel Macias Edgar Martinez Kenneth Alberto Martinez

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA TRES LAGOS! Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

Here we are—College Signing Day! I’ve always imagined this moment as I walked past you in the hallways, saw you in the classrooms, or even when I had to remind you about following the IDEA uniform. And now, finally, you’ve made it. This is your time—to lead, to inspire, and to celebrate how far you’ve come.

You have dedicated yourselves not just to academics but also to the teams, clubs, and organizations that have shaped your high school journey. Whether your passion was found on the football field, volleyball court, basketball court, track, or soccer field, or through leadership in Student Council, National Honor Society, Robotics, Debate, or any of the incredible clubs at Tres Lagos College Prep, you have left your mark.

Every challenge you’ve faced has prepared you for this moment. The late nights, the early mornings, the practices, meetings, competitions—all of it has molded you into the strong, resilient individual you are today. Carry that same passion and dedication into the next chapter of your life.

Mighty Lobos, the future is yours to shape—so shape it with precision, purpose, and confidence.

We know you will continue to strive for greatness because you are an IDEA Scholar. If you are here today, it is because you are capable of more than you can even imagine.

Now, go out there and make your dreams happen, Class of 2025!

With pride and belief in you,

Maria Vargas Principal, IDEA Tres Lagos College Preparatory

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Melanie Montalvo Hernandez Alexander Montes Anet Moreno Juan Moreno Kate Murillo Jennifer Ordonez Valle Daisy Patton Fatima Paz-Gonzalez Adan Portillo Loribeth Quiroga Andrea Ramirez Natalia Rangel Diego Reyna Lorena Rivera Kaycee Robles Kevin Rodriguez Lopez Mariana Rojas Amanda Sanchez Nicholas Sanchez Celestino Sanchez Cesar Sandoval Ashley Santes Samantha Santoy Hernandez Michael Serra-Torres Maria Alessandra Frances Sigua Cristal Tamez Genesis Tenorio Alain Trujillo-Gomez Karina Ugalde Gonzalez Jazmin Vargas Nathlyn Vazquez William Vesga Roman Villarreal James Villarreal Melanie Walle Joseph Barney

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Hashley Aguilar Adan Alfaro-Jacobo Victoria Alvarez Melanie Alvarez Mario Badillo Derek Badillo Edgar Barraza Stephany Barriga Lucas Bongo Rachelle Cantu Ashly Castillo Antonio Cedillo Carolina Cervantes Villagomez Angel Cirisa Alan Colin Brittany Contreras Juan Cortez Citlaly Cruz Luis Del Bosque Mia Fernandez Emiliano Flores Villegas Juan Garza Fernanda Garza Morales Andrew Gaytan Rogelio Gonzalez Carlos Gonzalez-Garcia Jesus Hernandez Berlynn Hernandez America Hernandez-Tellez Juan Leon Camacho Samantha Loera Joedaniels Lopez Andri Manriquez Jesus Martinez Teresa Mercado Jose Meza-Miranda Jared Molina-Rios

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