CSD IDEA Rio Grande Valley 1 Program 2023

IDEA RIO GRANDE VALLEY

MISSION, NORTH MISSION, RIVERVIEW, SAN BENITO, SAN JUAN, SPORTS PARK

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023

11:30 AM - 1:30 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 Student Remarks Senior Reveals Scholarship Presentations

Give Me 5 Al & Judy Lopez Scholarship Fund

Closing

2 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

LETTER FROM THE

SUPERINTENDENT Today is what IDEA Public Schools is all about—and we are so glad you are part of it.

Hoy es el día de lo que se trata IDEA Public Schools, y estamos muy contentos de que usted sea parte de ello.

College Signing Day (CSD) is a tradition unlike any other.

It began more than two decades ago as IDEA’s promise to parents: “Your child will go to college.” Today, across the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and the Austin metro area, 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 (CSD) es una tradición como ninguna otra. Comenzó hace más de dos décadas como la promesa de IDEA a los padres: “Su hijo irá a la universidad”. Hoy, en todo el Valle del Río Grande, San Antonio y el área metropolitana de Austin, CSD es una oportunidad para que nuestros alumnos de último año anuncien una decisión significativa que han tomado y para que nuestras comunidades celebren todo lo que llevo a este momento alegre y crucial.

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 Texas campuses, the 1,966 members of the Class of 2023 have achieved over 9,000 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 2023: Congratulations! You’re going to college.

Así que, si quieres sentirte inspirado, estás en el lugar correcto.

Si quieres sentirte ilusionado sobre el futuro de nuestra comunidad, nuestro país y nuestro mundo, quédate aquí.

Si vinieron a animar a sus propios estudiantes el día de hoy, no te sorprendas si estás gritando por uno que jamás has conocido.

A través de todos los campus de IDEA en Texas, los 1,966 miembros de la Clase de 2023 han logrado más de 9,000 aceptaciones en colegios y universidades de todo el país. Hoy, conoceremos hacia dónde se dirigen todos.

Si bien este momento es una culminación de clases, también representa un nuevo comienzo para los estudiantes que han trabajado muy duro para llegar aquí.

Quedan muchas oportunidades, aventuras, experiencias y, sí, desafíos, están por venir.

Por ahora, sin embargo, este es un día de celebración. Por cada estudiante de último año que declara su elección de universidad en este escenario, también celebremos y estemos agradecidos por los maestros, consejeros, directores, padres, hermanos, abuelos, mentores, empleados, vecinos, amigos y todos los demás que han apoyado a estos estudiantes.

Clase de 2023: ¡Felicitaciones! Vas a ir a la universidad.

JEFF COTTRILL, Ed.D. Superintendent IDEA Public Schools COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 3

IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LEADERSHIP

COLLIN SEWELL

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JESSICA HESS

CHIEF OF STAFF TO SUPERINTENDENT

LAYNE FISHER

MARTIN WINCHESTER

CODY GRINDLE

LEANNE HERNANDEZ

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

4 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

SUPERINTENDENT

ALEJANDRA LOYA

CHIEF GOVERNANCE OFFICER & EXECUTIVE CHIEF OF STAFF

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

DR. JEFF COTTRILL

CHIEF HUMAN ASSETS OFFICER

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

DOLORES GONZALEZ CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

DR. ERNESTO CANTU AREA SUPERINTENDENT

PHILLIP GARZA CHIEF COLLEGE OFFICER

ROLANDO POSADA

SPECIAL ADVISORY TO CEO

JILL DOMINGUEZ

AREA SUPERINTENDENT

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

JILL DOMINGUEZ AREA SUPERINTENDENT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Collin Sewell, Chair Ed Rivera, Vice-Chair and Treasurer Ryan Vaughan, Secretary Reba Cardenas McNair David Earl

Erich Holmsten Michael Adams Gary Lindgren Theresa Barrera-Shaw Nanette Cocero

REGIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS RIO GRANDE VALLEY

Cerise R. de Garduno Sarah Garza Zulieda Lopez-Habbouche Andrea Rodriguez

Alyssa L. Romero Bobby Saenz CJ Sanchez Jesus (Jesse) Zepeda

IN MEMORIAM

AL LOPEZ COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 5

F O S S A CL

6 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

SENIORS, DID YOU KNOW?

The IDEA ALUMNI AFFAIRS TEAM is here to support you through your college journey!

IDEA PARENTS!

¡PADRES DE IDEA!

Stay informed with IDEA ALUMNI AFFAIRS TEAM:

Manténgase informado sobre el EQUIPO ADMINISTRATIVO DE EXALUMNOS:

• Alumni College Success 1:1 Coaching • Upcoming College Campus Events • Upcoming Financial Aid Deadlines • Semester Registration Deadlines • Scholarship Opportunities • College to Career Exploration

• Éxito de Ex Alumnos Universitario 1:1 • Entrenamiento Próximos Eventos del Campus Universitario • Próximos Plazos de Ayuda Financiera • Plazos de Inscripción Semestral • Oportunidades de Becas • Exploración de la Universidad a la Carrera

AND MORE!

¡Y MAS!

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 7

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS COLLEGE FOR ALL $35,000

TO & THROUGH COLLEGE SPONSOR $10,000

PENNANT SPONSOR $5,000

SCHOLARSHIP GAP SPONSOR $2,500

Dr. Richard Reddick & Family

Alejandra Vela Marin

SPECIAL THANKS TO Law Offices of Abel Gonzalez Alejandro Dominguez Instant Balloon Stands 8 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

THANKS TO OUR COLLEGE PARTNERS

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 9

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA MISSION! To the IDEA Mission Class of 2023: You have been relentless in your pursuit of a high-quality high school education. You have allowed nothing to stand in your way of achieving this goal – and today, you see the fruits of your labor. I couldn’t be prouder!

You, my dearest scholars, are prepared for the rigors of college and life thereafter. Over 50% of you have been admitted to a Tier 1/2 university and over 30% of you are expected to matriculate in one of those top universities. In fact, this is the greatest number of students IDEA Mission has sent off to those top tier universities in one year! Additionally, a significant number of you have been at IDEA Mission since Kindergarten. You have seen the changes at our school, and we have seen the changes in you. On behalf of all the adults that have worked at IDEA Mission, congratulations!

In addition to the numerous academic accomplishments, I thank your class for being caring and compassionate young adults who have been true advocates of a more socially just society. Many of you have been brave and articulate in defending your beliefs. We are so grateful for your advocacy because we know that the independence of spirit your group has shown in exploring new roles, advancing your ideas, and honing your communication skills has positioned all of you to be leaders in your colleges as well as in this increasingly demanding world.

Enjoy the excitement and celebration today as you announce your new alma mater!

Christina Cavazos-Escamilla Principal, IDEA Mission College Preparatory

10 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

CLASS OF 2023

 Angie Aguas  Eduardo Aguilar Jessica Aguilar  Luisa Aguilar  Aixa Aleman Faith Allen Alexander Alshomaly  Lindsey Alvarez  Hannia Arevalo  Alexandria Ayala Alexia Balboa  Gabriela Benavides  Aaron Calvillo  Yilda Castillo Anisa Chavarin  Arianna Chavez  Lucas Diaz-Santana Gaytan  Ashley Duran  Brandon Flores  Miguel Galvan  Christopher Galvan Tovar  Daniela Garcia Litzy Garcia  Dalixayan Garza  Magdalena Garza  Dayanna Gonzalez  Isai Gonzalez  Melanie Guajardo  Bryan Hernandez Jose Hernandez  Marlene Hernandez  Alessandra Jaimes Raul Leon Makayla Lopez  Valeria Lozano-Ochoa  Sadie Luna  Jose Machucho Angela Madrigal  Alberto Manriquez Balderas Bryan Martinez  Josue Martinez  Lia Martinez  Mia Martinez  Abraham Martinez Esquivel

 Ismael Mayorga Abram McKee Adela Mendoza  Cassandra Mercado  Erick Meza Luis Montemayor-Riojas  Shakirah Montes-Villarreal  Marco Moreno  John Munoz Kiara Mussenden Garcia  Destiny Olivarez  Eleazar Olivarez  Andrea Orozco  Hugo Pena Calderon  Claudia Perez-Gazca  Daniella Ramos  German O. Reyes  German U. Reyes Jayleen Reyes  Isaac Ricalde  Narciso Rios-Rodriguez  Daniella Rivera Mauricio Rizo-Pruneda Angelina Robledo  Alejandro Rodriguez  Gabriela Rodriguez  Klarisha Rodriguez  Carolina Ruiz  Alondra Salinas  Victoria Salinas  Alberto Sanchez  Hannia Sanchez  Cristhian Santos  Roberto Solis Jade Soto  Dulce Torres  Martin Torres  Samarah Torres  Valetina Torres  Aranza Trejo  Julia Trejo  Jessenia Trevino Diego Valdez

 FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 11

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA NORTH MISSION! Warrior Class of ‘23, A huge congratulations to each of you, your families, friends and staff who have supported you to this monumental day. Today you have a chance to celebrate the past 12+ years and commit to your future! It has been 7 years in the making since you all helped start our campus at 2706 N. Holland and I’m incredibly proud of all the accomplishments from the past years I have been able to see you work towards. You all have made an impact, not only on me, but the rest of Warrior Nation. I can not think of a better class to proudly wear the G.O.A.T.’s number (#23) for the rest of your lives. We are proud of you! I am proud of each of you!

As North Mission’s founding class in the North Mission area, the Class of 2023, you have continued the standard for what is expected with academics, athletics and extra-curriculars. I have also seen you all grow in the face of adversity more than any other senior class I have witnessed in my 17 years in education. As Rocky said in the Rocky movies “It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward.” The quote reminds me of your class’s progress in the face of adversity over the years. You have been without a teacher multiple times in your 7 year career at Warrior Nation, but you haven’t given up, nor have you demanded anything less than excellence from yourselves or your school. Thank you for displaying how to overcome adversity and being examples of inner change throughout the past 7 years!

I thank you all for teaching me along the way, too. Although some of you have given me grey hair throughout your middle school years, I look at the grey hair with pride daily and am reminded of how much I have appreciated growing older with each of you as I have witnessed growth and maturity, while also teaching you in the classroom at times, too. It has been an honor and privilege to be your principal over the past 7 years and I cannot wait to hear from you all in the future to see how you will positively impact the world around us as you begin the next chapter in your life. Thank you for continuing traditions, starting new traditions and being yourselves over the past 7 years.

While you celebrate today, be sure to acknowledge your family, friends and mentors that have been influential in your educational life thus far. It has taken a village to help each of you arrive at your decision for the next chapter. As you begin thinking about the future, think about ways or people who can help you overcome obstacles and commit to those support networks. There will be challenges, but if there is one thing the class of ’23 has taught me, it’s that challenges are meant to be overcome.

While you relish in your celebration of announcing your destination for college, begin setting your focus on graduating college in 2027. For now, enjoy your day and remember to always be Humble, Hungry and (People) Smart.

Warrior Strong,

Dave Wagner Principal, IDEA North Mission College Preparatory 12 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY 12 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

CLASS OF 2023

 Mckenna Acevedo  Isaias Aguirre - Mar  Jorge Emilio Arevalo de Leon  Angel Berrones Ramon C. Buentello IV  Angela Daniela Callejas Cielo Cantu  Diego Cantu  Jose G Cantu  Jose L. Cantu Jr.  Valeria A. Cantu Campos  Maria De Los Angeles Casas  Daniel Chapa Castrejon  Amarely Colunga  Daniel Cuevas  Melanie Erysel De La Garza Daniela Elejarza Eric Fernandez  Abdiel Fernandez-Esquivel  Emiliano Flores-Rendon  Camila Garcia  Moses Garcia  Cesar Garcia Quintero  Irma Gloria Garcia Vazquez  Heidi Garduno  Alondra Garza Dylan Garza  Cristobal Flores Gonzalez Jr.  Frida Sofia Gonzalez  Lisset Gonzalez Rafael Gonzalez  Daniela Gracia Garcia  Giselle Guerrero  Alexis Hernandez  Alex Hernandez Iglesias  Daniel Honea  Gerardo Huerta  Ever Ibarra-Barbosa  Carolina Lomas Quintero  Grecia A. Luna- Avila  Jose Emilio Martinez  Kimberly Martinez  Alexander Mohammad  Gabriel Monsivias Adamaris Morales Yarely Montes- Garcia

 Isaiah Emir Morales  Reyli Isarel Morales  Victor Eduardo Munoz Vera  Hailey Nunez  Danna Olivares  Martha Rubi Orozco  Mariana Ortiz  Perla JanethPena  Alyson Perez  Daniela Perez De Leon  Dariela Perez-Cortez  Danna Ramirez  Sergio Ramirez  Ana Sofia Raudy  Karen Reyna  Jose Rios  Karely Giselle Rios  Gerardo Rocha  Mariana Rodarte  Damian Rodriguez  Gael Rodriguez Vida Rodriguez-Vergel  Andry Rubio  Bethani Ruiz  Lita Ruiz  Frida Salazar Lorenzo Salinas  Jeriel Sanchez  Savannah Sanchez  Karen Santes  Evelyn Soto Flores  Haley Alessandra Tavarez  Fatima Tovar  Karyme Trevino  Angel Urbina  Anna Vargas  Gerardo Vega  Edwin Vela  Luz Elena Vela  Gael Velasquez Melanie Vela Rodriguez  Danna Vera  Naholi Vera Rodriguez  Fatima Yanez Rodriguez  Gabriel Zavaleta

 FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 13

CONGRATULATIONS SAN BENITO IDEA RIVERVIEW! Dear Class of 2023, As Unstoppable Rockets at IDEA Riverview College Prep, you have demonstrated throughout the years what it means to be a ROCKET. You definitely are Respectful, Optimistic, Courageous, Kind, Empathetic, and Tenacious. These characteristics helped you complete your coursework on time and excel in many other areas, such as Athletics, Dance, Art, AP Classes, and Dual Enrollment classes, to mention a few.

When I think of the class of 2023, three words come to mind, Determination, Respect and Happiness. It has been a pleasure to be surrounded by you. We all want to express our gratitude for always showing us your kind spirit and making every interaction positive and meaningful. You all are beautiful human beings who deserve a bright future full of love and joy.

I want to thank you for accompanying me during my journey as principal. You helped me every day to become a better school leader. It was great hearing your ideas and feedback, even when it was not easy and you advocated for your right to have a special College Signing Day like the generations before you. Riverview College Prep has been improving every year to serve all of you better.

Dear class of 2023, please know that at IDEA Riverview everyone is incredibly proud of you. YOU are the group of students who by 11th grade, had already met the AP Scholars goal. The class of 2023 surpassed the goal of 50% acceptance to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 University with an 80%. Nothing stopped you from achieving these remarkable outcomes.

I recognized that there were language, academic, and emotional gaps when you first arrived at IDEA Riverview. These gaps continued for several years. However, you are living proof that with determination, respect, happiness, and hard work, nothing will stop you from achieving your goals and surpassing expectations. You all went through difficult times, but you always leaned on each other, reached out to adults for support, and respectfully advocated for yourself. These very same lessons will now apply to your College life.

Su familia de IDEA Riverview, siempre estará aquí para ofrecerles apoyo y cariño. We are confident that you will soon give us the excellent news that you graduated from College. So, don’t forget to send me your College Graduation Pictures. Why? Because I want to continue feeling proud and bragging about all your accomplishments.

Now that you are flying out of Riverview’s space, you have the knowledge and experience you need to succeed in College and beyond.

Always remember, YOU are a Rocket, and you are Unstoppable!

Adriana Ramos Principal, IDEA Riverview College Preparatory 14 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

 Eduardo Legorreta  Isabella Llamas  Erick Llanas  Cristel Lopez  Rafael Lopez Izaguirre  Angela Lozano  Roberto Lozoya  Jolette Maldonado  Valeria Maravilla Gonzalez Javier Martinez  Marvin Martinez  Cristian Mejia Diaz  Mia Moreno  Kamila Muniz  Mia Munoz  Jesus Munoz Mireles  Sofia Munoz Mireles Maria Navar  Triana Navarro Alessandra Olvera  Valeria Olvera  Marina Palafox Carlos Pliego Karen Pliego  Alexia Polanco Rodriguez  Jesus Ramos  Mia J. Ramos  Mia C. Ramos Barbara Camila Reina  Zaydali Rios  Pedro Rivera  Alex Rodriguez  Leopoldo Ruiz  Rafael Ruiz  Rosendo Salas  Sabrina Salinas  Abel Sanchez  Elfego Sanchez  Dana Serna  Maria Silva  Yeiri Silva Perez  Bryan Sosa  Antonio Soto Ortega  Ricardo Urbina  Joshua Valencia  Fernando Vega  Bryan Zamora Lopez  Daniela Zuniga

LL

EGE

D

CO

CLASS OF 2023

 Sofia Acevedo  Sofia Alvarado  Arturo Alvarez  Mia Alvarez  Keren Arguelles  Grecia Arreola Martinez  Gustavo Baez  Ximena Barajas Samantha Bardales Sebastian Barrios Polanco Marc Benavides  Elim Benitez  Jacqueline Cantu  Karla Cantu  Daniela Cardenas  Regina Cardiel  Albert Carrizales  Carlos Carsi  Itzel Casas  Katherine Castillo  Dana Cepeda  Keira Chavez  Santiago Conde  Roman Cortez  Regina De La Garza  Emiliano Dominguez  Jose Duarte-Hernandez  Darianna Escobedo  Maria Figueroa Castanon  Daniel Flores San Miguel  Lindsey Gallegos  Gael Galvan  Jaime Gaona  Luis Garcia  Patrick Garcia  Sofia Garcia De Leon  Jessica Gomez Rangel  Diego Gonzalez  Jimena Gonzalez  Deissy Gonzalez Escalante  Gerardo Guerrero  Vivianna Guerrero  Daniela Gutierrez  Efren Gutierrez  Jose Gutierrez  Marian Gutierrez-Salazar  Paulina King Benitez  Graciela Lara

BOUN

 FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA SAN BENITO! Dear IDEA San Benito Class of 2023, I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of you! You have surpassed expectations and finished strong. Today is a celebration of your accomplishments as one journey ends and a new one begins.

As a graduate of IDEA San Benito, you are joining a fierce group of Dragon alumni. As you take on the world ahead of you, remember the lessons and values you learned during your years at IDEA San Benito. I hope that as you join new college communities, you remember the connections and positive relationships you forged at IDEA to help you build new support systems with your peers and professors. When you are working to find new solutions to both your own obstacles and the problems facing our society, draw on the innovation and problem-solving strategies your teachers taught you. At times when you feel stuck, rely on your growth mindset, to persevere and to never give up.

Lastly, be brave and take risks; new opportunities will come your way as you take the next step in your life. Enjoy the adventures to come and know that your Dragon family is cheering you on and will always be here to continue to support you.

You are ready and prepared for the rigor and challenges coming your way. Everything you need, you already have inside you – so go out there and set the world on fire!

Once a Dragon, Always a Dragons!

Forever in your corner,

Carrie Sauceda Principal, IDEA San Benito College Preparatory

16 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

CLASS OF 2023

 Natalia Aguilera  Alex Xavier Alcala  Andrea Alexandra Alvarez  Vanessa Nayeli Amaya  Albert Alexis Aparicio  Sofia Belen Arreguin  Jina Laisha Baena Jesus Cardenas Perla Cantu  Loorayne Beatriz Castro Sosa  Lynette Louise Cuellar Adrian Del Angel  Angel Alejandro De La Fuente  Anahi Delgado Ibarra Felipe Santiago Dominguez Karla Marie Ellorimo  Bridget Arliet Flores Jose Angel Flores  Sofia Theresa Flores Nena Rowan Forbess  Karol Lynn Gamez  Bernardo Garcia  Albert James Gonzales  Bianey Gonzalez  Paige Hailey Grayson  Jenee Jo Guerrero  Brianna Nicole Hernandez Frida Lorena Hernandez Lilliana Hernandez  Michael Ashton Hernandez  Juan Guillermo Ingram Gonzalez  Juan Alejandro Linan  Jaret Lobaton Ramirez Bridgette Elizabeth Longoria  Tristan Boyd Lopez  Joe Lozoya  Crystal Anabel Manis Barrintos  Juan Carlos Marquez  Andres Martinez  Javier Martinez Katelyn Jayleen Martinez  Manuel Rolando Martinez

 Sebastian Medrano  Thaily Medrano  Genesis Galilea Morales  Daniel Gregorio Moreno  Ariana Lizbeth Nieto  Kayla Arrlett Perez Kihanna Angelie Perez Gonzalez  Edward Pina  Annie Josaphine Proenza  Kayla Ramirez  Marcus Ramirez  Jonathan Isaac Ramos  Rowyn Alora Randolph  Alyzza Nicole Rendon  Caleb Alejandro Reyes  Dominic Seth Reyna  Mishael Reyna  Luz Maria Rios Rodriguez Esai Daniel Rodriguez  Yesenia Rodriguez  Isaiah Andre Rosenbaum  Ramiro Ruiz Samantha A Saldana  Hector Salinas  Angel Marissa Sanchez  Irving Yael Sanchez Sofia Mariel Schroeder  Isaac Silva  Jonathan Andrew Silva  Karissa Araceli Solis  Fatima Jacquelin Sosa David Diego Sotelo  Jabneel Ain Torres  Jairo Adiel Torres  Maliqhi Xabier Torres  Javier Damian Torres Hernandez  Carlos Alan Trevino  Evan Jay Van Cise  Paula Brisheida Vicedas  Priscila Guadalupe Villarreal

 FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA SAN JUAN! Mighty Saints Class of 2023, Congratulations! You are officially our eleventh graduating class, but my first seniors as principal of IDEA San Juan College Preparatory, and I could not be more proud of you and all of the work you have put in to make it to this point. Many of you started your journey to college as Kinder students or even sixth graders, bright and optimistic about what the next several years of your lives would bring.

I am thrilled to share that the Class of 2023 has submitted over 690 college applications, received 313 college acceptances.

In addition, over 60% of you have been accepted to selective and highly selective universities and you have helped our school achieve state and national rankings. You are truly an amazing group of young people!

It is evident that the statistics surrounding our demographics, especially when one considers our community, are not your reality. You did not let that be your story. Others’ expectations of you were not your own, and you proved to everyone that when you set goals without boundaries, there is no limit to your success. I know you will take the lessons learned from within the walls of our school and from the people that care about you deeply, and use them to carry you through your journey outside of IDEA San Juan CP. A college degree will change your life trajectory forever. Remember, you made it through a pandemic with all the challenges it brought. But you are here! You are big dreamers with amazing goals and incredible opportunities in front of you. Seize those opportunities and keep dreaming!

Above all, remember that you are leaders. You have proven, time and again, that you hold the leadership qualities necessary to achieve your goals. The path will not always be laid out for you, and you will have to create your own way at times. This is difficult, but I am beyond confident that if anyone can do it, it’s the Saints Class of 2023.

So, keep moving forward and don’t lose sight of your dreams. Remember these words by Barack Obama: “Don’t let anyone tell you want you can’t do. Follow your dreams and persist.”

You already make us proud. I, along with everyone who was a part of your beautiful journey, stand behind you. We believe in you and can’t wait to see all you accomplish in your lives!

Your biggest fan,

Maricela Gaona Principal, IDEA San Juan College Preparatory

CLASS OF 2023

 Azul Alejandro  Edgar Blanco Lilybell Bruce  Steve Calderon  Alexa Campos  Michelle Campos Serenity Cantu  Nestor Cardenas  Natalie Cedillo  Kimberley Chavez  Xavier Cienfuegos Nathaniel Cortinas  Jamie Davila  Dafne De Leon  Karla Delgado Zamora  Jennifer Elizondo Karla Escobedo  Hector Espericueta-Jimenez  Jose Estrada  Saray Flores Francisco Fuentes  Noe Galindo  Kenia Gaona  Kristopher Gaona Carrillo  Angeluriel Garcia  Bryan Garcia  Josue Garcia Marco Garcia Ryan Garcia Francisco Garcia-Berrones  Keon Garza Lyssa Garza  Karely Garza-Cantu  Angel Hernandez  Oscar Hernandez Montiel  Alan Ibarra Dayana Ibarra  Christian Leal  Leonardo Lopez  Dana Martinez

 Edson Martinez Castillo Jason Martinez-Barrientos  Robie Martinez-Diaz  Isaac Montanez  Aletzy Montelongo  Ivan Montiel Aileen Morales Arleen Morales Alondra Munoz  Yahir Ornelas Abraham Ortiz Gabrielle Padua-Vargas  Tony Perez  Mandy Pina Ilse Pineda Gracia  Erika Pineda-Horta  Adan Quintanilla  Regino Ramirez  Juan Reyes  Naxely Reyes Victoria Reyes  Andrea Rios-Roque  Olivia Rivas Lizbeth Rodriguez Joelie Salinas Andrew Sanchez  Jael Sanchez-Escalante  Fernando Serna Mariela Tamez-Elizondo  Eduardo Torres Joaquin Torres  Nicolas Uresti  Priscilla Valle  Eliza Vargas  Areli Vazquez  Faviola Vidales-Ramirez Nereida Ybanez  Jaqueline Ybarra  Laisha Zavala

 FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA SPORTS PARK! Class of 2023, People who know what they are doing know the rules, and they know what is possible and what is impossible. You do not.

And you should not. The rules on what is possible and impossible were made by people who had not tested the bounds of the possible by going beyond them. And you, the class of 2023, have proven the possible by going beyond the boundaries.

Together, the class of 2023 have submitted over 500 applications, with 76% being highly selective and with 100% 4-Year acceptances. With this said, collectively you have earned over 11 million dollars in scholarships! Truly Amazing!

Three years ago, you joined IDEA Sports Park blind. A year where we opened during the pandemic, online and where you were unsure what college was and how you were going to get there. Now we sit here today celebrating your resilience and dedication to your education. I remember when we conducted the Karate event, and had you name your fear and had you break through the barrier holding you back. I recalled reading your boards. Some stated to learn English, to get accepted into college and even some just to graduate. Now look around you! YOU MADE IT. I hope this gives you a small sense of pride and will encourage you to break through another barrier as you matriculate to college. And if by chance you get discouraged, look to your left and right. Reach out for help because we are in this together.

I leave you with this, life will be a little messy, but embrace the mess. It will be complicated but rejoice in the complications and it will not be anything like what you think it’s going to be like, but surprises are good for you. Do not be frightened. You got this, just like you did three years ago. I will always believe in you. Siempre e creido en ustedes. Si Se Puede!

My Stingrays.... Rays up!

Your Proud Principal,

Rebecca Jeffries Principal, IDEA Sports Park College Preparatory

20 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

CLASS OF 2023

Fabiola Alvarez  Brandon Ausucua Rafael Avina  Igor Campos-Martinez Stephanie Cardona  Sara Casas Alan Castillo Ricardo Davila Itzel Delgado Salas Maria Fernanda Esquivel  Andres Figueroa  David Garcia  Even Humberto Gonzalez Joselyne Gonzalez  Rosario Gonzalez  Yesenia Gonzalez Raymond Gracia Adelina Hernandez Areli Jimenez  Elias Jimenez  Jatziry Longoria  Alexa Lopez Camila Lozano Banda Edgar Lozano Banda

 Paola Lucio Yshua Matu Rodriguez Angie Medrano  Alexa Michel Alan Murillo Compean Estephanie Nunez  Daniela Orta  Martha Paez Carlos Pena Gia Pena Alexa Perez Emily Perez Mariela Ramirez  Gabriela Ramirez Venegas Illene Ramos Daniel Recio Schareene Romero Rivera Joshua Sanchez Siomara Sanchez Esequiel Serrano Flores Erasmo Suarez  Joaquin Trevino  Frida Yepez

CLASS

OF

 FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

#CSD2023 22 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY