CSD IDEA Rio Grande Valley Program 1 2024

IDEA RIO GRANDE VALLEY

Alamo, Donna, Rio Grande City, Weslaco, Weslaco Pike

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024

9:30 AM – 11:30 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 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 es una tradición de IDEA como ninguna otra. Comenzó hace más de dos décadas como una 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 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 Texas campuses, the 2,200 members of the Class of 2024 have achieved over 11,600 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 2024: 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 en Texas, los 2200 miembros de la Clase de 2024 han logrado más de 11600 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 2024: ¡Felicidades! Vas a ir a la universidad.

JEFF COTTRILL, Ed.D. Superintendent & CEO IDEA Public Schools

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 3

IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LEADERSHIP

DR. JEFF COTTRILL SUPERINTENDENT & CEO

CODY GRINDLE PRESIDENT

LAYNE FISHER

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

MARTIN WINCHESTER CHIEF HUMAN ASSETS OFFICER

MARLON SHEARS CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

DOLORES GONZALEZ CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

DR. ERNESTO CANTU CHIEF SCHOOLS OFFICER

PHILLIP GARZA CHIEF COLLEGE OFFICER

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JESSICA HESS

CHIEF GOVERNANCE OFFICER

KATHLEEN ZIMMERMANN CHIEF COLLEGE 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

Michael Adams Gary Lindgren Theresa Barrera-Shaw Nanette Cocero

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

CHAMPION SPONSOR

TO & THROUGH COLLEGE SPONSOR

PENNANT SPONSOR

SCHOLARSHIP GAP 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,

or visit the ENROLLMENT TEAM in the lobby for more information!

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 11

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA ALAMO! IDEA Alamo Class of 2024, We celebrate your decision to pursue higher education. As you embark on this journey, know that your relentless dedication to your high school education has not gone unnoticed. You’ve overcome every obstacle, and today, we witness the culmination of your hard work.

For many of you, this marks the beginning of a new legacy as first-generation college students, setting a shining example for the generations to come. It is remarkable to see that 75% of you have gained admission to Tier 1 and Tier 2 Universities, with over 31% securing spots at many prestigious institutions. Additionally, three of you have earned Questbridge scholarships, a testament to your dedication.

Some of you have been part of IDEA Alamo since Kindergarten, witnessing the growth and transformation of both yourselves and the school. You are not only resilient but also compassionate souls, capable of overcoming any challenge that comes your way.

It has been my privilege to serve as your principal. Always remember that self-belief and hard work will pave the path to your dreams.

You will forever hold a special place in the heart of IDEA Alamo. With pride and excitement, we cheer you on, knowing that the best is yet to come. GOOO Griffins!

Maria Charles Principal, IDEA College Preparatory Alamo

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CLASS OF 2024

Anna Luisa Aguilar Luis Arturo Almanza Ramos Hannia Berenice Antonio De La Cruz Marvin Dario Arguijo Joshua Jacob Avila Andres Barbosa Ashley Bautista Kaitlynn Linnette Becerra Hugo Belmares Edreik Dallas Blanco Alexander Bravo Ximena Cabrera Desiree Casanova Kristina Cepeda Leonardo Marcial Cerda Axel Ezequiel Cuellar Ramirez Brianna Suzette Diaz Paola Elizondo Katelynn Marie Escamilla Kasie Fonseca Cassandra Joy Galvan Mia Alexandra Garcia Debany Yaretzy Garza De Lara Cesar Alejandro Garza Jesus Armando Gonzales Andrea Gonzalez Rolando Gonzalez Sergio Vidal Gonzalez Jacqueline Nicole Guajardo Brandon Haniel Guerrero Francisco Eduardo Guerrero-Quiroz Mia Anne Gutierrez Jose Hassael Hernandez Neftali Jehu Hernandez Saori Hernandez Leonardo Herrera Israel Holguin Yoshabeth Jimenez Genesis Yudith Lara Espinoza Adrian Lara Yulissa Ann Lerma Brandon Estefan Lopez Jatziry Dannae Lozano-Rodriguez

Jacqueline Marquez Kevin Ivan Martinez Yaira Cristal Martir-Salinas Erik Mendoza Gael Meza Francisco Mireles Angel Alejandro Monroy Angel Julian Monrreal Galilea Morales Sebastian Nino-Iracheta Jonathan Oregon Castrejon Regina Alejandra Ovalle Lauren Alejandra Ozuna Luz Estrella Padilla Brenden Craig Perez Cristopher Felix Ramirez Serrata Catherine Marie Ramirez Shayera Guadalupe Rios Isabella Rodriguez Jesus Angel Rodriguez Orlando Rodriguez Guadalupe Rodriguez-Ramirez Jesse Rodriguez-Salas America Isabella Rojas Morales Francisco Roque-Cisneros Mia Rubio Luis Agustin Ruiz Loustaunau Nereyda Yareltzi Ruiz Alondra Salas Rosario Guadalupe Salas Camila Sanchez Luis Alberto Sauceda Alessandra Tinajero Rozenn Karim Treviño Vianney Vasquez Nathalie Sayde Vazquez Valerie Marie Viacobo Joaquin Villanueva Angel Josue Villasana Lourdes Alvarez Ybarra

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA DONNA! Mighty Class of 2024, The day is finally here—College Signing Day! We are so excited that each of you will be announcing the college of your choice today because we know that behind that choice is so much more; we know that with each choice, we are not only hearing the institution that are you committing to for the next four years but rather we are hearing the tireless journey that you have been on for the last several years, the countless nights you stayed up studying, the pride you’ve taken in yourself and in your academics, and your resiliency.

The Class of 2024 boasts nearly 300 college acceptances with 52% of those being from top tier universities. In addition, you have each braved the rigorous International Baccalaureate Programme and Advanced Placement courses which while challenging have also been a rewarding experience and one that has been intentional in preparing you for this next journey so we are more than confident that you will continue to achieve success as you approach college matriculation.

Congratulations!

Dr. Amanda Canales Principal, IDEA College Preparatory Donna

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CLASS OF 2024

Mauricio Aldape Miguel Alegria Albert Alejandro Franco Jomar Arellano Joseph Antonne Avina Aime Itzel Banca Alejandro Benet Andres Manuel Benitez Elvyn Omar Cabrera Dayanara Cortez Sebastian D’Angelo Cortez Alondra Elizabeth Escalante Artlyn Espino Maria Jose Garza Angelo Giovanni Gonzalez Eduardo Gonzalez Jose Adalberto Guzman Treviño Aldo Gabriel Hernandez Reyes Gerardo Hernandez Karehn Sarai Hernandez Edgar Alejandro Lara Miguel Angel Lazalde Mariela Sofia Leal-Elizondo Jose Alfredo Lopez Caballero Juliza Jovanna Lopez Paola Luna Amber Marmolejo Kaylann Molina

Matthew Isaiah Montes Naim Morales Jose Cruz Muñoz Carrillo Isaak Maximiliano Olvera Diego Padilla Jeremy Jacob Palomarez Rebecca Peña Addison Cole Perez Layla Perez Melanie Ryan Perez Paloma Alejandra Perez-Jasso Tyler Bryce Powers Bryanna Ramirez Ariana Camila Robles Alberto Antonio Rodrigugez Zamora Ciara Celeste Salazar Jaqueline Salazar Rafael Sanchez Alan Daniel Sauceda Jared Isaac Saucedo Cesario Vidal Silva Kreg Azareel Torres Aleida Lynn Vasquez Aaron Emiliano Villarreal-Ambriz Hector Joel Villegas Yatalia Gisselle Villegas Adrian Williams

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA RIO GRANDE CITY! Students of our 1st graduating class, Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your lives. As you stand on the brink of your college journey, reflect on the incredible achievements that have shaped you during your high school years. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have brought you to this day, and we are filled with pride for all you have accomplished.

As you embark on this new chapter, remember that each challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every success is a testament to your capabilities. Embrace the unknown with courage and curiosity, for it is in these moments that you will discover your true potential. Your unique gifts and perspectives will undoubtedly enrich the college community you choose.

Remember that no matter where your journey may take you, you will always have a home at IDEA Rio Grande City.

With love & admiration, Karmen Alaniz Principal, IDEA College Preparatory Rio Grande City

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CLASS OF 2024

Jesse Alanis Israel Alvarez Grecia Barrera Ruben Barrera Andres Benitez Emily Cadavez Rolando Cantu Derek Cardoza Waylon Davenport Alexa De La Torre Isael Escobedo Jessica Espino Jonathan Estrada Eduardo Figueroa Ciersten Fitzgerald Gonzalo Garcia Peña Alexis Garcia Saenz Alexa Garcia Angely Garcia Alexis Garza Luis Garza Joleth Gomez Luz Gomez Sheila Gonzalez Emily Guerra Marcela Guerrero Hernandez Manuel Gutierrez Garcia Reynaldo Hernandez Luis Hinojosa Carina Iracheta Carlos Juarez Hernandez Jennifer Lopez Christopher Lopez- Gonzalez Daniela Lozano-Cuellar Uriel Maldonado Diego Mancias Mario Marroquin

Jose Martinez Matthew Mejia Nathalee Mena Omar Mendoza Alfonso Morales-Hinojosa Victor Nava Benitez Mayela Nuñez Tomas Olivares Gloria Olivarez Saul Olivarez Anahy Ortiz Evelyn Ortiz Francisco Quesada Elvia Quezada Fernando Ramirez Jose Ramirez Juan Ramirez Marleen Ramirez Raul Ramirez Juan Rocha Ivan Rodriguez Christopher Saenz Luis Saenz Melari Saenz Evelyn Salazar Siara Saldana Allison Santos Vielma Jose Silva Jahaziel Solis Ruben Teran Alondra Torres Delany Valdez Cassandra Vargas Alec Zamora

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA WESLACO! To the IDEA Weslaco College Preparatory graduating class of 2024 and their families: It gives me great excitement to be here with you today along with our IDEA RGV community, Seniors, their families and many additional guests.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your principal for the past seven years and letting me into your lives. It is so rewarding to see you come to this stage in your education after all the work you have done to get here. As a class, you have received nearly 360 acceptances to various universities AND will soon be stepping foot on these campuses this Fall. What an amazing class to be a part of!

Congratulations on matriculating to colleges such as Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Texas A&M University, UTSA, Baylor University and University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley.

College will be hard, you will face many challenges, but you must remain focused on what matters most, and that is your future and what you want from it. We are all so proud of you and will always be here to support you. Please remember this.

Congratulations to you, the WeslaCOLT Class of 2024!

Leanna Sarinana Principal, IDEA College Preparatory Weslaco

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CLASS OF 2024

Adarrial Demarcus Luna Mia Sky Madrigal Galilea Maldonado-Lopez Giovanni Paulo Marin Barbie Ashley Martinez Jose Guadalupe Martinez Ariday Mata Gael Mojica Alexa Lizeth Montelongo Jaden Efren Montes Andres Mujica Mario Ontiveros Brittany Alexandra Perez Marbel Perez Elizondo Daniela Ruby Rangel Esther Resendez Julio Dagoberto Resendez Marco Carlos Reyes Ernesto Rafael Rincon Isabella Josefina Rivas Joel De Jesus Rivera Ryker Tristian Rivers Marisol Jazmin Rodriguez Emily Sophia Rodriguez Estrella Elizabeth Rodriguez-Garcia Kevin Humberto Rojas Luis Gerardo Ruiz Osvaldo Sanchez Daniela Sanchez Wesley James Sander Diego Santana Royden Gabriel Sarinana Tanya De Jesus Serna Jose Luis Servin Tristan Trae Sierra Francisco Jesus Silva Daisy Araceli Silva Caroline Nevaeh Treviño Isabella Juliet Valerio Gerardo Vargas Alvaro Eduardo Vazquez Andrea Nichole Zavala

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Noah Ryan Almanza-Gonzalez Jaime Alvarado Abcde Michelle Ambriz Matthew Jeremiah Banda Aaron Michael Barbosa Mia Gabrielle Bauer Josephine Alice Benavides Damaris Lleana Blancas Morgan Jacqueline Campos Jackelyn Campuzano Omar Cantu Oscar Cantu Miguel Angel Castillo Francis Sophia Castillo Daphnie Alondra Cedillo Aiden Contreras Diamond Aleena Covarrubias Erick Alexis Cruz Evelynn Michelle Cruz Ashley De Avila Rebecca Mae De Leon Normajean Espinoza Andrea Favila Alejandro Fernandez Kaylee Marlene Flores Galilea Joanne Foran Elyse Evan Galvan Yazmin Guadalupe Galvan Alexis Garcia Sarah Alitza Garcia Giselle Garza DenisseAlexandra Garza Ximena Garza Veloz Rudy Giron Damian Anselmo Gonzalez Alexa Desiree Guerra Dominic Michael Guerra Aaron Nathaniel Guerra Jaydon Ryan Guillen Daniel Hernandez Angel Gabriel Hernandez Matthew Eric Hill Eva Maria Jimenez Nadia Arely Loera Izleidy Loera

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA WESLACO PIKE! Mighty Maverick Class of 2024!

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, being mischievous, and giving me my first gray hairs as an assistant principal. 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 College Preparatory Weslaco Pike

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CLASS OF 2024

Lucio Emiliano Aguila Juan Manuel Aguirre Brianna Jisselle Andrade Andrea Carolina Arredondo Roy Aza Kyliegh Jun Barron Itzel Anel Campos Carlos Javier Cantu-Treviño Ariana De Jesus Carranza MaryJane Elizabeth Casarez Yulissa Chavez Ojay Closner Emanuel Cordova Joselyne Crystine Covarrubias Jose Santos Cruz Francisco Eduardo De La Rosa Guadalupe Diego Enriquez Jorge Guadalupe Espinoza Alyssa Marie Flores Azriel Jose Flores Daniel Flores Daniela Flores Destini Fuentes Felix Garcia Omar Garcia Sierra Emily Garcia Elizabeth Garza Edelmiro Gomez Baldemar Gonzalez Kaylee Gonzalez Kaylin Gonzalez Ricardo Andre Gonzalez Riley Gonzalez Sergio Gonzalez Sergio Andrian Gonzalez Mirella Abigail Guerrero Valerie Ileen Guillen Jesus Alberto Gutierrez Rafael Hernandez Armani Jade Hinojosa Hector Gael Ibarra Nathaniel James Jackson Emilio Jaramillo Villalobos Adrian Emanuel Lopez Jose Carlos Lopez Nancy Elizabeth Lopez Rachelle Lee Lopez Ileen Estrella Luna Marisol Alejandra Macias

Daniel Alejandro Maldonado Pablo Daniel Maldonado Juan Ramon Marquez Brisa Martinez Sessew Chande Mata Karla Deyanira Melgoza Donykah Rae Mendoza Karime Mendoza Merari Marie Montoya Zoe Navarro Nadia Nicasio Valerie Annette Nilo Sara Paula Niño Bradley Maxwell Odoms Emily Oviedo-Reyes Estrella Oviedo-Reyes Mario Quero Sosa Dorian Ramzi Quintanilla Lexy Larissa Quintanilla Angela Monique Ramirez Natalia Ramirez Ximena Ramirez Abdullah Mubarak Rana Jake Andrew Rendon Gerardo Reyna Abigail Hope Rios Allison Faith Rios Lauryn Elysse Rios Joshua David Rivera Maddison Hailey Rivera Natalie Rivera Bernardo Rodriguez Magaly Roque Marco Roque Arnold Sanchez Caleb Alexis Sanchez Ruben Cecilio Sanchez Abigail Carmen Silva Emerald Jneva Trejo Arely Treviño Timothy Francis Vallejo Cristian Vazquez Navarrete Cristian Vazquez Jonathan Li Vega Braulio Alberto Vidal Carlos Zamora Dana Lyn Zuniga Dax Akilles Zuniga

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