CSD IDEA RGV 1 Program 2025

Rio Grande Valley, TX North Mission, Pharr, San Benito, San Juan

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 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

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 5

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

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 7

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SENIORS, DID YOU KNOW?

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

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 9

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THE ROAD BEGINS AT

IDEA!

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR GRADES K – 12

APPLY NOW!

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 11

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA NORTH MISSION! Warrior Class of 2025!

Wow, time has flown, seniors! It’s been an amazing 7 years with you all and I will miss your group in the years to come. Today is your milestone to celebrate, but also the beginning of the next chapter in your life. As your class has persevered through challenges, you have also shown resilience by having the ability to move on to the next challenge. Your class has taught me to keep on fighting, regardless of the obstacles that lie in our path.

Your class has set a new standard of excellence! With 100% college acceptance and 68% admitted to top-tier universities, you’ve made history. You hold the school’s highest U.S. History Achievement Score and are the first to attend Vanderbilt and NYU, while continuing traditions at Rice, BU, Clark, and UChicago. With five Dell semi-finalists and one Gates semi-finalist, you’ve proven that focus and determination can overcome any obstacle. Your achievements inspire future classes to aim even higher!

Keep your strong mentality of perseverance and resilience, especially as you embark on the future after our campus. Your legacy will be forever remembered at North Mission! Congratulations, class of 2025!

Forever Grateful,

Dave Wagner Principal, IDEA North Mission College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Francisco Barrera Uriel Ramirez Isaac Reyes Axel Ruiz Laura Ramirez Alejandro Garcia Jorge Garcia Luis Salinas-Robles Jorge Mejia Justin Nazariega Dayra Ramirez Ashley Gonzalez Caleb Alaniz Jenny Acesenio Angel Garda Alexandra Luis Lahisa Juarez Angeline Lozano Rene Ibarra Carlos Lugo Lauren Gonzalez Kris Sandoval Joel Landin Juan Martinez Genesis Barragan Rigoberto Martinez Ulises Alcides Alyaah Caballero Jesus Aaron Flores Karol Ariadna Quintanilla Shanelle Delgado Xitlaly Perez Jocelyn Monicivias Anahi Lopez Karina Herrera Ricardo Melendez Edward Nino Alberto Hernandez Paola Castro Ernesto De La Garza

Alexis Camacho Juan R. Martinez Sophia Garcia Emilio Barragan Cesar Aguilar-Martinez Francisco Barrera Victor Cabrales Paola Castro Medina Alyssa Cavazos Diego Creado Jose Garcia Edgar Gomez Michael Grimaldo Nicholas Gutierrez Gael Medina Avani Medeles Uriel Ramirez Dominick Razo Isaac Reyes Diego Reyna Juan Reyna Ruizesparza Leonardo Rodriguez Christopher Rodriguez Cesar Rodriguez Emely Rojas Edgar Salas Cristian Saldana Karen Sanchez Vazquez Leonardo Silva Diego Silva Karyme Silva Sofia Solis Yareli Solis Peña AnaPaula Solis-Amador Kevin Suarez Ethan Tanguma Vanderlei Trejo Maria Vargas Osleidy Vazquez-Mendez Daniel Vera Rodriguez Anais Voltares Diego Zuniga

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA PHARR! Dear Graduates of 2025, Congratulations! Today, you stand at the gateway of a future filled with promise, purpose, and endless opportunities. This moment is a testament to your dedication, resilience, and the unwavering commitment you have shown throughout your journey.

Your path to this milestone has not been without its challenges. You have faced obstacles with courage, adapted to change with grace, and pushed forward with determination. Every late-night study session, every sacrifice, every moment of doubt you overcame has brought you to this incredible achievement. You are stronger, wiser, and ready for what lies ahead.

As you step into this new chapter, remember that success is not measured solely by the destination but by the journey itself.

Embrace every experience—both triumphs and setbacks—as they will shape you into the person you are meant to become.

The road ahead may be uncertain at times, but trust in yourself, your abilities, and the foundation you have built.

Dare to dream boldly. Seek knowledge relentlessly. Approach life with curiosity and a heart full of kindness. The world needs your talents, your passion, and your unique perspective. Be the leader, the innovator, the changemaker you were meant to be.

Know that you are never alone. You are part of a community that believes in you, supports you, and celebrates you. No matter where life takes you, always remember—once a Lion, always a Lion.

Go forward with confidence, purpose, and an unwavering belief in yourself. The future is yours to shape, and we have no doubt that you will leave your mark on the world.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish.

With admiration and excitement,

Sonia Aguilar Sr. Principal, IDEA Pharr

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CLASS OF 2025

Omar Orlando Aguayo Mariajose Aguilar Angel Dagoberto Aldape William Arciniega Maximus Emiliano Barcenas Miranda Buentello Santiago Camacho Andrea Magaly Campos Ariana Cantu Derek Yael Carrillo Annasophia Natalie Castillo Mario Francisco Castillo Daniella Vanessa Centeno Derek Alejandro Cortes Lopez Naomi Vilmary Cotero Claudio Cesar De La Garza Diego Alejandro Escamilla Luis Alejandro Escamilla Kimberly Estrada Aylen Gabriela Flores Karina Michelle Garcia Ramon Abel Gomez Vanessa Sofia Gomez-Leija Ana Victoria Gonzalez Angelina Brizeyda Gonzalez Celeste Montserrat Gonzalez Fernanda Gonzalez Geovanna Alexandra Gonzalez Gerrick Ray Gonzalez Jesus Anthony Gonzalez Andrew Arnoldo Gutierrez Valentin Guzman Angel Abraham Hernandez Hashley Raquel Hernandez Rodrigo Herrera Valeria Elizabeth Herrera-Ortega Letizia Nataly Infante Winston Lennyn Leyva-Regalet Jacqueline Limon Kathleen Genevieve Limones Samuel Linan Mario Alberto Lozano Deila Anyelin Lozano-Araujo

Barbara Mahe Ailin Xxareny Maldonado Joel Marquez Melina Aglaeth Martinez Nain Thomas Martinez Sylvia Jimena Martinez Alejandra Mata Alexis Medina-Maldonado Antonio Mondragon Angel Emilio Morales Sebastian Morales Josue Antonio Morales-Ovalle Allysson Angelly Moreno Erick Eli Morgado-Acosta Cristian Josue Ortega Yarelly Yamileth Ovando Rodriguez Marlene Alejandra Padilla Amayran Alexandra Pasch Patricia Montserrat Pena-Ruiz Rodrigo Alejandro Ponce Francisco Ramirez Emmanuel Reyes Katya Jacqueline Reyes-Reyes Adam Ansel Rodriguez Damian Rodriguez Sofia Monserrat Rodriguez Victoria Stephanie Rodriguez Sofia Rojo America Tays Romero Citlali Yudith Romero Estefany Ruiz Aldo Antonio Salas Amy Anahi Sosa Carlos Askary Treviño Jocelyn Valdez Fernando Valera-Sanchez Victoria Esmeralda Vasquez Jorge Velasco Jorge Marcos Velazquez America Alessandra Vera Jose Angel Ybarra Ana Isabel Zequera

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 15

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA SAN BENITO! Dear Bright and Ambitious 2025 Graduates, The time has come to reveal your choice! Happy College Signing Day to the amazing class of 2025. It is my distinct honor, as your principal of IDEA San Benito College Preparatory, to stand before you today to celebrate the culmination of your hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It is with immense gratitude that I was able to have you as 7th graders my first year as API -the memories we’ve shared and the bonds we have -will always be imprinted in my heart. May your college paths be filled with joy, fulfillment, and endless possibilities. As we celebrate this special day, please know I will always be cheering you on from afar in your college adventure. I am so proud that I was part of your journey. Congratulations, graduates and never lose sight of your dreams!

Wishing you continued success, and fulfillment is all your endeavors,

Carla Zarate Principal, IDEA San Benito College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2025

Evan Austin Abrego Celi Marie Aguilar Hugo Jaime Alvizo Myhtzary Amaya Salazar Jonathan Gari Anaya Herrera Miguel Angel Aparicio Amity Mia Armas Mayah Amerie Avila Esmyrna Cantu Mendiola Jeremiah Mehkai Carrete Ariella Nunez Casas Ariana Nataly Castillo John Anthony Cerda Mia Chavarria Francia Estephania Cortes Acevedo Adamaris De La Cruz David Michael De Los Santos Layla Jane Diaz Maia Hope Donez Magali Aileen Estrada Aylin Flores Jayson Flores Dawson Patrick Forbess Mia Nicole Garza Alyssa Janay Garza Steffany Angelica Garza Brandon Rey Garza Silva Bruno Martin Gomez Torres Ashley Gonzalez Raeann Monique Gonzalez Itzel Gutierrez Anuar Alexander Hernandez Maya Alexandra Hernandez Ruben Levet Chloe Isabella Longoria Yisell Alexandra Lopez Juan Octavio Medellin

Sarah Elizabeth Mena Noah Vazquez Mireles Defany Ailinn Mireles Marques Jay Mireles Joseph Edward Moody Evelyn Guadalupe Morales Jenilee Muñiz Isabel Muñiz Amy Isabel Muñoz Luis Ortiz Michelle Mia Ozuna Cesar Alberto Peña Alexa Mayrin Perales Roberto Alejandro Perez Roberto Lee Perez Alexis Jade Proenza Alejandro Ramirez Abigail Ramirez Abisha Hadassha Ramos Santos De Dios Ruiz Mia Lucero Ruiz Perez Karol Guadalupe Salinas Nathan Josiah Sandoval Armando Santillan Jr. Sinai Amelia Soni Mercado Nelson Hugo Sordo Cristobal De Jesus Torres Madisen Faith Treviño Orlando Treviño Bocanegra Adrian Varela Delilah Vega Irvin Isaac Vega Teran Anahi Guadalupe Villarreal Yamilet Villegas Kyler Ryan Yzaguirre Efren Zamorano

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA SAN JUAN! To My AMAZING Senior Saints!

Today is the day you have looked forward to for many years, and you can see the fruit of your labor on this celebratory occasion. I am inspired by you- you have made an impact in not only my life, but in those who were a part of your journey at IDEA San Juan.

The Class of 2025 is dear to me as you have invited me into aspects of your identity. Whether it was an invitation to your games or a taste of a homemade treat, your shared things that make you unique with me, and I truly humbled by this privilege.

I have seen you struggle, fight back, celebrate joyous occasions, and ultimately shine as you are here on this day.

As you take this first step in celebrating your accomplishments, take time to reflect on what has led you here. Each triumph, each hardship, those relationships that formed your person- take those experiences and use them as fuel to reach your dreams and goals. Remember to share these moments with us- your Saints Family- that has been alongside you, cheering you on. We want to continue to share in the moments that fill you with pride, even as you go on to your adult lives.

I believe in you; I see your light and know you will be the source of illuminating our world!

Congratulations, Seniors! You deserve the blessings of this day and so much more!

With true admiration,

Maricela Gaona Principal, IDEA San Juan College Preparatory

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C

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CLASS OF 2025

Cesar Alexander Marmolejo Britany Ailyn Marroquin-Galindo Mary Venus Gabrielle Devaras Marticio Alejandra Martinez Stephanie Mariana Mata Rudy Jael Mendoza Julissa Aleira Montelongo Resean Rick Navarro Magdalena Adamari Orduno Adrian Peña Ean Rene Perez Sofia Lorena Perez Reyna Isela Piña Meraz Eduardo Mario Piña Christopher Saul Resendez Dominguez Miranda Reyes Thalia Reyes Holy Faith Rios Nicole Marie Rivera Emily Rodriguez Elizondo Brianna Rodriguez Brissa Daniella Rodriguez Camila Rodriguez Leonardo Rodriguez-Veliz Carlos Fabian Romero Alina Micaela Ruiz Maria Fernanda Salinas Emiliano Yahir Sanchez Sean Alekxander Sanchez David Serrata Andrea Guadalupe Sifuentes Gonzalez Ayana Karissa Solis Julio Cesar Tijerina Eliana Esther Torres Moises Torres Pedro Treviño Jorge Akbar Valles

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Jose Manuel Acosta Luis Adame Manya Orela Alonso Anthony Alessandro Alvarado Aylin Mareli Alvarez Perez Augusto Giovanny Alvarez Adan Alejandro Avalos Victoria Rae Bautista Daniela Aylee Burgos Samantha Campos Jackie Cano Leslie Yulisa Cano Cesar Ivan Castellanos-Salinas Jayyan Castorena Moises Constante Gaudencio Coronado Jose Angel Cruz Valdez Ingrid Berenice Davila Sonia De Leon Edgar Israel Del Razo Gonzalez Christian Patricio Espericueta Aaron Arturo Estrada Rodriguez Christian Estrada Manuel Flores Diego Garcia Asher-Julyan Gonzalez Gonzalo Antonio Gonzalez Jean Carlo Gonzalez Mia Jeanelle Gonzalez Monica Marie Gonzalez Rene Roel Gonzalez Elisa Carmen Gutierrez Valery Michelle Guzman Paul Wesley Haggard Alejandro Alberto Hernandez-Casas Damien Hinojosa Jade Elizabeth Ibarra Dana Lara Tania Sarai Lara Baltazar Enrique Leal Nathalie Evelyn Llanes Patricio Amilcar Lopez Lozano Edilberto Lopez Jeanelle Monique Lugo Carlos Lugo-Gonzalez

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