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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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