CSD IDEA Rio Grande Valley Program 2 2024

IDEA RIO GRANDE VALLEY McAllen, Mission, North Mission, Quest, Toros

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024

2:00 PM – 4:00 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 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

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 5

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

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,

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

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 11

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 2024 continue to set the bar high.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. Congratulations Tigers! Go out there and make your presence ROAR!

Roberto Garza Principal, IDEA College Preparatory McAllen

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CLASS OF 2024

Andre Alejandro Aldape Osvaldo David Alvarado Leonardo David Alvarez Alondra Janette Arroyo Regina Avila Cantu Marcela Sofia Avila Garcia Francisco Samuel Avila Davyd Kurt Bangsalud Angelina Nicole Barraza Brianna Lynette Barrera Allison Nicole Benavides Marcelo Emilio Blanco-Avila Alina Bonilla Abreu Jorge Alejandro Calleja Ivan Alejandro Cantu Julian Joaquin Carranza Miguel Cavazos-Charles Mia Giselle Chavero Angela Anneth Chavez Frida Michel Copto Edward Uriel Cordero Hailey Grace Coronado Armani Xavier Cruz Andrea Paola De La Fuente Diego Sebastian Diaz Denny Francisco Dominguez Andrea Paola Escandon Perez Axel Roman Espinosa Fraga Paula Isabela Espinoza Caraline Lilly Fayta Luis Enrique Fernandez Victoria Flores Angel Gerardo Flores-Martinez Eli Ricardo Garcia Gomez Carolina Garcia Rojas Daniella Lizeth Garcia Katherine Garcia-Morales Joel Isaias Garrido Ana Victoria Garza Treviño Daniella Gisselle Garza Jiada Karise Garza Arath Natanahel Gonzalez Guillermo Antonio Gonzalez Kenia Jocelyn Gonzalez Pablo Gonzalez Eleazar Gutierrez Ximena Hasbach Aylin Hernandez-Rodriguez Gerardo Herrera-Alvarado Alejandra Ibarra German Leal Mia Angelina Lopez

Tais Carino Lopez Lita Daymara Lozano Jesus Roel Madrigal Aaron Gil Martinez Adrian Jesus Martinez Analei Alerya Mata Tania Edanili Mejia Bianca Sofia Munguia Camila Muñoz Erik Angel Muñoz Susana Leticia Muñoz Cory Julian Nuñez Enrique Alfonso Perez Valeria Anahi Perez Victoria Perez Eduardo Perez-Rios Allyson Sharlene Pyle Karolina Quintanilla Abigail Billie Ramirez Arnoldo Ramos Ruiz Alejandra Rios Hannah Miryed Rios Lindsey Nahomi Rivera Jorge Javier Robles Candace Marie Rodriguez Fatyma Rodriguez Janely Lizette Rodriguez Ricardo Rodriguez Ramon Ruiz Allison Saldivar Julian Sanchez Lauren Eva Sanchez Sebastian Sanchez-Ulloa Luis Alexander Santos Edher Adrian Silva Aronid Yamileth Solis Troy Tamez Angel Zadkiel Tamez-Vargas Estrella Judith Tapia Sophia Marselle Torres Julia Isabella Treviño Cesar Alejandro Uribe-Flores Jiovanni Monserrate Daniel Valadez Jasmine Isabella Valdez Alijah Rene Vargas Nathan Alexander Vega Katheryne Villanueva Sanchez Valeria Villarreal Jose Roberto Villegas-Ochoa Sahil Shayaan Wasa

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 13

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA MISSION! To the IDEA Mission Class of 2024: I’ve known some of you since you were in upper elementary! My—how times flies. You have been relentless in your pursuit of a high-quality high school education. Nothing has stood in your way of achieving this goal – and today, you see the fruits of your labor. I couldn’t be prouder!

Over 50% of you have been admitted to a Tier1/2 university and over 30% of you are expected to matriculate in one of those top universities. Many of you have been at IDEA Mission since kindergarten. You have seen the changes here, and we have seen the changes in you. On behalf of IDEA Mission, congratulations!

In addition to all your accomplishments, I thank your class for being caring and compassionate young adults who are all about heart. You are one of the most joyful and free-spirited groups I have had the privilege to work with. Many of you have been brave and articulate in defending your beliefs, and we are grateful for your advocacy. 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 this increasingly demanding world.

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

Christina Cavazos-Flores Principal, IDEA Mission College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2024

Carlos Amador Aguirre Sol Alvarado Rihanna Destiny Arredondo Miranda Barrera Anthony Nicholas Barrientos Litzy Meliza Blanco Valeria Bravo Ivan Alejandro Briseno-Ochoa Cynthia Gabriela Buentello Saul Ravi Cabrera Carlos Guadalupe Cantu-Hinojosa Jocelyn Michell Castillo Naomi Yamile Cortez Eileen Dominik Cuevas Joselin Ariana De La Fuente Irania Geraldine Del Rio Barrientos Miguel Angel Diaz-Gonzalez Federico Diaz-Santana Gaytan Brando Fabian Elizondo Orlando Escobedo Diego Nicolas Fuentes Nick Galvan Gloria Christina Garcia Rodrigo Garcia Samira Garcia Vanessa Garcia Alondra Garza Saenz Leopoldo Garza Matteo Miguel Garza Arianna Gonzalez Emilio Gonzalez Reynaldo Gonzalez Joseph William Haske Aixa Belen Hernandez Diego Noel Hernandez Kamilah Guadalupe Ibarra Juan Carlos Jimenez Stacy Darnell Kimble Alissa Marie Leal Bryan Jair Lerma Vargas Brandon Aaron Linan Ray Francisco Loera Heriberto Lopez Mia Alessandra Lopez

Gabriel Kal-El Luna Melina Esther Marquez Itzel Marrujo Hector Emilio Martinez Job Martinez Jasmine Alexandra Medina Daniela Mendiola Jeselle Mendoza Jonathan Mendoza Carlos Demian Meza Cristina Ivonne Narciso Oscar Sebastian Nino-Martinez Naizshda Agnieszka Ojeda-Gonzales Alexandra Maria Peña Esteban Peña Anna Laura Perez Arely Arizett Piceno Kevin Ponce Brigette Radilla Christian Xavier Renteria Clarissa Cecilia Reyna Yaretzy Rios Daniela Fernanda Rivera Mya Monserrat Rodriguez Angelaflorisel Rodriguez-Flores Angelgraciano Rodriguez-Flores Miriam Esperanza Rodriguez-Vera Andres Serafin Rosales Camila Rosas Faythe Heavenlee Salazar Arturo Salgado Esteban Salinas Diego Sandoval-Gomez Avery Alicia Sullivan Noah Brennan Tharp Marcos Adrian Tijerina Gonzalo Trejo Gilberto Treviño Vanessa Jaqueline Treviño Sebastian Eduardo Uribe-Gloria Selena Itzel Valdez Ricardo Vasquez Gabriela Paula Agbisit Vicente Sophia Zaleta

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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA NORTH MISSION! Warrior Class of 2024!

You have made it to the BIG day! Today is about the culmination of the past seven years and the beginning of the next chapter. The class of 2024 has truly lived out our motto this year—Mamba Mentality. Living the Mamba way is what makes you so special, which I, and the rest of Warrior Nation, admire about you all. You started in 6th grade and helped set the tone, becoming an A-rated school in the first year of the new rating system. You continued being fearless as you set a record for the most T1 acceptances in our campus’ history. Just like Kobe Bryant--he was committed to being prepared more than anyone else, and I see that in you. Keep living the Mamba Way and thank you for giving Warrior Nation a clear example of what it means to live out the Mamba Way! Always remember the tone you set at North Mission with hard work, but also remember to be humble, hungry and people smart. We are behind you 100% and cannot wait to hear of all the milestones you reach in the next chapter. Congratulations, class of 2024! Keep living the Mamba Way! Mamba Mentality,

Dave Wagner Principal, IDEA College Preparatory North Mission

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CLASS OF 2024

Regina Acosta Valentina Adame AnaKaren Aguilar-Martinez Oscar Marcel Aguilera Manuel Adan Alanis Abraham Alanis-Avila Vania Sofia Alcala Mendoza Raymundo Alvarado Nirce Maria Alvarez Victor Ariel Armendariz Limon Regina Avalos Ledezma Beatriz Balderas-Treviño Noelia Cabrales Chaidez Karen Sofia Cantu Amy Sarahy Carbarin Jamileth Yailynn Carrillo Miranda Castro Alvaro Uriel Cavazos Carolina Chavez Lopez Aaron James Torres Choa Armando Cruz Julio Cesar Cruz-Romero Diego De Alejandro-Rodriguez Abigail Isel De La Mora Leilani Del Angel Celina Delgado Valerie Giselle Duran Catherine Esparza Brianna Michelle Gamez Diego Alejandro Garcia Quintero Edgar Uriel Garcia Itzel Garza Miranda Namiele Garza Juan Faustino Gutierrez-Hernandez Gustavo Hernandez Julian Armando Hernandez Mia Daniela Huitron Leonardo Islas Jaquelyn Lara Angel David Lopez Gonzalez Camila Monserrat Lopez Dante Alekhin Lopez Israel Loya Diego Alejandro Luis

Angel Gabriel Magana Larios Angel Eduardo Maldonado-Lira Hailey Melendez-Oviedo David Eduardo Mendez Valeria Yajaira Molina Carlos Alexis Morales Gonzalez Karol Eugene Morfin Raquel Olivares Dominic Bruce Pagan Madox Alexander Piñeda-Rios Fatima Azeneth Prado Natalee Quezada Lucca Imanol Ramirez Campos Constanza Valentina Rangel Monsivais Juan Diego Raudy Samuel Rivera Roberto Rivera Paola Rivera-Ornelas Irene Rodriguez Mya Ruby Rodriguez Manuel Alejandro Rodriguez-Maldonado Nevaeh Camilla Rodriguez-Vergal Jean Carlo Ruiz Vazquez Caitlin Faith Ruiz Edgar Derek Ruiz Hector Jesus Ruiz Alec Rogelio Salinas Sebastian Sanchez Christopher Sauceda Treviño Johan Anniel Saucedo Arturo Solis Nayeli Solis Jorge Solis-Alvarado Hannia Isela Sotelo-Aguilar Raul Tamez Jesus Damian Torres Arnoldo Uresti Alexa Valdes Rodriguez Zaira Abigail Vega Melanie Vela Rodriguez Tiffany Diamond Velez Heli Vera Rodriguez Barbara Ariadna Vivanco Adrian Yanez

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA QUEST! To the Trailblazing Class of 2024, Happy College Signing Day, the day many of you have been waiting for. As the year is about to end, start embracing and cherishing these last moments of high school, and most importantly thank those that stood by you through your years at Quest. Know that upon graduation, you will be challenged to find the right pathway while in college. But I am certain that every single one of you has built tenacity and perseverance here at Quest and that nothing will face you because we at Quest, we set our own trail and blaze right through it. This is you!

In college, always move forward and let nothing stop you from achieving YOUR dreams. Your teachers, counselors, administrators, and I believe in you, and we cannot wait to hear all your accomplishments which you will continue to achieve.

Do not ever forget, we are here to continue to support you even from afar because once a BLAZER, ALWAYS a BLAZER. Congratulations and we cannot wait to celebrate this day with you.

Blazing Always,

Mary Arrezola Principal, IDEA Quest College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2024

Alison Archer Damien Avila Mikaela Bolainez Yanei Castillo Daniela Chapa-Reyes Angela Colegio Kyra Coronado Hannah Cruz Marvin Cruz-Perez Aneth De La Cruz-Gloria Ashley Del Angel Aubrey Diaz Mario Dominguez Humberto Escobedo Areli Flores Sydney Free Mia Garcia Fernando Garcia-Casanova Elias Garza Kayla Garza Anthony Gomez Elina Gonzalez Raphael Gonzalez-Monroy Paris Guerra Yarithza Gutierrez Angel Gutierrez-Del Angel Ryan Hernandez Diego Hernandez Rizzi Oscar Herrera Emily Hurtado Natalia Iglesias Jose Jameson Kimber Jeffery Julia Kennedy Lanissa Laws Jose Leal Valeria Leal Luna Ledesma

Pedro Lopez Ambar Lopez-Vaca Ulises Navarrete Vazquez Noah Negrete Preston Nguyen Bryan Ovando-Rodriguez Orion Palacios Oscar Palacios Emiliano Palomo Kierstyn Perez Jose Perez-Nieto Alma Ramirez Nathalie Ramirez Ryan Ramirez Regina Ramos Xochilt Reyes-Ortiz Barbie Rivas Mario Rodriguez Efren Ruiz Nate Sacurom Vivianne Sanchez Connor Stuart Giselle Torres Tristan Torres Christian Treviño Josue Treviño Karla Valencia-Soto Xiclali Varela Yahir Vargas Anival Vasquez Matthew Vasquez Chelsey Vela Oscar Vela Vanessa Villalpando Arnoldo Villarreal Jaime Villarreal Natalia Villarreal Jesus Zuniga

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA TOROS! Toros Class of 2024, This is the day. Your day. Congratulations! Today you celebrate publicly the work you have done privately. Today you celebrate the reward of the sacrifice of the last four years. Today your announcement is a tribute to the community that has cheered you on, provided support, wiped away tears, and been present for you when you were at your best and at your worst.

Your celebration is our celebration, too. We are proud of the past that has brought you to this moment. We are proud of this moment of recognition for the hard work that has opened a door of opportunity. We are proud of who you will become in this next chapter. All our hopes for you melded with your own dreams and aspirations in this one moment scream out that this is the day. Your day.

Always in your corner,

Viviane Castillo-Manzano Principal, IDEA Toros College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2024

Juan Thomas Aguilar Diego Armando Almirail Gomez Jamil Antonio Alvarez Renata Barrera Ricardo Calderon Carolina Cardenas Ayala Eduardo Cavazos Juan Manuel Cruz-Pardo Emiliano De La Rosa Barbara Diaz Giselle Flores Balderas Aneth Garcia Hugo Lamberto Garza Cesar Emiliano Gomez Jesus Maria Gomez Frida Sofia Gonzalez Eric Alejandro Guajardo Sebastian Guillen Alcazar Sonia Lizet Gutierrez Estefany Hernandez Cervantes Lluvia Maria Hernandez Davila Ashley Emily Hernandez Diego Servando Hernandez Esined Hernandez Edci Melina Jimenez Aryani Eunice Layton Patty Rose Sunshine Limon Abril America Lopez Eugenio Macias Olvera

Alondra Yaffit Martinez Eross Martinez Jorge Armando Mendoza Josseph Mendoza Kelly Mora Jose Sebastian Morales Regina Muñoz Bryan Alonso Murillo Marie Fernande Neme Ndjina Fernanda Zoideiba Ochoa Hector Armando Perez Melanie Yamilex Perez Javier Jesus Perez-Salazar Luis Fernando Rangel Leslye Esmeralda Reyes Daniella Lizeth Rodriguez Joaquin Felipe Rosales Emir Jared Sanchez Bahena Estephany Sanchez Ruben Sanchez Allan Adan Solis Ismael Torres Kenneth Torres Gerardo Vazquez Garcia David Vicencio Aiden Preslee Vielma Diego Vita Marc Anthony Josiah Zavala

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