CSD IDEA Rio Grande Valley Program 3 2024

IDEA RIO GRANDE VALLEY

Brownsville, Frontier, Riverview, San Benito, Sports Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM • 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

2 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

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 CEO & SUPERINTENDENT

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

4 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

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

6 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

THANKS TO OUR COLLEGE PARTNERS

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 7

8 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

SENIORS, DID YOU KNOW?

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

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 9

10 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

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 BROWNSVILLE! Congratulations Bobcats!

You made it! We are so proud of you! Today we recognize everything that you have accomplished over the last 12 years! Today we also acknowledge that you are on the precipice of a new beginning in your academic career.

Over the last several years, you have overcome some of the most difficult obstacles in recent history. Remember, those obstacles help build character and resilience, so at first, they seem unfair, but they do have a purpose. Your journey in overcoming those obstacles is nothing short of inspiring and truly historic.

As you get ready to announce where you will be going next, please take some time to reflect and think about all the people that helped you on your journey. Take the time to thank them, for your family and friends are the ones that made it possible for you to be here today.

To the Class of 2024, the next chapter in your journey is barely beginning. We are excited for you, and we wish you nothing but the best.

Congratulations Bobcats!

Marco C. Lopez Principal, IDEA College Preparatory Brownsville

12 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

OU

E

C

OLLEG

B

CLASS OF 2024

Fernando Iker Lopez Zahira Sarabia Nellie Tavares Pedro Emiliano Torres Juan Garza Josue Eduardo Bolanos Kassandra Andrea Alejandro Kendra Polette Martinez Sebastian Ines Alanis Thomas Francis Logan Isaiah Alejandro Saldivar Angela Saenz Luis Roberto Rios Garcia Andres Alejandro Capistran Salinas Angel Antonio Yanez Adal Ramirez Roberto Jesus Delgado Carlos Alejandro Andrade Fernando De Jesus Bannak Jorge Alan Contla Mikaila Nicole De La Cruz Angela Sophia Rodriguez Noe Hernandez Frida Sophia Alcantara Jimena Alejandra Cardenas

ND

Paola Rodriguez Villarreal Carlos Enrique Lerma Alexa Yaritzbeth De La Cruz Huri Alexandra Torres Mia Marie Gomez Ava De La Cruz Yael Alejandro Jacquelyn Bocanegra Stephanie Adaly Delgado Ximena Estrada Manuel Fregoso Eduardo Galaviz Adrian Eduardo Hinojosa Cassidy Danielle Landeros Mia Lopez Misael Medrano Rojas Daniel Alexis Mejia Diego Alexander Mendez Jose De Jesus Mendoza Emiliano Paredes Abel Alexander Soto Ernesto Alejandro Zuniga Laura Itzel Casares Rodolfo Leija Jorge Raul Perez

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA FRONTIER! To the Class of 2024: I am truly honored to welcome you to College Signing Day. As we embark on this significant moment, revealing the colleges you have chosen to attend, I am filled with pride knowing that you will carry the legacy of your families and our community forward as embodiments of resilience, humility, and kindness.

In a time when expressing one’s thoughts and beliefs can be fraught with difficulty, you have exemplified the importance of empathy and commitment in your convictions. Your journey, marked by challenges, has been navigated with a rare and admirable blend of resilience and compassion. I am eagerly anticipating the heights you will reach and the profound impact you will have as you embark on this next chapter of your lives.

I am immensely proud of each and every one of you and extend my heartfelt wishes for success in your college endeavors. Remember, no matter where your journey takes you, once a Charger, always a Charger!

Congratulations, Class of 2024!

Charge On! Yadhira Flores Principal, IDEA Frontier College Preparatory

14 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

CLASS OF 2024

Peter Simon Alonzo Myriam Sarahi Sanchez Jasmine Martinez Gwendolynn Laylahinez Nava Isabella Granado Madison Olivia Matlock Jordan Gonzalez Edgar Daniel Ortiz Sanchez Rolando Natanael Ruiz Malenie Paola Ramirez Diya Aneesh Esmeralda Rodriguez Juan Santana Coria Juan Garcia David Herevia Arleth Ledezma Sebastian De La Garza Graciela Guadalupe Castro Alyssa Shay Hinojosa Eduardo Alberto Navarro Efrain Garcia Luis Apolo Diaz Stefani Mitchell Granado Itzel Yudid Guitron Leslie Andrea Hernandez Omar Hinojosa Alejandro Maldonado Victor Hugo Mendez Samantha Jean Rivera Tyareth Del Carmen Serrano Ramirez Mia Jadsiri Silva Virginia Vazquez Ruby Rosas Axzel Ayde Rodriguez Juan Carlos Chaires Ailyn Suzette Camacho Alexander Gutierrez Alecci Isaias Sanchez Natalie Guadalupe Gracia Fidel Martinez Arturo Pereira Osiel Soto

Itzel Victoria Rodriguez Kevin Isaias Canales Paula Nicole De La Cruz Zoe Adrielle Castro Ivana Aide Riofrio Diego Delgado-Aguilar Vanessa Vianey Martinez Diego Armando Medina Freida Nicole Perez Keyra Thalia Galvan Daniel Alejandro Berlanga Jose Jesus Campos Jose Alberto Medina Michelle Dominguez Amaya Angel Yamel Canchola Andres Jehu Chaires Cassandra Conde Ely Roberta Guerra Juanmanuel Ibarra Daniel Lopez Angela Esmeralda Perez Itzel Perez Jessica Jacqueline Araujo-Antonio Christopher Santiago Cruz Moran Dariela Davila Antonio Marcial Guerra Sergio Alejandro Hernandez Cinthya Alexandra Juarez Fernanda Medellin Limon Gustavo Alberto Ovalle Samuel Puente Andrea Quezada Asya Grace Robledo Rudy Rodriguez Juan Manuel Serrano Jesus Angel Torres Alexander Avila Juan Pablo Jimenez Allison Aide Medellin Aaron Aguirre

CONGRATULATIONS SAN BENITO IDEA RIVERVIEW! Hola, Hola, Unstoppable Rockets!

Everyone at IDEA Riverview is prideful and jubilant for every single one of you. You are a phenomenal group who have demonstrated tenacity, optimism and given us so much love.

We want you to know that we admire you for all your accomplishments and your golden heart. We know that you faced many challenges when you first arrived at IDEA Riverview. Despite all the challenges, you demonstrated that you are Unstoppable.

Always positive and ready to succeed in any adversity.

Your parents are so proud of you, and they did an excellent job raising you. We are sure that there is nothing that will stop you from achieving your goals in college and life. Now, it is time for you to leave Riverview, you are departing with the knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in college and beyond.

Sus padres deben estar muy orgullosos de Ustedes, al verlos convertidos en adultos y excelentes seres humanos. Seres humanos inteligentes, valientes y bondadosos. Gracias queridos padres por su apoyo incondicional. Ahora es el tiempo de partir para nuestros Rockets, tengan la seguridad de que ellos tienen el conocimiento y la experiencia necesaria para tener exito en la Universidad y mas alla.

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

Adriana Ramos Principal, IDEA Riverview College Preparatory

16 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

Jose Allen Ibarra Itzel Marie Leal Jennifer Lopez Ruiz Jose Enrique Lui Evelyn Maciel Olea Osvaldo Maranon Esteban Adrian Martinez Cruz Camila Martinez Emily Martinez Juan Manuel Martinez Jose Abraham Masso Jorge Eduardo Mayorga Pedro Hilario Medellin Mairany Medrano Moran Andres Medrano Emily Nazareth Mendieta Justin Edward Morales Camila Roberta Muñoz Gerardo Guadalupe Ortiz De Leon Sergio Pecina Camila Monserrat Perez Lopez Cruz Heriberto Perez Gabriel Perez Ingrid Camila Perez Kenny Lee Perez Angel Sebastian Pola Juan Antonio Quintero Isaac Emmanuel Ramirez Andrea Jackeline Ramos Ramiro Ramos Daniel Alexander Rivera Ana Paula Rodriguez Anette Rodriguez Julian Rodriguez Layla Briana Rodriguez Alexander Yahir Ruiz Sthefany Saenz Emiliano Soto-Ortega Jose Luis Torres Esquivel Barbara Montsserrat Torres Jose Abraham Torres Sharon Belegui Torres Ximena Michelle Treviño Victor Hugo Trujillo Tello Maria Guadalupe Urbina Juan Jose Vargas Adriana Camila Vazquez Keyla Nicole Zamarripa

LL

EGE

D

CO

CLASS OF 2024

Miranda Guadalupe Acevedo Eduardo Alberto Aguilar Hinojosa Andrea Alvarado Linzy Nicole Alvarado Yahindrichs Daniela Amaya Paulina Araiza Fajardo Samantha Zoe Baez Gracie Dennisse Barbosa Arnulfo Barcenas Maria Joaquina Campos Sergio Alejandro Cardenas Omar Castillo Aylin Cepeda Joel Adrian Cerda Ortiz Dania Danillele Chavez Fernanda Michelle Chavez Pamela Lizeth Chavez Alberto Cortez Lopez Hector Cruz Emiliano Davila Carlos Andres De La Garza Marco Antonio De los Reyes Nathan De Los Santos Luis Roberto Delgado Sergio Jose Dominguez Mariana Elizondo-Ortega Stephanie Fernanda Espino-Vasquez Anelly Espinosa Samantha Esquivel Deyna Sherlyn Fernandez Aaron Ferral Pamela Joleth Galvan Victoria Montserrat Galvan Melissa Gamez Kaylee Celeste Gaona Casas Lorena Abigail Garcia Sebastian Garcia Angela Kereny Garza Hector Josiel Garza Jimena Garza David Gomez Usuri Krystal Gonzalez Cruz Gerardo Grajales Luis Alonso Grande Diaz Kristopher Guevara Joshua Angel Gutierrez Xilyani Valeria Hernandes Gael Alexander Hernandez Jose Eduardo Hernandez Antonio Azael Hinojosa Derek Alexander Hinojosa-Menendez Daniel Alejandro Ibarra

BOUN

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA SAN BENITO! Dear IDEA San Benito Class of 2024, I am so proud of each of you, and I am honored to share this special moment with you. You surpassed expectations and finished strong. Today is a celebration of your accomplishments.

As an IDEA San Benito graduate, 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. As you join new college communities, remember the connections and positive relationships you forged at IDEA to help you build support systems with your peers and professors. When you are working to find solutions to your own obstacles and the problems facing our society, draw on the innovation and problem-solving strategies you learned here. At times when you feel stuck, rely on your growth mindset, to persevere and to never give up.

Lastly, be brave and take risks; so many new opportunities will come your way soon. Know your Dragon family is cheering you on and will always be here 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 College Preparatory San Benito

18 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

CLASS OF 2024

Teresa Guadalupe Aceves Irma Envangelina Aguilar Nayeli Alvarado Isabella Rae Alvarez Hugo Jesus Anaya Anthony Andrade Emma Nichole Arcos Carlos Angel Baltierrez Andrea Bermudez Escamilla Cole Hayden Blair Jack Marcellus Butler Karina Cadena Aldape Daniela Canales Flores Roel Armando Canales Isai Cantu Mendiola Andres Alejandro Cantu Adilene De La Cruz Grace Rebekah De Los Santos Gabriel Flandes Elizabeth Garcia De La Cruz Daniel Garcia-Sanchez Ivan Garza Amanda Lee Garzoria Cesar Norberto Gonzalez Ernesto Gonzalez Josh Antwan Gordillo Emily Anne Gutierrez Jasmin Ruby Gutierrez Jesus Gutierrez Kevin Gutierrez Dario Jehu Henriquez Martha Selena Hernandez Linan Bethsaida Hernandez Paredes Ethan Michael Hohnadel Angelina Kathleen Juarez Megan Chevelle Juarez Brianna Marie Leal Allison Limpias Denzel Rogelio Loera Brooklyn Evan Lopez Emir Luna

Audrey Neveah Maldonado Aiden Anthony Martinez Angel Martinez Brandon Alejandro Martinez Jennifer Rosalia Martinez Jose Angel Martinez Kayla Briseis Martinez Michael Anthony Martinez Ricardo Martinez Jorge Javier Martinez-Moises Jonah Vazquez Mireles Belia Alezandra Montez Whitney Patricia Morales Melanie Paola Moreno Ricardo Olivares Ariel Andres Ortegon Jennifer Jazmin Peña Aariana Jaeleen Perez Derek Emanuel Perez Jorge Alberto Perez Kylee Perez David Alexander Plata Maria Fernanda Puente Barrera Crispin Robert Ramirez Israel Ramirez Nazario Ramos Jana Rebecca Richmond Carlos Nain Rodriguez Danny Rojas Julissa Rojas Natalie Rubio Janet Salazar Victor Anthony Salinas Allison Rae Schussler Alejandra Tapia Camarillo Osbaldo Torres Ariel Torrez Irving Gilberto Vazquez Clarissa Marie Villa Brieanna Lily Zarate Mariana Ellise Zuvieta

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 19

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA SPORTS PARK! To the Stingray Class of 2024, I cannot begin to express the sadness I feel to know your high school career has come to an end. You started your freshman year during a time that will take a place in history, Covid. You have proven through matters we could not control to persevere and adapt to the changing world of education. Feels as of yesterday we welcomed you, our first freshman class, and now we are here today not to say goodbye but to say see you later.

Life teaches us lessons. Lessons we welcome and lessons that are hard to learn, yet the class of 2024 pulled together to create memories and traditions that will live with the Stingrays for years to come. I want you to remember your toolbox is filled and your pathways are set before you as you are moving towards your future. It will not be easy, but we are here. Forever Stingrays! Forever tuck in your shirt and Forever Rays Up! With Gratitude,

Rebecca Jeffries Principal, IDEA Sports Park College Preparatory

20 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

CLASS OF 2024

Itzel Alarcon Hernandez Alondra Amieva Ashley Andrade Jose Aranda Spencer Artiles Marisol Avendano Bryan Badillo Raudel Balcazar Lia Barreiro Emily Barron Joel Berlanga Victor Camacho Quiroz Sophia Camacho Cristopher Cardenas Yanez Jeniffer Castillo Daniela Castro Kassandra Cisneros Samantha Marie Cortinas Jorge Covarrubias Jose Cuellar Daniel Sebastian Del Fierro Luis Duran Carol Espinoza Arnulfo Flores Renato Flores Deisy Fuentes Prisma Fuentes Juan Galindo Abigail Galvan Alexander Garcia Rodriguez Joliesvy Garcia Krystal Garcia Maria-Natalia Garcia Santiago Garza Ricky Gomez Resendiz Janeth Guerrero Yamileth Guerrero Julieta Hernandez Valeria Hernandez Jose Hinojosa Katelynn Hinojosa Ruben Leija Ximena Lira Francisco Loyde Escobedo Carlos Lozano

Sendy Lozoya Sophia Maciel Robledo Christian Martinez Rodriguez Danneidy Martinez Enrique Martinez Julian Martinez Ayleen Mata Yunuem Mata Perla Itzel Mejia America Miranda Armando Navarro Eduardo Navarro Valeria Nuñez Kimberly Oropeza Leslie Orta Graco Palomo Ashlee Perez Roberto Portillo Angel Quintero Ossiris Ramirez Arredondo Cristian Ramirez Lexis Ramirez Ashley Ramirez-Casanova Ana Renteria Leslie Rodriguez Ortegon Eligio Rodriguez Jose Cecilio Rodriguez Jose Emiliano Rodriguez Jesus Saenz Jose Alberto Salas Flores Manuel Salazar Espinosa Humberto Salinas Brian Sanchez Hugo Serna-Elizondo Charlette Tello Leonardo Teran Ximena Tovar Andy Treviño Joel Treviño Alexander Trujillo Diego Vega Garcia Natalie Vega Martin Vela Vincent Vela Gerardo Velez

#CSD2024 22 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY