CSD IDEA Rio Grande Valley Program 4 2024

IDEA RIO GRANDE VALLEY Edinburg, Pharr, San Juan, Tres Lagos

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 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

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 EDINBURG! Dear Class of 2024, Today is College Signing Day, a celebration of hard work, dedication, and our shared mission: College For All! With immense pride, I witness this momentous occasion where each of you, through exceptional commitment and perseverance, has secured acceptance to a 4-year college or university. This achievement reflects your tireless efforts and unwavering determination.

But your accomplishments do not stop there. An astounding 82% of you have been accepted to Tier I/II universities, a testament to your academic excellence and ambition. Moreover, 30% of you are on track to attend these prestigious institutions, showcasing your dedication to continued growth and success.

I am also thrilled to announce that two of you have been named Dell Semi-finalist scholarship recipients, a remarkable honor that speaks volumes about your talent and potential. Additionally, four of you have chosen to serve our country by enlisting in the military, embodying the values of courage, selflessness, and service.

Your exceptional achievements have raised the standard at Edinburg College Prep, igniting the aspirations of future scholars.

This is just the beginning; countless opportunities lie ahead, and I’m confident you will continue to excel, transcending limits, shattering barriers, and leaving a profound mark on the world. Congratulations, Class of 2024 – your accomplishments fill us with pride! Soar higher than ever before!

Ramiro Gomez Jr, M.Ed. Principal, IDEA Edinburg College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2024

Kristian Aguirre Gabriela Alanis Sebastian Alvarez Charlene Andoh-Baidoo Gustavo Balderas Samantha Barajas Rebekah Barreiro Sophia Barrera Erandi Barrera Romero Andrea Barroso Michael Bazan Jocelyn Benavides Celia Bermudez Sirbruda Bright Dayanara Calderon Esteban Cardenas Joanna Carrion Yannet Carrion Bryan Castillo-Aquino Rolando De Leon Hector Delgado Andrew Estrada Arleth Fernandez Christopher Fernandez Janneth Fernandez Neyli Figueroa Kailee Flores Kayleigh Flores Arianna Garcia Diego Garcia Ian Garcia Natalie Garcia Cosme Garcia Molina Angie Garza Daniel Giles Alma Gonzalez Ambar Gonzalez Jonathan Gonzalez Nicholas Gonzalez Tristan Goodrum Juan Hernandez

Izaiah Juarez Alma Longoria Gricelda Lopez Emily Luna Kassandra Maldonado Alondra Martinez Carmen Martinez Desiree Martinez Estrella Mata Dante Matamoros Victoria Nuñez Abraham Oliva Kennedy Onwuzurike Gabrielle Ovalle Sasha Panola Braulio Perez David Perez Ilse Perez Lopez Verne Quenun Nahomy Rangel Jasiel Resendez Eliel Rivera-Reyes Aidan Rodriguez Anahli Rodriguez Stephanie Salinas-Zuniga Samantha Samano Inari Sanchez Joshua Sanchez Jasmine Seales Yelixa Silva Jennifer Smart Nuñez Luis Solis Marvin Tamez Keyla Tapia Rodriguez Zion Teran Nathan Torres-Rojas Sofia Vazquez Christopher Velasquez Armando Villarreal Victoria Villarreal

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA PHARR! Class of 2024!

Congratulations, graduates! Today marks the beginning of an incredible journey as you embark on your college experience.

I commend you all for reaching this significant milestone. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and you should feel immensely proud of yourselves.

As you transition to this new chapter in your lives, I want to express gratitude to all those who have supported you along the way. From your parents and friends to your teachers, counselors, coaches, mentors, and everyone else who played a role in your academic and personal development, we owe them a debt of gratitude for their unwavering support and love.

Class of 2024, your presence has enriched IDEA Pharr in countless ways. Your curiosity, passion, ambition, and extraordinary talents have left an indelible mark on our school, making it a better place for all who have had the privilege of knowing you.

Today, we celebrate not only your achievements but also the bright futures that lie ahead. Congratulations once again, and may you continue to strive for excellence in all your endeavors.

Your journey has just begun,

Sonia Aguilar Principal, IDEA Pharr College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2024

Regina Acosta Jose Eduardo Aguilar Ximena Alanis Camila Alvarez-Zavala Liliana Andrade Sofia Isabela Arevalo Martinez Sergio Barranco Juan Felipe Barrios Mireya Bazaldua Ximena Bermudez Lesli Camacho Adrian Cantu Andrew Cantu Daniel Cardenas Crystal Castañeda Yaneli Castellanos Yareli Castellanos Hanna Mahli Colunga Emily Jesabel Corona Jared Alejandro Cortez Hernandez Ximena Delgado Mayriel Diaz Aguilar Christian Miguel Duarte Elliotte Gamaliel Esparza Sofia Graciela Esquivel-Herrera Emely Alexa Estrada Gustavo Ivan Fernandez Humberto Flores Jacob Gael Garcia Sofia Italia Garcia Justin Thomas Garza Benjamin Isaac Gonzalez Katherin Gonzalez Jaime Gerardo Gonzalez-Cardenas Hector Gonzalez-Hernandez Jose Omar Guerrero-Lara Yatziry Nataly Guerrero-Lara Salvador Eli Gutierrez Leslie Valeria Hernandez Gonzalez Hannah Rebeca Hernandez Sandro Hernandez Ximena Julieta Hernandez Lynda Ruby Ledezma Rebecca Annett Lince Ximena Ling Uribe Luis Alejandro Lira-Perez Yahir Uriel Lopez Omar Alejandro Loredo Isaac Jair Luevano Nichole Renee Luna Stephany Denis Macias Juarez Grecia Sinai Mar Alejandro Martinez

Angelina Vanessa Martinez Hannia Yared Martinez Juan Raul Martinez Camila Medina Mya Azeneth Medina Nicole Alejandra Mendiola Javier Alejandro Mendo Brandon Ivan Mendoza Eduardo Luis Mendoza Ingrid Odaly Montelongo Hernandez Eric Montoya John Manuel Morin Mia Yulieth Munoz Izaguirre Jaden Jesse Ortiz Cesar Arturo Padron Hannah Sophia Palacios Milca Gabriela Palacios Juan Pablo Paz Alberto Emiliano Paz- Rodriguez Melanie Astrid Peña Echavarria Elsy Gissela Perez Erika Monserrat Perez Frida Perez Jesus Perez Pamela Stephany Perez Tonantzin Pastora Perez Maria Fernanda Pezino Valentina Ramirez Coronado Nahomi Jolett Ramirez Osmar Ramirez-Berrones Juan Pablo Reyes-Flores Pedro Ruben Rios-Alvarez Alberto Rodriguez Fernando Rodriguez Jared Rodriguez Alexa Camila Ruiz Isaac Rutiaga Yariela Anahy Rutiaga Tabatha Alejandra Segoviano Emily Michelle Segura-Mejia Anahi Soto Faith Marie Spencer Derek Edward Tovar Zavala Orlando Treviño-Guzman Noe Rodrigo Vera Azul Stefanie Villarreal Paulina Yitzel Villarreal Layla Yruegas Jordi Adrian Zamora Fernanda Zapata Evelyn Edit Zenteno Delia Melissa Zepeda

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. 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 2024 is particularly impactful as you are the first to welcome me to this campus. I clearly recall standing in the middle of the cafeteria in March of 2022, and after my introduction, you called me to your table to ask about my life and why I wanted to be a part of this school. You were friendly, sincere, and open. Your character has stood out many times since that day. You will leave a deep mark here; one of resilience, grit, determination, and spirit.

As you take this first step, 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.

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

With true admiration,

Mariela Gaona Principal, IDEA College Preparatory San Juan

CLASS OF 2024

Michael Abrego Oscar Aguilar Dalton Aguirre Aldo Alejandro Pedro Alvarez Maia Aranda Monica Barrientos-Bautista Aaron Barriga Judith Cano Itzel Cantu-Rodriguez Adrian Carpio Cristian Carranco Cassandra Carreon Karla Castro Martinez Isabella Coronado Juan Cortez Kevin De La Cruz Haley De La Rosa Martin Duran Isaias Escalante Ulises Escalante Angela Flores Sanchez Stephania Flores Lucia Garcia Dayanna Gomez Mia Gomez Andres Gonzalez Padron Jorge Gonzalez Padron Joseph Gonzalez Julio Gonzalez Leobardo Gonzalez Angel Guzman Emily Guzman Alexander Hernandez Michael Hernandez Angel Herrera Jasmine Huerta Gonzalez Maria Ibarra Karen Izaguirre Ana Lopez Sanchez Gabriela Lopez Javier Lopez Matthew Lopez

Joaquin Lopez-Gomez Axel Martinez Lesly Martinez Ximena Martinez Alexander Medrano Daniel Melchor Ricardo Morales Andrew Morin Anthony Ortega Xavier Ortega Daisy Ovalle Natalia Padilla Jonathan Parra Emily Perez Paulina Perez Roy Piña Luis Piñeda-Horta Yanneli Pons Eduardo Ramirez Jaime Reyes Alex Rios Gerardo Robles Carmen Rodriguez David Rodriguez Diego Rodriguez Brandon Rodriguez-Rivera Kenya Ruiz Ernesto Salinas Hector Salinas Liliana Salinas-Lopez Francisco Sanchez Jose Sandoval Bryan Santiago Laura Sepulveda-Benavides Ivan Serrato Hilbert Silva Mia Soto Aguilar Misael Talavera Isabella Vazquez Valdez Joel Villarreal Irving Zapata Delilah Zepeda Julian Zuniga

CONGRATULATIONS IDEA TRES LAGOS! Dear Mighty Lobos, Today is a meaningful day that you and your families have eagerly anticipated for years. as you stand here today, it’s a joy to witness the fruits of your labor, your hard work, and dedication. I am genuinely thankful to each one of you for the impact you’ve had on my life in my first year as principal at Tres Lagos College Prep. With this said, you, this first graduating class of Tres Lagos College Prep will always hold a special place in my heart.

As you embark on this journey to celebrate your accomplishments, take a moment to reflect on the path. Reflect on all the work you put in day after day that led you here. Reflect on the lesson learned, and on your resiliency. Mighty Lobos, remember that you have the power to reach your goals and your dreams. Today is a great example of this, never forget that.

We sincerely believe in each of you. We see the light within you, and we are confident that you will be a source of light, positively impacting the world around you.

Congratulations, Lobos, Class of 2024! Remember that we howl 100% Everyday, as a pack and family...

Your Proud Principal,

Maria Vargas Principal, IDEA Tres Lagos College Preparatory

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CLASS OF 2024

Belinda Taily Barraza Abelardo Calderon Angel Cedillo-Perez Emanuel Corral Lopez Mayrany De Leon Joshua Del Angel Justin Devino Jahanna Renee Florent Jimena Flores Villegas Victoria Arlene Fox Hector Garcia Erick Garza Evelyn Alaina Gloria Adriel Gonzalez Alberto Aaron Gonzalez Ariday Guerra Miah Guerrero Sherlyn Monserrat Guerrero Karyna Hernandez Robert Antonio Hutton Sebastian Ibarra Anabel Jimenez Jose Alberto Martinez Trejo Karina Guadalupe Martinez Kassandra Zaide Martinez Juan Mendoza Adriana Meza-Miranda

Alisson Moreno Pedraza Pascual Nava Cailyn Nelson Alyssa Ariel Nuñez Rodrigo Nuñez Nicole Ortega Sofia Ortiz-Villegas Joshua Oteka Nicole Pinzon Gilberto Ramon Alexa Raudales Bianca Reyes Cristian Jonathan Reyes Miguel Reyna Bryan Rojas Anthony Saenz Evelyn Salazar Giovanni Saldana David Santes Madelin Yednali Silva Alexandra Solis Yahir Vargas Soren Vela Brianna Villalobos Alberto Giovanni Zavala Alonso Damian Rendon Vasquez Elisa Rodriguez

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