IDEA AUSTIN
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022
10:30 AM • PALMER EVENTS CENTER 900 BARTON SPRINGS RD, AUSTIN, TX 78704
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 who 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. For families at IDEA, no event represents every family’s hopes and dreams more than College Signing Day; from tearful speeches to the roar of the crowd as each student joyfully proclaims where they will attend college this fall. 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 Address from Executive Director Principal Remarks Senior Reveals Scholarship Presentations Closing
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CEO LETTER FROM THE
Dear IDEA Seniors, Families and Friends,
Estimados Alumnos de Ultimo Año, Familias y Amigos de IDEA,
Welcome to College Signing Day!
¡Bienvenidos a College Signing Day!
We are so very excited to have you join us to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our High School Seniors!
¡Estamos muy entusiasmados de que se unan con nosotros para celebrar los extraordinarios logros de nuestros estudiantes de Ultimo Año de Preparatoria!
Twenty-two years ago, IDEA Public Schools promised our first students and their families, “You will go to college.” Sixteen years ago, we saw our first high school seniors all accepted to college. We made the same commitment to this year’s senior class whether they enrolled at IDEA first in pre-Kindergarten or joined us in high school. “College for All” is the purpose of IDEA and the north star that guides our Team & Family. Today, we will get to share in the joy, pride, anticipation and, yes, the relief of our 12th graders as they announce where they will be continuing their journey toward a college diploma. For many, this is the first time anyone in their family has ever made such an announcement. We celebrate those first-generation students who will open a new chapter of success by embarking on their college path. In all, this year 496 different colleges and universities across the United States and beyond have said to IDEA’s 1,810 graduating seniors, “We want you to join us.” That’s 8,815 acceptance letters, or an average of five college acceptances per student. Many offers came with scholarships and grants, totaling millions of dollars across the class. Each acceptance is validation of the student’s talent, hard work, and determination, the skill and partnership of IDEA’s teachers, principals, counselors, and staff, and the support of IDEA parents and families. I hope you will help me in celebrating not only your success but a round of thanks and deep gratitude to the 10,000+ IDEA’s teachers, principals, counselors and staff. In closing, all our success today would not be possible without the love and support of IDEA parents and families. You all make us stronger! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2022 ON YOUR COLLEGE CHOICES! Let’s get loud and proud for all you have done!!! In your service, Collin Sewell Acting CEO & Superintendent
Hace veintidós años, IDEA Public Schools hizo una promesa a nuestros primeros estudiantes y sus familias: “Irán a la universidad”. Hace dieciséis años, vimos a nuestros primeros estudiantes de último año de preparatoria aceptados en la universidad. Hicimos el mismo compromiso con la clase de último año de este año, ya sea que se inscribieran en IDEA en pre-Kínder o se unieran a nosotros en la escuela preparatoria. “Universidad para Todos” es el propósito de IDEA y nuestra mejor guía para nuestro Equipo y Familia. Hoy, podremos compartir la alegría, el orgullo, la anticipación y sí, la liberación de nuestros estudiantes de 12º grado mientras anuncia dónde continuarán su viaje hacia un diploma universitario. Para muchos, esta es la primera vez que alguien en su familia ha hecho un anuncio de este tipo. Celebramos a aquellos estudiantes de primera generación que abrirán un nuevo capítulo de éxito al embarcarse en su camino universitario. En total, este año, 496 diferentes colegios y universidades en los Estados Unidos y más allá han dicho a los 1,810 estudiantes de último año que se gradúan de IDEA: “Queremos que se unan a nosotros”. Eso es 8,815 cartas de aceptación o un promedio de cinco aceptaciones universitarias por estudiante. Muchas ofertas vinieron con becas y contribuciones, totalizando millones de dólares en toda la clase. Cada aceptación es la validación del talento, el arduo trabajo y la determinación del estudiante, la habilidad y la asociación de los maestros, directores, consejeros y personal de IDEA y el gran apoyo de los padres y las familias de IDEA. Espero que me ayuden a celebrar no solo su éxito, sino también una ronda de agradecimiento y profunda gratitud a los más de 10,000 maestros, directores, consejeros y personal de IDEA. Para terminar, todo nuestro éxito hoy no sería posible sin el amor y el apoyo de los padres y las familias de IDEA. ¡Todos ustedes nos hacen más fuertes! ¡FELICITACIONES A LA CLASE DE 2022 POR SUS ELECCIONES UNIVERSITARIAS! ¡¡¡Hagamos ruido y sintámonos orgullosos por todo lo que han hecho!!! Siempre a su servicio, Collin Sewell Acting CEO & Superintendent
COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 3
IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LEADERSHIP
COLLIN SEWELL
ACTING CEO & SUPERINTENDENT
DOLORES GONZALEZ CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER
PHILLIP GARZA CHIEF COLLEGE OFFICER
MARTIN WINCHESTER CHIEF HUMAN ASSETS OFFICER
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SAM GOESSLING
CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER
LEANNE HERNANDEZ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
LAYNE FISHER
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
CODY GRINDLE
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
CANDICE BURNS
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
JESSICA HESS
CHIEF COMPLIANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
ERNESTO CANTU, Ed.D AREA SUPERINTENDENT
ANDREA FERNANDEZ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Collin Sewell, Chair Ed Rivera, Treasurer Ryan Vaughan, Secretary Reba Cardenas McNair David Earl Erich Holmsten
Xenia Garza Dr. Saam Zarrabi Michael Adams Gary Lindgren Ovidio Vitas
REGIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AUSTIN
Yolanda Davila Alexis George Rex Gore Erin Hall Barbara Knaggs
Lindsay Neuren Dr. Richard J. Reddick Lizzette Reynolds Larkin Tackett
IN MEMORIAM
AL LOPEZ COLLEGE SIGNING DAY | 5
CONGRATULATIONS IDEA MONTOPOLIS CLASS OF 2022 Dearest IDEA Montopolis Class of 2022, Take it from someone who has lived long enough to know: days like today don’t happen all the time. Today is your day to celebrate, your day to enjoy, your day to reflect upon how far you’ve come! Today, you announce your college choice. As a class, you’ve already received hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships. You’ve been accepted into some of the best institutions: Bucknell University, Muhlenberg College, Trinity College, University of Rochester, Kalamazoo College, Boston University, George Washington University, The University of Texas at Austin, and Beloit College, to name a few. Let’s not forget we had not one, but two seniors accepted to Cornell University, the first time we’ve had an Ivy League acceptance. In just a few short years, you will be alumni of these great universities, primed to be the next generation of leaders. Throughout the last seven years, I have had the privilege of watching you all grow into the young adults you are today. There have also been teachers, coaches, staff members, family members, and countless others who have helped get you here. Don’t forget to take some time and thank the people who have helped shape your future. Additionally, one of the best ways to thank us is to come back and help the next generation take this big step. Our younger students can learn so much from you; make sure you answer when we call. Today, we celebrate you and everything you’ve done to get to this amazing moment. All the best Bulldogs, #montopontop
Cristopher Rubio Principal, IDEA Montopolis College Preparatory
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS $35K We Deliver Results
$10K We Sweat the Small Stuff
$5K We Bring Joy
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THANKS TO OUR COLLEGE PARTNERS
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CONGRATULATIONS IDEA RUNDBERG CLASS OF 2022 Dear IDEA Rundberg College Prep Class of 2022, Congratulations! Today, we celebrate your incredible accomplishments and the exciting next steps on the road to and through college. There will never be another 2022. You are trailblazers and have set the standard for all other senior classes at IDEA Rundberg. I am grateful that you trusted in our promises to you and your families. Thank you for spending these seven years with me and proving what is possible. You are an amazing group of young adults, and I will always cherish being your principal. I cannot wait to hear about the places you will go. Today is your day. We must also acknowledge the people in your lives who helped get you here. Let your family, friends, and teachers know that you appreciate their support. This has been a team effort, and I want to say thank you to every family member who made this possible for our seniors. Ok, 2022. We are not done yet. There is still work to do and a lot of memories to make. But for today, take the time to celebrate. Take it in, smile, and enjoy your accomplishments. You deserve it. Congratulations and Go Rattlers! SSSSssssss Taylor Nichols and Meggie Summers Principals, IDEA Rundberg College Preparatory
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#CSD2022 #IAMIDEA 12 | COLLEGE SIGNING DAY