Mission CISD Graduation Edition
Recognizing Excellence In Education
CAMPUS
Class of 2018
CHRONICLE
PROGRESS TIMES
SECTION B
MAY 18, 2018
MHS Top Three make moves toward Aerospace Engineering and Kinesiology
Mission High School valedictorian, Alyssa Mireya Garza, is the daughter of Francisco Garza and Sonia Luna. Garza plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering. She says her dream job would be the flight director position at NASA, or a similar position with Space X. Before heading for Austin this fall, Garza says her summer will likely include college orientation, a summer job, and packing for the move to school. Garza says she is looking forward to meeting new friends, working with the Women’s Engineering Department at UT, study abroad
opportunities and football games. When she does leave for college, Garza says she knows she will miss her brother and sister the most. In addition to her studies, her senior year has included academic UIL competitions in several areas such as FTC robotics, SeaPerch robotics, Masterminds and National Honor Society. Her advice for next year’s seniors: to enjoy their senior year because it flies by very quickly, and to apply for lots of scholarships. This year’s Mission High School salutatorian is Alejandro Daniel Martinez. He is the son of Hilario and Ro-
See MHS TOP THREE Pg. 9B
Alejandro Martinez
Kenya Salinas
Valedictorian
Salutatorian
3rd Ranking Student
VMHS Top three graduates heading towards science fields
Nyla Danae Vela Valedictorian
Alyssa Garza
Roberto Barroso II Salutatorian
Emily Lynn Salinas 3rd Ranking Student
The 2018 Veterans Memorial High School valedictorian, Nyla Danae Vela, is the daughter of Jorge and Veronica Vela. She plans to attend Rice University and study Neuroscience. Vela says she hope to become a neurologist and also conduct research. Her senior year has been an active one and has included: cross country, track and field, HOSA, Destination Imagination and National Honor Society. When asked about what she is looking forward to the most about college, Vela says, “all of it.” She says she is excited by the adventure of it all. When she heads to Houston in the fall, Vela says she
knows she will really miss her dog and the food of the Rio Grande Valley. Her advice for next year’s seniors is to not take life too seriously and to make sure they don’t forget to have some fun along the way. This year’s Veterans Memorial salutatorian is Roberto Barroso II. Roberto is the son of Roberto and Maria Isabel Barroso. He plans to attend Texas A&M College Station and major in Biology with an eye toward their pre-dental programs. Barroso says he plans to become a dentist. Roberto’s senior year activities have included: serving as a senior
See VMHS TOP THREE Pg. 4B
MCHS Top Three aim for diverse career paths
Mission Collegiate High School valedictorian, Harry Siegel, is the son of Ray and Ludy Siegel. Siegel plans to attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley this fall, and will pursue a mechanical engineering degree. He hopes to one day work in the bio-pharmaceutical industry and start his own business after he has obtained his master’s degree. The one aspect of college that he looks forward to the most is its academic atmosphere, doing the research that is behind the learning. Siegel hopes to work and collaborate with people that are passionate about discovering new things through
trial and error and/or experimentation. When he goes off to college Siegel will miss the one on one he has with his teachers. He has been involved in various academic competitions and organizations such as Science Bowl, Science UIL, Masterminds, and Maker Space Club, and National Honor Society. The words of advice Siegel leaves for next year’s seniors: It’s not over yet, tough it out one more year and it will all be good. The Mission Collegiate High School salutatorian, Chelsie Michelle Barrientos, is the daughter of Hector Barrientos and Irma Yolanda
The Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) Board of Trustees hosted its annual Mission Academic Excellence Awards Banquet March 22. This banquet and award honors the top five percent of the senior classes from Mission Collegiate High School, Mission High School, and Veterans Memorial High School. Each student is recognized individually by the members of the Board of Trustees. In addition to honoring the top seniors, each student honoree invites an educator who has been important in their lives to honor as well. The Mission Academic Excellence Award recipients from Mission Collegiate High School are: Chelsie Michelle Barrientos, Jahaira Gallardo Espinoza, Adriana
Gonzalez, Harry Evan Siegel, Xitlaly E Villanueva. The Mission Academic Excellence Award recipients from Mission High School are: Anyssa Nichole Aguilar, Julissa Arianna Alvarez,
See MCHS TOP THREE Pg. 11B
Harry E. Siegel
Chelsie M. Barrientos
Xitalaly E. Villanueva
Valedictorian
Salutatorian
3rd Ranking Student
Mission CISD honors the top students in the class of 2018 Maximo Briones Jr., Elizabeth Bustillos, Brayan Jesus Canchola, Victor Manuel Cano, Enrique Cantu, Ruben Arturo Cantu, Sebastian Carrillo, Natalie Deleon, Xavian Andres Flores, Jas-
mine Laney Gamino, Gabriela Garcia, Samantha Garcia, Alyssa Mireya Garza, Clarissa Janelle Garza, Alejandro Daniel Martinez, Perla Janette Perez, Maria Vanessa Pruneda, Kristian Gabriela
Reyna, Candace Grace Rodriguez, Jose Guadalupe Salinas, Kenya Karina Salinas, Alyssa Sanchez. The Mission Academic Excellence Award recipients from Veterans Memorial
Pictured are the 2018 Mission Academic Excellence Award recipients after receiving the awards.
High School are: Roberto Barroso, Amelia Beatriz Medina Blanco, Brandon Alfonso Casares, Jose Damian Chavez, Bethany Alice Duke, Alexandra Gail Galvez, Matthew Francisco Garcia-Perez, Alek Manuel Garza, Anthony Ray Gonzalez, Emily Ann Guerra, Karyna Alis Lozano, David James Magallan, Luz Maria Martinez-Alanis, Maia Olivia Mendoza, Rebecca Yemima Muñiz, Caryssa Marie Ozuna, Daniella Pena, Mark Rios, Marissa Anahi Rodriguez, Emily Salinas, Jaime Romeo Sanchez, Marc Anthony Tijerina, Nyla Vela. The guest speaker for the event was Victoria Rojas. She is a 2008 Mission High School graduate and recipient of this award. Rojas is currently a teacher at Mission High School.
Karyna Alis Lozano Top Ten Student
Daniella Peña Top Ten Student
Jaime Romeo Sanchez Top Ten Student
Maia Olivia Mendoza Top Ten Student
Brandon Alfonso Casares Top Ten Student
Roberto Barroso II Salutatorian
Briones-Cortez, Alan Ismael Bustillos, Marco Armario Cabrera Jr., Rene Cabrera, Gerardo Cabrera, Vanessa Cadena, Arnarldo Joseph Cadena, John Patrick Canelo, Mariana Guadalupe Canizalez, Jocelyn Aimee Cano Jr., Abel Cantu, Arturo Cantu, Karla Itzell Cantu, Rebekah Michelle Cantu, Rodolfo Cantu, Victoria Cardenas Jr., Rogelio Carr, Justin Robert Casares, Brandon Alfonso Casares, D’Angelo Deville Casas, Desiree Nikole Casas, Roxana Casiano, Cristina Casiano, Evelyn Adamari Castanon, Galilea Castillo, Felichia Allessandrini Castillo, Karla Nicole Castillo, Kayla Castorena, Jacquelyn Castrejon Jr., Ricardo Castro, Kaelum Cavazos, Fey Yamille Cavazos, Michael Alexander Cavazos, Natalie Michelle Ceballos, Kayla Marie Cedillo, Stephanie Cerda Jr., Eduardo Cespedes, Denise Chapa, Christina Lyzette Chavez-Hernandez, Evelyn Estela Chavez, Jo Anthony Ivan Chavez, Jose Damian Cisneros, Emily Colunga, Leanna Lizett Contreras, Iliana Marie Cordova, Joshua Hernan Correa, Ana Karen Cuevas, Janae Maree
Davila Ramos, Raul De La Cruz, Ileana Zuleika De La Garza, Deborah De La Garza, Sean Elias De Leon, Alexandro Alberto De Leon, Dariana Manuela De Leon, Julio Jairo Dehoyos, David Alan Del Angel, Abigail Del Angel, Oscar Brayan Diaz Alonso, Maria Fernanda Diaz, Lucielle Marie Dominguez, Leonel Duke, Bethany Alice Duran, Priscilla Marie Echavarria, Chennya Berdine Elizondo Jr., Ernesto Escalante, Myrka Escalona, Michael Alexis Espinoza-De La Garza Jr., Luis Leonardo Espinoza, Adrian Ciro Espinoza, Jasmine Raquel Espinoza, Thalia Monique Esquivel, Cesar Andres Farias, Klarissa Rae Fernandez, Aaron Rey Flores Jr., Carlos David Flores Jr., Sergio Alberto Flores, Eric Hector Flores, Iris Flores, Joanna Lauran Flores, Lorenzo Saul Flores, Marco Antonio Flores, Mary Ann Flores, Nicole Lisseth Flores, Stephen Matthew Flores, Valerie Nicole Franco, Karla Friend, Anabel Lee Fuentes III, Juan Manuel Gallardo, Gabriela Alysa Gallardo, Marlise Guadalupe Gallegos, Maximino Galvan Jr., Marcos Galvez, Alexandra Gail
Dipus Gamez, Jasmine Nichole Gaona, Jacqueline Kaylee Garcia Castillo, Mariana Garcia Garcia, Ana Cristina Garcia-Perez, Matthew Francisco Garcia Ramos, Lizeth Alejandra Garcia, Aurelia Elyssa Garcia, Bryan Zed Garcia, Daniel Garcia, Destanie Garcia, Fabian Cinquey Garcia, Jaqueline Elen Garcia, Jose Orencio Garcia, Kayli Mary Garcia, Melanie Moraih Kelly Garcia Jr., Osvaldo Garcia, Priscilla Marie Garcia, Regina Marie Garcia, Selena Garcia, Serena Ezmeralda Garcia, Sergio Faustino Garren, Alexis Janelle Garza Jr., Aaron Garza Rubio, Lady Margarita Garza, Alek Manuel Garza, Briana Lynn Garza, Brianna Noemi Garza, Dariana Lizbeth Garza, Jay Tyler Garza, Michael Ray Garza, Nadine Marie Garza, Stefani Christine Giglio, Silvia Alessia Ginez, Jorge Antonio Godinez, Michael Allen Gomez, Damien Sebastian Gomez, Daniela Alejandra Gomez, Isaac Ivan Gomez, Jessel Desiree Gomez, Samantha Nicole Gonzales, Clarissa Andrea Gonzalez Galan, Perla Judith Gonzalez Jr., Jesus Gonzalez, Alexander Gonzalez, Angel Nicolas Gonzalez, Anthony Ray Gonzalez, Genesis Marie Gonzalez, Josue Israel Gonzalez, Julio Ernesto Gonzalez, Kayla Hope González, Valeria Gonzalez, Victoria Ashlin Grimaldo IV, Giovanni Avelino Grissom, Christian Elliott Guerra, Emily Ann Guerra, Laura Linda Guerra, Marlinda Guerrero Jr., Rafael Guerrero, Juan Rolando Guerrero, Onesimo Viviano Guerrero, Servando Guerrero, Yamileht Gutierrez, Jordy Gutierrez III, Juan Arturo Gutierrez, Mario Humberto Herevia, Paola Gissele Hernandez, Esteban Hernandez, Homero I Hernandez, Jesse Hernandez, Juan Antonio Hernandez, Lauren Elizabeth Hernandez, Markus Anthony Hernandez, Rebecca Hernandez, Stephanie Esmeralda Hernandez, Victoria Lauren Hinojosa, Brittany Jessel Hinojosa, Crystal Hinojosa, Jose Juan Hoyuela III, Jose Luis Hoyuela, Amber Nicole Huerta, Josefina Ibarra Jr., Alfredo Ibarra, Elias Iracheta, Andrew Leeroy Jimenez, Dianey Juarez Jr., Apolinar Juarez, Natalia Keller, Kerry Scott Leal, Carlos Leal-Herrera, Emmanuel Leal-Herrera, Oscar Ledezma, Guadalupe Leger, Stephanie Madelyne Leyva, Oscar Alejandro Lira-Mora, Samantha Giselle Llamas, Ricardo Llamas-Delgado, Sebastian Llanas, Ricardo Daniel Lopez Cortes, Angel Eduardo Lopez Rivera, Aneel Alejandra Lopez, Anahi Lopez, Andres Gabriel Lopez, Kayla Renee Lopez, Rochelle Renee Loya, Alexi Lozano, Karyna Alis Lozoya, Stephanie Luna Gonzalez, Odetth Guadalupe Luna, Alison Janine Luna, Aylin Noemy Luna, Brianna Marie Luna, Cynthia Carmen Madrigal, Karen Janelle Magallan, David James Magallanes III, Jose Maria Maldonado, Alethea Desiray Maldonado, Rey Christian Martinez Jr., Abram Martinez, Abram Martinez, Brandon Lee Martinez, Jacob Javier Martinez, Jaqueline Yanelli Martinez, Jazlyn Karime Martinez, Naylha Martinez, Priscilla Lee Martinez-Alanis, Luz Maria Mata Jr., Ricardo Medina Blanco, Amelia Beatriz Medina, Leonardo Damian Medrano, Jasmine Mena, Daniela Alexandra Mendez Elizalde, Aniela Eunice Mendez, Averie Alexandra Mendoza, Jacqueline Abigail Mendoza, Maia Olivia Mercado, Sebastian Mercado, Selee Meza Cantu, Lizbeth Yesenia Meza, Francisco Aaron Miller, Erika Nicole Molano, Joel Edward Monroy Jr., Alberto Mora, Johan Alfredo Moreno, Paula Renee Moreno, Victoria Athena Morin Duarte, Isaac Eduardo Morua, Adamaris Moscosa, Fernando Salvador Moya, Valerie Muñiz, Rebecca Yemima Muñoz Garza, Adrian Muñoz, Dante Isidro Noyola, Christian Eric Noyola, Julian Aaron Ochoa, Ricardo Estevan Ochoa-Zamora Jr., Gerardo Olivarez, Aniceto Olivo, Salma Michelle Orrego, Brandon Lee Ortega, Monica Lynn Ortiz, Galilea Ozuna Sarabia, Lesbia Esmeralda Ozuna, Caryssa Marie Ozuna, Christian Padilla, Adrian Miguel Palacios, Giselle Arely Pedroza Gonzalez, Natalia Michel Peña Salinas Jr., Jose Alfredo Peña Treviño, Juan Eduardo Peña, Daniella Peña, Ivan Alexander Peralez, Matthew Eric Perez Gonzalez, Emily Christine Perez, Jonah Perez, Lisa Beatriz Pesina Montalvo, Sandra Belen Pino-Duran, Kassandra Pinon III, Rodolfo Manuel Pomarez, Oziel Ponce De Leon, Josephine Kassandra Ponce De Leon, Sophia Ponce, Mikhail Aramis Prukop, Corbin Chain Atom Puente, Marietza Rianah Puente Guerrero, Ricardo Emmanuel Puon Ruiz, Fernando
Quintanilla Perez, Daniel Eduardo Quintanilla, Carlos Julian Quintanilla, Mark Anthony Quintero, Kassandra Quintero, Samantha Abigail Ramirez III, Reymundo Ramirez Jr., Rolando Ramirez Molina, Alexa Ramirez, Alyssa Janelle Ramirez, Kaitlyn Renae Ramirez, Valerie Lynn Ramon, Jazmine Ramos, David Ramos, David Josiah Ramos, Isaias Rangel Jr., Alex Rangel Picena, Salvador Raudales, Diego Armando Raudy, Bethany Raudy, Stephanie Razo, Alessandra Brianna Rendon, Nicole Jacqueline Resendez, Laura Lizbeth Reyes Moreno, Valeria Reyes, Andres Guadalupe Reyes, Emmanuel Reyes, Jocelyne Reyes, Samantha Lee Reyna, Joanna Nicole Reyna-Parra, Nadia Elisandra Riley, Nicholas Scott Rios, Alejandro Rios, Jacqueline Anahi Rios, Jose Rios, Mark Rivas, Edgar Olmec Rivas, Sebastian Rivera Jr., Gilberto Rivera Jr., Roel Mario Rivera, Jaqueline Rivera, Shaney Rivera, Victoria Rocha Escobedo, Diego De Jesus Rocha Escobedo, Jesus Rocha Jr., Rolando Rocha, Jonas Eliseo Rodriguez De Leon, Annete Michelle
Rodriguez Garcia, Marcela Dariany Rodriguez Rodriguez, Jose Angel Rodriguez, Agustin Rodriguez, Angel Matthew Rodriguez, Ashley Aliyah Rodriguez, Brisa Jannel Rodriguez, Donavan David Rodriguez, Ethan Xavier Rodriguez, Karla Gisela Rodriguez, Marissa Anahi Rodriguez, Micael Angel Rodriguez, Nayeli Rodriguez, Rebecca Rojas, Melanie Rosales Jr., Juan Pablo Rosales, Alejandro Rosales, Itati Valeria Rosales, Natalia Guadalupe Rubalcava, Crystal Rubio, Kevin Ruvalcaba Martinez, Gabriel Saenz, Carlos Daniel Saenz, Julissa Nicole Saenz, Sheila Isabella Saenz, Victoria Angelina Salazar, Alexandra Lee Salazar, Carlos Adrian Saldivar, Stephanie Marie Salinas III, Jose Armando Salinas Jr., Jorge Luis Salinas-Lopez, Aylin Roxann Salinas, Eleazar Salinas, Emily Lynn Salinas, Rebecca Sofia Salinas, Yailyn Sanchez Jr., Erick Sanchez-Fernandez, Joel Sanchez Ordoñez, Alfonso Sanchez, Bryan Alexander Sanchez, Jaime Romeo Sanchez, Marc Anthony Sanchez, Mia Sonya Sanchez, Sean Benjamin Sandoval, Valerie Ariana Sarinana, Christian Clay Schemel, Tania Rebeca Sepulveda III, Baldo Sierra, Victor Manuel
Sifuentes, Chelsea Silva Rosales, Karla Moncerrat Simbron Martinez, Cristo Daniel Solis, Dominique Marie Spencer, Marty Lee Tello, Edgar Daniel Tello, Rebecca Raquel Tharp, Lyric Kristine Tijerina, Alberto Tijerina, Marc Anthony Torres, Jr., Rodrigo Torres, Jose Luis Torres, Julianna Azaneth Treviño Jr., Ruben G Treviño Rubio, Vanessa Treviño, Ileen Treviño, Jose David Treviño, Jose Fernando Treviño, Nadia Naray Trujillo, Yadira Uhling Jr., Isaac Job Uribe, Dreven Alexis Urive, Sarah Iris Valdez, Evan Hunter Valdovinos-Torres, Jeffrey Vargas, David Vargas, Jazmine Vargas, Joel Vasquez, Rebecca Renee Vega, Analiza Vela Jr., Mauricio Vela, Alan Props Vela, Kayli Vela, Nyla Danae Vela Jr., Rodolfo Vento, Alyssa Lizbeth Villanueva, Francisca Stephani Villarreal, Jacqueline Miranda Villarreal, Serina Villarreal, Tabatha Lee Vivieros, Angelica De La Luz Yanez, Gabriel Alexander Zamarripa Jr., Felix Zamora, Matthew Anthony Zapata, Marin Alejandro Zapata-Aguirre, Monica Alicia Zarate, Jonathan Eduardo Zenteno Jaramillo, Carlos Aaron
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Alexandra Gail Dipus Galvez Top Ten Student
Bethany Alice Duke Top Ten Student
Emily Lynn Salinas Third Ranking
Nyla Danae Vela Valedictorian
Abrego Hernandez, Ariel Fabian Abrego, Antonio Joel Acevedo, Daniel Ethan Acosta, Josue Ismail Adame Garza, Joseline Adame, Jesus Angel Adame, Valerie Lizeth Aguilar Mejia, Alvaro Aguilar, Alejandra Eunice Aguilar, Jaime Aguirre, Daniel Alanis, Mark Anthony Alfaro, Eduardo Almaguer, Alexis Guadalupe Alonso, Juan Daniel Alvarado II, Jose Leonardo Alvarez Reyes, Juan Jose Andaverde, Xavier Rae Andrade, Jonatan Allan Anguiano, Priscilla Anzaldua, Alexandra Anzaldua, Andrew Mauro Anzaldua, Victor Orlando Arevalo, Brandon Alexis Arevalo, Ruby Avila, America Avila, Cesar Augustus Azua, Valeria Belen Balan, Bryann Balderas-Solis, Jose Francisco Balderas, Jacqueline Balderas, Valeria Barrera, Adam Jakob Barrera, Eliud Liam Barron, Heber Abimael Barroso II, Roberto Batres, Javier Arnulfo Bazan, Arasally Francis Bearty, Helene Marie Becerra Lopez, Carlos David Becerra, Jorge Alberto Becerra, Lluvia Fanely Berlanga, Carmen G Bermudez, Edgar Bocanegra, Joao Fernando Borrego, Isaac Botello Jr., Juan Antonio
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Veterans Memorial High School Commencement Ceremony
The Veterans Memorial High School graduating class of 201 will get their diplomas on May 31, at the McAllen Convention Center. The commencement ceremony will officially begin at 2:00 p.m. The seniors will enter with the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.” The VMHS JROTC will do the presentation of colors. Daniella Pena will lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Senior Varsity Choir will sing the national anthem. Brandon Alfonso Casares will provide an invocation, followed by the official welcome by Emily Lynn Salinas. VMHS principal, Fidel Garza Jr. will introduce special guests in attendance. There will be three addresses during the program. The first will be by Cris Val-
Fidel Garza VMHS Principal
dez, interim superintendent of schools. Roberto Barroso II will give the salutatory address, followed by the valedictory address by Nyla Danae Vela. Interim Superintendent Cris Valdez will provide the
official certification of graduates, after which, the Mission CISD Board of Trustees will award the diplomas to the members of the class of 2018. Bethany Alice Duke will provide a benediction. The senior song selection “No Day But Today,” by Roger Emerson, will be performed by Valeria Belen Azua, Cristina Casiano, Fey Yamille Cavazos, Iris Flores, Samantha Giselle Lira-Mora, Selee Mercado, Julian Aaron Noyola, Caryssa Marie Ozuna, Ashley Aliyah Rodriguez, Aylin Roxann Salinas-Lopez and Monica Alicia Zapata-Aguirre. Selee Mercado will lead the tassel ceremony. The graduates will depart to “War March of the Priest.”
Dearest Mission CISD Class of 2018:
On behalf of the Board of Education and the more than 2,000 employees in the Mission Consolidated Independent School District, “Congratulations!” on your momentous achievement. Our commitment to you was that Mission CISD would guarantee that you are college, career and life ready. You’re more than ready! Your hard work in school is a symbol of perseverance, commitment and dedication by you and your parents/ guardians. Your determination and accolades brought pride to our district; we have laid the foundation for you to attain new pinnacles. You’re reaching new heights by being accepted to top tier universities, and many of you have elected to serve our great country by
Cris Valdez MCISD Interim Superintendent
enlisting in the military. Always do what your heart and mind call you to do and be great at it! Mission CISD graduates are legendary. You are leaders equipped to excel in
leadership and “serve as successful citizens in your community.” Your university coursework and career will polish your skills as the next leaders of our community. As you know, in Mission CISD we are passionate in “Changing the World.” You can compete with anyone in the nation at the highest levels. I challenge you to have an ambitious vision, resilient mindset, and relentless grit to engage in opportunities that a university, college, employment, or the military offer. Don’t pressure yourself to have all the answers and decisions about your future right now. You will always be evolving, so don’t be afraid to change your mind, make mistakes or become
VMHS HOSA students advance to state competition
Several students from the Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) Health Occupations of America (HOSA) Chapter qualified to compete at the state level based on their performance at the recent Area VII conference. Students compete in a wide range of skill areas that
include: writing, speaking, research, medical innovations, community outreach, and public health. Those who went on to TX State HOSA are Robert Barroso, Emily Salinas, Marissa Rodriguez and Regina Garcia in Public Health and Teen Dating Violence who placed
first in the Area competition. Paula Moreno, received Fourth Place in Health Career Photography. Paula Moreno and Alexis Aranda received the Barbara Jordan Service Award for more than 150 hours of service in one school year.
Pictured from left to right are: Robert Barroso, Paula Moreno, Marissa Rodriguez, Emily Salinas, Regina Garcia. Not pictured: Alexis Aranda.
VMHS Engineering students take on an electric car challenge
If you have driven along Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) on Mayberry Road recently, you may have done a double take at an unusual site on the track and field competition track. That running track has also become a test track for an electric car being built by engineering students. Students in the Practicum
in STEM course are taking on a new project this year. They are preparing for the GreenpowerUSA competition. This involves the students in building and refining an electric car for a race against other high school student teams, held in April. The race is a 90-minute road race, which took place at the Brownsville-South Padre
Island Airport. Each school had a team of three drivers. Each driver raced for 30 minutes. Each student team gets a car kit and basic instructions. It is then up to the students to figure out how to piece the car together, work out technical issues like efficiency,
See ELECTRIC CAR Pg. 4B
VMHS fourth ranked student pursuing a career in ministry
For Bethany Duke, the ups and downs of high school were lessons she will take with her on her path to higher education. Born in Beeville, Texas, Bethany moved to Mission when she was ten years old. An active member of Mission 1st United Methodist Church, as well as the Veterans Memorial High School band and Social Studies and Current Events University Interscholastic League teams, Duke will be attending McMurry University in Abilene, Texas this fall on an Honors Scholarship. The daughter of Minister William Duke and Cheryl Duke, Bethany intends to study ministry. When she graduates, she will be a 3rd generation minister in her family, though growing up that was not her original intention. “I was like, no, I’m not going to do it, I don’t want to be like my dad, I want to be like my mom,” Duke said. In eighth grade, Duke was attending an annual conference meeting in church for young leaders when she heard Pastor Lizzie Wright speak. While Wright was speaking, Duke said she felt a voice tell her “this is what you’re going to do.”
Pictured are students as they prepared for a recent test run of their GreenpowerUSA race car.
VMHS Cosmetology Students Qualify for State Competition
Bethany Duke “One day, as we were sitting in church, we were all talking, and I was like ‘Yes, this is what I’m going to do,’” Duke said. “And then after that I did my first sermon.” Duke is quite involved in her church, and acts as Youth President, is part of the church council, district strategy team, the district council
of youth ministry and the youth ministry council. She credits the VMHS band, with whom she played clarinet for, as being one of the major activities that shaped her as a student and person. “During the course, you meet a lot of people and go
VMHS Senior Class Officers
See BETHANY DUKE Pg. 4B
Top Row: Robert Barroso, Marissa Rodriguez, Emily Salinas & Eddie Alfaro Bottom row: Selee Mercado, Mrs. Rodriguez & Auerlia Garcia
Veterans Memorial High School Cosmetology participated in the SkillsUSA Contest held on February 12, 2018 at the Mission Community Center except for the leadership categories. The competition for those categories was held at TSTC in Harlingen on February 23, 2018. All first place recipients are State Qualifiers and the 2018 SkillsUSA Competition will be in Corpus Christi, Texas on April 5 -9, 2018. The results of this competition are as follows: Career Pathways Gold-1st place Dariana De Leon Lizbeth Meza Julianna Torres
Entrepreneurship Gold- 1st place Chelsey Gracia Marcela Rodriguez Analiza Vega
Cosmetology Skills Gold -1st place Dariana De Leon Silver-2nd place Pilar Trevino
Bronze-3rd place Lucero Arvizu Abigail Gonzalez Pilar Trevino
Job Exhibit 1st Place Jorge Villarreal Stephanie Diaz Adamari Lara Selina Barrientos Aniela Mendez Natalie Cavazos Deborah De La Garza Karen Madrigal Salma Olivo Francisca Villanueva Roselly Lopez Jonas Rocha Analiza Vega Briana Luna Kassandra Pino Yazmeli Zuniga Pilar Trevino Stephanie Lozoya
Customer Service Gold-1st place Jose Espinoza Community Service Gold-1st place Nicole Flores Averie Mendez Alessandra Razo
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VMHS Scholarships
The following list of scholarships for Veterans Memorial High School graduates represents only those scholarships turned in to the campus staff as of May 7. Many scholarships are not handed out until after this date and therefore are not represented on this list. Jose Alvarado II--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000 Jaime Aguilar--United States Marine Corps G. I. Bill, $250,000 Andrew Anzaldua-UTRGV Assistance Scholarship, $2,250 Roberto Barroso--St. Mary’s University Presidential Scholarship, $84,000; Texas A&M University Regent’s Scholarship, $20,000; Texas A&M University Aggie Merit Scholarship, $8,000; Texas A&M University Century Scholar Award, $20,000; UTRGV GM/EEOCC Endowed Scholarship, $1,000; UTRGV Scholar-Meritorious, $20,000; 2018 RCJH NHS Scholarship, $250 Joao Bocanegra--United States Marine Corps G. I. Bill, $250,000 Arnoldo Cadena--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Arturo Cantu--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Victoria Cantu--UTRGV Jones Academic Scholarship, $1,000; UTRGV Scholar-Meritorious, $20,000 Justin Carr--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000 Brandon Alfonso Casares--Texas A&M University Aggieland Bound Scholarship, $4,000; Texas A&M University President’s Achievement Scholarship, $10,000; St. Mary’s University Presidential Scholarship, $84,000 Karla Nicole Castillo --University of Incarnate Word Achievement Award, $32,000 Jacquelyn Castorena--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Michael Cavazos--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Evelyn Chavez--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Maria Fernanda Diaz Alonso--Texas A&M University Regent’s Scholarship, $20,000; St. Mary’s University Madeleine Scholarship, $68,000; The University of Texas at Austin Presidential Scholars, $20,000; Texas A&M University Presidential Scholarship, $20,000 Bethany Duke--St. Mary’s University Madeleine Scholarship, $68,000; McMurry University Scholarship, $56,000; McMurry University Presidential Award Scholarship, $60,000; McMurry University Minister’s Dependent Block Scholarship, $1,500; McMurry University Trustees Honors Scholarship, $8,000; McMurry University TUMCA United Methodist Scholarship, $4,000; McMurry University Martin Trust Honors #1 Scholarship, $4,000 Klarissa Farias--Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Cover Girl Scholarship, $1,000; 2018 MJH Tom Landry Scholarship, $400
Aaron Fernandez --Clarke University Academic Scholarship, $36,000; Clarke University Athletic Talent Football, $52,000; Clarke University Campus Impact $3,000 Eric Flores--University of Incarnate Word UIW Funds, $5,000 Mary A. Flores--UTRGV Leadership Mission Endowed Scholarship, $1,000 Juan Manuel Fuentes--St. Mary’s University Scholarship, $14,000 Alexandra Galvez--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; Conrad N. Hilton College Scholarship, $2,000; UTRGV Gateway Scholarship, $1,000 Lizbeth Alejandra Garcia Ramos--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; Texas Lutheran University Academic Excellence Award Scholarship, $56,000 Regina Garcia--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; UTRGV Excellence Scholarship, $500 Mathew F. Garcia-Perez --University of North Texas Excellence Scholarship, $20,000 Alek M. Garza--Texas A&M University Regent’s Scholarship, $20,000; Abraham Ibarra Scholarship, $1,000 Briana Garza--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Anthony Gonzalez--UTSA Texas Excellence, $20,000 Giovanni Grimaldo--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Jordy Gutierrez--St. Mary’s University Madeleine Scholarship, $68,000 Paola Gissele Herevia --University of Incarnate Word Achievement Award Scholarship, $32,000; University of Incarnate Word UIW Funds $2500; St. Edwards University College Assistance Migrant $224,300 Natalia Juarez--Texas Tech University Presidential/ UES Scholarship, $16,000 Oscar Leyva--United States Marine Corps G. I. Bill, $250,000 Samantha Giselle LiraMora--University of Incarnate Word Achievement Award Scholarship, $32,000; St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; University of Incarnate Word UIW Funds, $2,500 Alexi Loya--Texas A&M University-Corpus Islander Scholarship, $8,000 Karyna Lozano--St. Mary’s University Presidential Scholarship, $84,000; Abraham Ibarra Scholarship, $1,000 Jacob Martinez--United States Marines Corps G. I. Bill, $250,000 Amelia Medina Blanco-St. Mary’s University Trustee Scholarship, $96,000; University of Houston Academic Excellence Award, $18,000; Macalester College Catherine Lealtad Scholarship, $40,000; Macalester College DeWitt Wallace Scholarship, $44,497; University of Texas at Austin Tuition Scholarship, $11,000 Aniela Mendez--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; 2018 RCJH NHS Scholarship,
$250 Averie Alexandra Mendez--UTRGV Gateway Scholarship, $1,000; St. Mary’s University Madeleine Scholarship, $68,000 Maia Mendoza--St. Mary’s University Presidential Scholarship, $84,000; University of Houston Excellence Scholarship, $24,000; UTRGV Gateway Scholarship, $3,000; UTRGV Shary-Shivers Foundation Scholarship, $1,000; Williams College Scholarship, $160,200; Amherst College Scholarship, $159,304 Selee Mercado--University of Incarnate Word UIW Funds, $2,000; 2018 RCJH NHS Scholarship, $250; University of Incarnate Word Distinguished Scholarship, $40,000 Erika Miller--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Paula Moreno--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000 Rebecca Yemima Muniz --UTRGV Scholar-Meritorious, $20,000; UTRGV Jones Academic Scholarship, $1,000 Julian Aaron Noyola-Texas State University Achievement Scholarship, $16,000; St. Mary’s University President’s Scholarship, $84,000; University of Texas at Austin Texas Advance, $10,000 Ricardo Ochoa--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000 Brandon Lee Orrego --University of Incarnate Word Distinguished Scholarship, $40,000 Daniella Pena--John Hopkins University Academic Success Award, $56,000; St. Mary’s University Presidential Scholarship, $84,000; Mission Prosperity Ventures & Grande Produce E-Steam Scholarship, $1,000; Baylor University President’s Gold Scholarship, $80,000; Texas A&M University College Board Recognition Award Scholarship, $14,000, Williams College Scholarship, $234,000; UTRGV Assistance Scholarship $2,250; Cornell University Cornell Tradition Fellow, $20,000; University of Texas Austin Tuition Scholarship, $8,286 Ivan Pena--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Carlos Quintanilla--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; Texas A&M University Community Connection Scholarship, $12,000; Texas A&M University Texas Aggie, $3,000 Alyssa Ramirez--Catholic Daughters of America Scholarship, $650 Kaitlyn Ramirez--Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Champs for Champions Academic Scholarship, $500 David Ramos--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; Texas A&M University President’s Achievement Scholarship, $10,000 Nicole Rendon--Abraham Ibarra Scholarship, $1,000 Mark Rios--Texas A&M University Texas Aggie, $3,000 Karla Rodriguez--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Marissa Rodriguez--St.
Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; RCJH 2018 NHS Scholarship, $250 Crystal Rubaclava--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000 Kevin Rubio--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; Schreiner University Mountaineer Scholarship, $44,000; Schreiner University Scholarship, $7,578 Carlos Saenz--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000 Victoria Saenz--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Emily Salinas--UTSA Distinguished Presidential Scholarship,$12,000; UTSA New Student Scholarship, $1,982; Texas A&M Corpus Presidential Scholarship, $16,000; UTRGV Excel-
lence Scholarship, $1,000; University of Texas at Austin Tuition Scholarship, $11,000 Erick Sanchez--St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Jaime Sanchez--St. Mary’s University Presidential Scholarship, $84,000; 2018 RCJH NHS Scholarship, $250 Mia Sonya Sanchez--University of Incarnate Word Distinguished Scholarship, $40,000; St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Chelsea Sifuentes--University of Incarnate Word Achievement Scholarship, $32,000; IBC Bank A. R. Sanchez Scholarship, $1,000 Marc Tijerina--St. Mary’s University Presidential Scholarship, $84,000 Analiza Vega--UTRGV Ford-EEOC Endowed Schol-
VMHS TOP THREE class officer, National Honor Society and HOSA. While he says he does not have any set plans for the summer, he hopes to get in some camping and a campus visit. Barroso says he thinks he will miss the whole culture of the Rio Grande Valley when he leaves for college, but is really looking forward to seeing if the actual college-experience lives up to what he has heard. He encourages next year’s
from pg. 1B seniors to give it all they got and to avoid senioritis. Barroso says they can all achieve greatness. The 2018 Veterans Memorial High School third ranking student is Emily Lynn Salinas. She is the daughter of Osbaldo and Emily Salinas. Salinas plans to attend UT San Antonio and study Micro Biology and Immunology. After medical school she hopes to become a pathol-
ELECTRIC CAR and also design, build, and create the exterior body of the car. “This gives the students a chance to experience automotive technology, especially sustainable technology,” explained Roy Villanueva, teacher. “The project itself requires the students to bring in everything they have learned throughout their high school years, including physics, math, engineering, and many other courses.” Villanueva said the Hispanic Engineering Science and Technology (HESTEC) organization is bringing the competition to the Rio Grande Valley for the first time. “The coolest part is seeing the car run,” said Jorge Ginez, VMHS student. “After all the effort we have put
ogist. Before taking off for college, Salinas hopes to just relax before getting back into the study groove. Salinas says she is looking forward to learning to be more independent as she enters college. However, she knows she will greatly miss seeing her friends and family on a daily basis. Her advice for next year’s seniors is to avoid senioritis and to keep focused on working hard through the entire year. from pg. 3B
in since the beginning of the school year, it’s been fun driving it and watching it, and the progress we are making. That is the most exciting part for me so far.” Students have also said this project is already impacting their thoughts about what to pursue after they graduate from high school. “At first I wasn’t sure what kind of engineering program or pathway I wanted,” said Erick Sanchez, VMHS student. “I was not sure if I wanted a civil engineering, or a mechanical engineer, or a chemical engineer. After this project, I think I have decided to become either a mechanical engineer or maybe a manufacturing engineer.” “I always wanted to do engineering,” said Daniel Quintanilla, VMHS student.
BETHANY DUKE through a lot of people like band directors, and you see new faces every year,” Duke said. “In trying to become a better person, they helped me a lot with that.” According to Duke, who took several Advanced Placement classes and maintained straight A’s, high school included plenty of stress and not enough sleep. “Trying to keep grades up, but at the same time juggle band and UIL and church, it got really stressful,” Duke said. “There were nights where I got three hours of sleep.” Despite the stress, Duke says it was all worth it. Moving in the fifth grade was difficult, and she unfortunately was teased when she first came to the area. “At first, everything was kind of rocky because, you know, you’re the new girl,” Duke said. “No one likes being the new kid.” After overcoming moments of doubt and selfharm due to bullying, Duke came to realize, through her faith, family and friends, that
arship, $1,000; Manchester University Dean’s Scholarship, $72,000; Abilene Christian University A.B. Barret Award for Academic Excellence, $54,000 Alan Vela--St. Mary’s University Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000 Nyla Vela--Abraham Ibarra Scholarship, $1,000; 2018 William Jennings Bryan Scholarship, $500; Rice University Highest Ranking Graduate Award $46,600 Serina Villarreal--Schreiner University Varsity Band Program Scholarship, $40,000; St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Tabatha Lee Villarreal -- University of Incarnate Word Achievement Award Scholarship, $32,000; St. Mary’s University Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000
“But now I am more interested in it than I was before.” “I have been thinking about engineering for a while,” said Ginez. “But I also thought about possibilities in the medical field. But then seeing my own work actually come to life, it’s amazing, and I want to pursue mechanical engineering because of it.” The VMHS GreenpowerUSA team is currently working on how they want to proceed with designing and constructing the body of their racer, in addition to tweaking other operating aspects of the car. You can view a short video about their GreenpowerUSA car project through the district’s YouTube channel at, https://youtu.be/8lMuookeSIo. from pg. 3B
it was important to never give up. She said that even when you feel bad, someone loves you, and someone is looking out for you. When she leaves for McMurry, she will miss everyone who she has known and been close with in her time in Mission, but she is excited to experience life on her own and grow. After graduating from college, Duke will return to work in the Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church - it may be in Mission, or somewhere else in the RGV area. Duke credits her success to God. “If it weren’t for God, and also my family and friends, I wouldn’t be here,” Duke said. “I wouldn’t be here sitting and talking and praying every day about making the next day better. Yeah, there were some really bad days where I just didn’t want to go to school at all, but those good days were the days that counted. That’s what helped me through my education.” She fondly remembered
football Fridays with the VMHS band, who she calls her family, and spoke about a particular ride home after a game against Laredo. “I never really partied, but with the band, it’s always a party,” Duke said. “We were driving back, singing all these different songs that we remembered, and just having a great time. I was like, ‘this is high school, this is the thing they tell you to look forward to.’ Even though it was three o’clock in the morning and we were all sleep-deprived, we had a great time.” Duke encourages everyone to be what they want to be in life, and to pursue what makes them happy. “Whatever you decide to study in college, you decide. No one can make that decision for you,” Duke said. In terms of high school, “Yeah, there are bad days, and there are good days, just like everything else, but being able to say ‘I did this, I’m done, I’m going to the next level,’ it’s more rewarding than anything else.”
May 18, 2018
page 5B
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VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2018
BEST ALL AROUND
BEST LOOKING
HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN
MOST ATHLETIC
Selee Mercado & Robert Barroso
Mary Ann Flores & Christian Saldana
Karyna Lozano & Anthony Gonzalez
Darianna Garza & Anthony Gonzalez
MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED
MOST POPULAR
MR. & MRS. VMHS
MOST HUMOROUS
Nyla Vela & Brandon Casares
Karyna Lozano & Alex De Leon
Nyla Vela & Robert Barroso
Giovanni Grimaldo & Alex Anzaldua
SPONSORED BY:
Felicitaciones a la Clase del 2018
VA L L EY M E M O R I A L For more information please call: Part of the DIGNITY MEMORIAL network
956-994-1238
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Congratulations
CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2018 May this day be the beginning of a future filled with success and happiness. Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas
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No matter where you are, no matter what you do Never stop believing in the genius within you.
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Cantu, Alexis Cantu Jr., Enrique Cantu, GianCarlo Cantu, Jewlyssa Cantu, Joshua Valdemar Cantu, Marina Alexzandra Cantu, Ruben Arturo Carrasco, Eduardo Carrillo, Sebastian Casados, Bryan Nathan Cassiano, Galisteo Laurent Castañeda, Roberto Castanon, Lonnie Marie Castellanos Jr., Rey David Castillo, Stephanie Saydaly Castro, Jennifer Castro-Hernandez, Melissa Valeria Cavazos, Adrian Alexander Cedillo Jr., Juan Pablo Cedillo, Priscilla Cedillo Jr., Trinidad Centeno Jr., Martin Cerda, Anahi Cervantes, Teodoro Chavez, Laisha Chavez Martinez Jr., Sergio Raul Clark, Rachel Marie Conde, Yesenia Cordova, Alex Xavier Cordova, Rose Amber Coronado, Anahi Marie Coronado, Joselly Suleth Corpus, Michelle Marie Cortez, Irvin Aldair Cortez, Jacqueline Cortez, Jesus Guadalupe Covarrubias Escobedo, Brian Alejandro Cruz, Brizeyda Cruz, Cruzita Ximena Cuevas, Aaron Deward Davila, Gerson Daniel Davila Jr., Jose Antonio De La Cruz, Bryan De La Rosa, Ashley Maria De Leon, Esteban De Leon Alanis, Abigail De Leon Santiago, MireyaYamileth De Leon Santiago, Vanessa Alejandra Deleon, Natalie Delgadillo, Julio Ivan Delgado, Nathan Eli Deluna, Christina May
Delva, Michael Anthony Deochoa, Daniel Diaz Martinez, Kaesy Jamile Dominquez Terrones, Mario Fernando Duarte Armenta, Jesus Emmanuel Elizondo-Lopez, Pricsila Abigail Escamilla, Britney Marie Escobedo, Edgar Escobedo, Herman Escobedo, Juan Eladio Escobedo Hernandez, Maria Guadalupe Espino, Aislin Espinosa, Tiffany Espinoza, Ebony Alexus Espinoza-Ortega, Maria Isabel Esquivel, Bernice Esquivel, Daniel Estrada, Ediberto Alexander Estrada, Martha Alicia Farias, Alexis Farias Elias, Kevin Alejandro Flores, Alyssa Elena Flores, Aylin Guadalupe Flores, Bernardo Roman Flores III, Jose Enrique Flores, Sabrina Flores, Xavian Andres Fraga Rodriguez, Juan Alexis Fuentes, Laryssa Ann Gachuz, Olivia Estefania Gaitan II, Javier Galvan, Geronimo Diego Galvan Perez, Ilse Eleney Gamboa, Brittney Danielle Gamino, Jasmine Laney Gamino, Nallely Gandara, Giian Garay, Alejandro Garcia, Aidee Yareli Garcia, Alvaro Antonio Garcia, Azael Garcia, Brianna Marina Garcia, Christopher Gabriel Garcia, Craig Alan Garcia, Delia Maribel Garcia, Elizabeth Garcia, Gabriela
Garcia, Janeth Garcia Jr., Jesus Javier Garcia Jr., Jose Guadalupe Garcia, Kysela Lizette Garcia Jr., Marco Antonio Garcia, Marcus D’Andre Garcia, Omar Jesus Garcia, Samantha Garcia, Tim Anthony Garcia, Tomas Osmar Garcia Alcantara, Axel Fernando Garcia Garza, Issamar Garza, Abigail Jazmin Garza, Alixiz Dee Garza, Alyssa Janelle Garza, Alyssa Mireya Garza, Anjelica Marian Garza, Ashley Monique Garza, Brandon Garza, Brittney Marie Garza, Carolina Monique Garza, Clarissa Janelle Garza, Jose Alfredo Garza, Julieta Elizabeth Garza, Leonela Garza Jr., Lucio Garza, Michael Anthony Garza, Roberto Garza IV Tristan Garza-Lara, Xochilth Yulianna Gauna, Alyssa Lauren Gauna, Ryan Anthony Gloria, Melanie Gisel Godinez Rivas, Rosa Aide Gomez, Brianna Marie Gomez, Jonathan Gomez, Karina Abigail Gomez, Miriam Renee Gomez, Shari Gonzales, Morgan Sheyenne Gonzalez, Abigail Gonzalez, Alexis Gonzalez, Ana Lizette Gonzalez, Anniela Marie Gonzalez, Carlos Alberto Gonzalez, Daniela Lizbeth Gonzalez Jr., Freddy Gonzalez Jr., Gerardo Gonzalez, Joel Isaac Gonzalez, Jose Alejandro Gonzalez III, Jose Luis Gonzalez, Justin Gabriel Gonzalez, Karla Michelle Gonzalez, Kris Anthony
Gonzalez, Lorena Abigail Gonzalez, Marco Antonio Gonzalez, Mark Anthony Gonzalez, Michael Anthony Gonzalez, Miranda Alvesa Gonzalez, Priscilla Galilea Gonzalez, Tabatha Adamari Gonzalez, Victor Manuel Gonzalez Gonzalez, Mauricio Gonzalez-Becerra, Jennifer Ileana Gonzalez-Quintero, Deborah Gracia Jr., Orlando Green, Sebastian Michael Guerra, Alexis Encarnacion Guerrero, Aylin Ivana Guerrero, Javier Andy Guillen, Ricardo Elian Gutierrez Jr., Alberto Manuel Gutierrez, Jacob Gutierrez, Jose Victor Gutierrez Gracia, Jorge Guzman, Iveth Aylyn Hernandez, Audon Hernandez, Chris Andy Hernandez, Emilio Efrain Hernandez, Juan Adrian Hernandez, Karina Hernandez, Kayla Marie Hernandez, Kayla Renee Hernandez, Saul Nephtali Hernandez Paz, Fernanda Leticia Hernandez Valencia, Irving Eduardo Herrera, Nathalia Veanea Hilario, Jose Pablo Hinojosa, Alan Alexandro Hinojosa, Bruno Infante, William Iniguez, Jose Angel Isais, Rafael De Jesus Isais Olvera, Jaidy Mitchelle Isidro, Angel Elian Jimenez, Eliseo Padilla Jimenez, Josue Jimenez-Heredia, Yulissa Lizbeth Juarez, Alberto Laca, Andrea Riane Landeros, Leonel Lara, Rodrigo Lara, Zamantha Monik
Leal, Eric Leal, Karla Melissa Leija, Linda Nayelli Leija Jr., Rodrigo Lewis-Cardenas, Brandon Licona-Bahena, John Ignacio Lira, Juan Miguel Longoria Jr., Manuel Lopez, Alejandro Lopez, Damian Lopez, Daniela Alejandra Lopez, Myrka Guadalupe Lopez Jr., Roberto Miguel Lopez, Ruben Isaiah Lopez, Samara Lizbeth Lopez, Tyresse Higin Lopez, Valeria Melisa Lopez Gutierrez, Luis Alberto Lozano, Candy Irany Lugo, Jesus Israel Luna, Brijida A Macias, Andrea Madrigal, Kathie Lee Magallan, Johnny Joe Maldonado, Jazlynn Marie Marin, Eric Marquez, Ramiro Martinez, Alejandro Martinez, Alejandro Daniel Martinez, Arturo Martinez, Brenda Liliana Martinez, Isaac Martinez, Jesus Emmanuel Martinez Jr., Jose Luis Martinez, Lizeth Martinez, Marisol Martinez, Rebecca Martinez, Samantha Juventina Martinez, Servando David Martinez Grimaldo, Karen Abisai Martinez Munoz, Jose Manuel Martinez Otero, Yan Paul Mata Martinez, Angel Manuel Matias, Emely Julissa Medina Vargas, Raymundo Mejia Cantarero, Grebil Adonay Mendez, Andrea Deandra Mendez III, Antonio Mendez Jr., Jose Antonio Mendoza, Cristian Ivan Mendoza, Esmeralda Abigail
Mendoza, Gina Rena Mendoza, Jaslynn Marie Mendoza, Lesley Jeanette Mendoza, Linda Kay Mezquitic, Brandon Jose Miranda, Karla Yamilet Mireles, Jaziel Enrique Molina, Brianna Lee Monjaras, Angelica Montalvo, Juan Angel Moreno, Alan Jesus Moreno, Diego Adrian Moreno, Jannet Lee Moreno, Ricardo Moreno Cayetano, Abdiel Bezaleel Morin, January Morin, Madeley Munguia, Jesus Muniz, Jose De Jesus Murillo, Karlapatricia Navarro, Adam Eziel Nibert, Nathaniel Scott Nieto, Vanessa Marlene Niño Munoz, Juan Nolan, Rebekah Elysse Olea, Francisco Daniel Olivares, Ramiro Enrique Oliveira, Maximiliano Olvera, Nancy Lee Olvera, Yvette Olvera-Reyes, Julian Orozco, Benjamin Ortega, Hugo Guillermo Ortega, Stephanie Margarita Ortiz, Armando Ortiz, Brandy Lynn Padron, Alejandra Jazmin Paez Jr., Raul Palacios, Jose Angel Palafox, Zuleima Guadalupe Palafox Garcia, Jose Cruz Palomo, Antonio De Jesus Palomo Jr., Leonel Palomo, Samantha Lisette Peña, Dariana Peña, Erika Joanna Peña III, Gilberto Perez, Eduardo Perez, Enoch James Perez, Olivia Perez, Perla Janette Perez, Raul Alejandro Pina, Zyrus Alejandro Placencia Jr., Alejandro
Ponce Jr., Abel Ponce, Brandon Porcayo, Jacquelyn Prado, Brianna Alexis Pruneda, Maria Vanessa Puente, Adrian David Quiroz, Luz Anahit Ramirez, Aaron Christopher Ramirez, Antonio Alejandro Ramirez, Bethney Val Ramirez, Casandra Elaine Ramirez, Lizbeth Itzel Ramirez, Michael Daniel Ramirez Vazquez, Andrik Ronaldo Ramos, Anabel Leticia Ramos, Erick Daniel Rangel, Mariely Alejandra Rangel, Melissa Ann Rendon, Rebecca Renovato, Rogelio Fernando Renteria, Santiago Resendez, Christopher Brandon Reta, Ariana Reta, Daniela Reta, Gabriela Reyes, Ariana Isabella Reyes, Priscilla Katanie Reyes, Raul Reyes, Sarah Lee Reyna, Brandon Andrew Reyna Jr., Juan Manuel Reyna, Kristian Gabriela Reynaga, Giselle Rico, Philip Rico III, Rogelio Rios, Andrew Alexis Rios, Francisco Rios, Oswel Loi Rocha, Fernando Jose Rocha, Jairo Jair Rocha, Oriana Mayan Rocha Olarte, Miguel Rocha Palafox, Alejandra Rodriguez, Abigail Rodriguez, Candace Grace Rodriguez, Claudia Yaneth Rodriguez, Ivy Rodriguez, Jacqueline Rodriguez, Jacquelyn Nicole Rodriguez, Jorge Luis Rodriguez, Juan Felipe Rodriguez III, Juan Gregorio Rodriguez, Kassandra
Rodriguez, Lea Alexandra Rodriguez, Lourdes Airamy Rodriguez, Marco Antonio Rodriguez, Saul Israel Rodriguez, Sonia Rodriguez, Zandra Rodriguez Olivo, Alondra Dibenhi Rojas, Issac Martin Romero, Rocio Jacqueline Rosales, Anahi Rosales, Sarahi Rubio, Leslie Eileen Ruiz, Christian Ruiz, Edgar Alexander Ruiz Jr., Gerardo Saavedra, Brandy Schenell Saenz Jr., Federico Salazar, Dennise Salazar Garcia, Axel Alejandro Salguero Salamanca, Williams David Salinas, Angela Lizette Salinas, Eliza Marie Salinas, Gigi Noemi Salinas Jr., Jose Guadalupe Salinas Jr., Jose Guadalupe Salinas, Justo Guadalupe Salinas, Kenya Karina Salmeron, Margarita Salmeron, Reanna Janell Samaniego, Jason Aaron Samaniego, Olivia Hope Sanchez, Alyssa Sanchez, Ashley Giselle Sanchez, Daniela Jacqueline Sanchez, Erick Sanchez Jr., Javier Sanchez, Lesly Sanchez, Luana Rachel Sanchez Medrano, Jaime Salvador Sanchez Ramos, Omar Gerardo Sanchez-Fernandez, Esmeralda Sanchez-Robledo, Iran Maximiliano Sandoval, Alysha Ann Sandoval, Juan Hector Sandoval, Luciano Sandoval III, Oscar Sandoval Servin, Francisco Santos, Delilah Marie Sarmiento-Aguilar, Maria Isabel
Serrato, Raquel Solis, Kassandra Solis Jr., Samuel Soto, James Soto, Leslie Tamez, Justin Tamez, Luis Armando Tijerina Garza, Paola Yolanda Torres, Amanda Lee Torres, Eugene Felix Torres, Francisco Javier Torres, Kayla Kismeth Torres, Sergio Daniel Trejo Morales, Jesus Trevino, Jaime Nicolas Valadez, Juan Rodolfo Valdez, Luis Pedro Valdez, Michelle Valdez Irena, Kevin Alexis Vargas Jr., Cesar Vargas, Christopher Allen Vargas, Sarai Vasquez Jr., Jesus Alberto Vazquez, Nadia Cabrera Vega, Anthony Daniel Vela, Moseis Izias Vela, Raylene Renee Vela-Alanis, Julian Velasquez, Jacob Velasquez, Leslie Giselle Velasquez, Rodbel Vera, Noe Orlando Villagomez, Monica Lizette Villalobos Jr., Francisco Villanueva Bocanegra, Lizbeth Villarreal, Alberto Isaias Villarreal, Ana Bell Villarreal, Andy Villarreal, Bianca Denise Villarreal, Lenore Villarreal, Lizbeth Ybarra, Alejandro Javier Ybarra Jr., Oscar Fabian Yépez, Mauricio Yianez, Gabriela Odalys Young, Samantha Lynn Zamora, Alma Aurora Zuniga Jr., Jesus Martin
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Julissa Arianna Alvarez Top Ten Student
Maria Vanessa Pruneda Top Ten Student
Xavian Andres Flores Top Ten Student
Kenya Karina Salinas Third Ranking
Victor Manuel Cantu Top Ten Student
Alejandro Daniel Martinez Salutatorian
Alyssa Mireya Garza Valedictorian
Abrego Rodriguez, Sandra Damaris Acosta, Ivan Adame, Abraham Alan Adame, Cesar Gilberto Aguilar, Aliver Aguilar, Anyssa Nichole Aguilar, Marcos Esai Aguilera Sosa, Arif Alaniz, Abraham Ulysis Alonzo, Jacob Anthony Alonzo Jr., Octavio Alvarez, Analisa Alvarez, Briana Roberta Alvarez, Julissa Arianna Alvarez Hernandez, Yarely Mirtza Amador, Jacqueline Alexzandra Amaya Alvarado, Mariana Leticia Anzaldua, Ivanna Love Arechiga Jr., Julio Cesar Arevalo Hinojosa, Rigoberto Arroyo, Abraham Ascencio, Joel Avalos, Alexis Avila, Aida Liliana Balderas, Enez Balleza, Oscar Ivan Baltazar Ramos, Lizbeth Jaqueline Banuelos, Antonio Lee Barrera, Leslie Yesenia Bautista, Eduardo Francisco Bautista Mendoza, Galliguer Belssay Beltran, Melenie De Los Angeles Benavides, Alejandra Benavides, Arturo Benitez, Josue Angel Blanco Jr., Carlos Brasher Jr., Michael Bravo, Arturo Reyna Bravo Jr., Joel Briones Jr., Maximo Briones, Seth Ezequiel Briones Alvarez, Alan Alberto Bunch III, Wayland Bustillos, Elizabeth Campos, Britney Anahi Canchola, Brayan Jesus Cano Jr., Victor Manuel
page 6B May 18, 2018
May 18, 2018
page 7B
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Mission High School Commencement Ceremony
The Mission High School graduation class of 2018 will get their diplomas on May 31, at the McAllen Convention Center. The commencement ceremony will officially begin at 9:00 a.m. The seniors will enter with the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.” Ruben Arturo Cantu will lead the presentation of colors. Victor Manuel Cano will lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Victor Manuel Cano, with the Mission High School Choir, will sing the national anthem. Maria Vanessa Pruneda will provide an invocation, followed by the official welcome by Sebastian Carrillo. Xavian Andres Flores will introduce special guests in attendance.
Ediberto Flores MHS Principal
There will be three addresses during the program. The first will be by Interim Superintendent of Schools Cris Valdez. Alejandro Dan-
iel Martinez will give the salutatory address, followed by the valedictory address by Alyssa Mireya Garza. Interim Superintendent Cris Valdez will provide the official certification of graduates, after which, the Mission CISD Board of Trustees will award the diplomas to the members of the class of 2018. Kenya Karina Salinas will provide a benediction. Anyssa Nichole Aguilar will lead the MHS “Alma Mater”, and Sebastian Carrillo will lead the tassel ceremony. Julissa Arianna Alvarez will lead the eagle pinning ceremony. The graduates will then depart to “War March of the Priest.”
MHS students awarded prestigious Gates Scholarships
Mission, Texas- Two students from Mission High School (MHS) have been awarded a prestigious Gates Scholarship. The 2018 MHS valedictorian, Alyssa Garza and salutatorian, Alejandro Martinez were recently notified they were selected after an application process that began early last fall. After applications are submitted, semifinalists are selected and from that group the finalists named move on to the next phase. The finalists that are selected then go through an interview process, which leads to the scholarship award decisions. Only 300 students in the country are selected for the Gates Scholarships. The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective full scholarship for exceptional Pell-eligible, minority, high school seniors. According to the official Gates Scholarship website, ideal candidates will have an outstanding academic record in high school (top 10% of graduating
Pictured are Alejandro Martinez (left) and Alyssa Garza (right). class), demonstrated leadership ability, and exceptional personal success skills. Garza and Martinez will receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Gates Scholarship indicates they will also provide further sup-
port to Scholars, by engaging with them and their institutions in a variety of ways to ensure they have access to the resources and services they need, from their first to last day of classes, through graduation and the transition to their chosen careers. The Gates Scholarship was launched in 2017 through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
SkillsUSA multimedia students earn honors at state competition
Pictured are Mission High School FFA Sr. Parliamentary Procedure team.
Mission High School FFA Excels at Texas FFA Leadership Development Events The Mission High School Sr. Parliamentary Procedure team advanced to the Texas FFA Leadership Development State Competition at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX by winning 1st place (Area Champions) during the Thanksgiving Break in one of the state’s 57 district competitions at the Area 10 competition. Mission High School FFA placed 6th in the State-Semi Finals in the Sr. Chapter Conducting (Parliamentary Procedure) Contest. This year there were 236 Senior Chapter Conducting (Parliamentary Procedure) teams that participated in this event and Mission was ranked in the top 12 teams in the state of Texas. More the 5,500 entries began the statewide tournament in 13 different events which reflect classroom in-
struction in basic leadership skills. Team members included: President- Arianna Pena, Vice-PresidentSebastian Carrillo, Secretary- Leanna Pecina, Treasurer- Amelia Perez, Reporter- Jorge Calderon, Sentinel- Julian Arellano, and Student Advisor- Julissa Alvarez. Parliamentary Procedure Teams conduct a chapter meeting to demonstrate knowledge of parliamentary law and the use of correct parliamentary procedures. At the conclusion of the meeting, team members are asked questions regarding parliamentary law. The team members invest a lot of time studying, learning, and preparing for this extremely competitive event. The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA associations with a membership of more than 119,000 active
FFA members. FFA programs teach skills in leadership, career development and personal growth. FFA gives students the opportunity to practically apply classroom knowledge to real-world experiences through local, state and national competitions. Sam Houston State University has partnered with Texas FFA in hosting these competitions for more than 80 years. The Texas FFA is one of the nation’s largest state FFA Associations with more than 119,000 members. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state and national competitions. For more information about the Texas FFA Association, visit www.TexasFFA.org or www.MyTexasFFA.org.
UT prize patrol surprises seniors during holiday break Two Mission High School T-STEM Academy students got a surprise visit by officials from the University of Texas-Austin the day after Thanksgiving. The visit kind of resembled a well know “prize patrol” and only four students in the Rio Grande Valley were included. Alyssa Garza and Alejandro Martinez were each offered full tuition scholarships by UT-Austin officials, and were presented with large “checks” and balloons as a part of the surprise visit. Each “check” indicates four years of tuition or the equivalent of $40,000.
Pictured are Alyssa Garza and Alejandro Martinez with their “checks.”
MHS students earn honor at recent visual arts competition; one advancing to state Pictured from left to right are: Jacob Alonzo, Hector Becho, Iran Max Sanchez, Emily Guerra, Zamantha Lara, Rachel Clark, Priscilla Reyes, Luana Sanchez, Fabian Gutierrez. The SkillsUSA Multimedia Club from Mission High School (MHS) competed at the SkillsUSA state contest in Corpus Christi, Texas. Students participated in 2D/3D animation, creating 3D rendered still images that received high marks from judges. Students received State Superior, State Excellence, and Very Good ratings on various projects.
In the area of animation technology, Priscilla Reyes and Rachel Clark received State Superior ratings. In the area of 3D rendered still image, Emily Guerra received a rating of State Superior. Receiving State Excellence ratings for 3D rendered image were: Jacob Alonzo, Hector Becho, Fabian Gutierrez. The team of Iran Max Sanchez and
Enez Balderas also received a State Excellence rating. Receiving a Very Good rating for 3D rendered image were: Zamantha Lara and Luana Sanchez. Fabian Gutierrez and Emily Guerra attend Veterans Memorial High School, but participate and compete through the MHS Multimedia Club.
Mission High School (MHS) students recently earned quite a few honors at the area Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). A total of 24 medals were earned by MHS students. Valeria Lopez not only received a medal for her entry, but it is now advancing to the state VASE contest to be held in April. Other students earning medals in division one include: Karla Gonzalez, one medal; Jesse Garcia, two medals; Yulissa Moreno, one medal; Kaitlyn Munoz, one medal. Students earning medals in division two include: Jesus Cortez, two medals; Alexis Garza, one medal; Richard Guzman,
two medals; Alan Miranda, two medals; Jessica Sandoval, one medal. In division three, Danielle Leal earned one medal. Students earning medals in division four include: Rachel Clark, two medals; Fernanda Hernandez, two medals; Rebekah Nolan, two medals; Kimberly Pacheco, two medals. An added honor for Valeria Lopez as she prepares for the state competition is she will get to see people wearing some of her artwork. Her artwork entered into the state VASE t-shirt contest was selected as the winner and is being used for the state event and will also be sold at the TAEA fall conference and other regional events in 2019.
Valeria Lopez
MHS qualifies for BPA Nationals
This year, Mission High School had two students as National Qualifiers for Business Professionals of America. Kenya Salinas qualified for Integrated Office Applications, and Juan Reyna qualified for PC Service and Troubleshooting. Diana Gamez was named as an alternate for Basic Office Systems and Procedures. These students competed in Dallas, Texas at the National competition held on May 9 -13, 2018. They competed against the very best in nation! Kenya Salinas was also awarded a $1000 scholarship from Texas State BPA and also the Area 2 Region 4 BPA scholarship.
2017-2018 Mission CISD Board of Trustees
Front row: Dr. Sonia M. Treviño, member; Dr. Ricardo Lopez, former superintendent; Jerry Zamora, member. Back row: Charlie Garcia III, member; Patricia Y. O’Caña-Olivarez, president; Minnie R. Rodgers, member; Petra B. Ramirez, secretary; Roy Vela, vice president.
MISSION
page 8B
May 18, 2018
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HIGH SCHOOL
Congratulations Class of
2018
Homecoming King & Queen
Luciano Sandoval & January Rodriguez
Student Council
Senior Class Officers
Left to right:Julissa Alvarez - Pres , Joselly Coronado - Spirit Officer , January Morin - Secretary , Candace Rodriguez - VP
Sebastian Carrillo - President , Vanessa Nieto - Vice President
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CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2018 May this day be the beginning of a future filled with success and happiness.
Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas
Congratulations Class of 2018
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MHS Scholarships
The following list of scholarships for Mission High School graduates represents only those scholarships turned in to the campus staff as of May 7. Many scholarships are not handed out until after this date and therefore are not represented on this list. Anyssa Nichole Aguilar--St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Jones Academic Scholarship, $1,000; 2018-KWJH Girls Athletics Scholarship, $250; Mission Volleyball Booster Club Scholarship, $300; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Abraham Ulysis Alaniz --South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Julissa Arianna Alvarez --St. Mary’s University-Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; 2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250; Texas Student Housing Authority, $2,500; RGV Livestock Show Scholarship, $500; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Jones Academic Scholarship, $1,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Assistance Scholarship, $2,500; Far Horizons Scholarship, $3,000; Mission FFA Alumni Scholarship, $750; Jose “Joe” Correa Memorial Scholarship, $750; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Enez Balderas--St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Arturo Benavides --South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Maximo Briones, Jr.-Texas A & M College Station University Regent’s Scholarship, $20,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Elizabeth Bustillos-South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Brayan Jesus Canchola --St. Mary’s University-Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; 2018 AMJH Boys Athletics Scholarship, $250; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Victor Manuel Cano-2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students, $250; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Enrique Cantu--2018 AMJH boys Athletics Scholarship, $250; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Ruben Arturo Cantu --University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Meritorious Scholarship, $20,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Meritorious Scholarship, $20,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Upward Bound Scholarship, $2,500; 2018 KWJH top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250; 2018 KWJH Band Scholarship, $350; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Sebastian Carrillo--St. Mary’s University Presidential Scholarship, $84,000; Texas A & M University-College Station Opportunity Award Scholarship, $4,000; Texas A & M University-College Station Exxon Corporation Endowed FEA, $20,000; Texas A & M University-College Station CLEN UG DT Scholarship, $50,000; Mission FFA Alumni Scholarship, $750; Jose “Joe” Correa Memorial Scholarship, $750; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Jennifer Castro--US Army, $250,000 Teodoro Cervantes--US Navy, $250,000 Yesenia Conde--University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Meritorious Scholarship, $20,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Upward Bound Scholarship, $2,500 Joselly Suleth Coronado --South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Jacqueline Cortez--IBC Bank Scholarship, $1,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Natalie Deleon--2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Academic Excellence Scholarship, $8,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Gateway Scholarship, $4,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500
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Kaesy Jamile Diaz Martinez--2018 KWJH Girls Athletics Scholarship, $250 Alexis Farias--Mission Volleyball Booster Club Scholarship, $300 Xavian Andres Flores --2018 MJH Tom Landry Scholarship, $400; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Laryssa Ann Fuentes --2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Jesus Javier Garcia, Jr.-St. Mary’s University-Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000 Javier Gaitan--Cisco College Athletic Scholarship, $28,252; 2018 KWJH Boys Athletic Scholarship, $250 Jasmine Laney Gamino-St. Mary’s University-Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; 2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250; Mission Volleyball Booster Club Scholarship, $300; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Nallely Gamino--St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Azael Garcia--US Marines, $250,000 Brianna Marina Garcia--University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Upward Bound Scholarship, $2,500 Craig Alan Garcia--University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Upward Bound Scholarship, $2,500 Gabriela Garcia--South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Jesus Javier Garcia-South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Samantha Garcia--St. Mary’s University-Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; Texas A & M University Regent’s Scholar, $20,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Marco Antonio Garcia, Jr.--Mission FFA Alumni Scholarship, $750 Alixiz Dee Garza--University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Meritorious Scholarship, $20,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Alyssa Mireya Garza--University of Texas San Antonio Distinguished Presidential Scholarship, $12,000; University of Texas Arlington Maverick Academic Scholarship, $32,000; Texas A & M University-Kingsville Academic Excellence Scholarship, $1,000; Texas A & M University-Kingsville Provost Scholarship, $24,000; New College of Florida National Hispanic Award, $70,000; Colorado State University Presidential Scholarship, $40,000; Marymount University Presidential Scholarship, $64,000; Marymount University Scholarship, $8,000; Southwestern University Cody Scholar Award, $110,000; St. Mary’s University Trustee Scholarship, $96,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Presidential Scholarship, $32,000; Trinity University Scholarship, $88,000; University of Texas at Austin Longhorn Surprise Scholarship, $48,000; University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering Scholarship, $40,000; Texas Tech University James Sowell Endowed Engineering Scholarship, $6,000; Texas Tech University Whitacre College of Engineering Scholarship, $44,000; Texas Tech University Ray Butler Freshmen Engineering Scholarship, $5,000; University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship, $24,000; St. Edward’s University President’s Excellence Award, $88,000; Texas Engineering Foundation Scholarship, $1,000; University of Arizona Academic Excellence, $40,000; Texas A & M College Station University National Hispanic Scholar Award, $14,000; University of Alabama-Huntsville Platinum Award of Academic Distinction, $85,920; Texas A & M University College Station, $2,000; Texas Tech University Presidential Scholarship, $20,000; University of Arizona National Hispanic Scholar Award, $60,000; Hilbert College Merit Scholarship, $40,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley General Motor/EEOC Scholarship, $1,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley College
of Engineering Scholarship, $1,500; Coe College Trustee Scholarship, $88,000; Coe College National Kohawk Award, $8,000; Hofstra University Dean Scholars, $94,000; University of Arizona Study Abroad Scholarship, $1,500; Gates Scholars, $196,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Brittney Marie Garza--University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Upward Bound Scholarship, $2,500 Clarissa Janelle Garza --2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Shari Gomez--Texas A & M University-Kingsville Dean’s Scholarship, $4,000; Texas A & M University-Kingsville Academic Excellence Scholarship, $1,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Anniela Marie Gonzalez --St. Mary’s University-Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; 2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Joel Isaac Gonzalez--US Army, $250,000 Fernanda Leticia Hernandez Paz--South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500.00 Alan Alexandro Hinojosa--Mission FFA Alumni Scholarship, $750 Tyresse Higin Lopez-South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Valeria Melisa Lopez --2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250 Jazlynn Marie Maldonado--South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Alejandro Daniel Martinez--Texas A & M University-Kingsville Academic Excellence Scholarship, $1,000; Texas A & M University-Kingsville Presidential Scholarship, $44,000; St. Mary’s University Presidential Scholarship, $84,000; Texas Society of Profession Engineers Scholarship, $10,000; University of Texas Austin Forty Acres Scholarship, $192,000; University of Texas at Austin Longhorn Surprise Scholarship, $48,000; University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering Scholarship, $40,000; Colorado State University Presidential Scholarship, $40,000; Texas Tech University Presidential Scholarship, $28,000; University of Texas-Arlington Presidential Scholar, $40,000; University of Texas-Austin Hutchinson International Scholar Award, $4,000; University of Texas-San Antonio Distinguished Presidential Scholarship, $12,000; Trinity University Murchison Scholarship, $100,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Presidential Scholarship, $32,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Shary-Shivers Foundation Scholarship, $1,000; University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship, $26,000; Texas A & M University-College Station Academic Excellence Award, $2,000; Rice University Trustee Scholarship, $100,000; Washington University in St. Louis Scholarship, $234,000; Washington University in St. Louis Raise Me Scholarship, $23,576; University of Dayton Raise Me Scholarship, $40,000; Johns Hopkins University Scholarship, $238,000; Southwestern University Coldy Scholar Award, $110,000; University of Southern California Viberti Scholar Award, $30,000; Gates Scholars, $196,000; South Texas College Valley Scholar, $4,500 Jesus Emmanuel Martinez--University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Upward Bound Scholarship, $2,500; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Lizeth Martinez--St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; Texas Wesleyan University Scholarship, $36,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Rebecca Martinez--Mission Volleyball Booster Club Scholarship, $300 Vanessa Marlene Nieto --Texas A & M University-Kingsville Dean’s Scholarship, $8,000; Texas A & M University-Kingsville Academic Excellence Schol-
MHS TOP THREE
from pg. 1B
cio Martinez. Martinez plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He says he would like to pursue a master’s degree and ultimately work for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. His summer plans include college orientation, the Gates Scholars Institute and a summer job. Martinez says he is looking forward to meeting new people at college and learning from their experiences, as well as the diversity found at UT-Austin. The overall atmosphere at Mission High School is something he thinks he will miss when he
goes off to college. He offers encouragement for next year’s seniors to not underestimate their abilities, especially as they work on college and scholarship applications. Alejandro’s senior year has included National Honor Society, FTC robotics, SeaPerch robotics, Masterminds and academic UIL competitions. The 2018 Mission High School third ranking student is Kenya Karina Salinas. She is the daughter of Jose and Edna Salinas. Salinas plans to attend St. Edward’s University and pursue a degree in Kinesiology with an eye toward pre-physical therapy. Salinas says she would
love to start work after school in a hospital setting and then move into a private clinic. Orientation at the university and job shadowing are what she thinks will fill much of her summer. When she does leave for college, she thinks she will miss her family and her dog the most. She is excited to meet new people, gain a little more independence, and getting out of her comfort zone. She encourages next year’s seniors to take advantage of every opportunity they come across, and to not be intimidated. Kenya’s senior year activities have included: National Honor Society, band, BPA and FBLA.
arship, $1,000; St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; 2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250; 2018 KWJH Band Scholarship, $500; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Nancy Lee Olvera--Texas A & M International University CAMP Scholarship, $3,000 Stephanie Margarita Ortega--Dell Scholarship, $20,000; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Upward Bound Scholarship, $2,500 Raul Paez--US Marines, $250,000 Enoch James Perez--US Marines, $250,000 Perla Janette Perez-South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Brianna Alexis Prado --2018 KWJH Girls Athletics Scholarship, $250 Maria Vanessa Pruneda--University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Gateway Scholarship, $1,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Adrian David Puente--Texas A & M University-Kingsville Academic Excellence Scholarship, $1,000; Texas A & M University-Kingsville Dean’s Scholarship, $8,000; St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Melissa Ann Rangel-South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Kristian Gabriela Reyna--St. Mary’s University-Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Candace Grace Rodri-
guez--St. Mary’s University-Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; 2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Gateway Scholarship, $1,000 Lea Alexandra Rodriguez--South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Eliza Marie Salinas--South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Jose Guadalupe Salinas--2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students, $250; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Kenya Karina Salinas --University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Assistance Scholarship, $2,250; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Meritorious Scholarship, $20,000; St. Edward’s University President’s Merit Award, $80,000; St. Edward’s University Munday Scholarship, $44,676; St. Edward’s University Grant, $30,040; Southwestern University Mood Scholar Award, $108,000; Southwestern University Tuition Equalization Grand, $13,456; Southwestern University Southwestern Grand, $22,412; University of Texas-Austin Tuition Grant, $4,134; University of Texas-Austin President’s Texas Advance Award, $1,000; Texas State University Grant, $9,600; Texas State University Star Scholars Award, $8,000; Texas State University Scholars-ED, $22,000; Texas Business Professionals of America State Scholarship, $1,000; Business Professionals of America Regional Scholar-
ship, $500; 2018 KWJH PTO Scholarship, $500; 2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students, $1,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Alyssa Sanchez--St. Mary’s University-Madeline Scholarship, $68,000; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Ashley Giselle Sanchez-South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500; St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Samuel Solis--2018 KWJH Boys Athletic Scholarship, $275 Leslie Soto--2018 AMJH Girls Athletic Scholarship, $250; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Luis Pedro Valdez--University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Upward Bound Scholarship, $2,500 Cesar Vargas--US Marines, $250,000 Moseis Izias Vela--South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Lenore Villarreal--South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500 Oscar Fabian Ybarra, Jr.--St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria Scholarship, $40,000 Alma Aurora Zamora--University Leadership Network Scholarship, $20,000; University of North Texas Scholarship, $5,000; St. Mary’s University-Bordeaux Scholarship, $56,000; 2018 KWJH Top 20 8th Grade Students Scholarship, $250; 2018 KWJH Band Scholarship, $350; South Texas College Valley Scholars, $4,500
MCHS Scholarships The following list of scholarships for Mission Collegiate High School graduates represents only those scholarships turned in to the campus staff as of May 7. Many scholarships are not handed out until after this date and therefore are not represented on this list. Jackielyn Adame--Our Lady of the Lake University, $56,000; Schreiner University, $44,000; St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria, $40,000; Houston Baptist University, $60,000 Juan Briseno--Mr. & Mrs. Ricardo Rivera, $500 Freddy Arredondo--UTRGV Scholar-Meritorious, $20,000 Chelsie Barrientos--Culture Club, $500; Far Horizons, $3,000; National Honor Society, $500 Dariany Carol Ceja-UTRGV Scholar-Meritorious, $5,000; Our Lady of the Lake University, $52,000; St. Mary’s University, $40,000; St. Edwards University-Deans Achievement Scholarship, $72,000 Kimberly Denise Chapa--KWJH PTO, $500; KWJH Top 20, $500; National Honor Society, $500; Culture Club, $500 Armando Duran--2018 AMJH GREAT PROGRAM Scholarship, $250 Jahaira Gallardo Espinoza--UTRGV- Gateway Scholarship, $1,000; St. Edwards Dean’s Achievement Scholarship, $72,000; Lady Patriots Soccer, $500 Maria De Lourdes Gamez--UTRGV Scholar-Meritorious, $20,000; National Honor Society, $500 Alanjandro Miguel Garcia--US Army, $6,500 Jahaziel M. Garcia-UTRGV Scholar-Meritorious, $20,000; Schreiner Uni-
versity, $52,000 Valeria Alejandra Garza--St. Edwards University-Deans Achievement Scholarship, $72,000; Dora Lopez Scholarship, $500; KWJH Top 20, $250 Adriana, Gonzalez--RCJH NHS Scholarship, $250 Leslie Anet Hernandez--University of Texas San Antonio, $16,000; UTRGV- Gateway Scholarship, $1,000; University of Houston, $8,000; St. Mary’s University, $84,000; RCJH NHS Scholarship, $250; St Edwards University, $60,000 Marissa Leal--St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria, $40,000 Alondra Lauren Leija--St. Mary’s University, $56,000; AMJH Girls Athletic Scholarship, $250 Leslie Lizette Lopez Cruz--RCJH NHS Scholarship, $500 Citlali Guadalupe Martinez Vallejo--University of Texas at Austin, $20,000; AMJH NHS Scholarship, $250; St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria, $40,000 Ivens Martinez -- St. Mary’s University-Santa Maria, $40,000 Maria Guadalupe Martinez--St. Mary’s University, $40,000 Melanie Aide Martinez--St. Mary’s University, $40,000 Reynaldo Manuel Nava Zamarripa--KWJH Boys Athletic Scholarship, $300 Yaired Lisbeth Osornio--RCJH National Honor Society, $750; Southwestern University, $100,000; UTRGV- Gateway Scholarship, $1,000; St. Mary’s University, $68,000; Mr. & Mrs. Ricardo Rivera, $500; National Honor Society, $1,000 Brenda Rangel--American Legion Post 93 Schol-
arship, $500; Charleston Southern University, $15,000; St. Mary’s University, $56,000 Gabriel Reyes--St. Mary’s University, $40,000 Stella Rios--St. Mary’s University, $68,000 Debbie Lee Rodriguez--St. Mary’s University, $68,000; KWJH Top 20, $250 Victoria Nicole Rodriguez--University of Texas Arlington, $32,000; KWJH Top 20, $500; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, $5,000; KWJH PTO Scholarship, $500; St. Mary’s University-Presidential, $84,000 Blanca Rosales--RCJH NHS Scholarship, $250 Ailoni Maree Ruiz--St. Mary’s University, $40,000; Northern Arizona University, $28,000; Our Lady of the Lake University, $68,000 David Salazar--St. Mary’s University, $40,000 Harry Evan Siegel--St. Mary’s University-Presidential, $84,000; UTRGV Scholar-Meritorious, $20,000; ESTEAM SCHOLARSHIP, $1,000 Andrea Guadalupe Venegas--University of Incarnate Word, $40,000; St. Edwards University; UTRGV, $1,000 Xitlaly E Villanueva--The University of Maine, $52,800; George Mason University, $36,000; UTRGV Scholar-Meritorious, $20,000; St. Mary’s University, $68,000; Columbia College, $8,000; University of Incarnate Word, $40,000; National Honor Society, $500 Odalis Villarreal--St. Mary’s University-Bordeaux, $56,000; National Honor Society, $500
Citlali Guadalupe Martinez Vallejo Top Ten Student
Valeria Alejandra Garza Top Ten Student
Yaired Lisbeth Osornio Top Ten Student
Jackielyn Adame Yadira Lizbet Alvarez Freddy Arredondo Aaron Eduardo Balderas Laurencio Barrera Chelsie Michelle Barrientos Britney Denise Bernal Juan Ramon Briseno Deyna Giselle Buentello Amber Lizzete Canchola Noe Isaiah Castro Joseph Andrew Cavazos Dariany Carol Ceja Mere Cepeda Kimberly Denise Chapa Michael Cordova
Wendy De La Cruz Moncivais Armando Duran Brenda Elizabeth Escalona Ismael Escobar Gabriela Judith Fernandez Armando Flores Delgado Rogelio Gaitan Jahaira Gallardo Espinoza Maria De Lourdes Gamez Alanjandro Miguel Garcia Jahaziel M Garcia Adrian Garza Valeria Alejandra Garza Adriana Gonzalez Briana Jade Gonzalez Eriq Alan Gonzalez Joanna Gonzalez Manuel Alejandro Gonzalez-Marquez Desiree Marie Hernandez Jasmin Marie Hernandez Leslie Anet Hernandez Marba Luisa Hernandez Perla Lizeth Hernandez Gabriela Isabel Hernandez Vidaurri Victoria Herrera Steve Hoyuela Luis Alberto Ibarra Miriam Nicole Ibarra Cassandra Leal
Elier Ivan Leal Marissa Celeste Leal Alondra Lauren Leija Steven Lopez Leslie Lizette Lopez Cruz Gisselle Low Kevin Ivan Maldonado Jerany Maldonado Javier Daniela Martinez Geovani Martinez Ivens Mitchell Martinez Jackquline Monique Martinez Melanie Aide Martinez Miguel Angel Martinez Rafael Martinez
Maria Guadalupe Martinez Salinas Citlali Guadalupe Martinez Vallejo Alexis Alberto Medina Luis Alberto Melendez Rudy Alejandro Morales Andrea Moreno Laureen Ariel Nava Reynaldo Manuel Nava Zamarripa Yazmin Anahi Olivares Yaired Lisbeth Osornio Cesar Osvaldo Pais Lanelle Palacios Leonel De Jesus Parada
Samantha Dea Perez Hirvin Yael Perez Valdez Arleth Quezada Brenda Abigail Rangel Lionel Raya Gabriel Reyes Stella Aime Rios Debbie Lee Rodriguez Marcus Andrew Rodriguez Victoria Nicole Rodriguez Luis Antonio Romero Blanca Rosales Ailoni Maree Ruiz David Salazar Jesselle Denee Salinas Abel Cristian Sanchez
Luis Gustavo Sandoval Harry Evan Siegel Marco Antonio Solis Angelica Maria Torres Esmeralda Trevino Josefina Vazquez Escalante Jose Rodrigo Vega-| Rodriguez Andrea Guadalupe Venegas Sergio Alejandro Vergara Garza Xitlaly E Villanueva Odalis Nicole Villarreal Justin Victor Villasenor
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Debbie Lee Rodriguez Top Ten Student
Maria De Lourdes Gamez Top Ten Student
Adriana Gonzalez Top Ten Student
Chelsie Michelle Barrientos Salutatorian
Jahaira Gallardo Espinoza Top Ten Student
Xitlaly E Villanueva Third Ranking
Harry Evan Siegel Valedictorian
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May 18, 2018
MCHS TOP THREE Santos Alvarez. Barrientos plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin, and she will be seeking a degree in computer science and a business foundation certificate. After she graduates from UT, she plans to seek a career as a software developer and eventually wants to start her own tech company. She has been extremely involved in various organizations while attending MCHS, including the National Honor Society, Social Studies National Honor Society, Literary Club, Spanish Club and participated even in an internship with the Mission Economic Development Corporation. Barrientos is excited about having the opportunity to become independent and make her own decisions
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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com from pg. 1B while at college, but admits she will miss her family, friends, teachers and the comforts of home. Her advice for next year’s seniors: Learn to let go, not only in your personal life but also in your home life in order to become independent. This year’s third ranking student for Mission Collegiate High School is Xitlaly Villanueva. She is the daughter of Arnulfo and Rebecca Villanueva. She plans to seek a degree in studio art at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her dream is to pursue a career in animation film, and one day work for either Pixar or DreamWorks. She states that she is leaning more towards DreamWorks, because she likes their quality of
work. While attending MCHS, Villanueva has been involved in the Literature Club, National Honor Society and Business Professionals Association. She qualified for Nationals in BPA for graphic design. Villanueva says that the one detail she is most excited about college is that she will have the opportunity to choose her classes. She looks forward to taking as many studio art classes as she can. She will miss the closeknit atmosphere that MCHS provides. Everyone knows your name and they are extremely friendly. She encourages next year’s seniors to stay focused on their studies, but also for them not to forget to enjoy themselves.
Mission Collegiate High School Commencement Ceremony
The Veterans Memorial High School graduating class of 201 will get their diplomas on May 31, at the McAllen Convention Center. The commencement ceremony will officially begin at 2:00 p.m. The seniors will enter with the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.” The VMHS JROTC will do the presentation of colors. Daniella Pena will lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Senior Varsity Choir will sing the national anthem. Brandon Alfonso Casares will provide an invocation, followed by the official welcome by Emily Lynn Salinas. VMHS principal, Fidel Garza Jr. will introduce special guests in attendance. There will be three addresses during the program. The first will be by
Orlando Farias MCHS Principal
Cris Valdez, interim superintendent of schools. Roberto Barroso II will give the salutatory address, followed by the valedictory address by Nyla Danae Vela. Interim Superintendent Cris Valdez will provide the
official certification of graduates, after which, the Mission CISD Board of Trustees will award the diplomas to the members of the class of 2018. Bethany Alice Duke will provide a benediction. The senior song selection “No Day But Today,” by Roger Emerson, will be performed by Valeria Belen Azua, Cristina Casiano, Fey Yamille Cavazos, Iris Flores, Samantha Giselle Lira-Mora, Selee Mercado, Julian Aaron Noyola, Caryssa Marie Ozuna, Ashley Aliyah Rodriguez, Aylin Roxann Salinas-Lopez and Monica Alicia Zapata-Aguirre. Selee Mercado will lead the tassel ceremony. The graduates will depart to “War March of the Priest.”
MCISD hosts Mission Exemplary Migrant Senior Banquet
Pictured Mission Collegiate High School students and staff, Dr. Ricardo Lopez (former MCISD Superintendent), Martina Carrillo (MCISD Coordinator PE/Health) and Daniel Caldwell ( McAllen Heart Hospital CEO).
Mission Collegiate Receives CPR Kits from McAllen Heart Hospital
Mission Collegiate High School students received a brand new CPR Kit that was donated by McAllen Heart Hospital. The CEO of McAllen Heart Hospital, Daniel Caldwell, presented the kit to the students and administrators in attendance. A total of nine CPR Kits were donated and will be distributed to the secondary schools. “The money we raised this year with the American Heart Association….we all decided to put that towards CPR kits and and see if we could put them in the hands of people that could make better use of them,” said
Caldwell. “We couldn’t think of any better place than the school districts.” The students were able to explore the kit and discovered the many learning possibilities it contained. Students currently have three CPR manikins and the additional ten will greatly aid their CPR training course. The CPR Kits are easy to use, portable, reusable and can accommodate training for 10-20 students at one time. Dr. Ricardo López, former MCISD Superintendent, thanked Daniel Caldwell and McAllen Heart Hospital for their donation of the CPR
Kits and told him that he was pleased for what they do, not only do they saves lives, but they are also invested in educating kids. The kits contain a total of 10 Mini Anne Plus inflatable manikins and storage bags with many additional components. The kit even comes with a 5 practice-while-watching training DVD’s, facilitator guide and a facilitator binder with lessons and tests. This will aid in having more students gain the knowledge and the hands on experience needed for CPR training.
Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) has announced the names of its Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year. The announcement was made during a special luncheon today, honoring the Teachers of the Year for each of the district’s schools. The Mission CISD Elementary Teacher of the Year is Rhonda Pena from Bryan Elementary School. Pena has been teaching for 28 years and has been in her current position at Bryan for 25 of those years. She currently teaches Math. The Mission CISD Secondary Teacher of the Year is Beatriz Garcia from Alton Memorial Jr. High School. Rodriguez is a sixth grade Reading teacher. She has been a teacher for 10 years, all of which have been at Alton Memorial Jr. High School. These two teachers were selected by a panel of judges
consisting of a cross-section of the Mission CISD area communities. Pena and Garcia will now represent Mission CISD as Teachers of the Year during the next school year. They will also be entered into the Region One Teacher of the Year contest, which is affiliated with the state and national programs. The applications used by Mission CISD are the same ones used in those programs. They include information on the teachers, including: professional background, educational history, and several questions that delve into their teaching approaches, and thoughts on issues impacting the teaching profession. The other teachers honored for being selected as their campus Teachers of the Year were: Cici Perales, Alton Elementary School; Mari Galloso, Cantu Elementary School; Beatriz Garza, Castro Elementary School; Marissa Chavez, Cavazos
Elementary School; Robert Baldazo, Escobar/Rios Elementary School; Mariel Hernandez, Leal Elementary School; Victor Alonzo, Marcell Elementary School; Sandra Cantu Rios (librarian), Midkiff Elementary School; Maricarmen Saycocie, Mims Elementary School; Lorena Morales, O’Grady Elementary School; Gabriela Rada, Pearson Elementary School; Crystalin Flores, Salinas Elementary School; Veronica Lopez, Waitz Elementary School; Matthew Whittington Adams, K. White Jr. High School; Nellie Garcia, Mission Jr. High School; Daniel Reyna III R. Cantu Jr. High School; Salvador Ovalle, Mission High School; Mabeline Rodriguez, Veterans Memorial High School; Cheryl Floodine, Mission Collegiate High School; Ramiro Reyes Jr., Mission Option Academy; Dahriel Serrano, Roosevelt Alternative School.
Mission CISD announces District Teachers of the Year
Pictured are the Mission CISD District Teachers of the Year (left to right): Rhonda Pena, District Elementary Teacher of the Year; Beatriz Garcia, Secondary Teacher of the Year.
The Migrant Department hosted their Mission Exemplary Migrant Senior Banquet on April 19, 2018. A total of 35 migrant seniors from Mission High School, Veterans Memorial High School, and Mission Collegiate were honored at this event. Opening for the ceremony was conducted by Cynthia Iris Gonzalez, Migrant Counselor. Ms. Cris Valdez, Interim Superintendent, welcomed the students, parents, and district personnel to the event on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the district. She also wished them well as they continue their new journey after graduation. “I wasn’t a migrant student, but my parents did grow up working in the fields
and I learned my work ethic from them,” said Ms. Valdez. “Graduates, congratulations! The work ethic that you have inside of you will allow you to do great things.” Mrs. Arminda Ramirez, Migrant Coordinator, introduced the guest speaker, Mrs. Graciela Avila, who spoke to the audience about her life as a migrant farm worker. Her parents along with their children knew that in the month of April was when they migrated to Minnesota. As soon as she and her siblings graduated from high school, they were given two choices, either to go to school or continue working in the fields. Six out of seven siblings pursued and completed some form of higher education. “Even though those mo-
ments we lived were hard and difficult, those same moments brought us unity, joy, faith and love; and we will never regret having lived them,” said Mrs. Graciela Avila. The evening wrapped up with students from the three high schools speaking on their reflections of gratitude. A special thank you to all the students that participated in the program; Melissa Rangel (MHS) for the invocation. Paola Herevia (VMHS), Jorge Becerra (VMHS), Clarissa Janelle Garza (MHS), and Juan Briceño (MCHS) for reflections of gratitude. Kysela Garcia (MHS) and Nancy Olvera (MHS) for conducting the benediction.
MCISD Bands make district history! On April 17-19, 2018 MCISD bands participated at the annual UIL Region XV High School Concert and Sight Reading Contest held at the performing arts center at UTRGV in Edinburg. Never before in history have all four bands received Division 1 Superior ratings on their prepared music on stage. In addition, the VMHS Wind Ensemble received a Division 1 Superior rating in Sight Reading to earn a Sweepstakes award. Con-
gratulations to all students and directors on their hard work, and many thanks to all the administrators for their continued support. (picture #1) Mission High School Wind Symphony, Director Sam Hjort Division 1- 2018 UIL Region XV Concert and Sight Reading Contest (picture #2) Mission High School Symphonic Band, Crystal Ruiz and Armando Rodriguez
Division 1- 2018 UIL Region XV Concert and Sight Reading Contest (Picture #3) Veterans Memorial High School Wind Ensemble, Director Guillermo De La Cruz Sweepstakes - 2018 UIL Region XV Concert and Sight Reading Contest (Picture #4) Veterans Memorial High School Symphonic Band, Gabriel Molina Division 1 – 2018 UIL Region XV Concert and Sight Reading
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MISSION
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May 18, 2018
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COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL
2018 MCHS Royal Court
Left to right: Mr. and Miss MCHS: Rafael Martinez, Chelsie Barrientos, Prince: Harry Siegel, Princess: Maria Gamez, Duke: Luis Romero, Duchess: Adriana Gonzalez, Count: Steve Hoyuela, Countess: Victoria Herrera
STUCO Officers
MCHS Senior officers at senior sunset:
Left to right: Reynaldo Nava, Elier Leal, Joseph Cavazos, Stella Rios, Leslie Hernandez, Dariany Ceja, Ailoni Ruiz
Anyssa Vidaurri, Valeeria Garza, Jackielyn Adame, Victoria Herrera, Dianira De Leon, Jeremy Soto & Jude Rodriguez
SPONSORED BY:
Congratulations Class of 2018
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Fred Moron, R. Ph. 581-5499 2120 E. Griffin Pkwy. Mission, TX
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CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2018 No matter where you are, no matter what you do Never stop believing in the genius within you.
Congratulations Class of 2018!
956-585-0115 1418 E. Business 83 • Mission between Bryan Rd. & Stewart Rd.
805 E Exp. 83 Mission, TX 78572 (956) 585-1601
May this day be the beginning of a future filled with success and happiness.
Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas