2019 La Joya ISD_Campus Chronicle by Progress Times

La Joya ISD Graduation Edition

2019 Campus Chronicle “Recognizing Excellence In Education” Progress Times - Section B - May 17, 2019

LA JOYA HIGH SCHOOL

Josiah Garza

Rodolfo Peña

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

LJ JUAREZ-LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

Lorena Garza

Rigoverto Carrillo

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

LJ PALMVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Axel Contreras Valedictorian

Melissa Rivas Salutatorian

JIMMY CARTER EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Oscar E. Peña-Vargas Valedictorian

Odalys Sanchez Salutatorian

THELMA R. SALINAS STEM EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Littzy Gonzalez Valedictorian

Brisseida Villarreal Salutatorian

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La Joya High Schools’ Top 2 to graduate with leadership skills contributed to who he is today. Garza is also extremely proud to be one of the 16 Texas students to become a part of the Texas Association

Josiah Jonathan Garza is the son of Rebeca Garza and George Garza and is the 2018-2019 Valedictorian of La Joya High School. He is esteemed to have earned such an honor and a great education at La Joya High. He says he is eternally grateful to every individual who crossed his path

throughout the years and helped drive him forward. Garza is proud to look back at the extracurricular organizations that offered him amazing new challenges such as Band, the National Honor Society, University Interscholastic League, Leo Club, and the Academy of Arts and Humanities. Garza recalls every moment spent within these groups was a blessing, because they each

of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) Allstate Academic Excellence Team. Many outstanding scholars were nominated this year - one from every secondary school principal in the state of Texas to be exact - and with careful consideration 16 were selected. On June 13 in Austin, he will attend an honor banquet with over 2,000 principals from across the state in order to be awarded a scholarship and recognition for this prestigious honor. Every opportunity to

excel was taken by Garza, whether it be leadership, academia, service, or character. He is proud to say that he will be attending The University of Texas at Austin to take what he’s been given and go further. Garza will be studying computational biology and music composition as a longhorn and is excited to see what the future holds in store for him. Rodolfo Peña Jr., son of Rodolfo and Raquel Peña, is beyond proud to be the Salutatorian from La Joya High School. He gives thanks his mother for her never-ending support, his friends for keeping him sane and making endless memories and to all his teachers who have helped him succeed. During his high school experience, Peña dedicated his time to organizations like Grupo Folklorico Tabasco, National Honor Society, University Interscholastic League, and Mu Alpha The-

Juarez-Lincoln top 2 find passion in extracurricular activites

Lorena Garza Valedictorian

Lorena Garza is the valedictorian for Juarez-Lincoln High School’s class of 2019. Lorena is the daughter of Jaime Garza and Ana Garcia. She will attend The Uni-

versity of Texas-Austin and pursue a major in social work. During her high school years, Lorena was greatly focused in her academics but always made the time to help her community as much as possible. As part of the Juarez-Lincoln Student Council, Lorena dedicated a numerous amount of hours serving the community in different ways. She went from asking for and collecting donations to fundraising and teaching others. During the summer of 2017, Lorena participated in the Girls Engaged in Mathematics (GEM) Summer Camp within the La Joya school district. Lorena assisted 5th grade girls in becoming engaged and interested in the many different STEM careers involving

mathematics and science. As a career connections mentor, Lorena taught these girls how to connect mathematics to different career pathways. Lorena was an active member within the Juarez-Lincoln High School Fine Arts program as she participated in Varsity Choir, Tech Theater, and Art. She competed in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) where she received a superior score on the visual art piece she submitted. Furthermore, as a choir member, she competed in solo and ensemble and advanced to state for three consecutive years. Also, Lorena’s leadership skills can be seen as she pursues a level two security guard certificate and currently commands her classmates as they patrol the school’s hallways.

Axel Contreras Valedictorian

Axel Contreras is the son of Sandor and Nelida Contreras. He was born on August 24, 2001 in McAllen, Texas.

efforts to recognize students for their achievements in all math classes. Contreras participated in several different events in UIL, but he mostly focused on mathematics, in which he served as the team captain since sophomore year. In mathematics, Contreras earned several achievements, such as regional qualifier sophomore and senior year, as well as state qualifier senior year, a first in many years for the La Joya high schools. Contreras recognizes his parents and his math coach, Ms. Alfonso, as his primary influences throughout high school because they taught him that as long as you never give up and always try your best, you will eventually be rewarded. Melissa Rivas is the

Oscar E. Peña-Vargas Valedictorian

Oscar Pena was born in Mission, Texas to Ofelia and Ramon Vargas. As his class Valedictorian, Pena has ex-

promises and is sure to become a great architectural engineer after finishing his graduate program at UT Austin. Odalys Sanchez was born in October 16, 2000 in Mission to Hilda Sanchez. She is the youngest sibling out of three brothers, and will be the first generation to graduate from college. Odalys attended La Joya ISD since Pre-K, and maintained exemplary academic achievements. Her hard work and involvement in organizations NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, GEM, and UIL led to a salutatorian ranking. She will graduate with an associate’s degree in Psychology, a 4.0 STC GPA, and attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her goal is to major in biol-

ta. Every organization taught him different values and life skills. Peña had the honor to have been accepted into five of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. and will continue to his studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He will be majoring in math-

ematics with a minor in actuarial science. Peña is excited to embark on his new journey and feels confident that La Joya has prepared him for his future endeavors.

Salutatorian

Thelma R. Salinas STEM ECHS top 2 to pursue medicine and mathematics

Salutatorian

As the son of Candido Carrillo and Maria Gonzalez, Rigoverto Carrillo was

See JUAREZ-LINCOLN TOP 2 Pg. 14B

Melissa Rivas Salutatorian

daughter of Maria Jaime and Leodegario Rivas. She was born January 4, 2001 in Mission, Tx.

See PALMVIEW TOP 2 Pg. 19B

Jimmy Carter Early College High School’s Top 2 displayed excellence since a young age ranked first of his class in middle school. Pena’s friends and teachers aided him throughout his amazing high school journey. He will be graduating from Jimmy Carter with a high school diploma and his associate degree. Pena will be attending the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Architecture this fall. He had much support from his parents his whole life and is grateful to his teacher, Mr. Silva, who helped and guided him in high school. Silva was there whenever Pena needed financial help, or needed information about college, and Pena is grateful for him and all the help he has provided him. His journey has not ended. His future holds many

Rodolfo Peña

Valedictorian

Rigoverto Carrillo

Palmview High School’s Top 2 influenced by family, teachers Contreras plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin, due to the university’s prestige and the many opportunities that are offered in the field of technology in the city. He plans to major in computer science, due to the increasing demand for jobs in that field, and he enjoys the challenge of creating programs to solve all kinds of issues. Contreras states that through the creation of software, he one day hopes to be able to help make life easier for many people. Throughout high school, he was a part of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, Mu Alpha Theta, and UIL Academics. In Mu Alpha Theta he served as treasurer his junior year and president his senior year, and as president he began the organization’s

Josiah Garza

Odalys Sanchez Salutatorian

ogy, attend dental school and become a pediatric dentist.

Littzy Gonzalez

Brisseida Villarreal

Littzy Gonzalez is the daughter of Luis Alejandro Gonzalez and Magbelly Lopez. Gonzalez, the valedictorian for Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High School, is considered a mature, kind, and disciplined individual to her peers and academic leaders. Gonzalez was inspired by her teachers to become who she is today. She noted that Mrs. Sauceda showed her that she has a fire inside her that will never burn out. Sauceda helped her believe in herself. Gonzalez was also inspired by her cross country coach, who showed her it’s possible to balance multiple activities all at once. He helped her become a better student athlete. This has given her the ability to excel in her high school and college classes. Gonzalez describes herself as a hardworking individual who is willing to work hard to achieve her goals. She wants her family to be proud of her. She is a devout Christian, which sculpts her beliefs and character. She is tolerant and patient and able to work well with diverse groups of people. Gonzalez is active in the community and active in her school. She is a member in the National Honor Society, and has volunteered on the annual Cancer Awareness Walk and Suicide Prevention Run. She also volunteers at the local Boys and Girls Club. Gonzalez believes that experience has allowed her to create relationships with the kids and staff. Her fondest memory was hosting a Christmas event, where she gave gifts to the community and learned the importance of humility and experiencing the heart-warming feeling of sharing the Christmas spirit. Gonzalez volunteers with the Capable Kids Foundation. The foundation hosts basketball games and volunteers assist the players. The

participants who may have never been part of a team get to develop team-working abilities and learn socializing skills. She also helps her parents around their home auto repair shop. She has learned to organize their tools, and identify various auto parts. Gonzalez has also learned how to do an oil change and replace brake pads. She finds it exciting to be able to help her parents and learn to fix cars. Gonzalez will be graduating with 73 college hours and an associate’s degree in biology from South Texas College. She will be attending The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she will be pursuing a degree in biomedical science, while pursuing a career as an obstetrician and gynecologist. Daughter of Rafael Villarreal and Mayra Martinez, salutatorian Brisseida Villarreal is the first child of a hard working, dedicated pair of individuals who started off their marriage as migrants with aspirations of saving up for the future they dreamed of. After much effort they accomplished their goals and created the life that they wanted for themselves. Through their hardships they have encouraged their daughter from a young age to study hard and pursue success. With that in mind, Villarreal passed through elementary and middle school doing her academic best, and that became the place where she came to find her passion in math. Thus, when she heard of Salinas STEM ECHS, she knew that was the best place to further her excellence in math and challenge herself in order to get that advancement in her education. Throughout her years at STEM, Villarreal became a member of her school’s NHS organization, U.I.L. journalism team, book club,

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

See STEM TOP 2 Pg. 22B

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Two Thelma Salinas ECHS students earn university scholarships to study electrical engineering

Elmo Emmanuel Garza (left) and Isaias Treviño (right) at Thelma Salinas Early College High School. Photo by Jamie Treviño.

Elmo Emmanuel Garza and Isaias Treviño will be majoring in engineering at two different campuses in the fall. Both high-ranking students at Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High School, the students received substantial scholarships from their prospective schools and plan to major in electrical engineering. Garza will be attending Rice University, and Treviño will be attending Case Western Reserve University. Garza and Treviño credit their parents for constant support and motivation

throughout their academic career in La Joya. “One of the main challenges that affected me and will affect everybody is procrastination,” Garza said. “That really kills you, especially in this school where the workload is so big. But this school prepares you to get the work ethic you need for college. Their friends and teachers helped them through high school and prepared them for what lies ahead. The amount of work that they did to graduate has gotten them ready for the next level. “They gave us a ton of

work, and I feel like it’s really prepared me for the harder-hitting things in college,” Treviño said. “Staying up late, knowing how to maximize my points and do everything in the correct order is something that is really going to help me for time management in college.” Treviño and Garza participated in several extracurricular activities in addition to their academics, including the school’s robotics team. Garza was in band, U.I.L., chess, the congressional app challenge, HOSA, and Treviño was in U.I.L., HOSA. Both were also members of

the National Honors Society. “Electrical engineering is something I see as the future,” Treviño said. “We’re moving away from more mechanics, everything is become more digital. Helping to better the future by advancing our electronics now is something that I would definitely love to do, because it’s helping society as a whole.” Garza actually aims to double major in electrical engineering and computer science, and Treviño aims to double major in electrical

See ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Pg. 22B

LJISD students receive 10 DREAM US Scholarships

The DREAM US Scholarship winners from Juarez-Lincoln High School. Photo courtesy of LJISD. College Advisor Cecilia Flores could not be more proud of her students at Juarez-Lincoln High School. This year, ten students from the La Joya Independent School District were named DREAM US Scholars. Each student will be awarded a total of $29,000 in scholarship money to be used in a period of four years. All the students plan to attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in the fall. According to a press release from the La Joya Independent School District, the DREAM US Scholarship has been awarded to Juarez-Lincoln High School students Karen Lozano, Dulce Cisneros, Omar Izaguirre, Nicanor Hernandez, Diana Vera, Liliana Perez, Eva Aleman, Maria Aguas, Palmview High School student Sofia

Moncayo Garcia and La Joya High School student Emy Covarruvia. The release also noted that the scholarship “is designed to help students complete their education without having to worry about the financial part of it.” The program is partnered with over 70 colleges with leaders “committed to addressing the barriers and challenges DREAMers face in getting into and through college.” 200 applications were sent out to UTRGV for this scholarship, and 20 were selected. Flores was happy that many of the scholarship earners are from Juarez-Lincoln, and spoke about the application process. “It’s a two-essay application, with a lot of extra documents they have to submit, plus their basic information,

parental information and a little bit about their history,” Flores said. “They’re all students who are undocumented.” DREAMers are students who are part of the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program or the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. Flores spoke with her students at length about the challenges they may be facing because of their status. “I told them from the very beginning when they started applying that unfortunately, they don’t have a lot of opportunities,” Flores said. “I told them that right off the bat because I really wanted to be honest with them.”

See DREAM US Pg. 14B

Jimmy Carter ECHS student earns scholarship, aims to study criminology April Bazan found her fascination with the study of the criminal mind, and is planning on pursuing that information further in the next chapter of her academic career. Bazan, one of the top-ranked students at Jimmy Carter Early College High School in La Joya, will be attending St. Edward’s University in Austin in the fall. She plans on majoring in criminology. “My sister is a criminal justice major, and

April Bazan at Jimmy Carter Early College High School. Photo by Jamie Treviño.

she’s been a really big inspiration for me,” Bazan said. “I guess I got her same passion and I love it so much as well.” Bazan will graduate with her associate’s degree from South Texas College in criminal justice, which led her further into the subject and ultimately into criminology. “I just liked it more than criminal justice,” Bazan said. “Criminology is the study of crime and criminals, and I’m really attracted to that. The crimes that criminals unfortunately do and their motives, I find it really interesting.” She credits her family for supporting her and encouraging her to study hard in school. Bazan participated in U.I.L., National Honors Society, student council, Mu Alpha Theta and volunteered for various organizations. She found that the college courses she took in high school to be some of her biggest challenges at Jimmy Carter. “I was never used to that, and in my junior and senior year it became a lot more challenging,” Bazan said. “I did struggle a lot, but I did pass thanks to my teachers, studying a lot, reading everything and taking notes.” Bazan, who is part of the migrant program at La Joya ISD, did not know that St. Edward’s existed until she went into a college fair and found that their CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program) scholarship would be ideal for her. “I asked questions, and they started giving me a lot of information about it, they were very persuasive,” Bazan said. “So I really got into it, so I decided to apply and I got the scholarship, so they’re paying for my years.” She added that she was relieved to receive the scholarship from the school, and it felt good. Bazan’s teachers and friends made a major impact on her academic career at La Joya. “They’re very inspirational, and they

See APRIL BAZAN - Pg. 21B

Rodolfo Peña standing by a fitting wall decal in La Joya High School. Photo by Jamie Treviño.

La Joya High School senior earns full ride to Ivy League school Salutatorian Rodolfo Peña is getting ready to move across the country on the next step of his academic journey. Peña, a soon-to-be graduate of La Joya High School, received a scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He plans on majoring in mathematics and minoring in actuarial science. According to him, his mother’s continued support throughout his education

motivated him to succeed and go on to study his passion. After applying to several Ivy League schools and getting accepted into a few, Peña found his collegiate future at UPenn. He said he is looking forward to meeting the diverse array of people in the new environment he will find himself in. “I’ll find my way at Penn,” Peña said. “Going [so far] away from home, it’ll be a different type of culture.”

Peña also noted that the academics at UPenn will be a good challenge to undertake and continue in the next level of education. “It speaks volumes, and ultimately I just want to further my education, and I’m beyond excited it’s at UPenn,” Peña said. “It’s completely different, and that’s also what I’m looking forward to.”

See RODOLFO PEÑA Pg. 9B

16 PHS students to graduate with PCT certification

Several students at Palmview High School will be graduating with Patient Care Technician certifications this year, allowing them to work in the medical field this summer after graduation. 16 students at PHS passed state exams and earned the certifications, all while completing their regular high school courses and remaining heavily involved with extracurricular activities. Three of those students, Lizbeth Nolan, Raul De Leon and Libertad Vera are all grateful to the district for the opportunity to gain experience in the field and make their entrance into medical work. “I’m glad I’m certified

as a technician in something I want to pursue instead of working in fast food where you’re not learning about what you want to do,” De Leon said. All three want to move even further into the field of medicine, which motivated them to join the program at the beginning of this school year. “It’s the beginning to gaining experience,” Nolan said. The Health Science Endorsement at Palmview High School allows them to earn these certifications over a student’s senior year of high school. A rigorous program, at one point in the year stu-

dents were testing daily. “It’s challenging, but if you manage your time correctly and focus on what is important, you’ll get everything done. With the PCT certification, students can either work as certified nurse’s assistant, phlebotomist or Electrocardiograph (EKG) technician. The phlebotomy portion of the program was particularly challenging according to the students, who described practicing their “pokes” on each other to gain more knowledge. “Your very first poke is the scariest thing,” Vera said.

See PCT CERTIFICATION Pg. 19B

Emelyn Cortez and Jose Avalos practicing phlebotomy as part of the PCT Program at Palmview High School. Photo courtesy of LJISD.

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ACEVEDO, AARON

AGUILAR, ANEL

AGUILAR, KAYLA

AGUIRRE, BERNARDO

ALANIS, IRIS

ALANIS, NOEL

ALANIS, SAMANTHA

ALANIZ, AUSTIN

ALVARADO VILLARREAL, KEYLA

ALVARADO, HILDA

ALVAREZ JR., CARLOS

ALVAREZ, JULIO

AMADOR, MIGUEL

ANDRADE, VANESSA

ANGUIANO-LEAL, MICHAEL

ANZUALDA, ELIZA

ARECHIGA, ANDREA

ARELLANO, NORA

ARIAS, KAROLINA

ARRONA, OMAR

AYALA-CHAVARRIA, RUBEN

AYALA-SILVA, BRISA

BALDERAS, BRIANNA

BALDERAS, MARIA

BANDA, FRANCISCO

BANDA-ARMIJO, OMAR

BARRIENTOS, JAVIER

BARRIENTOS, MELANNIE

BARRON-AGUILAR, JOSE

BAUTISTA, DAPNNE

BAZAN-AGUIRRE, KAYLA

BELTRAN, DANIELA

BERMEA, FELIPE

CAMERO-SANCHEZ, NORBERTO

CAMPOS, AIDE

CANO, LEONEL

CANTU JR., OSVALDO

CANTU, BRANDON

CANTU, LESLIE

CANTU, MIGUEL

CANTU, NARCEDIT

CANTU, SAMANTHA

CANTU, XAVIER

CARISIO, KAYLA

CARMONA, MIRIAM

CASTANEDA, BRIANDA

CASTILLO JR., ANTONIO

CASTILLO JR., EDGARDO

CASTILLO, ELVIRA

CASTILLO, JACQUELINE

CASTRO, CARLOS

CASTRO, DAFFNE

CAZARES, SUMMER

CEPEDA, JAQUELINE

CHACON, ANNETT

CHAPA, DALIA

CHAPA, IZDARELY

CHAPA, MARIA

CHARLES-RODRIGUEZ, JAIME

CHAVANA, JESUS

CHAVEZ JR., RAMON

CHAVEZ, JOSE

CIENEGA, ALEXIS

COMPEAN, SAMANTHA

CONDE, YULISSA

CONTRERAS, YAMILEX

CORONEL, JAZMIN

CORPUS, ROXANE

CORTES, ALAN

CORTEZ, ALEXSANDER

CORTEZ, ANNA

COVARRUBIAS-GARCIA, EMY

CRUZ, CINTHIA

CRUZ, ELIZABETH

CUELLO, MARCOS

CUEVAS, GISELLE

DAVILA, ERVEY

DAVILA, JONATHAN

DAVILA-SALDANA, GUSTAVO

DE LA O, JONATHAN

DE LA ROSA, DAMIAN

DE LEON, FATIMA

DEL ANGEL, MARIA

DEL ANGEL-GAONA, ANA

DEL BOSQUE, AARON

DELATORRE, ORACIO

DELEON, LUZ

DELGADO, ANGEL

DELGADO, IESHA

DELGADO, OZIEL

DIAZ ESTRADA, MOISES

DIAZ JUAREZ, NATALIA

DIAZ, AHYSSA

DIAZ, ALAN

DIMAS, ROBERT

DONIS, MARILYN

DURAN, LORELI

ELIZONDO BAUTISTA, SAMANTHA

ELIZONDO, DANIELA

ELIZONDO, SOFIA

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LA JOYA HIGH SCHOOL

2019 Senior Graduates ENRIQUEZ TAGLE, LAURA

ESCARENO, FATIMA

ESPEJEL RODRIGUEZ, JESE

ESPINOZA, ANIBAL

ESPINOZA, PERLA

ESQUIVEL, RAMIRO

ESTRADA, ALEJANDRO

FLORES JR., RENE

FLORES, ALIAH

FLORES, KASSANDRA

FLORES, MARCUS

FLORES, NATHALY

FLORES, NYSSA

FLORES, VALERIA

GALICIA, YARELI

GAMBETA JR., ELEAZAR

GARCES, JEANNET

GARCIA III, OSCAR

GARCIA JR., JOSE

GARCIA JR., MARIO

GARCIA VASQUEZ, MARC

GARCIA, ANGEL

GARCIA, ANGELYSSA

GARCIA, AUDRA

GARCIA, CHRISTOPHER

GARCIA, ESTRELLA

GARCIA, IVAN

GARCIA, JACQUELINE

GARCIA, JOSE

GARCIA, MARTIN

GARCIA, PRISCILLA

GARCIA, RAUL

GARCIA, RODRIGO

GARCIA, ROOSVELT

GARIBALDI-RIVAS, SAMANTHA

GARZA, AILEEN

GARZA, BRYANDA

GARZA, EMELY

GARZA, EMMANUEL

GARZA, EVELYN

GARZA, GABRIELA

GARZA, ISAAC

GARZA, JACKELYN

GARZA, JACQUELYNE

GARZA, JOSIAH

GARZA, LUIS

GARZA, MARLA

GARZA, NATHALIE

GARZA, SEBASTIAN

GARZA-TELLO JR., DANIEL

GOMEZ, ABIGAIL

GOMEZ, ISAAC

GONZALEZ GONZALEZ, ALONSO

GONZALEZ, ALFREDO

GONZALEZ, AMANDA

GONZALEZ, DAMIAN

GONZALEZ, DANIEL

GONZALEZ, ISELA

GONZALEZ, JAZMIN

GONZALEZ, JENNIFER

GONZALEZ, KASSANDRA

GONZALEZ, KATYA

GONZALEZ, NATHAN

GONZALEZ, ROCIO

GONZALEZ, ROSBEL

GONZALEZ, SAMAI

GONZALEZ, STEPHANIE

GRANDE, ASHLEY

GUAJARDO, LAISHA

GUERRA, ALEJANDRA

GUERRERO, CALEB

GUERRERO, MONICA

GUTIERREZ, GRISELDA

GUZMAN, NATALEE

HERNANDEZ CASTILLO, MARIA

HERNANDEZ PEREZ, MICHAEL

HERNANDEZ RAMON, MARIA

HERNANDEZ, ALEXIS

HERNANDEZ, BIANCA

HERNANDEZ, BILEIMA

HERNANDEZ, JOSE

HERNANDEZ, LIZETH

HERNANDEZ, MAYRA

HERRERA, ISELA

IRETA, YAMILEX

ISLAS, CRISTIAN

JIMENEZ, BERENICE

JIMENEZ, SERGIO

LEAL, ELIAN

LEAL, JULIO

LEAL, SAMANTHA

LEAL, WENDY

LEAL-VEGA, ALEJANDRA

LEANOS, RYAN

LOMELI, MOSES

LONGORIA, LARISSA

LOPEZ JIMENEZ, ANDREA

LOPEZ, JUAN

LOPEZ, LUIS

LOPEZ-MARTINEZ, NAHARI

LOPEZ-REYES, JENNIFER

LOYA, JOSHUA

MAGDALENO, SERGIO

MANJAREZ, ALEJANDRA

MARRON-TREVINO, LESLIE

MARTINEZ MARTINEZ, JOSSELINE

MARTINEZ, ADALBERTO

MARTINEZ, KIMBERLY

MARTINEZ, LAURO

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LA JOYA HIGH SCHOOL

2019 Senior Graduates MARTINEZ, MARELY

MARTINEZ, MELISSA

MARTINEZ, MONIKA

MARTINEZ, TIFFANY

MARTINEZ-GOMEZ, AARON

MATAMOROS, ALONDRA

MEDINA JR., MIGUEL

MEDINA JR., RUBEN

MEDINA, FRANCES

MEJIA JR., CESAR

MELENDEZ, JACQUELYNE

MENDOZA, VICENTE

MEZA ALANIS, DIANA

MILAN, GERARDO

MIRELES, KENNETH

MOCTEZUMA, JAIME

MONTELONGO, IMELDA

MONTELONGO, JACQUELINE

MONTEMAYOR CANTU, DIEGO

MONTES, DANIEL

MONTES, VERONICA

MONTOYA, STEPHANY

MONTOYA-MARTINEZ, MELISSA

MORENO RAMOS, JORGE

MORENO, EDWARD

MORENO, MARIO

MORGADO, JACKELINE

MUNIZ, MARTIN

MUNOZ VELEZ, URIEL

MURILLO, CARLOS

MURILLO, SOFIA

NAVEJAR, FRANCISCO

NEWMAN, JAROD

NORIEGA, RENEE

OCHOA HERNANDEZ, ASHLEY

OCHOA, ABIGAIL

OCHOA, ISAAC

OCHOA, THOMAS

OLIVARES GRACIA, ALEXIS

OLIVARES, DEYANERICA

ORTEGA AMARO, HEIDI

ORTIZ, MIRIAM

ORTIZ, VIVIANA

OSORNIO, ALLISON

OVALLE GARCIA, ANGEL

PALACIOS, JACQUELINE

PARTIDA SANTOS, PRISCILLA

PENA JR., JUAN

PENA JR., RODOLFO

PENA, ANTHONY

PENA, ARALEE

PENA, DAYANARA

PENA, KARYME

PENA, PEDRO

PEQUENO, KAITLYNN

PERALEZ, ANYSSA

PEREZ III, ALFREDO

PEREZ JR., EDUARDO

PEREZ, AILEEN

PEREZ, GISELLE

PRUNEDA III, OCTAVIO

PUENTE, KEYLA

PUENTE, MICHELLE

QUIJANO, YOCELYN

QUINTANA, NICASIO

QUINTANILLA, JESUS

RAMIREZ JR, RAUL

RAMIREZ JR., RIGOBERTO

RAMIREZ, AMBER

RAMIREZ, HECTOR

RAMIREZ, KRISTOPHER

RAMIREZ, LESLY

RAMIREZ, REBECCA

RAMIREZ, SELENA

RAMIREZ, XAVIER

RAMIREZ, YAJAIRA

RAYON, JESUS

RESENDEZ, JAQUELIN

RESENDEZ, JATZARI

REYES, ALAN

REYES, JOCELYN

REYNA, ENRIQUE

REYNA, MICHAEL

RIOS QUINTANILLA, DIEGO

RIOS QUINTANILLA, JOSE

RIOS SOLIS, ALONDRA

RIOS TREVINO, CLAUDIA

RIOS, SABRINA

RIVERA, CAROLINA

ROBLES MONTALVO, LUIS

ROBLES-MONTALVO, ABEL

ROCHA JR., FELIPE

ROCHA, DYLAN

RODAS, ROLANDO

RODRIGUEZ BORRERO, DEANGEL

RODRIGUEZ JR., JAIME

RODRIGUEZ, CHRISTIAN

RODRIGUEZ, EDEN

RODRIGUEZ, EDNA

RODRIGUEZ, JOSE

RODRIGUEZ, JUAN

RODRIGUEZ, KLADEL

RODRIGUEZ, MONICA

RODRIGUEZ, SARAH

ROJAS-VELA, JULIA

RUBIO, JESSICA

RUIZ-ANDRADE JR., JOSE

May 17, 2019

Page 7B

www.ptrgv.com

LA JOYA HIGH SCHOOL

2019 Senior Graduates SAENZ JR., JORGE

SAENZ, ANDREA

SAENZ, JUILO

SAENZ-MELENDEZ, MICHAEL

SALDANA, DEVANIZ

SALDIVAR IBARRA, THAIZ

SALINAS JR., EDUARDO

SALINAS JR., JESUS

SALINAS JR., OSVALDO

SALINAS, ALAN

SALINAS, BIANCA

SALINAS, CLAUDIA

SALINAS, GISEL

SALINAS, JAIME

SALINAS, PRISCILA

SANCHEZ BELTRAN, YAMILETH

SANCHEZ JR., ARMANDO

SANCHEZ SOLIS, MARTHA

SANCHEZ, CARELI

SANCHEZ, JOSELINE

SANDOVAL, JOSE

SANTOS JR., JESUS

SEPULVEDA JR., JORGE

SERNA, MIGUEL

SOLIS, CHLOE

SOLIS, DARIEL

SOLIS, FABIAN

SOLIS, OSCAR

SOLORIO GARCIA, JESUS

SOTERO, PATRICIA

SUASTEGUI MAXIMO, ERICK

SUSTAITA, XIOMARA

TAFOLLA, TIFFANY

TAMEZ RODRIGUEZ, KARINA

TANGUMA, DAMIAN

TERAN, RAUL

TORRES, BALDEMAR

TORRES, CHRISTIAN

TORRES, ISABELA

TORRES, LAURO

TOVAR PERALES, JOSE

TREJO, CHRISTIAN

TREVINO, ANNA

TREVINO-ALANIS, JUAN

TYLER, KAIRAHN

URESTI, ASHLEY

VALDEZ, BRYAN

VALDEZ, MONIQUE

VALENZUELA, SERGIO

VALERO, JOSE

VARGAS GONZALEZ, KIMBERLY

VASQUEZ JR., GERARDO

VASQUEZ, ALYSSA

VASQUEZ-GARCIA, ERIK

VAZQUEZ, LORENA

VELA JR., JUAN

VELA, JESUS

VELIZ JR., FELIPE

VERA, JONATHAN

VERA, MARIA

VILLAGRAN, ALEYSSA

VILLAGRAN, BRIANA

VILLALPA, ARTURO

VILLANEDA, GUVANY

VILLARREAL JR., ROGELIO

VILLARREAL, ALMA

VILLARREAL, ANESSA

VILLARREAL, EVELYN

VILLARREAL, GERARDO

VILLARREAL, GISELLE

VILLARREAL, LESLIE

VILLARREAL, NATALIE

VILLARREAL-HINOJOSA, HOMERO

VILLEGAS, EMILY

WILSON, ALEXANDRA

ZAMARRIPA, VICTORIA

ZAMORA, CALEB

ZAMORA, IMMANUEL

ZAMORA, JOSHUA

ZAPATA, JAILYN

ZAVALA, MELISSA

ZUNIGA OLIVARES, ALEXANDRA

VIRAMONTES, JOSELINE WALLE HERRERA, DULCE

GRADUATES NOT PICTURED AMAYA JR., LUIS BANUELOS, FELIPE ADRIAN BERMEA, KRISTOFER DALLAS CABRERA BARRON, JOSE JUAN CARMONA, DAVID MARCELINO CHAPA-ORNELAS, ANAELY CHAVERO, BRIZEIDA CHAVERO-CASAS, KEILIN NAIDETH COLON, CHRISTIAN CORTINA, KARIANA ITZEL DE LA GARZA, AURORA ANGELES DIAZ, ISRAEL LEE ELIZONDO, LEEROY ESQUIVEL, PAULETTE JEAN FLORES, KEYXLA YARELLY FLORES, MICHAEL NICHOLAS GALAVIZ, CRYSTAL GARCIA, SANJUANITA GARCIA, TAHIS JUDITH GARZA, ANTHONY

GARZA, MATTHEW GARZA JR., TOMAS ABIEL GONZALEZ JR., ELIUD GONZALEZ, EMILY GONZALEZ, RANDY GONZALEZ-ROGEL, JOSE URBANO GRAJALES, GUSTAVO ADOLFO GUAJARDO, JOSE ISAIAS GUEL, RUBY GUEVARA, TONY LEE HERNANDEZ, MELODY ITZEL HERNANDEZ, NEFTALI JIMENEZ, JUAN EDUARDO JUAREZ GARCIA, CRISTOPHER YAFF LOPEZ MARTINEZ, ALONDRA ELIZAB LOPEZ, DANIA SOFIA MARES CORTEZ, CRISTOPHER MARES, EILEEN MELENDEZ, YARID MIRELES, GLORIA MARIA

MONTANEZ, EDDIE EDUARDO MUNOZ, MARCO DANIEL NUNEZ MALDONADO, YAJAIRA YANET OLVERA JR., MARIO ORTIZ JR., JOSE MANUEL PARRA, LUIS MARTIN PENA, ALEXIA MERCEDES PENA, GISELLE PENA, LUIS GUSTAVO PEREZ, FABION DANIEL PUENTE JR., ARTEMIO QUINTERO SALINAS, BRYAN IVAN RAMIREZ, ANDRE RAMIREZ, ANGEL AMADOR RAMIREZ, KASSANDRA RAMIREZ JR., LUIS VIDAL RAMIREZ, PRISCILLA RAMON, JOSE ISAIAH RAMOS, ERICK ALEXANDER RAMOS, RUBY LEE

RANGEL JR., JOSE OMAR RAYO, JOSE INEZ RIOS HERNANDEZ, JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ, ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ, GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ, JR., MARTIN RODRIGUEZ, SAMANTHA RAY SALAZAR, ALEJANDRO SALAZAR, ANGEL SALAZAR, JR., MIGUEL ANGEL SALINAS JR., SIMON TORRES-HERNANDEZ, CRISTINA TREVINO, JOEL ISAIAS VASQUEZ, CARLOS ANTONIO VASQUEZ, JR., GERARDO VERGARA, BRANDON MAYEL VILLARREAL, KAITLYN MARIE

page 8B

May 17, 2019

www.ptrgv.com

La Joya High School

PROM KING AND QUEEN

STUDENT COUNCIL Left to Right Audra R. Garcia, Elections Commissioner Fanny Esquivias, Social Media Officer Monique A. Valdez, Secretary Joshua B. Loya, President Genesis Silva, TEED Officer Roy Flores Jr., Public Relations Officer Caleb A. Guerrero, Treasurer

Rodolfo Pena and Yajaira Ramirez

HOMECOMING QUEEN AND KING Brisa Ayala and Rolando Rodas

SENIOR CLASS FAVORITES Jose Chavez and Kimberly Martinez- Most Spirited Caleb Guerrero and Audra Garcia- Most Likely to be President Lauro Torres and Laisha Guajardo- Class Clown Anibal Espinoza and Aileen Garza- Most Involved Joshua Zamora and Eliza Anzaldua- Most Changed Damian Tanguma and Angelica DeLeon- Most Memorable Michael Flores and Annet Chacon- Worst Case of Senioritis Joshua Loya and Kimberly Martinez- Teacher’s Pet

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

NHS officers Left to right- Caleb Guerrero , Joshua Loya, Elvira Castillo, Jose Sanchez, Rodolfo Pena, Josiah Garza, Xiomara Sustaita, Brisa Tovar, Anibal Espinoz

SPONSORED BY:

Congratulations La Joya Graduates!

CALL OR CLICK TODAY! Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

LOCATIONS IN

Congratulations Class of 2019

Our wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to. Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small and that you never need to carry more than you can hold. www.cityofpalmview.com

Hats Off

to the graduates

LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com

The Sky’s the Limit

Sending out our congratulations and best wishes to this year’s graduates! Good luck, and best wishes to each and every one of you.

A Great Place To Learn!

Javier Ramirez Joel Garcia Ricardo Villarreal Councilman Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Javier Ramirez Joel Garcia

Ricardo Villarreal Mayor

Mayor Pro Tem

Nationally Ranked Degree Programs, Superior Faculty and Research Centers of Excellence.

facebook.com/ cityofpenitas

Way to Go!

Dream big, graduates, and enjoy your special day. The best is yet to come! Congratulations

Councilman

Owned and Operated by JoseLuis LuisPerez Perez Linda Jose Linda SarabiaAnthony Anthony Sarabia Uresti Uresti Councilman Councilman Councilwoman CouncilwomanCouncilman Councilman www.cityofpalmview.com

Michael Leo - City Manager

Alex and Victoria Cantu

1713 DIAMOND AVE. PEÑITAS, TX

956-519-4140

MAYOR PRO-TEM

COUNCILMAN

ALEX GUAJARDO JOSE ROEL FLORES

MAYOR

RIGO LOPEZ

COUNCILMAN

FELIPE QUINTANILLA RAMIRO LOYA

May 17, 2019 from pg. 3B

Page 9B

www.ptrgv.com

RODOLFO PEÑA

He added that coming from one of the most economically challenged areas in the country was one of the many challenges he faced getting to graduation. “According to statistics, we’re in one of the poorest cities in the U.S.,” Peña said. “It’s really difficult to graduate, let alone be accepted into an Ivy League school.”

In addition to that, Peña’s father was incarcerated when he was 10 years old, so his mother had to take up the mantle of taking care of their household. “He was an amazing father,” Peña said. “But after that my mother had to provide for us, my older sister and my younger brother. That was one of my biggest

challenges, growing up without a father figure.” Peña’s mother was also recently diagnosed with cancer, which made the decision to leave a difficult one. He said he had to make it. “It’s just a lot,” Peña said. “When I was accepted, I had imposter syndrome, and I was wondering ‘How did I get in? Why did I get in?’”

LJHS UIL Regional Members Aaron Acevedo (Social Studies), Carlos Baltazar (Number Sense), Hugo Cantu (Number Sense), Daffne Castro (News Writing), Roy Flores Jr., (Current Issues), Valeria Garcia (Social Studies), Diego Leal (Number Sense), Joshua Loya (Current Issues), Alessandra Martinez (Current Issues), Rodolfo Pena (Calculator Apps, Mathematics), Valeria Saenz (Social Studies), Simon Salinas (Prose) and Leslie Zepeda (Number Sense).

Peña has always been on task and getting ready for college. “It began when I was a middle school student,” Peña said. “I feel La Joya High School will prepare me and has prepared me for future endeavors.” Peña was very involved during his time at La Joya High School, participating in

folklorico, National Honors Society (serving as president), U.I.L mathematics and calculators and Mu Alpha Theta. “Everything I did made me a better person and made me a more prepared student,” Peña said. “You have to find a balance. It’s tough, but I am happy I was able to be one of those students.”

Peña advises students to not just focus on the academics when in high school. “Have more fun,” Peña said. “I did have fun, but just enjoy your four years because they’re gone in the blink of an eye. I wouldn’t change a single thing about my high school experience.”

La Joya HS Senior Class Officers Kaitlyn Pequeno- Secretary, Marely Martinez- President, Annet Chacon- Treasurer, Sofia Elizondo- Historian.

Aaron Acevedo is 6A Student Athlete of the Year Aaron Acevedo is a senior at La Joya High School, and has recently been granted the honors of 6A Student Athlete of the year. Considered a strenuous endeavor to continuously balance the life of a student athlete, Acevedo would like to thank his coaches and family for embedding a hardworking personality within him. He believes that he would not be where he is today if it weren’t for their constant guidance and motivation to continuously place one hundred percent in everything he does. Acevedo would also like to thank all those involved with the selection

process, and anyone who voted for him to receive this honor. Acevedo believes that all were worthy candidates, and wishes each one of them success and luck as they continue their education. Throughout his senior year, he excelled scholastically, being selected as a member of the All State Academic football team. He also obtained successes in various extracurricular activities such as U.I.L., where he acquired over six first place trophies and a district championship in social studies, which allowed for him and his team to qualify

for the regional meet. His affiliation to the National Honor Society has also enhanced his sociological capital by allowing for him to be exposed to the needs society has, and according to him, he actively wishes to pursue community aid throughout his life. Along with these extracurricular successes, he managed to maintain a high position on the ranking hierarchy, finishing 5th amongst his senior class. His peers and school leaders regard Acevedo as a pristine representative of what La Joya High School deems as an allaround student.

After high school, Aaron will be attending St Mary’s University in San Antonio, where he will be majoring in political science and minoring in english. He wishes to pursue a graduate degree in law at Columbia University, and with this education, he will pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney. Acevedo also plans on eventually running for a House of Representatives position in order to propose and advocate for legislation in favor of societal reformation in context to basic human rights.

Aaron Acevedo

JUAREZ LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL “I SUPPORT THE TASSEL” PROGRAM to Sponsor 86 Husky Seniors with Graduation Gear

When Juarez-Lincoln High School Graduation Specialists, Erika Salinas and Xochitl Garcia, LBSW learned that some of their students wouldn’t be able to walk across the stage at graduation back in the Spring of 2015, they wanted to know why, and help. Hundreds of graduating seniors throughout the country won’t be able to don the cap and gown at their milestone ceremony this May — simply because they can’t

afford it. Sometimes students opt out from attending graduation so as not to cause their parents an additional expense. “Our Husky students are humble and kind. They see the daily struggle their parents go through to make ends meet and do not want to add an additional cost to the already economically disadvantage household. Many students have said that the money that would be used on the purchase of the cap and

gown could be used instead to pay a water bill, an electricity bill or partial rent payment,” stated Xochitl Garcia, LBSW at Juarez-Lincoln High School. An average cost for each cap and gown set is $40. When Salinas and Garcia heard some of their students couldn’t make ends meet, they created a program called “I Support The Tassel,” where sponsors could make monetary donations to sponsor seniors that could

not afford their graduation gear. “It is our wish here at Juarez-Lincoln High School to see this act of kindness grow so that we can help our Huskies attend their graduation and don’t miss out because of the inability to purchase a cap and gown. In the future we would like to assist our sister schools to ensure that all La Joya ISD PACK students attend graduation,” added Garcia. With the help of spon-

sors for the past 5 years the “I Support The Tassel” program has grown: 2014-2015= 10 caps and gowns (Parent Volunteer Fund Raiser) 2015-2016 = 10 caps and gowns (Parent Volunteers Fund Raiser) 2016-2017= 10 caps and gowns (Parent Volunteers Fund Raiser) 2017-2018 = 30 caps and gowns (Parents & Community Fund Raiser) 2018-2019 = 86 caps and

gowns (Community & Staff Fundraiser) Special thanks to all sponsors for contributing to this year’s program that helped sponsor 86 seniors with a cap and gown! They are: Diana Lopez, RJ’S Rental & Catering Service, Esperanza Ochoa, Benito Hernandez Trucking (Mary T. Hernandez), Zayde Hernandez, Yadira

See TASSEL PROGRAM Pg. 14B

page 10B

May 17, 2019

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AcunĚ&#x192;a, Jennifer

AcunĚ&#x192;a, Oscar

Aguas Zarazua, Maria

Aguilar Briceno, Odilia

Aguirre, Andy

Aguirre, Janelli

Agustin-Morales, Jason

Aldana Lara, Maria

Aldana, Jessica

Alejandro Vega, Jose

Alejandro, Alejandra

Aleman Cruz, Eva

Alfaro Bonilla, Diego

Almanza Garza, Priscilla

Alonso Mondragon, Maria

Alonso-Jimenez, Daffne

Alvarado, Daniel

Alvarado, Maximiliano

Alvarez, Jacquelinn

Alvarez, Lauro

Animas Rodriguez, Lesly

Aquino Tellez, Fabiola

Arjona, Jr. Adrian

Arjona, Rodolfo

Arriaga, Ricardo

Arteaga Ledezma, Julia

Avila, Eliud

Aviles, Nancy

Ayala, Ana

Azua Acosta, Ashely

Balderas, Jovana

Banda, Christopher

Barrientos, III, Armando

Barrios Pecina, Marco

Barrios, Oscar

Barron, Kimberly

Barros Neto, Mauro

Bazaldua Almaraz, Itzel

Bell, Megan

Belman, Joe

Beltran Trejo, Alondra

Berlanga, Karla

Bonilla, Sergio

Botello, Isahi

Bravo, Felix

Briones, Edgar

Briseno, Manuel

Buenrostro, Fernando

Bustos Rocha, Ulises

Cabrera, Olympia

Calvillo, Jacqueline

Calvo, Jose

Campos, Anneylee

Campos, Brianna

Campos, Ismael

Campos, Julianna

Canales, Naliah

Cano, Samuel

Cantu, Angel

Cantu, Emily

Cantu, Miguel

Cantu, Ricardo

Carbajal, Leslie

Cardoza, Araceli

Carmona, Magdalena

Carrillo, Rigoverto

Carrizalez, Patricia

Castillo, Ashley

Castillo, Homero

Castro, Roman

Catete, Raul

Cepeda, Gabriell

Cerda, Yaretzi

Cervantes, Adamaris

Chapa Jr., Jose

Charles, Dianna

Chavez, Fernando

Chavez, Jose

Chavez, Thaiz

Chavez, Vanessa

Cisneros Castaneda, Dulce

Cisneros, Brittany

Compean, Esli

Contreras, Alejandra

Contreras, Sheila

Contreras, Victoria

Cordero, Arely

Cruz, Cesar

Cruz, Jose

Cruz, Saul

Cuellar, Alexis

Cuellar, Jonathan

Davila, Monika

De La Luz, Latzy

De La Mora, Enrique

Del Angel, Jonathan

Delgado, Esteban

Delgado, Valeria

Diaz, Alexa

Elias Briones, Briselda

May 17, 2019

Page 11B

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JUAREZ LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

2019 Senior Graduates

Enriquez, Fernando

Escalona, Ricardo

Esparza, Hector

Esparza, Marlene

Espinoza, Melanie

Estrada Infante, Jose

Estrada, Kassie

Fernandez Hernandez, Rodrigo

Flores Hernandez, Ivan

Flores, Alejandro

Flores, Annette

Flores, Elisa

Flores, Jose

Flores, Noe

Flores, Norma

Flores, Raul

Flores-Armendariz, Christopher

Frayre, Wesley

Gallardo, Maria

Gallegos, April

Gallegos, David

Gallegos, Leah

Gallegos, Shaila

Gallo, Jesus

Galvan, Brian

Galvan, Camila

Gamez, Cassandra

Gamez, Mariana

Gaona, Isela

Gaona, Lizbeth

Garcia Barrientos, Abraham

Garcia Guerrero. Rodolfo

Garcia, Abigail

Garcia, Alan

Garcia, Anthony

Garcia, Emily

Garcia, Errlantina

Garcia, Guillermo

Garcia, Ivan

Garcia, Jacqueline

Garcia, Jesus

Garcia, Jonathan

Garcia, Juan

Garcia, Karina

Garcia, Marco

Garcia, Michelle

Garcia, Nancy

Garcia, Rasiel

Garcia, Rolando

Garcia, San Juanita

Garcia, Santiago

Garcia-Banda, Melissa

Garcia-Medrano, Luis

Garcia-Reyes, Eduardo

Garcia-Rostro, Juan

Garza Gaytan, Yuliana

Garza Jr., Jose

Garza, Adamaris

Garza, Brissa

Garza, Jason

Garza, Lorena

Garza, Luis Alberto

Garza, Luis Eduardo

Garza, Maria

Garza, Melanie

Garza, Santiago

Garza, Thelma

Garza-Marroquin, Charlie

Gloria, Jibsam

Gomez Jr., Noe

Gomez Medina, Nancy

Gomez Urbina, Karla

Gonzales, Juan

Gonzalez Lopez, Jose

Gonzalez Nunez, Anahi

Gonzalez, Abigail

Gonzalez, Alexander

Gonzalez, Andrew

Gonzalez, Ashley

Gonzalez, David

Gonzalez, Fernando

Gonzalez, Francisco

Gonzalez, Guillermo

Gonzalez, Irvin Joseph

Gonzalez, Israel

Gonzalez, Janie

Gonzalez, Joshua

Gonzalez, Yacaranday

Gonzalez, Yajaira

Grimaldo, Ruben

Guerra, Briza

Guerrero III, Alberto

Guerrero Jr., Jose

Guerrero Nieto, Laura

Guerrero, Cesar

Guillen, Alexis

Gutierrez Soto, Arlette

Gutierrez, Janet Jocelyn

Guzman, Erik

Herevia, Barbara

Hernandez Alanis, Melissa

Hernandez Contreras, Maria

Hernandez Gonzalez, Nicanor

Hernandez Hernandez, Jose

Hernandez III, Juan

Hernandez, Daisy

Hernandez, Edgar

Hernandez, Ericka

Hernandez, Joel

Hernandez, Jonathan Alexis

page 12B

May 17, 2019

www.ptrgv.com

JUAREZ LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

2019 Senior Graduates

Hernandez, Jonathan Ivan

Hernandez, Kevin

Hernandez, Luis

Hernandez, Noheli

Hernandez, Quaid

Hernandez, Samantha

Hernandez, Victor

Hernandez, Wesley

Hernandez, Yolanda

Hernandez-Tovar, Diana

Herrera, Jose

Ibarra, Alejandro

Ibarra, Diego

Ibarra, Jacqueline

Ibarra, Luisa

Ipiña Jr., Horacio

Iracheta Trevino, Gilberto

Iracheta-Valadez, Aylin

Izaguirre Rodriguez, Omar

Jacobo, Ashley

Jarquin Maldonado, Carlos

Jasso, Jose

Jimenez, Aldo

Jimenez, Andrea

Jimenez, Jasmin

Jimenez, Kassandra

Jimenez, Samantha

Juarez Gonzalez, Martha

Juarez, Elizabeth

Juarez, Greysi

Juarez, Maria

Lara, Jacob

Lazo Cantu, Nancy

Leal, Bryana

Lemus-Fernandez, Juan

Leon, Annahi

Lerma, Allison

Loera, Roberto

Lomeli Moncivaiz, Osvaldo

Lopez Sarmiento, Alfonso

Lopez, Alondra

Lopez, Cynthia

Lopez, Judith

Lopez, Manuel

Lopez, Pedro

Lozano Gutierrez, Karen

Luevanos, Wendy

Lugo Becerra, Gerardo

Magdaleno, Kevin

Maldonado Del Angel, Jenifer

Marceleno, Sergio

Mares, Marianelly

Marquez Sagahon, Alexia

Marquez, Leslie

Marquez, Pedro

Marroquin, David

Marroquin, Esmeralda

Marroquin, Rosa

Martin-Arriaga, William

Martinez Chavez, Christopher

Martinez Luna, Tristan

Martinez, Abrham

Martinez, Fransisco

Martinez, Jason

Martinez, Joe

Martinez, Ruben

Martinez, Stephanie

Mata, Josue

Medina, Devanis

Medina, Idalia

Medrano, Mary

Medrano-Soto, Elizabeth

Melara, Raquel

Melendez, Ruby

Mendoza, Ashley

Meza, Narda

Mojica, Deniss

Molina, Claudio

Molina, Cristian

Molina,Sabrina

Monreal, Xavier

Montalvo, Juan

Montalvo, Lisette

Montano, Salvador

Montoya, Cristian

Mora Jr., Martin

Morales, Fathima

Morales, Josie

Morales, Sergio

Morales, Stephanie

Moreno, Milcah

Moreno, Yailin

Morin, Amairany

Morones, Lizbeth

Muñoz, Jonathan

Muñoz, Natzzzely

Nava, Ismael

Ojeda, Maria

Olmedo, Mauricio

Ortega, Neftali

Ortegon, Leslie

Ortiz, Britney

Ortiz, Christian

Ortuno, Jose

Ovalle, Jose

Pacheco, Eduardo

Palacios, Anahi

Palomo, Vianca

Perales, Magaly

Perez, Aisha

May 17, 2019

Page 13B

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JUAREZ LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

2019 Senior Graduates

Perez, Jose

Perez, Liliana

Perez, Maricela

Perez, Roberto

Perez, Yulissa

Ponce, Abraam

Porras, Marisol

Pruneda, Alondra

Pruneda, Eduardo

Puente, Abdiel

Quintanilla, Esteban

Ramirez, Issis

Ramirez, Josue

Ramirez, Leticia

Ramirez, Letzy

Ramirez, Samantha

Razo, Wendy

Renteria, Bella

Resendez, Laiza

Reyes, Alma

Reyes, Aracely

Reyes, Cirilo

Reyes, Daniel

Reyes, Karyme

Reyna, Adam

Reyna, Carlos

Reyna, Jonathan

Rios, Jennifer

Rivera, Ian

Rivera, Kesia

Rocha Karina

Rodriguez, Alejandra

Rodriguez, Alitza

Rodriguez, Armando

Rodriguez, Bryan

Rodriguez, Cristina

Rodriguez, Daisy

Rodriguez, Dayana

Rodriguez, Griselda

Rodriguez, Jazmine

Rodriguez, Josue

Rodriguez, Leslie Nayelli

Rodriguez, Leslie

Rodriguez, Luis Angel

Rodriguez, Miguel

Rodriguez, Missael

Rodriguez, Ricardo

Rodriguez-Perez, Luis Gustavo

Romero, Daniel

Roque, Jazlyn

Rueda, Adrian

Ruelas Jr., Luciano

Ruiz, Graciela

Salas, Josue

Salas, Rosbelt

Salazar, Bryan

Salazar, Danielle

Salazar, Danny

Salazar, Maritza

Salazar, Roberto

SaldanĚ&#x192;a Romero, Mia

Salinas Jr.. Sergio

Salinas Tovar, Daniela

Salinas, Antonio

Salinas, America

Salinas, Ernesto

Salinas, Isela

Salinas, Lizbeth

Salinas, Xavier

Sanchez, Berenice

Sanchez, Emily

Sanchez, Faith

Sandoval III, Isidro

Sandoval, Giselle

Sauceda, Linette

Saucedo, Rosendo

Segura, Wendy

Silerio, Briana

Silva, Alexander

Silva, Bernardo

Solis, Jonathan

Soria, Luis

Suarez, Abel

Suarez, Aileen

Suarez, Andres

Tamez, Ashley

Tamez, Rogelio

Tijerina, Darza

Tijerina, Judith

Tomlinson, Corey

Torres Alva, Ivania

Torres, Barzillai

Torres, Brianna

Torres, Libni

Torres, Sebastian

Tovar, Klarissa

Trancoso, Ashley

TrevinĚ&#x192;o, Samantha

Urbina, Edgar

Urbina, Obed

Velez, Jared

Vera, Diana

Verdin, Krystal

Vidal, John

Villanueva, Jazmin

Villarreal Medina, Odalys

Villarreal, Alejandra

Villarreal, Alekza

Villarreal, Dante

Villarreal, Juanita

page 14B from pg. 9B

TASSEL PROGRAM

Guzman, Dr. Alda T. Benavides, Mathew Benavides, Dalila Villarreal, Nelia Garcia, Carmen Mendoza, Brenda Valdez, Lizette Gonzalez, Andrea Garza, Alex & Vicky Cantu, Cindy Ramirez, Melissa Farias (Ashton), Monica

Garza-Garcia (Lori), Chrissy Cardenas, Alicia Mendoza, Balde & Christie Gonzalez, La Joya HS Class of 1966, Monica Renteria, Karla Tanguma, Ignacio Mendoza, Brittney Mendoza, Rosalinda Mares (Aracely Alonso),

Monica Cerda, Kidz Crusade Academy, Daisy Gonzalez, Lisa Alaniz, Lesly Gonzalez, Jennifer Garcia and Lisa Ramirez. It is through sponsors like these that the “ I Support The Tassel” program has reached

When the scholarship application was made available, Flores urged several students to go for it. “I told them they only have these few opportunities, so they have to take advantage of them,” Flores said. “There isn’t a lot of money out there for them, and the state of Texas only provides them with $5,000 to go to school, which is technically not enough for a four year university.” Not having to worry about tuition, dorm costs and books is an incredible chance for these students, according to Flores. She was overjoyed when so many names from her school were announced

as recipients. “This is an incredible opportunity, it’s basically their one shot to that degree,” Flores said. “I’m super proud of them, and I’m glad they took the opportunity.” “A lot of students tend to just not want to do this or write essays because they think it’s a lot of work,” Flores said. “And these kids, took advantage of it.” In previous years, other LJISD students have won DREAM US Scholarships, but not to this degree. “This has been the most [receiving] we’ve ever had,” Flores said. “It’s incredible, I couldn’t believe it. The number just kept going up, and

we’re all super proud. It’s a huge accomplishment.” Flores said that the students all have varying goals and career paths they want to take in the future, and this scholarship will give them that first step. Among them, they will be majoring in music, education, engineering and business. “I hope they succeed in whatever they want to do,” Flores said. “I told them that once they have this, don’t let it go to waste. Make sure you take advantage of it fully. They have everything to change the world, they can do that.”

from pg. 3B

May 17, 2019

www.ptrgv.com

DREAM US

more community members who are willing to help JLHS Huskies, thank you!

from pg. 2B

If you are interested in being a sponsor in the future contact Ms. Xochitl Garcia

or Ms. Erika Salinas at (956) 323-4807 or email at x.garcia@lajoyaisd.net

JUAREZ-LINCOLN TOP 2

born in Elkhart, Indiana. Since early childhood, he and his family have immigrated as a necessity, eventually settling in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Carrillo describes his stay there as anything but elegant as he and her family struggled with poverty and other economic shortcomings such as the lack of food and limited water and electricity at home. By the time Carrillo started attending high school, he was forced to ultimately drop out due to a lack of transportation. Then, Carrillo’s parents moved to the Rio Grande Valley and enrolled him to Juarez-Lincoln High School where he got the news that he was going to have to be held back by two years and

start as a freshman. Though he debated dropping out of school to start working full time, Carrillo was encouraged to continue pursuing an education by his parents. Despite being at a disadvantage from his peers, Carrillo was able to make the A honor roll. During his junior year, he became a recreational powerlifter, which he credits for teaching him time management skills and the art of perseverance to have the drive and confidence to reach his goals. As a powerlifter, Carrillo totaled 1,005 pounds at an unofficial meet. He is also an AP scholar with honors, a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, a QuestBridge Finalist, and a Texas Science and Engineering Fair state finalist. Carrillo is president of

Student Council, vice president of the Science National Honor Society, a member of the National Honor Society, and the treasurer for the Robotics club that organized the underwater robotics competition. Carrillo has also completed 120 community service hours by assisting at the Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Operation Lone Star, and as a UIL judge for elementary competitions. Carrillo will be part of the first graduating class of the Academy for Health Science Professions & STEM. At this point, he has completed 22 college hours and at nearly 20 years old, and will be attending Texas A&M University at College Station where he will major in chemical engineering.

JUAREZ LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

2019 Senior Graduates

Villarreal, Samantha

Villarreal, Stephanie

Villarreal, Yulissa

Villasana, Roberto

Ybarra, Jose

Zamora, Ana

Zapata, Elian

Zapata, Ulises

Zuniga, Juan

Zuniga, Steffany

GRADUATES NOT PICTURED ACOSTA JR., BALTAZAR ADAME, SARITA MARICRUZ AGUILAR HERRERA, JESUS ANTONIO AGUILAR, MONICA NOELIA ALANIZ, STEVEN DAVID ALCORTA, STEVE ALDAMA, DIANA JAQUELINE ALEJANDRO, BRANDON ALVARADO, JENNIFER ALVAREZ REYNA, ABEL FRANCISCO ANAYA, JONATHAN AVALOS, JOSE ANGEL AVILES, ELIZABETH BARRIENTOS, AILEEN DEE BARRIOS, OMAR LEE BASALDUA, JOSE BECERRA DIAZ, KARELY YAHAIRA BOCANEGRA, ADRIAN PAUL CALVO, JUAN DAVID CALZADA, LUIS ENRIQUE CAMARILLO, EDWARD JOSE CAMPOS JR., JOSE PATRICIO CANTU, JAQUELINE CARRANCO, REBECCA CASTILLO, ADRIANA CASTILLO, FELIX ABIMAEL CAVAZOS, ALAN CEDILLO, BRIANA NICOLE CHAVARRIA, EMILLY NATALIA CHAVEZ, PERLA AIMEE CISNEROS, SAMANTHA VIRIDIANA CONTRERAS HIRACHETA, KARLA LIZBETH CORDOVA, MIGUEL ANDRES CORTEZ, JESSICA COTERO, ESTEPHANIE CUELLAR, VERONICA SARAHI DAVILA, ABIGAIL DAVILA, NOE DELGADO RAMIREZ, SAUL PAULINO DELGADO, KEVIN ORLANDO DIAZ GUTIERREZ, NICOLAS DOMINGUEZ, ERIC DANIEL DURAN, MIGUEL NATHANAEL ELIZONDO, GUSTAVO ANGEL ESCOBEDO ESCOBEDO, SAYDA YURIDIA FLORES, ANDY LOUIS FLORES, KIMBERLY GALLEGOS TREVINO, SHAILA NAIDELYN GALLEGOS, LEAH

GALLEGOS, LESLIE GARCIA MENDEZ, KARLA JOHANA GARCIA, ALBERTO VIVIANO GARCIA, ANSELMO GARCIA, ASHLEY JACQUELINE GARCIA, DORA LIZETT GARCIA, FRANCHESKA GARCIA, GENESIS GARCIA, GUSTAVO ANGEL GARCIA, JANELLY GARCIA, YBONNE JUDITH GARCIA,DANIEL GARZA CHAVERO, ANDREA CRISOL GARZA, ANABEL GENESIS GARZA, DESTINY FAITH GARZA, EDUARDO MAXIMILIANO GARZA JR., EMILIO GARZA, JONATHAN GARZA, JUAN ALFONSO GARZA-MARROQUIN, CHARLIE BRYAN GOMEZ DIAS, MARIA GUADALUPE GOMEZ, SERGIO GONZALEZ, ELVIS ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ, JUAN JAVIER GONZALEZ, LESLIE GONZALEZ, ROBERTO GRACIA, YARITZA LIZBETH GUEVARA, JONATHAN GUILLEN, ANGEL GUTIERREZ, ROLANDO GUTIERREZ, YAILEEN ITZEL HERNANDEZ ACOSTA, ELIAS HERNANDEZ, ANAHI HERNANDEZ, HUMBERTO HERNANDEZ, RUBY LEE HERNANDEZ-VILLACANA, NIURKA YAMILLE HERRERA, GILBERTO HINOJOSA, GISELLE HINOJOSA, JACKELINE JULIANA HUERTA, JENNIFER AYLEENE HUERTA-MARTINEZ, ALFREDO HUERTA-MARTINEZ, GRISELDA LOPEZ SALINAS, ALDO EMMANUEL LOPEZ, ABRIL DE LA CRUZ LOPEZ JR., FRANCISCO JAVIER LORENZO JR., FELIX LUGO GARCIA, BRIGIDO MAGALLAN JR., LUIS ENRIQUE MAGALLON, EDGAR ULISES

MALDONADO CARRIZALES, BRYAN JAZZIEL MARTINEZ CAMPOS, LESLY ALEJANDRA MARTINEZ TORRES, TOMAS MARTINEZ VENEGAS, JAQUELINE MARTINEZ, AYLA ARLEINE MARTINEZ, EDGAR AARON MARTINEZ JR., EFREN MARTINEZ, ERIC ERNESTO MARTINEZ, ESAU MARTINEZ, JOSE ALBERTO MATAMOROS, MIRIAM MEDINA, NAYLA MARIE MENDOZA, ADAN ISAIAS MENDOZA, OMAR CATARINO MIRELES CASARRUBIAS, EDGAR MOLINA, FRANCISCO ALEJANDRO MONSERRAT LERMA, CARLOS MONTALVO BENAVIDES, JUAN FELIX MONTALVO, BECKY LEE MORALES, JOCELYN ASHLEY MORALES, LITSY ALESSANDRA MORALES, STEPHANIE MORENO, OSCAR CALEB MUNOZ PESINA, JONATHAN GUADALUPE NUNEZ JR., ADRIAN OLGUIN, STEPHANY ORTIZ, ADOLFO ANGEL PACHECO GONZALEZ, ROMAN PADILLA, ELIER PATINO, AURELIO PENA JR., LUIS CARLOS PENA, ROBERTO PERALES, CRISTIAN PEREZ GONZALEZ, ROBERTO PEREZ QUEZADA, LILIANA MARLENE QUIROZ, JOSE MANUEL RAMIREZ DE LA ROSA, SAIDA JAQUELIN RAMIREZ REYMUNDO, LUIS ABIEL RAMIREZ JR., ALFREDO RAMIREZ-RODRIGUEZ, ROY ALEJANDRO RAMOS REYMUNDO, OSVALDO RAMOS, DAFHNE IMALY REYES, AARON REYES, GILBERTO REYNA RAMIREZ, JONATHAN ELIAQUIM REYNA, BRIAN RIVERA, BRANDON KEVIN RIVERA, PABLO ROCHA MOLINA, FLOR YULETH

RODRIGUEZ ROQUE, MARTINA RODRIGUEZ, BRIANDA MARISOL RODRIGUEZ, ORLANDO RODRIGUEZ, OTONIEL ROJAS ROLDAN, FERNANDO ROJAS, MARISLEYSIS ROLDAN MALDONADO, RODRIGO ROSALES TOVAR, FERNANDO JAIR ROSAS JR., IRBING ALEJANDRO RUIZ ANZALDUA, ZLATKO JAIR RUIZ IZAGUIRRE, MARIO ALBERTO RUIZ MARTINEZ, JAVIER RUIZ, CARLA SALAS JR., OCTAVIO SALDIVAR REYES, VICENTE DAVID SALGADO, ELIZABETH SALINAS, JOSE ANTONIO SANCHEZ JR., ANGEL EDUARDO SANCHEZ JR., HORACIO SANTIAGO LOPEZ, CESAR IVAN SERNA, LUIS JULIAN SILVA, AARON SILVA, ALEXANDER SILVA JR., JUAN FIDENCIO SOLIS, ALEXIS SOTO MARTINEZ, HENNESSY TANIA SUAREZ, ANDRES TORRES LOZADA, JONATHAN TORRES, JENNIFER ALLEN TORRES, NELLIE TOVAR GAYTAN, JAZMIN TREVINO GAUNA, BRAYAN VALLE, CARLOS VALLEJO ALVAREZ, NORMA BRISEIDA VARGAS TORRES, VICTOR ALEJANDRO VASQUEZ, ARMANDO JAVIER VASQUEZ-RODRIGUEZ, MONICA KIMBERLY VELASQUEZ, GERARDO VELASQUEZ, KEVIN EDUARDO VELAZQUEZ JR., ELISEO VERA, KENIA VILLA, DANIEL JOSE CANDELARIO VILLANUEVA, MARIELA VILLARREAL SOTO, NANCY VIANEY VILLARREAL, SEBASTIAN SANTIAGO ZAPATA, ULISES ZAVALA, BRYAN GUADALUPE

May 17, 2019

Page 15B

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Juarez-Lincoln High School

HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN

Manuel Briseño & Thelma Garza

Names from L-R

NHS OFFICERS

Wendy Luevanos, Leah Gallegos, Omar Izaguirre, Christian Martinez, Jared Velez, Jose Vladimir Cruz

STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS

L-R

Wendy Compean-Treasurer, Kaylee Delgado-President, Deira Montelongo-Reporter, Karla Gonzalez -Historian, Melissa Hernandez-Vice President, Ashley Jimenez-Secretary

Congratulations Huskies! SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS

SPONSORED BY:

Congratulations La Joya Graduates!

CALL OR CLICK TODAY! Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

LOCATIONS IN

Congratulations Class of 2019

Our wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to. Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small and that you never need to carry more than you can hold. www.cityofpalmview.com

Hats Off

to the graduates

Ricardo Villarreal

Mayor Ricardo Villarreal Mayor

Joel Garcia

LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

(956) 585-6207 www.lajoyafcu.com

The Sky’s the Limit

Sending out our congratulations and best wishes to this year’s graduates! Good luck, and best wishes to each and every one of you.

A Great Place To Learn!

Javier Ramirez

Councilman Mayor Pro Tem Javier Ramirez Joel Garcia Councilman Mayor Pro Tem

Owned and Operated by Jose JoseLuis LuisPerez Perez Linda Sarabia Uresti Uresti Linda SarabiaAnthony Anthony Councilman Councilman Councilwoman CouncilwomanCouncilman Councilman www.cityofpalmview.com

Michael Leo - City Manager

Nationally Ranked Degree Programs, Superior Faculty and Research Centers of Excellence.

Alex and Victoria Cantu

1713 DIAMOND AVE. PEÑITAS, TX

956-519-4140

facebook.com/ cityofpenitas

Way to Go!

Dream big, graduates, and enjoy your special day. The best is yet to come! Congratulations

MAYOR PRO-TEM

COUNCILMAN

ALEX GUAJARDO JOSE ROEL FLORES

MAYOR

RIGO LOPEZ

COUNCILMAN

FELIPE QUINTANILLA RAMIRO LOYA

May 17, 2019

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La Joya ISD Jimmy Carter Early College High School Named a U.S. Department of Education 2018 National Blue Ribbon School

The U.S. Secretary of Education released the names of 349 schools, from across the country, as National Blue Ribbon School for 2018. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Submitted to the USDE: “Jimmy Carter Early

from pg. 3B

College High School was founded upon the belief that all students, regardless of socio-economic background, can achieve college success. We guide students through a thoughtfully chosen area of study, accurate course placement, and ultimately an associate’s degree. The process is organized, informative, and supportive, designed to fo-

cus students on their ultimate goal: to prepare for college, career, and life. Administrators, teachers, and support staff commit to this vision, as do students. To prepare students academically, The Common Instructional Framework is implemented in all courses, a guide that provides teacher and student flexibility, origi-

APRIL BAZAN

motivate me a lot,” Bazan said. “And I think that’s very important because students need that.” While she sometimes found herself insecure about her abilities, Bazan said her teachers motivated and pushed her to find that confidence. “I’ve really gotten through my years because of them,” Bazan said. Her biggest message to future LJISD students is to never give up when things get difficult.

“Push harder, everything is going to be okay,” Bazan said. “Forget what’s going on and really focus on yourself. Get any opportunity that comes your way and forget about the challenges.” Her family will still be in the RGV when she moves, so Bazan is somewhat nervous to leave for that reason. “My family is here, and I don’t know anybody in Austin,” Bazan said. “It’s my first time going to Austin, and I’m nervous especially because it’s a bigger city. But

I’m actually very excited.” Bazan looks forward to the college experience, and the opportunity to study something she is passionate about. “I’m excited to meet new people, see new faces,” Bazan said. “Just getting to know what’s out there in the field of criminology, getting to study it and get some hands-on experience, maybe get an internship along the way… I’m really excited for that.”

nality, and rigor. Our teachers are life-long learners and collaborators, dedicated to the belief students learn when provided an academic environment that is rigorous yet supportive. All teachers are highly accessible, and students frequently use classrooms to study, collaborate, or tutor. Our campus is united through shared values of inclusivity, respect, and commitment to a common goal. Students feel part of an institution dedicated to their academic and social well-being. First to attend college in their family, our students are educational pioneers building a legacy of excellence for themselves, their family, and their community, well into the 21st century. “I’m pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “We recognize

and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.” All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates: • –Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. • Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students over the past five years. LJISD Jimmy Carter ECHS earned EXEMPLARY HIGH PERFORMING

SCHOOL status. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE). The coveted National Blue-Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,800 schools. On November 7-8, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with 300 public and 49 private school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Acosta Hernandez, Adriana

Alcantar, Maria

Alejo, Maria

Arredondo, Yuleidy

Barrera, Samantha

Barrientos, Yesenia

Bazan, April S.

Benavides, Jaelinne

Botello, David E.

Cabada, Franco

Cadena, Arlin

Cantu, Noelia

Castillo, Alejandro

Chapa, Daniel E.

Chapa, Marla

Chavez Herrera, Baudelio

Contreras, Clarissa

Contreras, Naila

De La Garza, Haley

Diaz, Ana

Elizondo, Kimberly

Elizondo, Roman

Escamilla, Elihu

Escobedo, Alondra

Flores, Janett

Galvan, Priscilla

Garcia, Brianna

Garcia, Elio

Garcia, Sol M.

Garza, Mariana

Gonzalez, David

Gonzalez, Julio

Hernandez, Miguel

Leija, Alyzza

Lerma, Clarissa

Lopez, Jose

Mares, Mauricio

Martinez, Gabriel

Martinez, Gilberto

McKenna, Sara

Morado, Adriana

Olguin, Cynthia

Padron, Viridiana

Palomo, Virginia

Pena, Khristina

Pena-Vargas, Oscar E.

Perez Medrano, Kenia

Ramiro Diaz, Yesaira

Reyes, Eliseo

Reyes, Iridian

Reyes, Raul

Rico, Ashley

Rivera Garcia, Daniela

Rodriguez, Jocelyn

Saenz-Flores, Valeria

Salinas, Priscilla

Sanchez Franco, Jhovana

Sanchez, Odalys

Silva, Alejandro

Solis Jr., Narciso V.

GRADUATES NOT PICTURED

Solis, Sebastian

Soto, Christopher

Tamayo, Raul

Trevino, Israel

Valdez Jaramillo, Luis

Verdin, Vanessa

Villanueva, Edgar

CASTRO, JOSSELINE JASSAI FUENTES, ANDREA MARROQUIN-GALVAN, JULIAN PEREZ, JOSE ALEJANDRO QUINONEZ, ANALY VIDAL, ANA YAZMIN VILLALPANDO, ALICIA CATALINA VILLARREAL, CARMEN ESMERALDA

page 22B from pg. 2B

STEM TOP 2

yearbook club, and the president of the Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. Juggling extracurricular activities, community service, and endless classwork was a bit of a struggle for Villarreal. “Even though it was ex-

from pg. 3B

May 17, 2019

www.ptrgv.com tremely difficult sometimes, it’s all going to pay off when I get my associates degree and high school diploma in May,” Villarreal said. After her high school experience at STEM ECHS, Villarreal is positive that with all of the help she

received from her principal, teachers, and fellow students, she is completely ready to attend The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley this Fall of 2019 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEEERING

engineering and chemical engineering. Treviño said the diversity they will see in their new schools will be exciting, and Garza agreed. “Where I’m going, I already visited, and every time I hear people they’re saying all these things and I’m thinking ‘Wow, over here [back home] I think I’m one of the top ones, but over there I’m like nobody,’” Garza said. “So I want to hang around other students over there, learn new things, get new experience.” While they are nervous to undertake a new level of

academics in places far away from their families, Treviño and Garza are eager to excel and gain more knowledge in their fields. “The world can all be mathematically placed, a majority of math and science and physics classes require math, and it’s really nice to see how all of this fits into the real world,” Treviño said. “It’s how everything around you works.” Not having to worry about the majority, if not all of their college expenses covered by their schools thanks to scholarships they earned, has been

a relief for Garza and Treviño, and they plan on putting their focus on what matters in the future. They encouraged students to prioritize what is necessary to get into a good school if college is their choice upon graduation, and get things done on time. “Don’t get mixed up with the wrong group of people, because they’re going to bring you down with them,” Garza said. “If you can, try to motivate others to study hard.”

Thelma R. Salinas STEM ECHS Celebrates 2019 College Decision Day Thelma Salinas STEM Early College High School’s class of 2019 celebrated May 3rd Generation Texas College Decision Day with a variety of activities and an opportunity to reflect on the important events of the last four years. Principal DaLee Garcia kicked off the event by explaining that high school seniors from all over Texas recognize this date as the day to declare the college/ university they will attend in the fall. Mrs. Garcia also explained what the students were expected to do at each of the stations. Students had the opportunity to pin a mini personalized graduation cap on a giant map indicating the location of their chosen colleges, write thank you notes to those that offered them support throughout their high school years, leave words of advice to the upcoming class of 2020, and take pictures with classmates/staff/college recruiters at the photo booth. UTRGV recruiter Albert Garcia commented, “I feel a

great sense of pride and responsibility interacting with these future students mostly because they are trust us with their education and ultimately with their futures. Senior Deana Salinas appreciated the time the campus gave the class to celebrate Decision Day, “The activities served to congratulate us with a chance to mingle with our classmates before we all go our separate ways. Arturo Garza said, “The day served to prepare me for the reality of what’s to come.” Event organizers Jesus Vasquez, counselor, and Jennifer Garza, college readiness clerk wanted to celebrate the day with meaningful activities that allowed students to reflect on everything they have done to prepare for college. “The students’ responses to the activities were more than I expected. We’ve gotten so attached to this class, and I know they will all be very successful college students,” observed Ms. Garza.

The seniors of 2018 have achieved another important milestone. 90% of the class will graduate with Associate Degrees from South Texas College on May 17, 2019. “ I cannot be any prouder of this class, “ states Principal Garcia, “Not only did they stay focused on their academic goals, but they have been extremely caring with one another offering assistance and words of encouragement to classmates.” But perhaps senior Tylor Gonzalez might have summed it up the best, “today was exactly what we needed. A day to reflect and take in the last four years and appreciate how far we have come. The class of 2019 would like to thank all the event organizers, Mrs. Garcia for her support, and the office staff for all their hard work to make this day special for all.

Thelma Senior Class Officers Alayah Salazar – Vice President, Brenda Villarreal – President Littzy Gonzalez – Secretary, iram Villarreal – Historian Lindsey Franco – Prom Chair, rystal Cordero – Treasurer Tomas Aguilar – Class Representative, Adrian Ramos – Class Representative

UIL Mathematics Team L-RIsaias Trevino, Jonathan Sarmiento,Elmo Garza, Tylor Gonzalez.

Jimmy Carter Senior Class Officers

UIL Varsity Computer Sicence

Standing Left to Right: Jhovana Sanchez, Treasurer; Alondra Escobedo, Socials Chair; Cynthia Olguin, Parliamentarian Sitting, Left to Right: Narciso Solis, Vice President; Sebastian Solis, President; Daniela Rivera, Secretary

L-R Nyo Cruz, Marco Perez, Josue Herrera.

Jimmy Carter NHS Officers

L-R Isaias Trevino, Tylor Gonzalez, Alaylah Salazar.

UIL Varsity Spelling-Vocabulary Left to Right: Vanessa Verdin (Historian), Janett Flores (Treasurer), Alberto Lopez (Vice President), Virginia Palomo (President), Cynthia Olguin (Secretary), and Odalys Sanchez (Parliamentarian)

UIL Varsity Spelling-Vocabulary Isaias Trevino, Tylor Gonzalez, Alaylah Salazar.

May 17, 2019

Page 23B

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Aguilar, Tomas

Alcala, Adolfo

Arguijo, Jonathan

Bazan, Natalia

Beltran-Silva, Lizeth

Calderon, Jennifer

Cano, Angie

Cano, Juan

Cantu, Emily

Cantu, Mario

Castillo, Estephanie

Castillo, Kasandra

Castro, Ruben

Cerda, Heidy

Chapa, Brandon

Cordero, Krystal

Cordonnier, Andrew

Cruz, Joshuah

Cruz, Nyo

Del Fierro, Gilberto

Eligio, Roel

Elizondo, Arnoldo

Elizondo, Yamilex

Enriquez, Nathaly

Flores, Moises

Franco, Lindsey

Frias, Nelda

Garcia, Lourdes

Garcia, Oziel

Garcia, Samuel

Garcia, Sebastian

Garza, Arturo

Garza, Elmo E.

Gomez, Ashley

Gonzales, David

Gonzalez, Jesus M.

Gonzalez, Littzy

Gonzalez, Tylor

Gonzalez, Veronica

Guerra, Jose

Guerrero, Jose

Guerrero, Obed

Guerrero, Valeria

Gutierrez, Arnulfo

Hernandez, Yamilex

Herrera Cruz, Josue

Huerta, Daniel

Huitron Fuentes, Jimena

Ibarra, Abigail

Jimenez, Daniel

Jimenez, Rebeca

Lara-Valdez, Joel

Martinez, Esteban

Melgarejo, Ashley

Mireles, Yaneli

Morales Cortez, Adriana

Moreno, Jose

Morin, Emeregildo

Neri-Raudales, Ana

Ozuna, Samantha

Pecina, Luis

Pena, Juan

Perales, Jessica

Perez, Marco

Perez, Sebastian

Ramos, Adrian

Reyna, Noreyda

Rich, Richard

Rios, David

Rodriguez, Osvaldo

Rodriguez, Rubi

Rodriguez, Samantha

Salazar, Alaylah M.

Salinas, Deena

Salinas, Jacob

San Roman, Alejandro Daniel

Sanchez, Michael

Sarmiento, Jonathan

Segovia, Amber

Tinajero, Jose

Trevino, Isaias M.

Trevino, Valeria

Valdez, Zitlalyk

Valenzuela, Jonathan

Vargas, Denisse

Vela, Angela

Villanueva Jr., Cesar L.

Villarreal, Airam

Villarreal, Brenda

Villarreal, Brisseida

Villarreal, Saul

Zavala, Christopher

Zuniga, Jessica

page 24B

May 17, 2019

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LA JOYA EAST ACADEMY 2019 GRADUATES

Antonia Sanches

La Joya East Academy Principal

Alfaro, Diego

Alvarado, Jennifer

Cantu, Ricardo

Castillo, Adriana

Dominguez, Fredy

Duncan, Kassandra

Garcia, Daniel

Garcia, Santiago

Gonzalez, Alicia

Gonzalez, Brianna

Guillen, Angel

Hernandez, Jonathan

Lugo, Brigide

Medina, Sheyla

Mendoza, Omar C.

Molina, Francisco

Moreno, Oscar

Pena, Dariana

Pena, Samantha

Perez, Jorge

GRADUATES NOT PICTURED

Ramirez, Zoriada

Rosales, Fernando

Ruiz, Zlatko

Salinas, Jose A.

Trujillo, Axel

PALMVIEW HIGH SCHOOL ARENAS, NAGELI ARJONA, ADRIAN BALDERAS, JULIETTE ANGELIQUE CANTU, JACOB LEE CANTU, MIGUEL ANGEL CANTU, RICARDO CANTU-FLORES, JOANA LAVINIA CASTANEDA ARTEAGA, JOSE ANGEL CEPEDA, EDUARDO DURAN JR., JUAN DIEGO ESCUTIA-CORONADO, JOSUE ESPINOZA, JOVAN GARCIA, ADRIANNA MARIE GONZALEZ JR., ROBERTO JAVIER GUTIERREZ, JOSE ANTONIO HERNANDEZ LEON, EIMY ASTRID HERRERA, ODALYS IRACHETA, LAYSSA MINELY LOPEZ, ALEJANDRO LOPEZ, MELISSA MAGALLAN, ROGELIO ALBERTO MARTINEZ-PEREZ, ROLANDO ISMAEL MCGREW, BRENDAN ALEXANDER MUNOZ JR., ENRIQUE

JUAREZ-LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL AGUILAR, MONICA NOELIA ALCORTA, STEVE AVILES, ELIZABETH BASALDUA, JOSE CALZADA, LUIS ENRIQUE CANTU, JAQUELINE CHAVARIA, EMILLY NATALIA GARCIA-ROSTRO, JUAN DANIEL GARZA, DESTINY FAITH GARZA, EDUARDO MAXIMILIANO GUEVARA, JONATHAN GUTIERREZ, YAILEEN ITZEL LOPEZ JR., FRANCISCO JAVIER MARTINEZ CAMPOS , LESLY ALEJANDRA MARTINEZ, JOSE ALBERTO MARTINEZJR., EFREN MATAMOROS, MIRIAM RAMIREZ DE LA ROSA, BRYAN E RAMIREZ DE LA ROSA, SAIDA JAQU RIVERA BRANDON KEVIN RODRIGUEZ ROQUE, MARTINA SOTO MARTINEZ, HENNESSY TANIA VERA, KENIA

OBREGON, KENNETH OLVERA, INDIRA PEREZ PENA, OMAR ERNESTO RICO HERNANDEZ, CECILIA RIVAS RAMIREZ, ESTEFANI YAMILETH RODRIGUEZ, RODRIGO SAENZ JR., GERARDO SAENZ, ADELAIDA CIPRIANA SALGUERO, AYSHA LILLELY SANCHEZ MELANIE ALEIDA SANTILLAN, BRITTANY SILVA, KATE ITZEE TORRES, MONSERRAT SHARLENNE VASQUEZ-GAMEZ, ALBERTO VAZQUEZ ANDRADE, ISAIAH VEGA PATINO, ITZEL ANAHID VENECIA, ROSE MARY VICTORIA, EDUARDO VILLARREAL DESTINY IRENE VILLARREAL III, JULIO VILLARREAL, ELIAN YANEZ, JULIO ALBERTO

LA JOYA WEST ACADEMY 2019 GRADUATES

Senovio Canales

La Joya West Academy Principal

Acosta, Nohemi Crystal

Agustin-Morales Jason

Arevalo, Edwin

Becerra, Juan

Cruz, Alyssa

De La Rosa Rodriguez, Estephanie

Garcia, Ivan

Garcia, Maria Guadalupe

Garza, Jose Luis

Gonzalez, Enrriqueta

Gonzalez, Osiris

Lopez, Manuel

Lugo, Gerardo

Mandujano, Humberto

Martinez, Allen

Martinez, Daniella

Mena, Isreal

Mendez, Emili

Mendoza, Michelle

Mireles, Samantha

Morales, Fathima

Murillo, Sofia

Ordaz, Alex

Palacios, Elihu

Perez Fernandez, Jorge

Razo, Edna

Salazar, Bryan Jesus

Sandoval III, Isidro

Teran, Raul

Toppe, John

GRADUATES NOT PICTURED

Tovar, Vanessa

Villansana, Issac

Villanueva, Americo

Zamora, Immanuel

JUAREZ-LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL BOCANEGRA, ADRIAN PAUL CASTILLO, FELIX ABIMAEL CUELLAR, VERONICA SARAHI DELGADO RAMIREZ, SAUL PAULINO ESCOBEDO ESCOBEDO, SAYDA YURID GARZA CHAVERO, ANDREA CRISOL GARZA, JONATHAN GOMEZ, SERGIO GONZALEZ NUNEZ, ANAHI GUADALUP GONZALEZ, DAVID GONZALEZ, ROBERTO HERNANDEZ HERNANDEZ, JOSE LAZA HERRERA, GILBERTO LERMA, CARLOS MONSERRAT LORENZO, FELIX MORA, MARTIN, JR OLGUIN, STEPHANY REYNA, BRIAN RODRIGUEZ, ARMANDO RODRIGUEZ, ORLANDO ROJAS, MARISLEYSIS SILVA, AARON TREVINO GAUNA, BRAYAN

VARGAS TORRES, VICTOR ALEJANDRO VELASQUEZ, GERARDO LA JOYA HIGH SCHOOL AGUILLON, DARIAN JAY ALANIS, JUAN JESUS ALVAREZ, JULIO CESAR BELTRAN, BETHANY CASAS, RAQUEL CASTELLANOS, DELIA CIBRIAN, JOEL CONTRERAS, YAMILE DAVILA, ANGEL RENE DE ANDA GONZALEZ, RODRIGO DE LUNA, YAILIN MARCELINA DELATORRE, ORACIO KEVIN FLORES SANCHEZ, ABDALY FLORES, MARCUS ALEXANDER GARCIA, CHRISTOPHER ANGEL GARCIA, JESUS ALEJANDRO GARCIA, JOSE JULIAN GARCIA MEDRANO, LUIS ENRIQUE GARCIA-VILLARREAL, MARTIN GARZA, BRENDA

GARZA, EMILY MONIQUE GONZALEZ, JENNIFER GONZALEZ, MONICA GONZALEZ, YARITZZA GUERRERO, EDITH GUTIERREZ, FABIAN HERNANDEZ PEREZ, MICHAEL ALEJA LOPEZ, JESSICA LOPEZ, LUIS ARMANDO MARROQUIN JR., JOSE REYNOL MATA, RONALDO MATOS ROSARIO, JEANS LUIS MCGEE, ALEJANDRO RAMON MELENDEZ, AYSHA YRAY MOLINA ALAFFA, JOE GARZA MORENO, JANET MORIN, JACQUELINE MUNIZ, MARTIN MURILLO, CARLOS DANIEL OCHOA JR., ABRAHAM OLVERA, ELVIA ORDAZ JR., JAIME PANTOJA, ELIO JESUS PENA, ALEXIS

PENA JR., MARGARITO PEREZ, EDELMIRO PEREZ, FERNANDO PEREZ, FRANCISCO JAVIER RAMIREZ GUERRERO, JOSE RAMIREZ JR., MARTIN RAMIREZ JR., XAVIER ANGEL REYES, LITZY ARLETH ROCHA, FELIPE RODRIGUEZ, EDEN SALAZAR, ANGEL SALDIVAR, MARIA OLIVA SALINAS JR., SERGIO SANCHEZ, ANDREA JANNETTE SANDOVAL-RUIZ, VALERIE LIZBETH TREJO, JACQUELINE VALDEZ, SAMANTHA CRISSY VASQUEZ-GARCIA, ERIK ANTONIO VELASQUEZ, LESLIE ARIADNE VILLALPA JR., ARTURO WALDROP, BRANDON J ZUNIGA DOMINGUEZ, UVALDO

May 17, 2019

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COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER JANUARY GRADUATES

BECHO, MAYRA LEE JANETH

BERMUDEZ, ASHLEY SUGHEY

CASTILLO, JOSE JONATAN

CORTINA, ITZEL

DIAZ, TIFFANNY IRIS

GARCIA GARCIA, JOHANA MICHEL

GARCIA, ALVARO ANTONIO

HERNANDEZ, RUBY LEE

MORA, J. CARMEN

MUNOZ VILLARREAL, VANESSA

OLGUIN, ROLANDO

RAMIREZ JR, FABIAN

RAMIREZ, EMMANUEL

RAMIREZ, YAJAIRA

RODRIGUEZ, JOSE ANGEL

RODRIGUEZ, NICTEHA

ROSALES-HERNANDEZ, LUIS ALEJANDRO

SOLIS III, JOSE ANTONIO

SOSA, DONNA LYNN

VASQUEZ, ALONDRA

GRADUATES NOT PICTURED LA JOYA HIGH SCHOOL

JUAREZ LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

ALFARO, MAYRA YADIRA BETANCOURT, GABINO CORREA, BRENDA DIAZ, HEATHER Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ANNE GARZA, OFELIA GONZALEZ, FELICIANO GONZALEZ CHRISTIAN LEMUS, ELDA SORAIDA LEYVA, MONCERRAD MARTINEZ, FRANCISCO XAVIER MENDOZA, YESENIA MARISOL OCHOA JR. , SALVADOR PARRA, ESAU PEREZ, BLANCA B QUIROZ, MARISOL BERENICE RAMIREZ, MARECLA RUBI RESENDEZ, JUAN FERNANDO RODRIGUEZ, IVAN A RUBIO, CLAUDIA MICHELLE SANCHEZ, SEPHEN MICHAEL TORRES, JOSE URIBE, ALFREDO OMAR VALADEZ, XIOMARA ELIZABETH VARGAS, KASSANDRA MARIE VASQUEZ, IRENE VILLARREAL, ROSALINDA NICOLE

CANO, IRMA CUAHUIZO GARCIA, JACQUELINE GARZA, ALICIA LOPEZ, MARIANA BERENICE PARRA GARCIA, DANIEL RAMOS, MARCOS DE JESUS VEGA ELIZONDO, ROUSVELL JOEL

PALMVIEW HIGH SCHOOL GONZALEZ, JEIDI GUTIERREZ, JACOB ELI MENDEZ, SEBASTIAN MORENO, ILIANA OLVERA, NARELY NICOLE RODRIGUEZ-TORRES, JAIR

Ronny Cabrera

College & Career Center Principal

Congratulations!

COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER MAY GRADUATES

BARRERA, GERARDO

CHAVEZ, PERLA AIMEE

CONTRERAS, KARLA

DELGADILLO,MONICA ANN

DUARTE, MICHELLE DIANN

FLORES GARCIA, RUBEN GUADALUPE

GARCIA, FRANCHESKA

GARCIA, JANELLY

GARCIA, LIZBETH

GARCIA, YBONNE JUDITH

GARZA VIDALES, JULISSA VICTORIA

GARZA, CRISTAL NATALY SATA

GARZA, DESTINY

GOMEZ DIAS, MARIA GUADALUPE

GOMEZ, OSVALDO

GONZALEZ JR., HILARIO

GONZALEZ, SILVESTRE

GRACIA, ESTRELLA

GUZMAN-SALAS, AIDE DANIELA

HERNANDEZ HERNANDEZ, JULIO ADAN

HERNANDEZ, RAQUEL LIDIA

LOPEZ, ABRIL D.

LOREDO, KAYLA

MARIN, AMAIRANI

MARTINEZ RIVERA, LEONELA ALELY

MIRELES, YANELI

RAMIREZ REYMUNDO, LUIS ABIEL

RIOS, MARY LEE

RIVERA, PABLO

ROCHA MOLINA, FLOR YULETH

RODRIGUEZ, EVELYN

SALGADO, ELIZABETH

TANGUMA RODRIGUEZ, KAREN NAYELI

TANGUMA, PRISCILLA

TIJERINA, NORMA ISABEL

VALLEJO ALVAREZ, NORMA BRISEIDA

VILLARREAL, KAITLYN MARIE

GRADUATES NOT PICTURED LA JOYA HIGH SCHOOL

LOPEZ, DENISE DE JESUS DELBOSQUE, EMILIO BENITO DE LA ROSA, ALEXIS ANNETTE LEAL, YUVIA LIZET MARTINEZ, MARTINEZ, JONATHAN MARTINEZ, MIGUEL ANGEL MEDINA, MARIO RAMIREZ, KRISTOPHER DAMIAN REYES, JOSE ANGEL RODRIGUEZ, LEONARDO RODRIGUEZ, ERIKA SALINAS, ALBERTO TIJERINA, MELANIE PRISCILLA VILLANUEVA, JESUS

JUAREZ LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

ADAME, SARITA MARICRUZ BARRIOS, OMAR LEE GARCIA, GENESIS GUTIERREZ, ROLANDO HERNANDEZ-VILLACANA, NIURKA YAMILLE HERNANDEZ, RUBY LEE MAGALLAN JR, LUIS ENRIQUE MARTINEZ TORRES, TOMAS PADILLA, ELIER RAMIREZ REYMUNDO, LUIS ABIEL RAMOS REYMUNDO, OSVALDO RUIZ IZAGUIRRE, MARIO ALBERTO

PALMVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

AGUILAR CORREA, JUAN DANIEL ALANIZ-MARTINEZ, JESUS MARIA AVILA, REYMUNDO BAZAN, KAYLA ANNETTE CASTELLON, ADELAYNE MELANY MIRELES, YANELI RAMIREZ PEREZ, GABRIELA RUBI TORRES TORRES, LIDIA MERCEDES ZARATE, KASSANDRA LEE

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LJISD Senior Class Presidents’ Farewell Message La Joya HS Senior Class President Marely Martinez

Marely Martinez

La Joya HS Senior Class President

Graduation marks the end of our high school journey, and the start of the rest of our lives. We entered high school as children and leaving as young, accomplished adults. The memories we made at La Joya High School will last a lifetime. There have been

many ups and downs along the way. We are a lucky group, we got through all four years of high school. There are many of you that I have never spoken to, but I wish you as much luck as I would wish my friends. I hope you all achieve greatness in life.

I know many of you are probably watching the clock so you can leave with either your family or friends to celebrate, but I want all of us to take this sight in. This is it. The moment has arrived. This is going to be the last time that we are all going to be in the same

room together. It’s going to be the last time you sit next to the person on your left and right. It may be the last time you see the person who broke your heart. Today is full of last moments, and it is time to move on to creating firsts: the first time you get your own apartment

and walk onto the college campus and the first time you find a job in the career you worked for. We have strived tremendously to get to this moment and it’s finally here. The world isn’t ready for the class of 2019.

Juarez-Lincoln HS Senior Class President Samantha Villarreal As we walk out into the real world, keep in mind everything you have accomplished to this day. For years we’ve all been saying, “I cannot wait for senior year,” until the time actually came. Each day is a day closer to graduation. It might have not sunk in yet, but we’re already experiencing many “lasts.”

Next time you’re in a game, a competition, or any other event, cherish and soak up every single moment with the people around you. Time is limited, it’s all going to be over in a few weeks. By the time we know it, its graduation day! Once we receive that piece of paper, that diploma, our high school

days are over and long gone. Savor every moment until then. Appreciate your teachers, coaches, parents and anyone else who has helped you along your journey. Study for the big test, laugh with your friends, cry a frustration over difficult classes you have, but above all, do not

waste your time here by wishing you were somewhere else. We’re about to enter the real world in a couple of weeks. And when we do, some of us are going to wish we could go back to being freshmen to experience everything one last time. Focus on experiencing what the world has to offer; other cultures, the

wonders of the world, more knowledge. Strive to experience something new everyday. Enjoy every moment of it, no matter what that moment is. Time flies, so fill every second of the remainder of weeks we have with happiness, ambition, and determination. We are the best class, the Class of 2019!

Samantha Villarreal Juarez-Lincoln HS Senior Class President

Palmview HS Senior Class President Josue Bazan

Josue Bazan

Palmview HS Senior Class President

I started high school brand new to this district, and did not know anyone on this campus. But that quickly changed, and I immediately felt welcome. I came out of my shell and started talking to more people and started making a ton of new friends. One thing I will

always carry with me forever is how my class allowed me to be their president for two consecutive years during my junior and senior year. Although many of us did not agree on the same thing, I would always try my best to find a solution to keep everyone happy and on good terms

with one another. My class taught me conflict resolution, and together we found ways to work closely together. I love how close we have become as a class and not to sound cliché, but I feel like we have truly become a family. It feels as if just yesterday we were freshmen

and now we are seniors, about to graduate high school and pursue greater things. Some of us are leaving to college, serving our country, or leaving for work, and I am so proud of us. I speak not just for myself, but for the entire class of 2019, when I say we appreciate everything

La Joya ISD has given us. Because of our amazing district, we have had the chance to take college classes and participate in UIL activities, which gave us the opportunity to interact with one another and create a stronger bond.

Jimmy Carter Early College High School Senior Class President Sebastian Solis It all started about four years ago in a small room in the upstairs library of Jimmy Carter where we first realized what it meant to be a “cohort,” as preached to us by our then principal Ms. Sepulveda. We faced adversity in changes to our programs, teachers, and even our administration,

but through it all we persevered as a class. Through the guidance of our teachers and support from each other, we shaped what it meant to be a red wolf. We were the first class to establish many traditions in Jimmy Carter Early College High School and we’ve shaped a legacy to be

proud of. Everyone understood the risk and sacrifice we faced in the upcoming four years in high school. These sacrifices shaped us from a bunch of middle school, unique personalities, to one special family of seniors. We accepted the challenge and now we stand

at the edge of success and we grow eager every day to see the next mountain of opportunities that awaits us. So, our time at Jimmy Carter won’t be defined by our grades, the awards we have achieved, or by the popularity, but by the relationships we have cultivated with the people

around us. Although to the outsiders we may look like an average group of high school seniors, there is no doubt we have left our mark on this school as anything but average.

Sebastian Solis

Jimmy Carter ECHS Senior Class President

Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High School Senior Class President Brenda Villarreal

Brenda Villarreal

Thelma R. Salinas ECHS Senior Class President

As the Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High School Senior Class President of 2019, I, Brenda Villarreal, can say emphatically that this year was one for the ages. This class has grown and matured to become the fine graduates that we are today. I would like to say that

I am the most proud of what this class has accomplished throughout our four academic years. With a 90% achievement rate in completing our associate’s degree, and acquiring over one million dollars in scholarships, we, the Class of 2019, have left an indelible mark on our campus

and provided a model for future generations to follow. Although there were bumps in the road, we as a class overcame them and set our differences aside to achieve what many believed was the impossible. Attending Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High School was

a struggle and a sacrifice we all endured, and I believe that we had no idea the amount of challenges and obstacles we would face along the way. However, the important part is that we made it through the storm. Having the opportunity to lead this class, along with my fellow senior

class officers and sponsors, was a privilege and I would dare to say an absolute blessing. I wish the class of 2019 good luck on their future goals, and to always remember the unforgettable memories we made together.

LA JOYA ISD WE’RE KIND OF A B19 DEAL.. SENIORS 2019! • A time for looking back on lessons learned, adventures shared, bright moments filled with special meaning. • A time for saying goodbye to old friends, to good times you’ve known..a time for packing away memories and treasures for tomorrow. • A time for looking forward, a time to set new goals, to dream new dreams and to try your wings and see what lies beyond.

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Superintendent’s Message La Joya ISD 2019 Graduates

Dr. Gisela Saenz Interim Superintendent

Dear Graduates, As the 2018-2019 school year comes to an end, we celebrate the many accomplishments, that each of you have made throughout your academic journey at La Joya ISD. You have grown intellectually and physically over the course of your academic career and as you end your time at La Joya ISD, we know that you are filled with the knowledge and experiences that will guide you through the next chapter in life, and beyond. As educators, there is nothing better than watching you walk

across the stage on graduation day - beaming with excitement and pride, and filled with promise. We have all worked as a community of teachers, administrators, staff, employees, parents and family, to ensure that throughout your time in La Joya ISD, you have received every resource, opportunity, and guidance needed to succeed. We are invested in each and every one of you, and our hope is that you are leaving with the determination to continue your education, the commitment to set goals and achieve them, and the pride of

your La Joya ISD roots. Whether you are a Coyote, Huskie, Lobo, Red Wolf or Timberwolf—you will always be part of the La Joya ISD Pack! Although each of you will continue to different colleges, universities, the military, or enter the workforce, you will always have our support. At La Joya ISD you have learned and demonstrated the common core values of compassion, integrity, respect, responsibility and service. These are now the values to live by to make your community proud.

Graduates, as you prepare to leave La Joya ISD on your new journey, know that we are all cheering you to succeed—there is no telling how far you can go with hard work, and determination. May you enter the next path on your journey feeling accomplished and prepared. I look forward to see all that you will achieve as young adults, leaders, and members of our great La Joya ISD community! Best of Luck, La Joya ISD Class of 2019!

La Joya High School to honor 2019 graduating class

Juarez-Lincoln High School graduation set for May 28

Palmview High School graduates to receive diplomas

The 2019 La Joya High the special guests. School graduating class will The guests include Salube recognized on Tuesday, tatorian Rodolfo Peña Jr. and May 28 at the State Farm Valedictorian Josiah JonaArena at 8:00 a.m. than Garza who will give Graduates will enter the their Salutatory and Valedicarena as the La Joya High tory Address, respectively. School Band performs the Principal Cano and Interim ceremonial Superintengraduation dent Dr. Gisemarch, “Pomp la Saenz will and Circumthen certify all the gradustance.” The ates as school La Joya High board PresiSchool Choir dent Claudia will perform Ochoa will the National award the diAnthem unplomas to the der the direcstudents. tion of Lio Closing Stephanie remarks will Valencia after then be givthe La Joya en by Student High School Antonio Cano Council PresJROTC CaLa Joya High School ident Joshua dets do prePrincipal Baldomesentation of ro Loya folcolors. Third Ranking student lowed by the La Joya High Caleb Andrew Guerrero will School band performing the give welcome remarks fol- school’s alma mater, Jalisco lowed by Principal Antonio and a reprise of “Pomp and Cano who is serving as mas- Circumstance” as graduates ter of ceremony, introducing exit the arena.

The 2019 Juarez Lincoln as the master of ceremohigh School graduating class ny, introducing the special will be recognized Tuesday, guests. May 28 in the State Farm The guests are Rigoverto Arena at 2:30 p.m. Carrillo and Lorena Garza Graduates will enter the who will give the salutatoarena as the Juarez- Lincoln rian and Valedictorian AdBand performs the ceremoni- dress, respectively. Principal al graduation Estrada and march “Pomp Interim Superand Circumintendent Dr. stance.” The Gisela Saenz Juarez- Linwill then certicoln High fy all the gradS c h o o l uates as school JROTC Caboard Presidets will do dent Claudia the presentaOchoa will tion of colors award the difollowed by a plomas to stuperformance dents. of the nationT h i r d al anthem by ranked student seniors repLeslie Roresenting the Ricardo Estrada driguez will J u a r e z - L i n - Juarez-Lincoln High School give the closPrincipal coln choir ing remarks program under followed by the direction of Joshua Wat- the Juarez- Lincoln High kins. School Band performing Senior Class President the school’s alma mater and Samantha Villarreal will a reprise of “Pomp and Cirgive welcome remarks fol- cumstance” as graduates exit lowed by Principal Ricardo the arena. Estrada who is also serving

The 2019 Palmview Principal Yvonne Ayala will High School graduating then introduce Melissa Riclass will be recognized on vas to give the Salutatory Tuesday, May 28 at the State Address and Axel Contreras Farm Arena at 11:30 a.m. for the Valedictory Address, Graduates will enter respectively. Principal Ayathe arena as the Palmview la and Interim SuperintenHigh School Band performs dent Dr. Gisela Saenz will the ceremonithen certify al graduation all the gradumarch, “Pomp ates as school and Circumboard Presistance.” The dent Claudia National AnOchoa will them will be award the diperformed by plomas to the Mariachi Los graduates. Lobos under Closthe direction ing remarks of Mayra will then be Garcia after given by third the Palmview ranking stuHigh School dent Cecilia JROTC CaB. Garcia, Yvonne Ayala dets do prefollowed by Palmview High School sentation of the Palmview Principal colors and High School Senior Class band performPresident Josue Bazan will ing the school’s alma mater welcome the graduates and and a reprise of “Pomp and audience members. Circumstance” as graduates Palmview High School exit the arena.

Jimmy Carter Early College High School graduates to be recognized May 24

Claudia Gomez-Perez Jimmy Carter ECHS Principal

The 2019 Jimmy Carter Early College High School graduating class will be recognized on Friday, May 24 at the Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Graduates will enter the auditorium to the graduation march “Pomp and Circumstance”. Student Council

President Israel Trevino will lead with the Pledge of Allegiance and third ranking student Daniel Chapa will officially welcome the graduates and audience.

Odalys Sanchez will give the Salutatorian Address and Oscar E. Pena-Vargas will follow with the Valedictorian address. Principal Claudia Gomez-Perez and Interim

Superintendent Dr. Gisela Saenz will then certify all the graduates as school board president Claudia Ochoa presents the diplomas to the graduates. Closing remarks will then be presented by Senior Class President Sebastian Solis followed by a pre-recording of the school’s alma mater

and a reprise of “Pomp and Circumstance” as graduates exit the auditorium.

Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High School to graduate 2019 class The 2019 Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High School graduating class will be recognized Friday, May 24 at the Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m. After the procession, Se-

nior Class President Brenda Villarreal will lead her fellow graduates and audience members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Third-ranked student Isais Treviño will then give the welcome remarks and

Thelma R. Salinas STEM Principal DaLee Garcia will introduce the special guests: Brisseida Villarreal and Littzy Gonzalez who will give the Salutatory and Valedictory Addresses, respectively. Principal Garcia and In-

terim Superintendent Dr. Gisela Saenz will then certify all the graduates as school board President Claudia Ochoa will award the diplomas to students. National Honor Society President Alaylah Salazar

concludes the ceremony with closing remarks followed by a performance of the graduation march “Pomp and Circumstance” during the recessional.

DaLee Garcia Thelma R. Salinas STEM ECHS Principal

2018-2019 La Joya ISD Board of Trustees Seated L-R: Nereyda Cantu (Member), Esperanza “Espie” Ochoa (Secretary), Claudia Ochoa (President), and Mary T. Hernandez (Member) Standing L-R: Armin Garza (Member), Alejandro “Alex” Cantu (Vice-President) and Oscar “Coach” Salinas (Member).