SAN BENITO • LA FERIA • SANTA ROSA • A&M CALVARY CHRISTIAN • LYFORD • TSC • TSTC

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 2 | Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 GRADUATION Valley Morning Star

CongratulationsSuperintendent's High Five Honorees

Anthony Arturo Angelin AguirreAguirre Arratia,Arratia, JrJr.. cruzcruz

Haley LIAN Gabriella a.. Ariel HernandezHernandez GArciaGArcia Lopez

Aries Ayden Jay Michael Dylan NaranjoNaranjo SOliz Thomas San Benito High School’s Hi 5 honorees earned sufficient grade points to place them in the top 5% of their class each semester of their Freshman, Sophomore and Junior years of high school. Congratulations, honees! Valley Morning Star GRADUATION Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 | 3 Congratulations SANClass BENITO of 2020 Top 10 Graduates

No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 Michael Dylan Thomas Valedictorian Haley Lian Hernandez Salutatorian Ayden Jay Soliz Katarina Lynn Guerra Angelin Cruz

Ariel Lopez No. 6 No. 7 No. 8 No. 9 No. 10 Arturo Arratia, Jr. Connie Martinez Matthew Henry Guevara

Jayson Bryan Martinez 4 | Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 GRADUATION Valley Morning Star Stadium lights and scoreboard lit for 2020 graduates

In honor of the San Benito High School Class of 2020, San Benito Schools celebrated its graduates by lighting up the stadium and scoreboard at Bobby Morrow Stadium. “Senior year is unforgettable, and while our Class of 2020 had to transition to a different learning environment, we wanted to do something special and memorable for them and their families,” said Dr. Nate Carman, Superintendent of Schools. As the lights and scoreboard lit brightly at Bobby Morrow Stadium, Class of 2020 graduates enjoyed taking photos with their families and friends while their class song, “I Lived” by OneRepublic, played throughout the evening. “It was wonderful to see everyone that showed up at Bobby Morrow Stadium in honor of our Class of 2020,” said Orlando López, SBCISD School Board President. “It was truly special to see the smiling faces of the families and students who drove in to observe the stadium and scoreboard lights,” López added. “It has been an honor to have guided this graduating class through their public school journey as well as through this unprecedented time,” added Carman. Valley Morning Star GRADUATION Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 | 5

San Benito High School San BenitoCLASS HighOF 2020 School

Michael Dylan Thomas Haley Lian Hernandez is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020. He is the son of Maria is the Salutatorian of the Class of 2020. She is the daughter of Padilla and grandson of Jesus Padilla, Jr. San Benito Larry and Yesinia Gallardo. Michael has earned the prestigious accolades of Eagle Scout, Haley earned the prestigious Superintendent’s High 5 National AP Scholar,AP Scholar with Distinction, National High School honor for remaining at the top five percent of her class since Hispanic Scholar, Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, and her freshman year. She served as an officer of Mu Alpha High-5 Honoree. Michael was the captain of the Regional and Theta, Spanish National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Student State recognized chess team. He is also an officer in the Mu Alpha Council, National Technical Honor Society and Business Theta, Rho Kappa, and Science National Honor Societies. He is Professionals of America; she was also a member of UIL, also a member of the Health Occupation Students of America, Health Occupations Students of America, and RGV Lead. where he has earned awards at the regional level in Medical Math Haley also had a job through Workforce Solutions, was and Emergency Medical Technician competitions, advancing to Top 10 enrolled in the district’s Dual Enrollment Program, and will the state competition. graduate with 44 dual credit hours. Haley attended the Michael plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session, was a Business pursue a double major in Biochemistry under the Health Science Professionals of America state qualifier in Digital Publishing Scholars Honors Program and Chemical Engineering under the and Parliamentary Procedures, and was awarded the Head of Engineering Honors Program. He received scholarships from the the Class Award by the US Border Patrol. Cockrell School of Engineering and the Impact Scholarship from Graduates Haley plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin the University of Texas at Austin. His goal is to become a Cockrell School of Engineering to pursue a Bachelor’s degree Valedictorian Neurosurgeon. Salutatorian in architectural engineering while minoring in business.

is the third honor graduate of the Class of 2020. He is the son of is the fourth honor graduate of the Class of 2020. She is the daughter of Rolando and Ayden Jay Soliz Adrian and Laura Soliz. Katarina Lynn Guerra Maria Inez Guerra. Ayden has earned the prestigious Superintendent’s High 5 Award for remaining in the top five Katarina is an officer of the Tech Squad, Science National Honor Society, SkillsUSA Chapter, and Senior class. She is a percent of his class since freshman year. He is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa officer, member of Rho Kappa and the Student Council. She was a volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) section leader of the San Benito Mighty Greyhound Band, and member of the San Benito Indoor Program. She has been in cross country, , and track since her freshman year and participated in and Percussion Ensemble. He received numerous band-related awards, including the Outstanding . This past volleyball season, she earned 32-6A District Honorable Mention honors. In SkillsUSA, her project was a Performer Award for percussion, an award that only 2%-3% of all solo participants receive at the District 13 Photography Project State Qualifier. Katarina attended the National Hispanic Institute’s Lorenzo de Zavala state level. Ayden is a member of the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) and a Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Youth Legislative Session. Session participant. Katarina will attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and plans to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Ayden plans to attend St. Mary’s University and pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science through the Management. She will be graduating with over 45 college credit hours through the district’s Dual Enrollment Program. University’s Honors Program is the fifth honor graduate of the Class of 2020. She is the daughter of is the sixth is the seventh honor graduate Angelin Cruz Clarissa Guerra and Tom Cruz. Ariel Lopez honor graduate Arturo Arratia, Jr. of the Class of 2020. He is the Angelin earned the prestigious Superintendent’s High 5 honor for remaining at the top five of the Class of 2020. She is the son of Arturo and Victoria Arratia. percent of her class since her freshman year. She is a member of the National Technical Honor daughter of Cristina and Robert Arturo earned the prestigious Superintendent’s High 5 honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, Texas Academic Decathlon, Student Council, Lopez. for remaining at the top five percent of his class since his SkillsUSA, Health Occupations Students of America, Horticulture Club, and Business Ariel earned the prestigious freshman year. He is a 4-year San Benito Varsity Soccer player Professionals of America where she advanced to State Competition. Angelin was a Senior Class Superintendent’s High 5 honor for and guided his team to playoffs. Arturo followed the Health officer and has held multiple officer positions with the San Benito FFA through which she was awarded Breed remaining in the top five percent of her class since her Science curriculum throughout high school and volunteered at Valley Baptist Champion three times with her projects. She served 3 years on the Varsity Cheerleading team, serving as captain and freshman year. Ariel participated with Rho Kappa, Medical Center during his junior year. He performed his clinicals at Veranda competing at various local, state and national levels and received a prestigious Universal Cheerleaders Association staff National Technical Honor Society, National Science Rehabilitation and Healthcare and became a Certified Nurse Assistant during his invite. Angelin is also a member of the San Benito Varsity Powerlifting team where she advanced to regionals for two Honor Society, Animation Club, Speech Club, Christian senior year. consecutive years. Cruz is also a Lower Valley Cotillion Debutante, was Homecoming Royalty for her four consecutive Fellowship Club, Key Club, Tech Squad, and Law Arturo plans to attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, pursuing a years, and has served as a volunteer with various entities. Cruz was named a Student of the Week for KRGV. Enforcement Club. Ariel competed at SkillsUSA and degree and career in medicine. He will be graduating with over 45 college credit Angelin will be attending Texas A&M University College Station and obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical placed first as a team at district for Community Service. hours. Science. She also plans to attend medical school and become a dermatologist. Angelin has completed 45 dual Ariel has passed five AP exams. enrollment college credit hours and has completed eleven Advanced Placement Courses. Ariel will attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. is the eighth honor graduate of the Class of 2020. He is the is the ninth honor graduate of the Jayson Bryan Martinez son of Adela Arellano and Gerardo Martinez. ConnieMartinez Class of 2020. She is the Matthew Henry Guevara Jayson is the President of the Student Council. He is a Varsity cheerleader and was a Universal daughter of Concepcion Chavarria and Gonzalo Martinez. is the tenth honor graduate of the Class Cheerleaders Association All American and traveled to the United Kingdom to perform in the Connie is an active member of National Technical Honor of 2020. He is the son of Enrique and London New Year’s Day Parade; he competed with the San Benito Competitive cheer team and Society, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, and Elena Guevara. earned the title of division winner. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, National Health Occupational Students of America. She competed Matthew participated in Texas Technical Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta in Health Occupations Students of America - EMT and Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Mathematics Honor Society. Jayson has also served on the Texas Academic Decathlon Team and KRGV Masterminds achieved state recognition for best skills performance in Texas. Connie Club, Varsity Theatre, RGV Lead, Team. He has also served as an officer with the San Benito FFA and has competed with Business Professionals of accumulated over 200 hours of community service, received her EKG-Tech Business Professionals of America, and Student Council. He America, the Texas Association of Future Educators and is a regional qualifier for UIL Current Issues. Jayson was Certification, and was recognized as an AP Scholar. was also the vice-president of his Senior class. elected as Sophomore Class President, and served as an editor for the yearbook committee. Connie is a first generation graduate who plans to pursue a career in Matthew plans to attend the University of Texas Rio Jayson plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in Government and then return to the Rio Grande Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Neuroscience out of state. After Grande Valley and hopes to attain a Bachelor of Science in Valley to teach while working towards a Master’s Degree. Jayson has completed 11 Advanced Placement courses and obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree, she plans to focus on clinical research of Psychology and continue on to medical school to become a earned over 40 college credit hours. development disorders. Connie completed 30 college credit hours through the Psychiatrist. district’s Dual Enrollment Program. 6 | Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 GRADUATION Valley Morning Star LA FERIA HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020

AN ENDING NO ONE ASKED FOR: PICKING UP THE PIECES OF OUR SENIOR YEAR BY KAYLAH CANTU scholarships, and enjoying the us well for the next chapter of this came outpours of hopeful have impacted each of us, as a last year with the people we our lives. But for the Class messages from platforms such community, nation, and planet, Since freshman year, the Class had grown up with by our sides. of 2020, right when our big as John Krasinski’s “Some we’re still pushing forward. of 2020 has gotten to see When 2020 came, it signaled moment was about to come, Good News” YouTube channel Though we’ve lost out on so previous classes graduate and a culmination of everything everything changed. and LeBron James’s “Graduate many moments, one can only experience their fi nal moments seniors across the nation Together: Honoring the Class of imagine the amount of lives in high school. Events like had been working toward for Instead of experiencing what 2020” television special, each we’ve saved by sacrifi cing what Homecoming, fi nal games, almost their entire lives. We’ve should’ve been our fi nal offering some semblance of should’ve been a proper closure meets, and Prom all led up to been waiting for our turn, for months as high schoolers, compassion towards graduates to our senior year. their graduation, a transition our moment, for twelve years, we saw the early conclusions this year. into the next phase of their and for some of us, even longer of high school events. Final All we can do now is celebrate lives. than that. games, meets, and gatherings With districts celebrating their that we did it and celebrate all came to a halt once news of a fi rst-ever virtual graduation or those who helped us along When our senior year fi nally Being our fi nal year in high coronavirus pandemic reached parade ceremonies honoring the way. To the graduates of began, there were so many of school, each of us had a the US during late March. seniors, this isn’t how any of 2020, even though we’re apart, these moments, including our particular moment we looked us envisioned this moment. we’re going to get through last fi rst day, last Homecoming, forward to experiencing before In a time where coming For districts that are holding this together. This is still our and last pep-rally. At La Feria it was all fi nally over. For some, together is needed most, we an in-person ceremony, instead moment, even if it wasn’t High School, we experienced it was prom, and for others, it can’t even do that. Each of of seeing each other’s smiling exactly how we expected it to be. many of these memorable was just spending these fi nal us are forced to be separated faces and embracing each other Now that our time has offi cially moments, from playing on moments together the best we in a way none of us have after accomplishing what we’ve ended as high-schoolers, we a newly-reconstructed turf could. But for every senior, it ever experienced before and waited so long to do, graduates have the opportunity to take fi eld instead of a traditional was graduation. continue to live in a world that are in masks and told to stay six on the world and achieve grass one to watching our will never be the same. But feet apart to protect ourselves greatness, whether recognized Lions Football team fi nish out Each of us wanted nothing despite not being together, we and the ones we love. by many or by few. And if our the year with an undefeated more than to have all of are not alone. resilience and resourcefulness regular season. our friends, classmates, Despite everything, we’re all through this has shown us teachers, and family gather Across the world, COVID-19 dealing with this the best we anything, it’s that each of us In the midst of this, we together in celebration of our has forced more than 1 billion can. Even though we’re in the have so much potential in the were applying to colleges, achievements thus far and wish students out of school. But with midst of circumstances that adventure to come. Valley Morning Star GRADUATION Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 | 7

Kaylah Cantu Alexander Valdez Eduardo Arizoca Brianna Valdez Aaliyah Myhand Valedictorian Salutatorian University of Texas - Austin University of Texas - Austin University of Texas - RGV Rice University University of Texas - Austin Government Biology Accounting Cognitive Sciences Biochemistry

Viviana Contreras Alondra Cruz-Galvan Erick Rangel Jaymie Rodriguez Dariana Vasquez University of Texas - RGV University of Texas - RGV University of Texas - RGV University of Texas - Austin University of Texas - RGV Nursing Psychology Criminal Justice Pre-athletic Training Early Childhood Education 8 | Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 GRADUATION Valley Morning Star

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES OF 2020!

The faculty and staff at Texas A&M-Kingsville applaud your accomplishments and the dedication it took to achieve this goal.

During these unprecedented times, Texas A&M-Kingsville remains committed to helping you achieve your dream of obtaining a college degree. From face-to-face classes that follow social distancing measures to virtual courses you can take from home, you can choose how to start your journey to success.

However you choose to take classes, we look forward to providing you the same intellectually challenging university experience that we have been providing for the past 95 years. With small class sizes, innovative research, one-on-one faculty mentorship, athletics, and a robust student life, Texas A&M–Kingsville is South Texas’ premier comprehensive university experience.

JOIN THE JAVELINA NATION TODAY! BR-30160536 Valley Morning Star GRADUATION Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 | 9 Texas A&M University-Kingsville

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY- network of support prepare Research Institute is home Prep Review and the KINGSVILLE offers students students for success. to top-notch researchers department of kinesiology robust academic programs who lead their fi eld working can boast having six that prepare them to impact Starting salaries for Texas with wild cats, white-tailed Undergraduate Scholar the world around them. A&M-Kingsville graduates deer, quail and even the Awards in 11 years when Degrees include well-known are among the highest Texas horned lizard. The Alyssa Fick, won this year. programs in engineering, regionally and statewide, King Ranch Institute for The award is given by the animal and wildlife sciences, according to the national Ranch Management offers Texas Regional Chapter kinesiology, social work, college salary report the only master’s degree in of the American College and music, along with fast- released annually by ranch management in the of Sports Medicine. The growing bachelor’s degree PayScale, Inc. world and has graduates College of Education programs in veterinary Texas A&M-Kingsville offers working at some of the most also is home to the fi rst technology and criminal students a comprehensive prestigious ranches in the doctoral degree in bilingual justice. university experience with country. The Citrus Center, education. housing choices including located in the Rio Grande With a focus on excellence, modern suite-style living, Valley, developed the Rio The online Master’s in Texas A&M-Kingsville’s traditional residence Red variety of grapefruit Business degree in the reputation as a top-tier halls, and living-learning and works to provide citrus College of Business institution extends beyond communities. growers with virus-free Administration is nationally South Texas. The university budwood. recognized as one of the top, is ranked among the nation’s As the fi rst institution of most affordable online MBA top institutions for awarding higher learning in South The Frank H. Dotterweich programs in the country. engineering, agriculture and Texas, Texas A&M-Kingsville College of Engineering is communication sciences has been changing lives and home to the fi rst natural The newly-designated and disorders degrees to impacting the region for 95 gas engineering degree School of Music is housed Hispanics, according to years. in the world in addition in the new, state-of-the-art CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES OF 2020! Diverse: Issues in Higher to accredited bachelor’s, Music Education Complex Education. POINTS OF master’s and doctoral which opened in spring The faculty and staff at Texas A&M-Kingsville applaud your DISTINCTION programs in architectural, 2020. accomplishments and the dedication it took to achieve this A Carnegie Classifi ed chemical, civil, electrical, goal. Doctoral University with High environmental, industrial, The National Natural Toxins Research Activity, Texas The Dick and Mary CONGRATULATIONSmechanical engineering GRADUATES and Research OF 2020! Center is the During these unprecedented times, Texas A&M-Kingsville A&M-Kingsville provides Lewis Kleberg College of computer science. only federally-funded viper remains committed to helping you achieve your dream of students with opportunities Agriculture and Natural The faculty and staff at Texas A&M-Kingsvilleresearch applaud your center in the U.S. obtaining a college degree. From face-to-face classes that to conduct research and Resources houses three accomplishmentsThe College and theof Educationdedication it took toand achieve is one this of the leading follow social distancing measures to virtual courses you can work alongside faculty who institutes that are among goal. recently earned an A in the research centers in the world take from home, you can choose how to start your journey are leaders in their fi elds. the best in the world. The 2020 National Council on for discovering toxins for use to success. Small class sizes and a Caesar Kleberg Wildlife During Teacherthese unprecedented Quality’s Teacher times, Texas A&M-Kingsvillein biomedical research. remains committed to helping you achieve your dream of However you choose to take classes, we look forward obtaining a college degree. From face-to-face classes that to providing you the same intellectually challenging follow social distancing measures to virtual courses you can university experience that we have been providing for the take from home, you can choose how to start your journey past 95 years. With small class sizes, innovative research, to success. one-on-one faculty mentorship, athletics, and a robust student life, Texas A&M–Kingsville is South Texas’ premier However you choose to take classes, we look forward comprehensive university experience. to providing you the same intellectually challenging

university experiencefacebook.com/javlelinas that we have been providing twitter@JavelinaNationfor the past 95 years. With small class sizes, innovative research, JOIN THE JAVELINA NATION TODAY! one-on-one faculty mentorship, athletics, and a robust student life, Texas A&M–Kingsville is South Texas’ premier comprehensive university experience.

JOIN THE JAVELINA NATION TODAY! 10 | Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 GRADUATION Valley Morning Star

Cameron Casandra Panal Juliett Flower Dante Amadeus Uriah Maleah Cuevas Salutatorian Salce Rios Aldape Valedictorian Third Ranking Fourth Ranking Fifth Ranking Student Student Student

Brandy Adriana Michelle Agado Paola Isabel Josslyn Aubrie Alexia Renee Ramirez Chairez Seventh Ranking Treviño Silguero Cuevas Sixth Ranking Student Eighth Ranking Ninth Ranking Tenth Ranking Student Student Student Student HA-30160833 Valley Morning Star GRADUATION Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 | 11

Michelle Agado Jeanett Ramirez Uriah Maleah Jalen Renee Darian Israel Michael Ray Alcala Aldape Arellano Badillo Bermea, Jr.

Matthew Evan Adam Cavazos Rogelio Alberto Alexandra Carmen Alexia Renee Cameron Rey Castañon Cerda Contreras Cuevas Cuevas

Victoria Miranda Ethan De la Garza Deseree Monique Marc Anthony Jacqueline Noemi Flores De la Fuente De los Santos Espinoza Rashelle Flores

Ryan Adam Garza John Andrew Floritsel Gomez Marisol Gomez Angel Conrad Desiree Selena Gaytan Gonzales Guerra HA-30160831 12 | Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 GRADUATION Valley Morning Star

Ramiro Guerra, Jacob Guerrero Daisee Lee Marie Prissiliana Alyssa Justin Daly Paul Anthony Jr. Hernandez Hernandez Hinojosa Juarez, III

Ramon Cardona Ramiro Medrano, Maria Sarahi Jacob Addam Jesus Mendoza, Josue Monroy Lopez Jr. Melchor Mendoza Jr.

Matthew Joe Jason Andrew Joshua Ryan Samson Logan Victoria Olivarez Casandra Panal Montemayor Mathew Moreno Muñoz Muñoz

Kate Lorrain Brandy Adriana Nayeli Marie Luthien Tinuviel Alessys Vladymir Dante Amadeus Perez Ramirez Chairez Ramos Rester Reyes Rios HA-30160843 Valley Morning Star GRADUATION Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 | 13

Samantha Jeri Justine Ruiz Jose Fidencio Ruiz Aldo Damian Juliet Flower Bobby Orlando Enelissa Roel Gomez Salazar Salce Saldivar, Jr.

Giselle Salinas Josslyn Aubrie Matthew Isaac Chloe Marie Sweet Jasmine Munque Skyler Nicole Silguero Stephenson Torres Torres

Paola Isabel Guillermo Ruben Ray Vera, Crystal Zimmerle Joseph William Treviño Vasquez, Jr. Jr. Zimmerle HA-30160844 14 | Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 GRADUATION Valley Morning Star

CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 8TH GRADE CLASS of 2020

Angel Aguilar Brianna Robinson Gabriella Rodriguez ‘‘A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church’’

956.425.1882 1815 N. 7TH HARLINGEN, TX Lauren Uribe

HA-30160829 Lily Werley 10฀•฀Wednesday,฀May฀22,฀2019฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀GRADUATION฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀Valley฀Morning฀Star CALVARYCALVARY CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SCHOOL

· · • Accredited Accredited by Texas by AssociationTexas Association of Baptist of Baptist Schools Schools Challenging• Challenging academics academics and athletic and athletic programs programs · · • ABeka A Christian Beka Christian Curriculum Curriculum Reasonable• Reasonable tuition tuition rates rates · · • Small classesSmall classes with individual with individual attention attention Technology• Technology implemented implemented in all classrooms in all classrooms • Gated Campus Security • Scholarship Program Available Calvary Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color or national origin in its educational policies or scholarship. Calvary Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color or national origin in its educational policies or scholarship. Where aWhere superior a superior education education is Christ-centered! is Christ-centered!

NOWNOW ENROLLING ENROLLING INFANTS INFANTS - 8TH - 8TH GRADE GRADE CallCall for fora tour a tour 956.425.1882 956.425.1882 SummerSummer Program Program Available Available (956.425.1425) (956.425.1425) www.calvarywarriors.org. www.calvarywarriors.org www.calvaryharlingen.org

CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 8TH GRADE CLASS of 2019

‘‘A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church’’

956.425.1882 1815 N. 7TH Front Row: (Left to Right)Alana Gomez, Brianna Garcia, Avery Fohn, McKenna Burns, Karla Lopez HARLINGEN, TX Back Row: (Left to Right)Aidan Magouirk, Nick Sanchez, William Sanusi, Miguel Delgadillo, Elliana Galvan, Meaghan Blackburn, Dylan Hall HA-30123442 Valley Morning Star GRADUATION Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 | 15

Lyford High School 2020 Top 10 Biographies Valedictorian – Anthony Zuniga is the son Frank and Yvonne Gudino of Lyford, Texas. in Radio-Television-Film and pursue a career of Mr. and Mrs. Jesus and Antonia Zuniga of She ranks fourth in the Lyford High School in multimedia arts. Sebastian, Texas. He is the Valedictorian of graduating class of 2020 and will attend the Lyford High School graduating class of Angelo State University. Sara will major in Julian Anderson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. 2020 and will attend the University of Texas at Health Science Professions and pursue a Henry and Erika Anderson of Lyford, Texas. Austin. Anthony will major in Government career as an Athletic Trainer. He ranks eighth in the Lyford High School and will seek an o ce in the graduating class of 2020 and will attend the Senate. Danielle Champine is the daughter of Mr. and University of Texas at Austin. Julian will Mrs. John and Maria Champine of Lyford, major in Government and pursue a career as a Salutatorian – Natalie Guzman is the Texas. She ranks   h in the Lyford High Criminal Defense Attorney. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jose and Carmela School graduating class of 2020 and will Guzman of Sebastian, Texas. She is the attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Aaron Ratli is the son of Mr. Douglas Ratli Salutatorian of the Lyford High School Valley. Danielle will major in Clinical of San Benito, Texas and Ms. Debra Danner graduating class of 2020 and will attend the Laboratory Science and pursue a career as a of San Benito, Texas. He ranks ninth in University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Natalie Laboratory Technician. the Lyford High School graduating class of will major in Business Administration and 2020 and will attend the University of Texas Management with a minor in Accounting Sheyla Cavazos is the daughter of Mr. and Rio Grande Valley. Aaron will major in and Finance and will pursue a career as an Mrs. Frank and Sandra Cavazos of Lyford, Economics and pursue a career as a Business Accountant or Financial Advisor. Texas. She ranks sixth in the Lyford High Intelligence Analyst. School graduating class of 2020 and will Donavuan Salazar is the son of Mr. and Mrs. attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Alejandro Garcia is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jaime and Nancy Salazar of Lyford, Texas. Valley. Sheyla will major in Biology and Paul and Myrna Garcia of Lyford, Texas. He ranks third in the Lyford High School pursue a career as a Veterinarian. He ranks tenth in the Lyford High School graduating class of 2020 and will attend graduating class of 2020 and will attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Carly Ramos is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Donavuan will major in Biology and pursue a Carlos and Miranda Ramos of Lyford, Texas. Alejandro will major in Computer Science career as a Biochemist. She ranks seventh in the Lyford High School and Information Technology with a minor graduating class of 2020 and will attend the in Mathematics and pursue a career as a Sara Gudino is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. University of Texas at Austin. Carly will major Computer Engineer. HA-30160971 16 | Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 GRADUATION Valley Morning Star HOW TO MAKE APPLYING TO COLLEGE LESS STRESSFUL pplying to colleges is schools. The organization enables scholarships to pay for school. exciting for many high school students to create an account and Advance preparation can make A students. But that excitement complete one basic form that will be the college application process a lot is sometimes tempered by anxiety. accepted by all institutions who are less stressful for students and their The college application process can members. The CA helps students parents. affect students’ lives for years to streamline the college application come, so it’s understandable why process and reduce redundancy. some teenagers might feel stressed An alert system also as they apply to college. helps applicants The National Center for manage application Educational Statistics says 69 deadlines. percent of high school graduates in the United States enroll in college Avoid applying the fall after graduating from everywhere high school. Many students begin Some students applying to college before entering think that applying to their senior year of high school. dozens of schools will Students can employ various improve their chances strategies to make applying to of being admitted. college less stressful. However, applicants may be wasting their Create an inventory of student time applying to schools experiences and awards they have no intention of When completing their college attending, and that only applications, students submit a adds to the stress of meeting variety of materials. In addition deadlines. Narrow down the to students’ track records in possibilities to a handful of the classroom, schools will be favorite schools and go from interested in kids’ extracurricular there. activities, hobbies, volunteer work, and even things they do during their Use the resources at your free time. disposal Parents and students can work Students who have access to together to develop a master list guidance counselors, mentors, that includes information about college centers, or even teachers what students have accomplished who are willing to help with the during high school. These may application process should use include involvement in certain these resources wisely. In addition, clubs, participation in sports teams, iPhone and Android apps can help advanced ranking in scouting streamline the college application programs, or even a list of books process. read. Having this document handy will make it that much simpler to fill Consider scholarships out college applications. concurrently Some schools automatically The college application Investigate the Common consider applicants for process can affect Application scholarships, grants and work-study students’ lives for The Common Application began programs. But that’s not so with years to come, so it’s as a niche program for select every school, so students may have understandable why private liberal arts colleges, but to apply on their own or rely on third now has grown into an organization parties for scholarships. Fastweb some teenagers might that services more than 750 is a leading online resource to find feel stressed as they apply to college. Valley Morning Star GRADUATION Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 | 17 Technically Better. Texas State Technical College has a maintenance technician and emergency campus is brought to life by educators TSTC, you’re not only educated, you’re mission: Place More Texans in High- medical technician are just a few of who are their students’ biggest fans, marketable. Paying Jobs. the rewarding careers that studying at and because TSTC works closely with TSTC can prepare students for. industry leaders, its graduates are more TSTC’s spring 2020 graduates promise During its 55 years as a leader in than ready to meet workforce needs. to leave a positive impact wherever they technical education, TSTC has placed TSTC students benefit from instructors go. With an alumni network as big as more than 100,000 well-trained who genuinely want them to succeed. “Throughout the program, myTexas, they are able to step into their graduates into the Texas workforce. instructors always encouraged me,” new roles with confidence in knowing In fact, TSTC alumni are in such high “Their instructors have poured so reiterated Emergency Medical Services that their skills are technically better. demand that many have jobs lined up much expertise into them,” said TSTC student Justin Vasquez, who is joining even before they receive their diplomas. Provost Cledia Hernandez. “The years this year’s class of graduates. “They’ve all Congratulations! And most of these jobs aren’t just any of experience we have within our faculty been a major influence on my success.” jobs; they are great-paying jobs. means our students were prepared by To learn about programs offered and all the best of them, and our graduates can Networking opportunities and locations across the state, visit tstc.edu. TSTC’s Harlingen location recently now grow their own foundation based instructors who care are just a few of added seven associate of applied on the expertise that they’ve learned.” the benefits that come from receiving science degrees to its curriculum, which a TSTC education. Many jobs simply gives students more options to chase Words like “mentor” and “friend” are cannot find enough skilled workers to their dreams without accumulating only a few of the narratives associated fill their heavily needed roles. When debt. Electrical lineworker, aviation with instructors at TSTC. The college you earn your degree or certificate at

TSTC Congratulates the Class of 2020! Ready to start your journey toward a great career? Enroll now for Fall 2020.

tstc.edu #itsyourmove HA-30161051 18 | Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 GRADUATION Valley Morning Star HOW PARENTS CAN SIMPLIFY STUDENTS’ TRANSITION TO COLLEGE LIFE

ollege is the first taste of transition to college life as allowances so they can learn true independence many possible can take steps during how to effectively manage money Cyoung students experience. their children’s senior year of between paydays. In addition, Whereas mom and dad were high school to help them adjust teach kids about the right and always around to make sure to their new surroundings and wrong ways to use credit cards, kids were out the door on responsibilities more easily. including the importance of time and homework was paying balances in full and on done, that safety blanket • Let kids fly solo on school time. is no longer there once day mornings. New college kids move into their students have to make many • Let kids handle more dorm rooms. adjustments upon moving standard responsibilities. Adults The transition to into their dorms, and getting tend to take more mundane college life can be themselves out of bed each responsibilities like making exciting. But while morning and off to class on time doctor’s appointments or students typically is one such change. Parents grocery shopping for granted. welcome that transition worried that their students will But kids likely have no idea with open arms, parents sleep in when mom and dad isn’t how to handle such tasks. often worry about how around to remind them to wake Parents can encourage their their children will handle up can start letting kids fly solo high school seniors to make their suddenly more on school day mornings during their own medical appointments. independent life. Parents their final year of high school. In addition, take kids along on who want to help Let kids set their alarms, prepare grocery shopping trips, explaining their kids make their own breakfasts and get out how to find sale items and which as smooth a the door on time all on their own. foods to buy and which to avoid. By the time their freshman year Nutrition is not always foremost of college arrives, kids will know on the minds of college freshmen, how to handle their mornings by but those who understand the themselves. importance of healthy diets are more likely to buy nutritious • Teach kids how to develop meals than junk food. budgets. Another problem many first-year college students • Emphasize time encounter is an inability to management. Today’s high effectively manage their money. schoolers are busier than ever Whether you plan to give kids before, so many may already an allowance while they are be prepared for the juggling in school or intend for them act that is college life. But to work part-time for their college students have more spending money, use senior free time than their high school year of high school as an counterparts, so parents can opportunity to show kids how emphasize the importance of to budget their money. If they managing that free time wisely as don’t have accounts already, opposed to spending it lounging open bank accounts in your on the couch or napping. youngster’s name, and insist The transition from high school that he or she start paying for to college can be both exciting his or her expenses via these and difficult. But parents can get accounts. Resist the urge to a head start on that transition by give high school kids gas money encouraging their youngsters to or money for shopping trips if be more independent during their they have already spent their final year of high school. Valley Morning Star GRADUATION Wednesday, MAY 27, 2020 | 19 BR-30161048