‘Destined for success’: La Joya ISD’s Honors Banquet
La Joya honor students celebrated each other’s academic achievements on Tuesday evening, hosting a moment of recognition before they graduate in the coming weeks.
Courtesy of La Joya ISD.
Top students across all La Joya ISD high schools, 88 in total, dressed their best for the Honors Banquet inside Balli’s Terrace Event Center. Academic counselors greeted guests by the door, their smiles a byproduct of the direction they offered their students through the last four years.
Juarez-Lincoln High School Valedictorian Angel Guerra opened the celebration with a poem detailing the end of a chapter for the La Joya students.
“Trust your instincts,” said Guerra, the poem focusing on self-confidence in one’s dreams and ambitions. “Never give up or give in. Forget the words ‘I don’t know how.'”
Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen, introduced by Thelma R. Salinas Early College High School Valedictorian Edward Reyna, addressed and commended the students for their success.
“You have worked tirelessly, demonstrating a commitment, excellence, and dedicated determination to succeed. Your hard work, your perseverance, and your commitment each have earned you an honor of being the best and highest-ranking students in your class,” said Sorensen.
Sorensen then gave words of advice to them as they closed this chapter of secondary education.
“You have shown that with hard work and determination, anything is indeed possible,” she said, reminding her students that they placed themselves through their success. “You have to know what you want, set a goal around it and achieve it. You have to work hard…but also find time for yourselves.”
The superintendent pressed the seniors to prioritize themselves as they journey into the real world, mentioning the importance of internships, networks, and support groups to nurture their future endeavors.
“Use that network and get involved. Change the world,” she said. “Not only grow yourself and achieve but change the world for the better for kids just like you.”
Courtesy of La Joya ISD.
She also expressed gratitude to the families in attendance who have followed their children and loved ones for the last four years.
“Parents is one word, but we know we have caregivers and grandparents, and aunts, and families behind our students. That doesn’t happen without you,” she said.
Courtesy of La Joya ISD.
Students walked across the stage and accepted their honors stole and a certificate that marked their scholarly achievement.
Deigo Lopez, the Palmview High School Valedictorian, closed the ceremony with warm appreciation for those in attendance.
“Our achievements are not ours alone. So with that said, we’d like to say our thank you to some individuals here in this room. To our friends and family, I’d like to thank you all for your support…as we truly couldn’t have done it without you.”
He continued.
“To our teachers and staff, we cannot thank you enough for the dedication and support over the last four years making sure that we only receive a quality education,” Lopez said, then turning to address his peers.
“Lastly, to our fellow classmates, I’d like to say how proud I am of each and every one of you,” Lopez said. “As we transition into the world…I can’t wait to see what each and every one of us will accomplish in the coming years as I know we are destined for success.”
