United Independent School District

Jose Luis Zavala Jr

Jose Luis Zavala Jr. is the son of Jose Luis and Antonia Zavala. As Lyndon B. Johnson High School Class of 2010 Valedictorian, Jose Luis Zavala, earned a cumulative GPA of a 101.95. Throughout his academic career, Jose Luis has demonstrated an incredible initiative and a strong dedication toward his academic success. He has taken advanced placement courses for four consecutive years and was dually enrolled at Laredo Community College for English 1301, English 1302, and History 1302 obtaining a cumulative college GPA of 4.0.

His academic excellence has been evident throughout his education. As a sophomore, Jose Luis was Project Coordinator for National Honor Society, his junior year he served as Sgt. At Arms, and is presently the President of this prestigious organization. Furthermore, he is involved in an array of noteworthy organizations: Business and Marketing Academy, Yearbook Club, Laredo Sister Cities, Future Business Leaders of America (Vice President), Varsity Soccer, Laredo Heat, and Bravos F.C.

Moreover, Jose Luis not only focuses on himself, but in helping others as well. He has volunteered countless hours to his community in places such as: Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, Special Olympics, Feast of Sharing, South Texas Food Bank, City of Laredo Animal Shelter, WBCA Parade, and is Hospitality Minister for Santa Margarita de Escocia Catholic Church.

Jose Luis was recognized by the United States Marine Corp as the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award. He also received the prestigious Mr. South Texas – Judith Zafirinni Scholarship where he commits to return and contribute back to his community upon completion of his higher education. Additionally, he was the Mirabeau Lamar Medal recipient for LBJ.

Jose Luis is a role – model to his younger sister, Ashley, and plans to follow in his eldest sister Yesenia’s, LBJ Valedictorian of 2008, footsteps by attending Texas A&M College Station and major in architecture this coming fall.

Rebecca Renee Soto

Rebecca Renee’ Soto is the salutatorian of the 2010 graduating class at Lyndon B. Johnson High School. Rebecca upheld a grade point average of 101.333. She is the daughter of Chief Juan Soto Jr. and Judge Becky Soto.

In addition to her wonderful academic record Rebecca excelled in the many extra-curricular activities she was involved in during her high school career which included: Student Council, Yearbook Staff in which she held at one point the title of Historian, Class of 2010, UIL Spelling, UIL Science, Elite Enforcers in which she has been a member for four consecutive years and currently holds the rank of Administrative Captain, Crime Stoppers in which she serves as President & she was the first student from Lyndon B. Johnson High School to be selected as a Student Ambassador, SkillsUSA in which she currently serves as Chapter President & District Treasurer; Rebecca was the first person from LBJ to become a district officer, Dream Catcher Dance Team in which she was the first person to ever be a part of the team for four consecutive years, LBJ Marching Band as a mellophone player and as a member Rebecca was the first person in LBJ history to march with the band in a dance team uniform, LBJ Concert Band as a French Horn player, and the National Honor Society.

Outside of school Rebecca has been involved with the following organizations: El Cenizo Police Department Explorers in which she serves as Lieutenant and she was also a member of the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post. This school year Rebecca was chosen to represent Lyndon B. Johnson High School as a member of the Princess Pocahontas Court of 2010 in which she portrayed Princess Precious Jade. Rebecca has accumulated over three hundred hours of community service. Rebecca was recently honored as Border Patrol’s Youth of the Year. Upon graduating from high school Rebecca plans to attend Texas A&M International University where she gained entrance into the D.D. Hachar Honors Program in which she plans to major in political science. She plans on obtaining a law degree and eventually becoming a Supreme Court Justice.

Vanessa Patricia Ortiz

Vanessa Patricia Ortiz, daughter of Elia Ortiz, is United South High School’s Valedictorian for the Panther Class of 2010.

Vanessa’s journey began as a member of the Academy of Global Business and Advanced Technology. She has participated in many different experiences throughout her high school career. Vanessa participated in Cross Country, Track & Field, National Honor Society, the Principal’s and Superintendent’s Advisory Boards, the UTHSCSA Med Ed Program and UIL Academics.

As a varsity member for track & field for three years and a varsity cross country member for four years, she qualified to compete in the Regional meet this past fall. Vanessa also earned 1st place in both the Laredo Rotary Gateway and the Laredo Rotary Area Four-way Speech contest, advancing to the Laredo Rotary District contest in Corpus Christi, Texas, representing Laredo.

Vanessa’s passion for knowledge took her all the way to the UIL Academics State Meet where, after becoming two-time District Champion, Regional and State qualifier for both her junior and senior year, she became the UIL Literary Criticism State Champion, becoming United South’s first UIL State Champion.

She hopes to begin the next chapter of her life at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas after receiving numerous scholarships such as: the USHS UIL scholarship, two Laredo Rotary Scholarships, the Mr. South Texas Foundation scholarship, and the Gates Millennium Scholarship. Vanessa plans to major in anthropology which she believes will better help her in her goal to aid people in less developed countries. However, Vanessa’s ultimate goal is to return to Laredo, as an endocrinologist, in hopes that she can help the Laredo community against issues such as diabetes.

Despite her accomplishments, Vanessa sees her greatest feat as inspiring others to succeed. She derives great satisfaction from inspiring others and believes that the only tools to her success have been hard work, determination, patience, and humility.

Vanessa believes that with the great support of her mother and her family, the continued belief her UIL coach Mrs. Argelia Ortiz, and the opportunities given to her by her English III teacher Mr. Jorge Valadez, allowed her to become a successful inspiration to her peers, her family, and the Laredo community.

Karla Sanchez

Karla Sanchez, daughter of Natalia and Lucio Sanchez, will be graduating as Salutatorian under the Distinguished Achievement Plan from the Academy of Global Business and Advanced Technology at United South High School.

Karla has worked to make the most out of her four years at United South, devoting her time to not only academics, but extracurricular activities. Karla was Secretary, and then elected President for Student Council. She was a member of National Honor Society, Crime Stoppers, and the Principal’s Advisory Board. Karla was a tutor under the Students Improve through Tutoring Program, and she competed in UIL Mathematics and Calculator Applications.

For her commitment to academics, community service, and extracurricular activities, she has received various honors including selection as Border Patrol’s Youth of the Month for December and Laredo Mirabeau B. Lamar’s Award of Excellence Medal.

Karla, who earned a 102.62 grade point average, has received numerous scholarships including the UIL scholarship, Student Council scholarship, Laredo Masonic Lodge Scholarship, and Texas Energy Engineering Services Scholarship. She has also been honored with university scholarship offers from Baylor University, St. Edward’s University, St. Mary’s University, Texas A&M International University Honors Program, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Upon graduation, Karla will attend the University of Texas at Austin where she plans to receive a degree in biomedical engineering. Her main motivation to become a biomedical engineer, apart from her fondness for math and science, is her personal experience in witnessing loved ones suffer from an illness that has yet to be cured. As a biomedical engineer, Karla hopes to not only give back to her community, but assist in and uncover advances in medical diagnosis and treatment of diseases for the betterment of human health and quality of life.

Karla believes that if it weren’t for the love and unyielding support of her family and friends, she would not have been able to accomplish what she has. Although many people have helped her succeed to date, she gives particular thanks to her counselors, Mrs. Patricia Garcia and Mrs. Cynthia Salinas, and her UIL sponsor, Calculus teacher, and friend, Mr. Angel Aviles.

Katherine Nicole Proa

Katherine Nicole Proa, or “Nikki” as she is affectionately known, is the daughter of Sergio and Patricia Proa. She was born on September 11, 1991 in Laredo, Texas. Nikki began her academic career at Trautmann Elementary School followed by Trautmann Middle School. Nikki is currently a senior at JB Alexander Magnet for Health Science and is the 2010 Valedictorian with a grade point average of 106. 746. This honor has been bestowed upon Nikki as a result of undying dedication and commitment to excel in a rigorous curriculum. In her academic career Miss Proa has been inspired by educators including counselor Ms. Imelda Martinez on the power of perseverance and self worth.

Nikki is a multifaceted individual that is active in the MedEd Program, Area Health Education Center, Doc Prep with Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University, Health Occupations Students of America, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Cancer Therapy Research Center Symposium Program, and the All-American Dance Studio.

Among her many accomplishments, Nikki is especially proud of the recognition by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. She is the recipient of the US Border Patrol “Youth of the Month” for September 2009. In addition, Nikki has been recognized by the Laredo Optimist Club “Friends of Youth” Organization and the Laredo Masonic Lodge. Throughout her high school years, Nikki has obtained over 700 community service hours and has participated in various competitive events with Health Occupational Students of America advancing to the State level. She has also participated in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Regional Science Fair in the Biomedical Health Sciences and Social Behavioral Sciences Division where she received 1st place in her research. Nikki has also received National Honors from the Discovery Channel for her “Outstanding Achievement for Ability and Creativity in In-Vitro Biology by The Society for In Vitro Biology” and “The United States Army award for achievement in an outstanding science project.” She has achieved national status as a Coca-Cola Scholar Semi-finalist, as well as a Young Epidemiology Scholar.

Upon graduation Nikki will attend Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She has also been admitted into Brown University Alpert Medical School, with the Program in Liberal Medical Education. After receiving her M.D. degree Nikki plans to return to Texas and pursue a residency in Pediatrics, followed by a fellowship in Oncology/Hematology to become a Pediatric Oncologist.

Cassie Chan

Born in Pine Brook, New Jersey, Cassie Chan is the daughter of Johol and Wanda Chan.

Cassie began her successful high school career at the John B. Alexander Health Science Magnet program and is currently the salutatorian of Alexander’s graduating class of 2010 with a GPA of 106.6061. Throughout high school, Cassie has volunteered in various doctors’ offices and community events such as H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing, AHS Recycling Pick-Up, school and local beautification projects, and health and immunization fairs.

Cassie was inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS), elected as 2nd Vice-President of CARE, and promoted to Captain of the Alexander Varsity swim team. She continued to compete in UIL and HOSA. Her accomplishments include 3rd place in the Region 8: 500 yard freestyle and Regional Qualifier in UIL Calculator Applications and Math. Cassie competed in HOSA Leadership Conferences under the event of Medical Math, earning 3rd place in Area, 3rd in State, and 8th in Nationals. She also placed 1st in the Earth and Space Science category as well as receive the Association for Women Geoscientists Student Awards for Geoscience Excellence, the American Meterological Society Certificate of Outstanding Achievement, the United States Army Certificate of Achievement, and the U.S. Metric Association Award at the UISD Regional Science Fair.

Cassie was elected President of CARE Club and was inducted into the Science National Honor Society (SNHS). She also was certified for CPR and Dental Radiology. Cassie continued to participate in NHS, UIL, and HOSA as well as lead the Varsity swim team. She once again competed at the Regional 8 Swim Meet and qualified for UIL Regionals in the events of Number Sense and Calculator Applications. Cassie also competed again in HOSA Medical Math, placing 1st in Area, 3rd in State, and 2nd in Nationals. She also placed 1st in the Environmental Science category and received Reserve Grand Champion as well as receive the Association for Women Geoscientists Student Awards for Geoscience Excellence, the American Meterological Society Certificate of Outstanding Achievement, and the United States Army Certificate of Achievement at the UISD Regional Science Fair.

During the summer of 2009, Cassie was chosen to participate in the Doc Prep program sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University.

During her senior year at the AHS magnet program, Cassie was elected President of SNHS. Her active involvement in the community and academic achievements enabled her to be named Border Patrol’s Head of the Class for the month of October. Cassie also achieved the status of AP Scholar with Honors. Cassie continued to lead the Varsity swim team and placed 2nd in the Region 8: 400 Freestyle Relay. She was also a regional qualifier in UIL Number Sense, Calculator Applications, and Math.

Cassie Chan will be attending Rice University in fall 2010.

Armando Molina Jr

Armando Molina, Jr., is the son of Otila L. Molina and Armando Molina, Sr., and the brother to Desiree N. Molina. He is the grandson to Alfa Molina and the late Hermenegildo Molina as well as Leonel De La Garza. He is also the grandson to the late Mary A. Guerra and the late Mario F. Guerra. After much dedication and perseverance and with the support of family, friends, the United High School administration, teachers, and counselors, Molina will graduate Valedictorian of the United High School Class of 2010. He currently holds a 104.4098 GPA.

At United High School, Molina has received several awards and scholarships. He has received the Texas A&M International University Academic Excellence Award, the U.S. Border Patrol Youth of the Month for March, the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award, the D.D. Hachar Honors Scholarship, the 2010 Mr. South Texas Scholarship, and the Laredo Masonic Lodge Scholarship. Molina has also received the UHS Academic Excellence Award the past 4 years and been nominated for the People to People Student Ambassador Program, People to People Leadership Summit and National Youth Leadership Forum.

Throughout his high school years, Molina has been involved in clubs and community service. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the LULAC Youth Organization. While a member of these organizations, he has devoted many hours to community service.

Molina has served as an exemplary role model for the community and United High School. He has always been a hardworking, respectful, determined, and intelligent young man. He is a very well rounded individual who also loves basketball. Above all, Molina puts God first and has honored his parents all of his life. In return, he has been blessed with the honor of being valedictorian, and receiving the D.D. Hachar Honors Scholarship that will cover his undergraduate education.

Molina has chosen to remain in Laredo, and attend Texas A&M International University’s D.D. Hachar Honors Program and major in Math or Education.

Arturo Elizondo

Arturo Elizondo is the Salutatorian of the United High School Class of 2010 and ranks 1st in the United Engineering & Technology Magnet School with a GPA of 103.7206.

Upon graduation, he will matriculate at Harvard University where he intends to pursue a concentration in Government with an emphasis on International Affairs specializing in Latin America. He aspires to ultimately become an ambassador and work for the United Nations.

He is the proud son of Mrs. Patricia and Dr. Alfredo Elizondo, who have been the pillars of support throughout his life and to which he accredits all his merits and accomplishments. He has six supportive siblings: Daniel, Patricia, Karina, Alfredo, Enrique, and Federico. Coming from Mexican roots, he learned to value and take advantage of the opportunities that abound here in the land of the free. While in elementary school when children’s thoughts revolved around recess, Elizondo already had a clear vision of attending Harvard some day. As the saying goes, “Querer es Poder.” So through hard work, perseverance, and a strong faith in God, he achieved what some thought to be impossible.

During his high school career, Arturo managed to take advantage of every opportunity that presented itself both in and out of the classroom. He is currently the President of the National Honor Society and the LULAC Youth Council at United H.S. Elizondo also participated in both Football and Tennis. Also, he partook in UIL competitions where he merited awards in Math, Science, Number Sense, and Social Studies numerous times.

In regards to academics, Elizondo was recognized as a National Hispanic Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, Ventures Scholar, Questbridge Finalist, U.S. Border Patrol Head of the Class, and LULAC Outstanding Youth Award. He also maintained his ranking in the Top 10 Scholars all four years. His hard work and dedication was not futile as he garnered an excess of 1.2 million dollars in scholarship offerings from various universities and agencies.

During the summers, Arturo undertook an internship with U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, attended the National Hispanic Institute, and participated in the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar.

In essence, what kept Arturo determined to achieve his goals was his constant reminder of helping others and making a difference. Time and time again, he reiterated Gandhi’s wise words which ultimately became his Alma Mater, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Four United ISD fifth grade students recently received scholarships from the Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust Fund after competing as finalists in UISD’s Knowledge for College Academic Game Show.

Throughout the school year, fifth grade students from UISD’s 27 elementary campuses competed against each other in an effort to win scholarship money. The game show requires students to spin the Wheel of Knowledge and answer TAKS type questions in the categories of Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts. Through a process of elimination, the final two schools faced-off for the championship game.

Jacob Abdallah and Greta Villarreal who represent Col. Santos Benavides Elementary school won first place in the championship game. Through the generosity of the Salinas Trust Fund, Abdallah and Villarreal were each presented with a $1,000 scholarship to Laredo Community College.

Prada Elementary was the runner-up school, and students David Blanquez and Ricardo Molina each received $500 from the Salinas Trust Fund. All four students plan to go to college and said they would put the money to good use.

On hand to present the scholarships to the four students were Javier Santos from the Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust Fund and Dr. Ricardo Moreno, Director of Financial Aid for Laredo Community College.

Santos said, “We were very honored to be asked to participate in this program. It promotes education, it promotes our students and it motivates them.” Moreno went on to say, “We always look forward to providing students with an opportunity to attend college.”

Knowledge for College is produced by United ISD’s Instructional Television Department. The academic game show recently won a Gold Star Award in the Texas School Public Relations Association contest.

UISD Instructional Television Director Susan Carlson says, “UISD and the ITV Department are proud of our collaboration with the Salinas Trust Fund. And we would like to thank Mr. Javier Santos for his generosity and support of the students of United ISD.”

The Knowledge for College Academic Game Show will resume next school year, with middle school and high school students competing for scholarship money.

Knowledge for College airs regularly, and can be seen on several local channels including KVTV, KGNS, CW, FOX and Public Access (PAC).

Four of United Independent School District’s brightest fifth graders were recently presented with college scholarships to Laredo Community College, after competing in the academic game show “Knowledge for College.” The winners of the Championship Game were students from Col. Santos Benavides Elementary, who each took home a $1,000 scholarship. The runners-up were from Prada Elementary, who each won a $500 scholarship. On hand to make the presentation was Javier Santos from the Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust Fund and Dr. Ricardo Moreno, Director of Financial Aid for Laredo Community College. Pictured sitting in front row l-r are Prada Elementary students Ricardo Molina and David Blanquez. From Col. Santos Benavides Elementary are students Jacob Abdallah and Greta Villarreal.