San Antonio ISD

Young Men’s Leadership Academy Graduation
Friday, May 30 @ 3 p.m.
Alamo Convocation Center
Click to livestream

Graduation Speakers
Oradores de graduación

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Young Men's Leadership Academy
Class of 2025 Valedictorian
Diego Guzman

What are your plans for next year and why did you choose this path?

Art connects everyone in a community on a deep human level. My dream is to bring art closer to any community I’m in, so I’m pursuing a bachelor's in art history at the University of Texas at Austin. From there, I plan to become an art curator to bring my dreams to fruition.
Through my high-school career, my family faced many hardships and death. To help myself and my family cope, I looked toward art as an outlet. Not only did doing so support my family's feelings of grief, but it also bolstered my creative and emotional skills.

How have SAISD schools shaped you into the person you are today?

From my moment entering high school at an SAISD school, I’ve been given numerous opportunities to grow as a person. From president positions, to competitions and events, everything has helped me shaped me into the bold college student of today that’s ready to face the world head on.

Who has been most influential to you in your education this far and why?

The most influential person in my education, and in life, is my art teacher Mrs. Moczygemba-Smith. As a person, she fills her schedule constantly but always manages to complete everything with grace. Not only this, but she’s kind and molds her students and peers into their best version of themselves. Her attitude, boldness, and elegance in everything she does is why she’s the type of person I dream of becoming.

Young Men's Leadership Academy
Class of 2025 Salutatorian
Cuauhtemoc Estrada

What are your plans for next year and why did you choose this path?

In the upcoming year I plan on attending the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a computer science major. I’ve chosen to major in computer science because I’ve always had a deep fascination with computers. I wish to pursue a career in software development and create games to help children learn.

How have SAISD schools shaped you into the person you are today?

Since I’ve entered the SAISD district, I’ve only ever been at Young Men’s Leadership Academy. My time at Young Men’s has been nothing but wonderful. They’ve taught me the meaning of leadership, discipline, and character.

As a leader of the Class of 2025, what is your hope for the class as they move on to the next chapter of their lives?

I have been with this class since the beginning of sixth grade. We’ve faced many obstacles together and accomplished even more. I am proud to call them my family and wish nothing but the best for them while they pursue their future endeavors.

Young Men's Leadership Academy
Class of 2025 Valedictorian (primer lugar)
Diego Guzman

¿Cuáles son tus planes para el próximo año y por qué escogiste ese camino?

El arte conecta a todos los miembros de una comunidad a un nivel humano profundo. Mi sueño es acercar el arte a cualquier comunidad en la que me encuentre, así que quiero obtener mi licenciatura en historia del arte en University of Texas at Austin. De ahí, planeo convertirme en un curador de arte para hacer realidad mis sueños.

A través de mi carrera en la preparatoria, mi familia se enfrentó a muchas dificultades y a la muerte. Para ayudarme a mí y a mi familia a sobrellevar las situaciones, recurrí al arte como válvula de escape. No solo apoyó los sentimientos de dolor de mi familia, sino que también reforzó mis habilidades creativas y emocionales.

¿Cómo te han formado las escuelas de SAISD para ser la persona que eres hoy?

Desde el momento en que entré a la preparatoria en una escuela de SAISD, se me han dado numerosas oportunidades para crecer como persona. Desde cargos presidenciales, hasta competiciones y eventos, todo me ha ayudado a convertirme en el audaz estudiante universitario de hoy que está listo para enfrentar el mundo de frente.

¿Quién ha influido más en tu educación hasta ahora y por qué?

La persona más influyente en mi educación, y en la vida, es mi maestra de arte, la Sra. Moczygemba-Smith. Como persona, llena su agenda constantemente, pero siempre logra completarlo todo con gracia. No solo esto, sino que es amable y moldea a sus estudiantes y compañeros en su mejor versión de sí mismos. Su actitud, audacia y elegancia en todo lo que hace es la razón por la que es el tipo de persona en la que sueño convertirme.

Young Men's Leadership Academy
Class of 2025 Salutatorian (segundo lugar)
Cuauhtemoc Estrada

¿Cuáles son tus planes para el próximo año y por qué escogiste ese camino?

En el próximo año planeo asistir a University of Texas at San Antonio para estudiar ciencias de computación. He elegido especializarme en ciencias de computación porque siempre he tenido una profunda fascinación con las computadoras. Deseo hacer una carrera en desarrollo de software y crear juegos que ayuden a los niños a aprender.

¿Cómo te han formado las escuelas de SAISD para ser la persona que eres hoy?

Desde que entré en el distrito de SAISD, solo he estado en Young Men’s Leadership Academy. Mi paso por Young Men’s no ha sido más que maravilloso. Me han enseñado el significado del liderazgo, la disciplina y el carácter.

Como líder de la Clase de 2025, ¿cuál es tu anhelo para la clase mientras avanzan al siguiente capítulo de sus vidas?

He estado con esta clase desde el comienzo del sexto grado. Hemos enfrentado muchos obstáculos juntos y hemos logrado aún más. Me enorgullece llamarlos mi familia y no les deseo nada más que lo mejor para ellos mientras persiguen sus futuros proyectos.

Young Men's Leadership Academy
Class of 2025

Pages will be updated as program information is received from schools.
Las páginas se actualizarán a medida que las escuelas finalicen la información del programa.

School Colors
Purple & White

School Mascot
Lion

Senior Class of 2025

Senior Class Color
Hot Pink

Class Flower
Platycodon Grandiflorus

Class Song:
“Die with a Smile”
by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga

Class Motto:
“It all starts with you/us”

Senior Class Officers
President Diego Nelson Guzman
Vice President Martin Nicholas Arce IV
Secretary Lucio Tony Arriaga
Treasurer Cuauhtemoc Emanuel Estrada
Historian Gage Palma

Senior Class Sponsors
Chelsea McManus

Young Men’s Leadership Academy
at Wheatley Administration

Principal
Derrick Brown

Administrators
Leo Contreras
Joezett Ruffin

Counselor
Debra C. Martinez

Commencement Exercises

Prelude	Class of 2025 Video
Procession	Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, Opus 39 Sir Edward Elgar, Composer YMLA Band
Opening Remarks	Derrick Brown Principal
Presentation of Colors	Sam Houston High School JROTC Color Guard
National Anthem	The Star-Spangled Banner Francis Scott Key, Lyricist
Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. and Texas Flags	Tony Arriaga, Senior Class Secretary
Reflection of Gratitude	Martin Nicholas Arce IV Class Vice President
Welcome and Introduction of Guests	Derrick Brown Principal
Senior Messages	Cuauhtemoc Emanuel Estrada, Salutatorian Diego Nelson Guzman, Valedictorian
Principal’s Address	Derrick Brown Principal
Presentation of the Class of 2025	Derrick Brown Principal
Acceptance of the Class of 2025	Alicia Sebastian SAISD School Board Member
Awarding of Diplomas and Scholarships	SAISD Board of Trustees
Turning of Tassels	Martin Nicholas Arce IV Student Advisory member
School Song	YMLA Band
Recessional Led By	YMLA Band

Highest Ranking Graduates

Valedictorian
Diego Nelson Guzman

Salutatorian
Cuauhtemoc Emanuel Estrada

SUMMA CUM LAUDE , GPA of 100 or higher

Diego Nelson Guzman

MAGNA CUM LAUDE , GPA of 95-99

Cuauhtemoc Emanuel Estrada
Lucio Antonio Arriaga
Elijah Pena

CUM LAUDE , GPA of 90-94

Martin Nicholas Arce, IV
Branden Quinn Garcia
T ‘One K’Imani Harniquion Curtis
Raishaun Jarrell Conaway

Avery Isaiah Sorrell
Samuel Owen Rencher
Nathan Andrews Reyes
Javier Santos III

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Diego Nelson Guzman
Martin Nicholas Arce IV
Cuauhtemoc Emanuel Estrada
Nathan Reyes

Lucio Tony Arriaga
Raishaun Jarrell Conaway
T ‘One K’Imani Harniquion Curtis
Branden Quinn Garcia

ENLISTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES

Gage Nathan Palma,
United States Marine Corp.

SAN ANTONIO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President Christina Martinez
Vice President Alicia Sebastian
Secretary Arthur V. Valdez
Trustee Ed Garza
Trustee Jacob Ramos
Trustee Stephanie Torres
Trustee Dr. Mike Villarreal

Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Jaime R. Aquino

Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Shawn Bird

Deputy Superintendent
Patti Salzmann

Instructional Superintendent
Dr. Roberto Hernandez

CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION

Nashawn Rodney Allen
Martin Nicholas Arce IV
Lucio Antonio Arriaga
Peter Michael Barrera
Ty Alexander Burroughs
Raishaun Jarrell Conaway
Ethan Lee Cortez
T’One K’Imani Harniquion Curtis
Cuauhtemoc Emanuel Estrada
Branden Quinn Garcia
Evan Guerrero
Romeo Rey Gutierrez
Diego Nelson Guzman
Christopher Michael Lesa
Gage Nathan Palma
Elijah Pena
Marco Aurelio Perez Barajas
Samuel Owen Rencher
Nathan Andrew Reyes
Javier Santos III
Avery Isaiah Sorrell
Jesus Adrian Zuniga

REGALIA DESIGNATIONS

National Honor Society (NHS) Officers
Baby Blue Stole

National Honor Society (NHS) Member
White Stole

Senior Class Officers
White Stole with Yellow Letters

JROTC
White Stole with Red Letters

Completed McMurry Courses
Maroon and White Cord

National Junior Classical League
Purple and Gold Cord

Athletics
Purple and Silver Cord

Visual Arts
White Cord

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS RECEIVED AT TIME OF PROGRAM PUBLICATION
Class of 2025

NASHAWN RODNEY ALLEN
• Alamo promise-San Antonio College

MARTIN NICHOLAS ARCE, IV
• University of the Incarnate Word Provost Scholarship
• McMurry University Scholarship
• Alamo Promise
• Texas A&M University-KingsvilleScholarship
• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Scholarship
• Texas Tech University Scholarship

LUCIO ANTONIO ARRIAGA
• UTSA Presidential Scholarship
• DePaul Dean’s Scholarship
• Hawaii Pacific University Presidential Scholarship
• Our Lady of the Lake Presidential Excellence Scholarship
• Pace University President’s Scholarship
• Texas State University Merit Scholarship
• Texas Tech University Merit Scholarship
• University of the Incarnate Word Presidential Scholarship
• McMurry University Presidential Scholarship
• Fordham University Grant
• University of Houston Merit Scholarship
• Alamo Promise

PETER MICHAEL BARRERA
• South Texas Vocational Institute

TY ALEXANDER BURROUGHS
• University of the Incarnate Word
• Mc Murry
• Mount Marty
• Prarie View A&M University
• Crown College
• Houston Christian
• Tennessee State
• Texas A&M-Kingsville
• Morehouse College
• Vorhees University
• Alamo Promise

RAISHAUN JARRELL CONAWAY
• Iowa State University
• Texas A&M University- Kingsville
• University of Arkansas
• The University of Arizona
• Houston Christian University
• Central Michigan University
• Miami University
• Psi Alpha Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc - Scholarship Foundation
• Alamo Promise

ETHAN LEE CORTEZ
• Alamo Promise-Palo Alto College

T’ONE K’IMANI HARNIQUION CURTIS
• Rotary Scholarship
• Omega Scholarship
• Northern Arizona University Presidents Tuition Scholarship
• Angelo State University: Distinguished Scholarship
• St. Mary’s Bordeaux Scholarship
• Tarleton State University
• Texas Tech Presidential Merit Scholarship
• Alamo Promise
• SAISD Foundation Scholarship

CUAUHTEMOC EMANUEL ESTRADA
• New Mexico University
• Truman State University
• Alamo Promise

BRANDEN QUINN GARCIA
• Alamo Promise

EVAN GUERRERO
• Alamo Promise

ROMEO REY GUTIERREZ
• Alamo Promise

DIEGO NELSON GUZMAN
• Baumberger Endowment Scholarship
• The Gates Scholarship
• The Legacy Scholarship
• University of Texas at Austin-Texas Excellence Scholarship
• University of the Incarnate Word Best in Show Scholarship
• Alamo Promise
• University of Texas Art/ History Scholarship

CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL LESA
• St. Mary’s University the Santa Maria Scholarship
• Alamo Promise-St. Phillip’s

GAGE NATHAN PALMA
• Alamo Promise

ELIJAH PENA
• Alamo Promise-St. Phillip’s
• Bethel University Minnesota
• University of Alaska-Fairbanks
• Norwich University
• Freed-Hardeman University
• Dallas Baptist University
• Houston Christian University
• Hardin-Simmons University
• Shreiner University
• Missouri University of Science and Tech

MARCO AURELIO PEREZ BARAJAS
• University of the Incarnate Word-Mission Scholarship
• Dean’s Scholarship
• Alamo Promise

SAMUEL OWEN RENCHER
• University of Texas at San Antonio Student Property Deposit Scholarship
• Alamo Promise

NATHAN ANDREW REYES
• The University of the Incarnate Word-Provost Scholarship
• Alamo Promise-San Antonio College

JAVIER SANTOS, III
• Alamo Promise

AVERY ISAIAH SORRELL
• Texas A&M-Kingsville Full Ride Athletic Scholarship
• McMurry
• Southwestern University
• Sul Ross University
• Kansas State University
• Tarleton State University
• University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley
• Ole Miss University
• Lamar University
• Texas State University
• Concordia University
• Stephen F. Austin University
• North Texas University
• Sam Houston State University
• University of the Incarnate Word
• Marietta University
• Midwestern State University
• West Texas A&M University
• Alamo Promise

JESUS ADRIAN ZUNIGA
• University of the Incarnate Word
• Alamo Promise-Palo Alto
• University of Texas-San Antonio
• Alamo Promise

Young Men’s Leadership Academy at Wheatley
Faculty and Staff 2024-2025

Latrice La Shawn Alderson
Jessica Diane Avalos-Alvarez
Derrick A. Brown
Andrew Campos
Ramon Primitivo Carrillo
Cord Malik Carter
Leo Contreras
Keith Andre Edmondson
Bryan Willett Foster
Anthoy Lavon Green
Kathryn Elizabeth Hoffman
Harold Huff
Augustine Lopez
Debra C. Martinez
Chelsea Lynn McManus
Casey Ovalle

Steve Casillas Perez
Josephine Ramirez
James Ramos
Mary Soledad Ramos
Crystal Maria Ray
Rashund Denise Reid
Ena C. Reyes
Antonio R. Robles
Joezett L. Ruffin
David Anthony Salazar
Rodney Shelby Siau
Brittany Marie Smith Moczygemba
Alexander John Stoops
Michael A. Terrazas
Henry Vaughn
Rita Waye