GREAT GRADUATES

High school started off rough for one senior at Holy Cross, but thanks to her family and the support of her school community she was able to graduate on a high note and now has big plans for herself.

A great graduate from Frank Tejeda Academy earned a full four year scholarship and had some of the top math scores in her school's history.

Grace Johnson is graduating as a double major from UTSA this May.

Antonio Zubillaga graduated from UTSA with his bachelors and will return for his master's in the fall.

Trinity Adams, a student at St. Philip’s College Early College High School earned her associate degree before graduating from high school.

Christian Fox, 23, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history from Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

Yvonne Andrews graduated with her Community Healthcare Worker Certificate in April and will go for Associates in the fall.

Only about 10% of those who apply to enter the Naval Academy are accepted, so the odds of having three from one city yet alone the same high school is very rare. Three John Jay Science and Engineer Academy students however, have done it.

Rachel Dziuba is an OLLU graduate who played soccer and was student body president during her time there.

Danny Nguyen is a first generation high school and college graduate.

Hajar Abdulraham remembers being 5-years old when a war forced her to leave her country to seek shelter and medical help in Turkey. In June the 18-year old will graduate from Clark High School.

Congrats Grads! Share photos of your graduates using KSAT Connect

Jasmine Victor graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in public relations from the University of Houston.

A mother’s love for her child has motivated her to complete her schooling and create art, all while bringing awareness to childhood cancer.

While at an orphanage, Emerson Larios said he focused on studying and diving deep into biology and math.

Maria Flores graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University and will got to pharmacy school.

A mother, father and daughter all graduate together from TLU.

Maldonado talks about his early life in El Salvador and moving to the U.S. to chase his dreams

Sena Saygili graduated from Trinity University and will go to Medical School in the Summer.

A Johnson High School senior in the North East Independent School District has been selected as one of KSAT12′s Great Graduates for 2023.

Stevens High School Senior Elicia Meairs has big goals, as she is trying to make it to the Paralympic Olympics next year in Paris for track and field.

Jahsiah Gonzales was dealt a tough blow when his father died of covid at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The death threatened to derail him from his studies, but Gonzales persisted.

Gloria Reyes recently got her master’s degree from Texas A&M-University San Antonio and wants to work in the aviation field.

A passion for science, a desire to help others and a loving family helped fuel one woman's path to success.

Azziya Richardson walked the stage earlier this week, earning her bachelor’s degree in music education with a minor in business.

A Saint Mary’s Hall graduate has gone above and beyond for the San Antonio community — keeping and maintaining about 115 hours of community service.

He’s a science fair winner who built his own car, and a chief in technical design in “Formula 1 in Schools”.

Helena Garza is not only a senior at O’Connor High School, but she’s also both a certified phlebotomy and EKG technician.

She’s a student ambassador in the office of the President at Northeast Lakeview College and she founded the college’s Black Student Union.

Ian Tolleson is a man with a plan. He is on track for a career in law enforcement.

Texas A&M San Antonio became a standalone university in the fall of 2009 and since then, it has grown dramatically.

Persistence, perseverance and passion describe today’s Great Graduate from Harlandale ISD, who is not letting anything slow her down.

Our Great Graduate segment is meant to highlight graduating seniors from across our community. We introduce you to local students who, in some cases, have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and are set to thrive as future leaders.

She is a top scholar, entrepreneur and musician who uses her business as a way to help build culture.

Sierra Christa was born and raised in Castroville and started her education at age three, and along with six other students she would share a classroom with them for many years to come.

After taking a seven-year break, Mark Miller returned to school and is on his way to making his dreams come true.

Hailey Hunt, a recent graduate of Madison High School recently walked the stage with numerous accolades including graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Alandrya Fuller began her undergraduate studies at Prairie View A&M University, but when her mom got sick in 2019, she transfered to Texas A&M-San Antonio to care for her.

Amina Washington was born in Nebraska to military parents and as a military child, moved from state to state on a regular basis.

Cheyenne Zavala always made education a priority, so graduating from Texas A&M University-San Antonio was extra special.

Devin Bosch is number six in his class. He got into seven prestigious universities, including schools like Pepperdine and the University of Texas, but has decided to go to Boston University to study medicine and physical therapy.

Juliana Cavazos is a Great Graduate from Saint Mary’s Hall who not only beat cancer, but is set to thrive after graduation.

Lanier high school senior Penelope Maldonado isn’t afraid to take charge and fix things herself. And she does so in a predominantly male class.

Mikayla Molina’s fearlessness and work ethic are reflected in her academic success and she credits her drive to do better and be better to a very key figure in her family.

Fernando Cordova is a first-generation college student and reflects on his journey and future.

KSAT 12 continues its tradition of recognizing remarkable high school and college seniors in and around San Antonio in its Great Graduates series.

KSAT 12 continues its tradition of recognizing remarkable high school and college seniors in and around San Antonio in its Great Graduates series.

Olivia Eagleson this year earned three degrees at Our Lady of the Lake University: accounting, finance and management. She credits her time on the soccer field for her academic success.

With a passion for San Antonio and the community, Aja Leija always knew she wanted to make a difference.

Northwest Vista College graduate Danielle Barrera knows what it feels like to feel defeated.

Jaycob Sifuentes is no ordinary senior at South San Antonio High School, as his academic career has been a constant juggle between performing as a student athlete and hitting the books.

Most high school students aren’t exactly sure what they want to do for the rest of their life.

Natalie was selected for the top scholar program among ten other students

A local graduating senior is using what she learned while fighting a neurological disease to help a small community in Mexico.

Palo Alto graduate, DeAnna Castano, is celebrating her success after overcoming an obstacle that stood in between her and her degree.

A Medina Valley High School senior was recognized on the state level for her community service and will attend The University of Texas at Austin in the fall.

A senior at Steele High School hopes to one day practice medicine in Nigeria and bring modern medicine to some areas that are struggling.

Teresa Gamez of Brackenridge High School in the San Antonio Independent School District didn’t let a tough journey and a language barrier slow her down.

From JROTC, to National Honor Society, to Eagle Scouts, faculty members say one Central Catholic High School senior is a leader.

Gustavo de la Fuente comes from a small town in the Rio Grande Valley. He was raised by a single mother who immigrated from Mexico when she was a little girl. “It was really difficult for her, quite honestly, for her raising us. But she really persevered and she gave us all the options she could that she didn’t have.” Gustavo said.

This last year was a whirlwind—for many reasons— and students across the country and the world have had to overcome obstacle after obstacle to succeed.

A nationally recognized college student in San Antonio is celebrating more than one major milestone this year.

High school senior Jessica Willis says she has always had a big personality and has always loved the arts and performing. She says that passion for wanting to be on the stage grew while studying musical theater at Henry Ford Academy.

Samuel Garcia Villar and his family moved to the United States when he was just five years old. Now he has received national recognition for his academic achievements.

Ana Paula’s determination is taking her to one of the top research universities in the country

We know San Antonio is a hotbed for scholarship athletes, and now e-sports falls into that category.

College can be tough for a student, especially when you work full time, lose a loved one and have to learn during a pandemic.

In 10 years Chris Bills says he doesn’t just want to be involved in some type of nonprofit work but also hopes that he can be a support system to LGBTQ teens who don’t have anyone else to turn to for support.

A STEM Early College High School senior overcame the darkest moment of her life to get to graduation day.

Diana’s goal is to help close the educational gap for the Latino community

Students have had to be resilient and persistent, but Alejandro Hernandez, from Southside ISD, has had challenge after challenge.

A Northeast Lakeview College student shares how she found success after encountering many hurdles during her education.

Jackson Baack has been playing baseball since he was in the second grade. Now he is a pitcher and one of the captains for the Samuel Clemens High School baseball team.

Isabella Jimenez is helping promote healthy choices in the Alamo City. However, the high school senior is now ready to begin the next chapter of her life.

James Mallard fell from a bunk bed, suffered a traumatic brain injury, had a stroke, seizure and went into a coma.

In our Great Graduates segment this week, we are highlighting students in and around San Antonio who are overcoming the seemingly impossible to thrive.

Despite his diagnosis, Noah Adams continues to radiate positivity

Alex Castillo has managed to play football, basketball and baseball, finish in the top 10 of his class and complete 100 community service hours during his four years at St. Anthony Catholic High School.

Despite different challenges, Olivia Soria pushed herself to conquer them. She believes graduation day will be her proudest moment yet.

SAN ANTONIO St. Philips College is celebrating the accomplishments of graduate and Army veteran, Brittanie Rivas. Rivas enrolled at the East Side campus as her first step towards helping others. During her time at St. Philips, Rivas accomplished another dream: starting a family. Through the help of professors, Rivas was able to adjust to a new standard to earn her pre-nursing degree from St. Philips College. Army veteran, Brittanie Rivas, enrolled at St. Philips College to pursue a degree focus on helping others.

SAN ANTONIO Senior Tristino Ali said he used to be super shy, but it was choir that truly broke him out of his shell. I was really shy, like really shy, Ali said. Like someone walked past me... it wouldnt happen.After achieving several awards through honors choir over four years at Clemens High School, Ali said making all-state choir this year was the most rewarding. One of his school counselors, Vicki Williams, said his accomplishments are impressive and she is extremely proud of his hard work. He is just a phenomenal young man.Ali said he just wants to use his music degree to one day be a high school choir teacher.

SAN ANTONIO – Alamo Heights High School continues to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduating class. He’s a member of several organizations including the National Honor Society, Young Engineers and the Alamo Heights Rocketry Club. “They sent out an email telling me that I was nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholar Award,” Lloyd said. Alamo Heights High School - Great Graduates 2020“I’m going to Duke University next year to the School of Engineering for biomedical engineering,” Lloyd said. Lloyd is one of 161 students in the nation and one of four Texans to receive the U.S. Presidential Scholar Award this year.

SAN ANTONIO An art contest in the fifth grade helped Rachel Kamata realize she had potential as an artist. There was a Parent Teacher Association art competition, Kamata said. Through the years, Kamata has been able to explore new art mediums like oil panting, clay and block painting. For this piece, it's really talking about my Japanese heritage and my grandparents who live in Japan, Kamata said. Kamata was able to make copies of her print and sent one to her grandparents for Mothers Day.

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

SAN ANTONIO Valeria Valle is the valedictorian at Jefferson High School and she is very excited about going to the University of Texas at Austin in the fall, where she plans to study biochemistry. Valle is also excited about getting into medical school in the future so, she can become a dermatologist. It was just a career where I think I would be able to excel because it's something I enjoy doing, said Valle. Aside from her community, Valle says she wants to take care of her family, especially her three younger sisters, especially now, after her father passed away. He recently passed away in early March, which was really hard, said Valle.

Great Graduates 2020: Mitchel MartinezPublished: June 2, 2020, 10:54 amA child of an immigrant who has overcome many barriers, Mitchel Martinez left Cuba at 13-years-old only knowing one English word.

Great Graduates 2020: Alex KubonPublished: May 26, 2020, 12:08 pmBig goals and a positive attitude, that’s how Alex Kubon said he was able to achieve a major milestone that helped him standout to several universities.

SAN ANTONIO – Big goals and a positive attitude, that’s how Alex Kubon said he was able to achieve a major milestone that helped him standout to several universities. Kubon is graduating in the top ten of his senior class at NISD’s Communications Arts High School and was accepted to both Trinity University and Purdue University. But I thought you can’t have self-doubt in your head like that when you’re twelve years old and you’re trying to do something,” he said. “I’m going to Purdue University and I’ll be majoring in data science,” he said. With his skills and a future degree from Purdue, thats what Alex hopes to do for an analytics department of a major league baseball team.

Great Graduates 2020: Marisa HinojosaPublished: May 26, 2020, 11:22 amMarisa Hinojosa is closing out her senior year with fond memories of being a drum major and leading the Brandeis High School Band.

Great Graduates 2020: Francey ChildressPublished: May 25, 2020, 12:21 pmOne KSAT12 2020 great graduate is set to graduate high school and wants to be a veterinarian, saying her pets are what kept her going after having a heart transplant eight years ago.

Great Graduates 2020: Francey ChildressPublished: May 25, 2020, 12:06 pmOne KSAT12 2020 great graduate is set to graduate high school and wants to be a veterinarian, saying her pets are what kept her going after having a heart transplant eight years ago.

Great Graduates 2020: Emily HofmannPublished: May 22, 2020, 9:11 amAs if being a senior in high school during the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t hard enough, imagine being the one leading your class as valedictorian.

Great Graduates 2020: Kaylee BurgessPublished: May 18, 2020, 3:37 pmKaylee Burgess is a senior at Taft High School and she said she is excited about heading to Harvard in the fall.

SAN ANTONIO – The class of 2020 is graduating in the face of unique challenges this year and in our Great Graduates series we feature outstanding graduates from across the city. Jewel Medel is the valedictorian at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy. Medel is in the National Honor Society, the Young Poet’ Society, volleyball, basketball and track and field and she’s received a full scholarship to Brown University. I want her to know if I can do it, she can do it.”Michelle Grajeda is an AP and dual credit instructor at SAISD’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy. Grajeda has been Medel’s instructor for four different courses over the past 4 years and also heads the Young Poet’s society.

Without a previous sign of medical issues, Harvey suffered a stroke at the age of 15. The last three years for the Central Catholic High School senior haven't been easy. "Clyde had a seizure in geometry, and since then, I had worked one-on-one with his mom," said Millicent Marcha, of Central Catholic. After the seizure, the school helped organize a hybrid system so Harvey can still graduate on time with his classmates. After Harvey graduates, he plans to attend college at the University of the Incarnate Word to study osteopathic medicine or pharmaceutical science.

SAN ANTONIO – Four years of early mornings, long days and tough classes might seem overwhelming but for one Southwest High School JROTC cadet, those sacrifices paid off. Leif Griffin is heading to Oregon State with a goal to serve his country as a nuclear engineer with the Navy.

Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved. SAN ANTONIO – Jonathan Urbina is graduating from South San High School and wishes to pursue a career in teaching. Published: May 19, 2019, 8:59 amPublished: May 19, 2019, 8:59 amIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

Daisy Escobedo seems like she can do it all. A senior at Edison High School in the San Antonio Independent School District, Daisy is building a bright future for herself and her community. And if technology is our future, Daisy wants to be a big part of it. She originally approached her robotics teacher as a curious and creative freshman. That's an engineer," Susan Ng, the robotics teacher said.