2024-25 Los Fresnos High School Top 10 Students

	*Roberto Nieto, Jr., Valedictorian* Roberto Nieto, Jr. is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025. Roberto’s parents are Roberto and Patricia Nieto. Roberto is an AP Scholar with Distinction, graduating with 58 Dual Enrollment credits. Roberto is also a member of the National Hispanic Scholar Recognition Program, a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, named to the National First-Generation Recognition Program and Distinguished Academic scholars, and is a NASA High School Aerospace Scholar. Roberto has served in the Junior and Senior class as well as the Student Council. He ran varsity Cross Country and Track and Field, and has also competed in various UIL Academics categories, where he was named a 4-time Regional Qualifier. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Rotary Interact, National Technical Honor Society, Big Future Ambassador Program, Mu Alpha Theta, and Peer Tutoring. His most proud moment was assisting students as a peer mentor during the Summer Gifted and Talented Program. Roberto, who will attend Dartmouth College as a Gerstner Scholar, will triple major in Engineering Sciences, Chemistry, and Climate Science. He plans to obtain a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering then pursue a career as a chemical engineer with an emphasis on climate change. Roberto Nieto, Jr. attended Rancho Verde Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Makaila Hernandez, Salutatorian* Makaila Hernandez is the Salutatorian of the Class of 2025. Makaila’s parents are Israel and Elena Hernandez. Makaila believes managing her time and finding the right study method helped her achieve in the classroom. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Recognition Program Scholar, and a NASA High School Aerospace Scholar. Makaila, who is a 3-time UIL Academics Regional Qualifier, says her fondest memories are from UIL competitions and trips. She is also a member of Rotary Interact, National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. Makaila will attend Columbia University where she will major in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering. She plans to continue her education with a Master’s Degree and PhD before becoming a Chemical Engineer or Analytical Chemist. Makaila Hernandez attended Olmito Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Jessenia Garcia, Third Ranked Student* Jessenia Garcia is the third ranked student of the Class of 2025. Jessenia’s mother is Yetzi Alarcon. Jessenia is an AP Scholar, Distinguished Academic Scholar, NASA High School Aerospace Scholar, National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, National First Generation Recognition Scholar, USC Bovard Scholar, QuestBridge Prep Scholar and National Match Finalist. She will graduate with an Associates Degree from TSC. Jessenia was very active in volunteer work with over 150 hours at the Ethel L. Whipple Memorial Library. She served as a RGV LEAD Ambassador, SMASH president, UIL Academics co-captain, National Honor Society service committee chair, Mu Alpha Theta secretary, NASA HAS senior mentor, ASL Club, and Student Council. She enjoyed connecting with people and visiting new places through these organizations. Jessenia will continue her journey at the University of Texas at Austin with a full scholarship from the Terry Foundation. She plans to double major in Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science. Jessenia attended Palmer-Laakso Elementary, Los Cuates Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Madison Strader, Fourth Ranked Student* Madison Strader is the fourth ranked student of the Class of 2025. Madison’s parents are George Strader and Goldie Marian. Madison participated in Girl Scouts, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Book Club, Rotary Club, Big Future, and Young Scholars Club. She served over 150 hours of community service via several organizations. She is an AP Scholar with Honor, earned the National Small Town and Rural Recognition Award, and is a Distinguished Academic Scholar. Madison has a passion for medicine and is a dedicated member of HOSA. She is a Certified Biotechnical Assistant and will graduate with an Associate’s Degree. Madison looks forward to attending the University of Texas in San Antonio where she will major in Public Health. Her future plans include medical school to become a dermatologist or general physician, in addition to conducting research. Madison attended Palmer-Laakso Elementary, Los Cuates Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Sebastian Chavez, Fifth Ranked Student*** Sebastian Chavez is the fifth ranked student of the Class of 2025. Sebastian’s parents are Milton and Jacqueline Chavez. Sebastian’s love of academics started in elementary school when his grade competed in Math Downs and his greatest memory is of winning the event. He has completed five AP courses and is a dual enrollment student who is earned his Associate’s Degree from TSC in December 2024. He is a NASA HAS scholar and has his Pharmacy Tech certification. Sebastian is a member of National Honor Society, HOSA, Mariachi Nuevo Halcon, and Team Brownsville. He also completed an internship in Oral Maxilliofacial Surgery locally. Sebastian will pursue his passion for dentistry while attending Texas A&M University where he will major in Biology. He then plans to complete dental school before completing an Oral and Maxilliofacial Surgery residency. Sebastian Chavez attended Rancho Verde Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Austin Vela, Sixth Ranked Student* Austin Vela is the sixth ranked student of the Class of 2025. Austin’s parents are Irmalissa Pineda and Jaime Vela. Austin looks back fondly on Friday night football at Leo Aguilar Memorial Stadium because he has attended games since he was little. Austin later joined the Mighty Falcon Band, working his way to Drum Major his senior year. Austin is also a member of the TMEA recognized Los Fresnos Jazz Orchestra and Concert Band. Austin is also a member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Senior Class. He will graduate as an AP Scholar, National Hispanic Scholar, Revit Certified, and with 29 Dual Credit Hours. Austin will attend the University of San Antonio as a Terry Scholar and will major in Mechanical Engineering with the goal of obtaining a Master’s Degree and possibly a PhD. He hopes to work for a car company designing engines in the field of hydrogen combustion to help improve the environment. Austin Vela attended Olmito Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Alejandra Coronado, Seventh Ranked Student* Alejandra Coronado is the seventh ranked student of the Class of 2025. Alejandra’s parents are Jose and Karina Coronado. Alejandra was an AP Scholar with Honors her junior year and an AP Scholar with Distinction her senior year. She is recognized by National Hispanic Recognition Program and National First-Generation Recognition Program. She completed 12 Dual Enrollment courses, earning her an Associate’s Degree from TSC. She is also Adobe Premiere Pro certified. Alejandra values the extensive community service she participated in through the Rotary Interact, Nature Club, HOSA, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica within the District and the broader community. Alejandra will attend Yale University with a prospective major of the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health. She also plans to get involved in the Global Health Studies Multidisciplinary Academic Program. She views her education as a privilege, and is excited to study in an academic field that interests her while pursuing advanced studies. Alejandra Coronado attended Olmito Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Austin Nava, Eighth Ranked Student* Austin Nava is the eighth ranked student of the Class of 2025. Austin’s parents are Daniel and Elvira Nava. Austin has served as Vice-President of the Engineering Club and is Revit, Fusion 360, and AutoCAD certified. He is a member of Rotary Interact and volunteered his time at the Boys and Girls Club. Austin says the first time he ranked among the top 10 students in his class inspired him to continue improving academically. He says, “Focusing on the work present rather than focusing on the end goal gets you there faster”. Austin’s dedication paid off, as he was consistently ranked a top 10 student since the 6th grade and is a National Hispanic Recognition Scholar. Austin will graduate with an Associate’s Degree from TSC. Austin will study at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a major in Civil Engineering with a minor in Structural Engineering and plans to obtain a Master’s Degree. He wants to ensure the safety and integrity of roads and structures in his career. Austin attended Los Fresnos Elementary School, Liberty Memorial Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Trey Garcia, Ninth Ranked Student* Trey Garcia is the ninth ranked student of the Class of 2025. Trey’s parents are Jose and Erika Garcia. Trey is a College Board National Recognition Program Scholar, National Hispanic Recognition Scholar, National and Rural Small Town Recognition, and NASA High School Aerospace Scholars Program. He interned as an engineer assistant at Saint-Gobain Norton Abrasives for 5 weeks. Trey is a member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Los Fresnos High School Distinguished Academic Scholars, Rotary Interact, and served as an officer for the Los Fresnos Engineering Club. He volunteered his time at his church, Our Heavenly Father, where he was also part of the alter service group. Trey will attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, earning the Impact Scholarship. He looks forward to the participating in student organizations and attending Longhorn athletic games. Trey hopes to work in the automotive industry as a vehicle dynamics or powertrain engineer. Trey Garcia attended Olmito Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Ignacio Barragan, Tenth Ranked Student* Ignacio Barragan is the tenth ranked student of the Class of 2025. He is the son of Ignacio and Vianey Barragan. The support system Ignacio built within the district, including his friends, are the cornerstone of his time at Los Fresnos High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Rotary Interact Club, in which he spent much of his time serving the community. Ignacio will graduate with AP course credits and an Associate’s Degree from Texas Southmost College. Ignacio will attend Texas A&M University at College Station where he will major in Biomedical Sciences with the goal of attending medical school. He hopes to become a Pediatrician. He looks forward to exploring a new city and attending the football games. Ignacio Barragan attended Las Yescas Elementary, Liberty Memorial Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.