2025-26 Los Fresnos High School Top 10 Students

	*Mia Perez, Valedictorian* Mia Perez is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026. She is the daughter of Sergio Perez Jr. and April Garza. Mia’s academic journey reflects both excellence and creativity, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction while graduating with an Associate’s Degree from Texas Southmost College. She is also an Adobe Illustrator certified student, a Dartmouth Bound Scholar, Accelerated Math Scholar, and Distinguished Academic Scholar, and has received both the National Hispanic Recognition Award and National School Recognition Award. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership as Captain of the UIL Math team and a four-time regional qualifier, as well as President of Mu Alpha Theta and Scholarship Committee Chair for the National Honor Society. In addition, she is a two-time regional qualifier on the varsity swim team and has had her artwork featured in the Brownsville Art Show. Mia has also dedicated significant time to mentoring, serving as a STEM Career Mentor and teaching assistant for the Accelerated Math, Science, and Humanities Camp. Mia’s fondest memories come from her time volunteering at the accelerated camps, where she discovered a passion for teaching and making an impact on younger students. She will attend The University of Texas at Austin, where she looks forward to gaining experience as an educator while blending her interests in mathematics and design. Mia plans to major in Mathematics and pursue a Ph.D. in either pure or applied mathematics. She hopes to become a mathematics professor, inspiring future students in higher education or advanced high school programs. Mia attended Rancho Verde Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Eduardo Delgado, Salutatorian* Eduardo Delgado is the Salutatorian of the Class of 2026. He is the son of Erica Sauceda and Edi Delgado. Eduardo has built an impressive academic record through dedication and curiosity, completing 12 AP courses and 15 dual enrollment classes. He has earned recognition as an AP Scholar and qualified for state competition in both DECA and UIL Academics. He has been actively involved across campus, participating in JV and Varsity Tennis, DECA, and UIL Academics as the Spelling and Vocabulary Team Captain. Eduardo has also demonstrated strong leadership as President of the National Honor Society, while contributing to Student Council, RGV LEAD, and serving as a GT Camp Counselor. Eduardo’s fondest memories were made in the classroom alongside friends, where shared challenges and laughter created lasting bonds and meaningful experiences. He will attend The University of Texas at Austin, where he looks forward to experiencing a new environment and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Eduardo plans to double major in Electrical Engineering and Business, with intentions of returning to graduate school in the future. He hopes to pursue a career in the renewable energy field, contributing to solutions that address global challenges. Eduardo attended Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary, Los Cuates Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Antonio Bazaldua, Third Ranked Student* Antonio Bazaldua is the third ranked student of the Class of 2026. He is the son of Semiramis Rivera and Antonio Bazaldua. Known for his consistency and resilience, Antonio has built a strong academic record while using technology to stay organized and engaged in his learning. He has earned numerous honors, including AP Scholar with Distinction, College Board National Hispanic and Rural Recognition, and recognition as a NASA and Texas A&M High School Aerospace Scholar. He is also a Bovard Scholar, QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, Dartmouth Bound Scholar Lead Ambassador, and a member of the Distinguished Academic Scholars program. He has been actively involved in DECA as a two-time state qualifier, as well as UIL Math and Science, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Council, and RGV LEAD, demonstrating a commitment to both leadership and academic excellence. Antonio’s fondest memory comes from working concession stands with his junior class to raise funds for prom, highlighting the value of teamwork and school spirit. He will attend Rice University, where he looks forward to experiencing the unique residential college system and campus traditions. Antonio plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. He hopes to pursue a career in the aerospace or defense industry. Antonio attended Villareal Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Mario Esquivel, Fourth Ranked Student* Mario Esquivel is the fourth ranked student of the Class of 2026. He is the son of Marlen Arceneaux and Manuel Esquivel. Mario has demonstrated strong academic achievement, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction after completing 10 AP courses. He is also a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, a member of the National Recognition Program, and a recipient of the National Hispanic Recognition Award. He holds certifications in PowerPoint and Word and will graduate with 23 dual credit hours. He has been actively involved in academic leadership, serving as Captain of the UIL Science team and Co-Captain of the UIL Math team, where he was a three-year regional qualifier. Mario also served as Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta and is a member of RGV LEAD, Rotary Interact, Peer Tutoring, and a four-year member and state qualifier in Health Occupations Students of America. Mario’s fondest memories come from his time as a chemistry lab teaching assistant, where he enjoyed guiding his peers and seeing their curiosity come to life. He will attend Yale University as a YES Scholar and First-Year Scholar, where he looks forward to new experiences and opportunities. Mario plans to major in Chemical Engineering and continue his studies in Material Science. He hopes to pursue a career as a research scientist or biomedical engineer. Mario attended Villareal Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Jacob Rodriguez, Fifth Ranked Student*** Jacob Rodriguez is the fifth ranked student of the Class of 2026. He is the son of Carlos and Veronica Rodriguez. Jacob attributes his academic success to strong organization and making the most of the tools available to him, noting how technology has helped streamline his learning and productivity. He has earned numerous honors, including AP Scholar with Distinction, National Hispanic Recognition Scholar, NASA High School Aerospace Scholar, and Texas A&M Aggies Invent Junior Engineering Scholar. He will graduate with an impressive 51 dual enrollment credits and holds a Fusion 360 certification. A three-time DECA State Competitor and two-time UIL Academics Regional Qualifier, Jacob has also excelled in leadership roles as Vice President of the Engineering Club and SeaPerch Chapter, as well as Vice President of Finance for DECA. He has dedicated time to serving others, completing 120 volunteer hours at Big Red’s Ranch Ministries while also working to support his college goals. Jacob’s fondest memory reflects his determination—working alongside a friend to complete college applications just before a major deadline. He will attend Cornell University, where he plans to double major in Biological Engineering and Nutritional Sciences, with aspirations of earning a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. Jacob hopes to pursue a career as a bioinformatics engineer in the food industry or with the FDA. He attended Rancho Verde Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Patricio Alvarado, Sixth Ranked Student* Patricio Alvarado is the sixth ranked student of the Class of 2026. He is the son of Amy and Juan Pablo Alvarado. Patricio has earned recognition for his academic achievements as a Gates Scholar, QuestBridge Finalist, and AP Scholar with Distinction. He has also received the College Board First-Generation Recognition Award, the College Board School Recognition Award, and is a Los Fresnos Distinguished Academic Scholar. He has been actively involved in varsity baseball all four years, while also participating in National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Key Club. In addition to his extracurricular involvement, Patricio has given back by helping coach young baseball athletes. Patricio’s fondest memories are rooted in the relationships he built with teachers and coaches, whose guidance and support helped shape both his character and outlook on education. He will attend Cornell University, where he looks forward to building meaningful connections, exploring new opportunities, and growing both academically and personally. Patricio plans to study business through the Dyson School at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. He hopes to pursue a career in business, where he can apply leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Patricio attended Olmito Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Samuel Mondragon, Seventh Ranked Student* Samuel Mondragon is the seventh ranked student of the Class of 2026. He is the son of Juana and Jose Luis Mondragon. Samuel has built an impressive academic and career-focused foundation, earning recognition as an AP Scholar while graduating with an Associate’s Degree from Texas Southmost College. He is certified in Phlebotomy and is on track to earn his Patient Care Technician certification, in addition to being a Distinguished Academic Scholar and a recipient of the National Hispanic/First-Generation Recognition Award. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership through his involvement in DECA, serving as both President and Vice President of Finance and qualifying for state competition three times. Samuel also served as treasurer for the National Honor Society and UIL Science Co-Captain, earning two regional qualifications. His involvement extends to varsity tennis, Rotary Interact, and Mu Alpha Theta, as well as meaningful work beyond campus as a student researcher with UTRGV and UTHealth, a student advocate with Raise Your Hand Texas, and a member of Harvest the Valley and Project STAR. Samuel’s fondest memory comes from volunteering at the CIS Thanksgiving dinner, where serving his community brought him a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. He will attend Harvard or Yale University, where he looks forward to exploring new opportunities, engaging in research, and building lasting connections. Samuel plans to major in Neuroscience with a possible minor in psychology and pursue a medical degree. He hopes to become a neurologist and one day open his own practice. Samuel attended Palmer Laakso Elementary, Los Cuates Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Joaquin Alvarado, Eighth Ranked Student* Joaquin Alvarado is the eighth ranked student of the Class of 2026. He is the son of Amy and Juan Pablo Alvarado. Joaquin has distinguished himself through both academic excellence and leadership, earning recognition as a Gates Scholar, QuestBridge Finalist, and AP Scholar with Distinction. He has also received the College Board First-Generation Recognition Award, the College Board School Recognition Award, and is a Los Fresnos Distinguished Academic Scholar. He has been actively involved in varsity baseball all four years, while also participating in National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Key Club. In addition to his extracurricular involvement, Joaquin has given back to the community by helping coach young baseball athletes. Joaquin’s fondest memories center around the lasting impact of his coaches and teachers, who challenged and supported him while helping shape both his character and future goals. He will attend Cornell University, where he looks forward to stepping outside his comfort zone, meeting new people, and growing through new experiences alongside his twin brother. Joaquin plans to study business at the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. He hopes to pursue a career in business and is eager to explore different paths before selecting a specific focus. Joaquin attended Olmito Elementary, Resaca Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Bryan Rivera, Ninth Ranked Student* Bryan Rivera is the ninth ranked student of the Class of 2026. He is the son of Ivonne and Gamaliel Rivera. Bryan has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, earning recognition as an AP Scholar while graduating with an impressive 71 dual enrollment hours and an Associate’s Degree from Texas Southmost College. He is CPR and EKG certified, a Distinguished Academic Scholar, a National Honor Society member, and a recipient of the National Hispanic Recognition Award. Beyond the classroom, Bryan has been actively involved in varsity tennis for three years, contributing to his team’s Bi-District Championship title. He is also a member of Mu Alpha Theta and Student Council and has served as a peer tutor for both high school and college students. His dedication to service includes volunteering as a Station Leader at Big Red’s Ranch Ministries, assisting with middle school tennis tournaments, and mentoring students in the Gifted and Talented Accelerated Learners Camp. Bryan’s fondest memory reflects the value he places on relationships—sharing “WhataFriday” traditions with his best friend before football games, where meaningful conversations and lasting friendships were formed. He will attend Abilene Christian University, where he looks forward to building community, exploring research opportunities, and studying abroad. Bryan plans to major in Biochemistry and intends to continue on to medical school. He hopes to pursue a career as a dermatologist, with aspirations of working at MD Anderson Cancer Center or opening his own clinic. Bryan attended Laureles Elementary, Liberty Memorial Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.
	*Judith Mire, Tenth Ranked Student* Judith Mire is the tenth ranked student of the Class of 2026. She is the daughter of Elsy and Dan Mire. Judith attributes her success to perseverance and learning how to balance hard work with personal well-being. She has earned numerous honors, including AP Scholar with Distinction, Distinguished Academic Scholar, and an IAED Emergency Telecommunicator Certification. She was also part of the accelerated math cohort and excelled in fine arts as a four-time All-Region Band member and Pre-Area qualifier, as well as a two-time State Solo and Ensemble and TPSA State qualifier. She demonstrated strong leadership through her involvement in band, serving as a two-year drum major, and was active in Falcon Law, Mock Trial, and the UTRGV Youth Orchestra as a three-year principal chair clarinetist. She also participated in the Young Leaders Summit and served as a GT summer camp mentor. Judith’s fondest memories come from the Mighty Falcon Band, where she found a second family and built lasting friendships through shared performances and experiences. She will attend Columbia University in New York City, where she plans to major in Political Science with a focus on international relations on the pre-law track. Judith hopes to pursue a career as an immigration attorney, helping others navigate the citizenship process. She attended Dora Romero Elementary, Los Cuates Middle School, and Los Fresnos High School.