GREAT GRADUATES

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.

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.

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.

SAN ANTONIO Remember the name Arlie Briseno because one day he could be a world renowned chef. Briseno is a graduating senior at Southside High School senior who was forced to grow up fast as after a terrifying fire. I feel like I can put my passion of food and I want people to see that passion, Briseno said. Great Graduates 2020: Emily HofmannWatching him work in the kitchen and talk about cooking, we could see Briseno loves to create food and loves to make food taste great. I get a thrill, I get my experience, I learn; I live and I learn, Briseno said.