Katia Lizet Montemayor
The 2020 Mission Collegiate High School valedictorian, Katia Montemayor, is the daughter of Arturo and Maria Montemayor. She plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin and study Clinical Psychology. Katia says she hopes to obtain her doctorate degree and someday open her own practice. When asked about what she is looking forward to the most about college, Katia says, mainly to experience another part of Texas. She says that she will definitely miss her family and Valley life but is excited about her new endeavors. Her senior year has been an active one and has included: UIL Journalism, National Honor Society, as well as school and church fundraisers. Her advice for next year’s seniors is to just keep at it and don’t give up. If you are in a bad place, don’t worry things will get better. Katia would like to thank her UIL coach because she was instrumental in helping her develop her writing skills and ultimately becoming a much stronger writer.
Jennifer Zammir Amador Gonzalez
Mission Collegiate High School has named Jennifer Zammir Amador Gonzalez as the Class 2020 salutatorian. She is the daughter of Maria Gonzalez. She will be attending the University of Texas at Austin where she will be seeking a Biology degree. Once she obtains her bachelor’s degree she plans to return Mission and seek a degree as a Physician Assistant from the University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley. Her ultimate goal is to work at a local hospital but for now her summer plans include getting a summer job. Jennifer says that when she was 10 years old she came to Mexico and didn’t know the language. She got involved with UIL and thanks to her coach was able to qualify for State in UIL Calculators. This is when she knew that her potential could take her to the top of the class. Jennifer is looking forward to becoming more independent, meeting new people, networking, and participating in internship opportunities while at the university. The one thing she says that she will miss the most while she is away is the constant reassurance from her mom. In addition to her studies she has also been involved in extra-curricular activities such as; Robotics, National Honor Society, Student Council, South Texas College supplemental instructor, and Mission Economic Development Corporation Internship Crew. She has a few words of wisdom for next year’s seniors; it doesn’t really matter where you come from what matters is the effort that you put in and the values you abide by is what essentially creates the person that you are.
Victoria Molina
Mission Collegiate names Victoria Molina the third ranking student for the Class of 2020. She is the daughter of Jesus and Irene Molina. Her plans are to attend the University of Texas at Austin this fall. She is interested in obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then she will continue her education to obtain a degree as a Physician Assistant. Her ultimate goal is to work at Doctors Hospital Renaissance. Her plans for the summer include taking a UT Austin 6-week Chemistry course online. She is excited about starting her life in her new environment as well as her rigorous and challenging courses. Victoria states she will definitely miss her family and friends the most because everyone is so tight knit in the community. She has been busy this year with her classes as well as extra-curricular activities; cross country, track, National Honor Society, RHO KAPPA Society, Student Class Vice President, Business Professionals of America, Environmental Class Secretary, and Robotics. She has a few words she would like to leave to the 2021 seniors; just keep going, don’t let senioritis get to you and don’t give up.