MISSION, TEXAS - Veterans Memorial High School announces its Top 3 Students for the Class of 2025. This year Victoria Saraí Olivarez has been named Valedictorian, Mikaela Jo Segundo is the Salutatorian, and Alejandro Ivan Rivera is the third-ranking student. Congratulations to these students and the Class of 2025 for all their educational accomplishments.
Victoria Saraí Olivarez
Veterans Memorial High School proudly announces Victoria Saraí Olivarez as the Class of 2025 Valedictorian. She is the daughter of Patricia O’Cana-Olivarez and Hector Olivarez. Olivarez will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, where she plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in political communication. Her ultimate dream is to become a personal injury attorney.
Olivarez has a busy summer ahead. She will intern at the Tijerina Law Firm throughout the month of June, gaining hands-on experience in the legal field. In July, she plans to spend valuable time with family and friends before beginning her college journey in August.
One of the things Olivarez is most looking forward to in college is the opportunity to learn from world-renowned professors in a subject she is deeply passionate about.
Throughout high school, Olivarez has shown incredible dedication to academics, leadership, and service. She has been involved in a wide range of activities, including:
Cereal Feeder Challenge Ambassador
Hidalgo County Cotillion
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church volunteer
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
We-Cycle Club
UIL – Debate
Senior Class Vice President
Varsity Cheer Team
Destination Imagination
National Honor Society
Business Professionals of America
Varsity Girls Golf Team
Varsity Volleyball Team
Olivarez’ achievements have also been recognized through numerous awards and scholarships, including:
Texas A&M University–Kingsville Presidential Scholarship
University of North Texas at Dallas Excellence Scholarship
University of Texas at San Antonio Presidential Scholarship
College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Awardee
Destination Imagination – 1st Place (Regional), 4th Place (State)
National Honor Society Character Award
Business Professionals of America Regional – 2nd Place (Team), 4th Place (Individual)
UIL Debate – 4th Place (Regional)
Varsity Girls Golf – Individual First Team All-District (2024) District Champion (2022 & 2024)
To next year’s seniors, Olivarez offers the following heartfelt advice:
“I advise you to take in everything that your senior year entails. Whether it be school events or final sports games, cherish those memories you are creating. Your senior year will fly by, and it is easy to forget to live in the moment. These moments with your high school friends are moments you will remember forever, so make the most of it.”
Mikaela Jo Segundo
Veterans Memorial High School proudly announces Mikaela Jo Segundo as the Class of 2025 Salutatorian. She is the daughter of Jose Segundo and Elsa Torres. Segundo will be attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she plans to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Her ultimate dream is to become a civil engineer and one day own her own company.
This summer, Segundo plans to balance travel with career preparation. She will begin working and shadowing civil engineers throughout the Rio Grande Valley to gain hands-on experience and insight into the field she’s passionate about.
When asked what she is looking forward to most in college, Segundo shared that she is excited to meet new people and begin building her future.
Throughout her high school years, Segundo remained actively involved in both academic and extracurricular activities that reflect her dedication and leadership. She participated in cross country and track, and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. She also contributed to student success and leadership through her involvement in the Future Youth of America and the Big Future Ambassador Program.
Segundo has also earned an impressive number of scholarships and awards in recognition of her academic achievements, including:
Texas A&M–Kingsville Presidential Scholarship
New York Institute of Technology Scholarship
K. Steele Scholarship
UTRGV Presidential Scholarship
Texas Tech Top 10% Scholarship
Texas Tech Presidential Merit Scholarship
Mary’s Trustees Scholarship
Texas A&M Century Scholarship Award
University of Connecticut (UCONN) Award
Schreiner University Merit Scholarship
Manhattan University Recognition Scholarship
Baylor University Distinction Award
Segundo offers this encouraging message to next year’s seniors:
“Step out of your comfort zone. Try new things no matter how intimidating they seem; you will come out the other end with a new confidence. Make sure to put yourself out there and never be afraid to shine.”
Alejandro Ivan Rivera
Veterans Memorial High School proudly announces Alejandro Ivan Rivera as the third-ranking student of the Class of 2025. He is the son of Rene and Lisa Rivera. This fall, Rivera will attend the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he plans to pursue a degree in Biology on a Pre-Med track. His ultimate dream is to become an orthopedic surgeon.
Rivera plans to make the most of his summer by working, spending time with friends, and preparing for college life. He is especially looking forward to attending football and baseball games, meeting new people from all over, and learning more about the career path he is so passionate about.
Throughout high school, Rivera maintained a well-rounded schedule filled with academics, athletics, and the arts. He was actively involved in football, baseball, and theatre, while also participating in leadership and academic organizations such as DECA, Destination Imagination, National Honor Society, and UIL Prose and Poetry.
His academic achievements also earned him several scholarship offers, including:
UTRGV Presidential Scholarship – $32,000
AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles – $40,000
UTSA Distinguished Presidential Scholarship – $18,000
To next year’s seniors, Alejandro offers this advice:
“Don’t stress too much and enjoy your last year. You’re only in high school once, so make the most of it.”
Congratulations to the Top 3 graduates of Veterans Memorial High School’s Class of 2025! Your dedication, leadership, and perseverance have set a powerful example for future Patriots. We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors—your Patriot family is proud of you!
###