MISSION, TEXAS - Mission Collegiate High School announces its Top 3 Students for the Class of 2025. This year Garylee Nunez has been named Valedictorian, Joseph Belton is the Salutatorian, and Lucian Sustaita is the third-ranking student. Congratulations to these students and the Class of 2025 for all their educational accomplishments.
Garylee Nunez
Mission Collegiate High School proudly announces Garylee Nunez as the Class of 2025 Valedictorian. He is the son of Guillermina Nunez and Adan Nunez. This fall, Nunez will attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he plans to pursue a degree in Computer Science. His ultimate goal is to one day manage his own business.
Over the summer, Nunez plans to sharpen his skills by working on web development projects, including building a study website to help prepare academically. He’s excited about the opportunities that college will bring and is especially looking forward to engaging with professors and taking advantage of all the resources UT Austin has to offer.
Throughout high school, Nunez has been deeply involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. His involvement includes:
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
UIL Computer Science
UIL Calculator Applications
UIL Number Sense
UIL Mathematics
National Honor Society
His outstanding achievements have been recognized through several scholarships and awards. He earned the Dell Scholarship at UT Austin, the BigFuture Scholarship, and a UTRGV scholarship. In FIRST Robotics Competition, his team received the Judges Award and Spirit Award, while in FTC, they won the Control Award (League Meet), Design Award (Regionals), and the Inspire Award as Area Champions. His UIL Calculator team earned 1st place in the 3A state competition and 3rd place in 4A state competition.
Nunez leaves this message of encouragement for the Class of 2026:
“Don’t let senioritis take over, so never back down and never give up.”
Joseph Belton
Mission Collegiate High School proudly announces Joseph Belton as the Class of 2025 Salutatorian. He is the son of Angela Belton. After graduation, Belton will be entering the United States Navy, where he will pursue a highly specialized career in Nuclear Propulsion—a path that aligns with his ultimate goal of becoming a Navy Nuke.
This summer, Joseph plans to enjoy quality time with his friends and family before embarking on this exciting and challenging new chapter. He is especially looking forward to the wide array of new and unique experiences that lie ahead as part of his naval service and training.
During his time at Mission Collegiate High School, Joseph remained dedicated to both academics and extracurricular involvement. He participated in Robotics, UIL competitions, and was active in volunteer work, demonstrating both technical skills and a strong sense of community service.
In recognition of his academic efforts, Joseph was named an AP Scholar in 2024.
To the next class of seniors, Joseph shares these words of encouragement:
“If you’re confused about your future, know everything will eventually fall into place.”
Lucian Sustaita
Mission Collegiate High School proudly recognizes Lucian Sustaita as the third-ranking student in the Class of 2025. He is the son of Perla Navarro and Arturo Sustaita. This fall, Sustaita will attend The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to pursue a degree in finance. His ultimate goal is to become a private equity associate.
Sustaita has a productive and exciting summer ahead. He plans to work part-time and travel to Austin to learn more about the insurance business by shadowing his uncle—an experience that aligns with his interest in finance and business.
When asked what he’s most looking forward to in college, Lucian shared that he is excited to build new relationships, expand his network, and continue growing academically and personally.
Throughout high school, Sustaita demonstrated leadership, dedication, and versatility through a variety of extracurricular roles. He served as the Senior Class Secretary, was a Band Captain, and participated in the Supplemental Instructor program. In addition to his academic commitments, he was also involved in track, water polo, and golf.
Sustaita’s accomplishments have earned him several notable recognitions, including the UTRGV Presidential Scholarship and a Division I medal for his french horn solo. He is also proud to graduate as one of the top students in his class.
To next year’s seniors, Lucian offers this advice:
“Never lose sight of your ultimate goal, don’t be afraid to stand out, and enjoy every moment—it’ll pass before you know it.”
Congratulations to the Top 3 graduates of Mission Collegiate High School’s Class of 2025! Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence have set the standard for future Knights. We celebrate your accomplishments and wish you continued success in all your future endeavors. Your Knight family is proud of you!
###