MISSION, TEXAS - Mission Collegiate High School announces its Top 3 Students for the Class of 2026. This year, Nicholas Gabriel Ochoa has been named valedictorian, Angelica Arizpe is the salutatorian, and Elias Enoc Gomez is the third-ranking student. Congratulations to these students and the Class of 2026 for all their educational accomplishments.
Nicholas Gabriel Ochoa
Mission Collegiate High School proudly announces Nicholas Gabriel Ochoa as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian. He is the son of Vanessa Yvette Ochoa and Ricardo Ochoa Jr. This fall, Ochoa will attend Rice University, where he plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His long-term goal is to become a mechanical engineer for SpaceX.
This summer, Ochoa plans to relax after a busy school year, learn to drive, and spend time with friends before beginning his college journey. He is especially excited about becoming part of the university’s close-knit residential college community.
Throughout high school, Ochoa has been actively involved in academics and extracurricular activities, including:
- UIL Number Sense
- UIL Calculator Applications
- UIL Mathematics
- UIL Science
- National Science Bowl
- FIRST Tech Challenge
- National Honor Society
- Junior Class Officers
- Senior Class Officers
His dedication and hard work have earned him several prestigious scholarships and honors, including the Rice Trustee Distinguished Scholarship and the TMSCA Scholarship.
Ochoa leaves the following words of encouragement for the upcoming Class of 2027:
“Senioritis is real, so don’t let it get a hold of you. Don’t procrastinate. Start your college applications and scholarships early and make the most of your last year of high school.”
Angelica Arizpe
Mission Collegiate High School proudly announces Angelica Arizpe as the Class of 2026 Salutatorian. She is the daughter of Claudia Romo and Filomeno Arizpe. After graduation, Arizpe will attend The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she plans to pursue a degree in Biomedical Sciences. Her long-term goal is to become a dermatologist.
This summer, Arizpe plans to begin job shadowing at a clinic as she prepares for her future career in medicine. She is especially looking forward to taking classes that align with her degree plan at the university level.
During her time at Mission Collegiate High School, Arizpe remained dedicated to both academics and extracurricular involvement. Her activities included:
- Science UIL
- Science Bowl
- Water Polo
- UIL Swimming
In recognition of her academic achievements, Arizpe was awarded the Presidential Scholarship at UTRGV.
To the next class of seniors, Arizpe shares these words of encouragement:
“Make the most of every event. You only get senior year once.”
Elias Enoc Gomez
Mission Collegiate High School proudly recognizes Elias Enoc Gomez as the third-ranking student in the Class of 2026. He is the son of Guadalupe Gomez and Alicia Gomez. This fall, Gomez will attend The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, with the goal of becoming a robotics engineer.
This summer, Gomez plans to work to help pay for tuition, prepare for the upcoming academic year, and spend quality time with friends and family. When asked what he is most looking forward to in college, Gomez shared that he is excited for the opportunity to contribute to society and innovation through higher education while continuing to grow academically and personally.
Throughout high school, Gomez demonstrated leadership, dedication, and versatility through involvement in numerous extracurricular activities, including:
- Destination Imagination
- Basketball
- Robotics
- Debate
- Social Studies UIL
- Student Council
His hard work and commitment have earned him several notable scholarships and recognitions, including a $4,000 per-semester scholarship from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as well as $500 scholarship from Bryan Elementary.
Gomez also shared words of encouragement for next year’s seniors:
“Do not let failure or rejection determine your value. Keep your head high.”
Congratulations to the Top 3 graduates of Mission Collegiate High School’s Class of 2026! Your dedication, leadership, and perseverance have set a powerful example for future Knights. We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors—your Knight family is proud of you!
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