MISSION, TEXAS - Mission High School announces its Top 3 Students for the Class of 2026. This year, Laila Mayelee Rubio has been named valedictorian, Savanna Jo Avila is the salutatorian, and Adam Andrew Avila is the third-ranking student. Congratulations to these students and the Class of 2026 for all their educational accomplishments.
Laila Mayelee Rubio
Mission High School has named Laila Mayelee Rubio as the Class of 2026 valedictorian. She is the daughter of Delia Santoy and Cidronio Rubio. This fall, Rubio will attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her ultimate career goal is to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Over the summer, Rubio plans to spend time at the beach and travel to visit family in Dallas, Texas. As she prepares for college, she is looking forward to embracing new challenges, meeting new people, and experiencing new opportunities.
During her time at Mission High School, Rubio has been actively involved in:
- National Honor Society
- Varsity Swimming
- Varsity Water Polo
Her academic excellence, leadership, and dedication have earned her numerous honors and recognitions, including:
- RGVSCA Scholarships
- Merit Scholarship to Texas State University
- VAMOS Scholarship
In a message to next year’s seniors, Rubio shared words of encouragement and faith:
“I know it can be very nerve-wracking not knowing what the future holds. Maybe you already have a plan and know exactly what you want to do but remember that God has a plan for you too. There’s a saying that the best way to make God laugh is by telling Him your plans. Maybe you don’t get the schedule you wanted or the grade you hoped for, but I promise your world is not going to end.”
Savanna Jo Avila
Mission High School has announced Savanna Jo Avila as the Class of 2026 salutatorian. She is the daughter of Leonel Avila and Lisa Ann Avila. Following graduation, Avila plans to attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology with the goal of becoming a pediatrician and eventually opening her own clinic.
This summer, Avila looks forward to spending time with her family, traveling to new places, and taking time to relax and recharge before beginning the next chapter of her academic journey. In college, she is excited to take courses that will prepare her for her future career while building a strong academic foundation and developing new skills. She also hopes to embrace new opportunities that will help her grow personally and create meaningful memories.
Throughout high school, Avila has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and school involvement. She is actively involved in:
- Business Professionals of America (BPA)
- High Flyers
- Drill Team
- Varsity Water Polo
- Varsity Swimming
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- National Honor Society
- Talent Search
- Health Science Club
- Environmental Club
- Color Guard/Band Volunteer
Her academic and extracurricular achievements have earned her several honors and scholarships, including:
- UTRGV Presidential Scholarship
- RGVSCA Water Polo Scholarship
- RGVSCA 5A Swimming Scholarship
- Finalist for the BPA Regional Scholarship
When asked what advice she would give to next year’s seniors, Avila shared:
“Senior year is a huge milestone but try not to let the pressure of ‘what’s next’ stop you from enjoying the ‘right now.’ It’s okay if your path looks a little different from everyone else’s as long as you stay true to yourself and keep your momentum.”
Adam Andrew Avila
Mission High School proudly recognizes Adam Andrew Avila as the third-ranking student in the Class of 2026. He is the son of Leonel Avila and Lisa Ann Avila. This fall, Avila will attend The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology. His ultimate career goal is to become a neurosurgeon.
This summer, Avila plans to travel across Texas to visit family and create new memories while exploring places he has never visited before. He also hopes to job shadow at hospitals to strengthen his healthcare skills and gain valuable experience for his future career.
When it comes to college, Avila says he is most excited about taking on the challenges and responsibilities that come with adult life. He also looks forward to attending college alongside his best friends, knowing they will support one another as they work toward earning their degrees.
During his high school years, Avila was actively involved in several extracurricular activities, including:
- Varsity Swimming
- Varsity Water Polo
- National Honor Society
His hard work and academic dedication have also earned him several scholarships and honors, including:
- RGVSCA 5A Swimming Scholarship
- RGVSCA Water Polo Scholarship
- Presidential Scholarship Award from UTRGV
To next year’s seniors, Avila offers this heartfelt advice:
“I know a lot of people walk into senior year thinking they have to prove something to everyone around them. You start comparing yourself to other people’s grades, plans, scholarships, or achievements, and before you know it, you forget to enjoy your final and most memorable year. My advice is to stop measuring your worth based on how ‘ahead’ you think everyone else is. God made every person’s path different for a reason, and just because someone else’s life looks successful right now does not mean you are falling behind. Some of the best things in life take time, patience, and faith.”
Congratulations to the Top 3 graduates of Mission High School’s Class of 2026! We celebrate your achievements and wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter. Your Eagle family is proud of you!
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