La Joya ISD honored its Class of 2025 on Sunday, May 25, 2025 with a day of five graduation ceremonies held at Bert Ogden Arena, marking a proud and historic celebration for more than 1,700 students and their families.
The day began with Juarez-Lincoln High School’s graduation at 8 a.m., followed by Jimmy Carter Early College High School at 11:15 a.m., Palmview High School at 1:15 p.m., Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High School at 4:45 p.m., and concluded with La Joya High School at 6:45 p.m.
This year, La Joya ISD celebrated 1,772 total graduates, with students earning more than $9.4 million in scholarships, 171 associate degrees, over 1,000 industry-based CTE certifications, and a remarkable 6,217 dual credit hours.
“This day means everything to me,” said Diego Salazar, third-ranked senior at Juarez-Lincoln High School Class of 2025. “It’s the result of late nights, early mornings, and never giving up. I’m thankful for my classmates, my teachers, and my family for helping me get here. We’ve made memories that will last a lifetime. GO HUSKIES!”
The ceremonies drew large crowds of proud parents, teachers, staff, and district leaders who gathered to celebrate students’ academic achievements, resilience and readiness for the future.
Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen praised the Class of 2025 in her remarks.
"This class has demonstrated incredible perseverance and determination," she said. "They have earned college credits, professional certifications, and, most importantly, the confidence to pursue their goals. La Joya ISD is proud to have helped shape their journey."
La Joya ISD’s five high schools represent a diverse student population, many of whom are the first in their families to graduate high school or attend college. The district’s investment in early college high schools and career and technical education has created pathways to both higher education and the workforce.
Board President Julian Alvarez III shared his pride in the district’s accomplishments.
"Seeing 1,772 graduates walk across that stage is a powerful reminder of what public education can achieve," Alvarez said. "This is the result of hard work by students, families, teachers and administrators, and it’s just the beginning for the Class of 2025."
Each ceremony featured personalized elements, from musical performances to heartfelt student speeches, underscoring the individuality of each campus while highlighting the collective pride of La Joya ISD.
Graduates will be moving on to universities across Texas and the country, joining the workforce, or serving in the military. Many students are heading into postsecondary education with a head start thanks to the district’s partnership with South Texas College and other institutions that helped provide thousands of dual credit hours.
The Class of 2025 leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence, community service and leadership, and will be remembered as one of La Joya ISD’s most accomplished graduating classes. Congratulations La Joya ISD Class of 2025, GO PACK!