Super Scholars

Almost 5,000 Northside ISD seniors will graduate over the next week in a series of high school commencement ceremonies at the Alamodome and Paul Taylor Field House.

Leading them will be the highest achieving scholars, the Valedictorian and the Salutatorian. These super scholars are:

Business Careers High School

Megan Cobarruvias, this year's valedictorian at Business Careers High School, plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston majoring in biology/pre-med. The daughter of Joe and Susan Cobarruvias, she is the recipient of multiple scholarships including the Bexar County Medical scholarship, Martin Luther King scholarship, Business Careers and Holmes High School faculty scholarships, the National Guard Association of Texas scholarship, among others. While in school, she was the captain of the Academic Decathlon team, president of the National Honor Society, chief executive officer of the Academy of Finance, and the chaplain of the Student Council.

"I want to thank the Cobarruvias family, the Lew family, and the Holmes/Business Careers High School faculty for contributing to my success," she said.

Johanna Maldonado is the Business Careers High School salutatorian. This fall, she plans to attend Texas A&M University at College Station majoring in biomedical engineering. The daughter of Jose Maldonado and Rose Maldonado, she is the recipient of the Texas A&M Century scholarship, San Antonio Women Junior Forum scholarship, and Puerto Rican Society scholarship. While in school, she served as treasurer of the English Honor Society, and captain of the Varsity Cross Country and Track teams.

The commencement ceremonies for Business Careers High School will be held Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Alamodome.

Clark High School

Dianna Liu, this year's valedictorian at Clark High School, plans to attend Duke University majoring in biomedical engineering. The daughter of Feng Liu and Lily Dong, she is the recipient of numerous scholarships totaling in excess of $1.3 million including the Andrew Carnegie Scholarship, the National Merit Scholarship, and scholarships from Texas A&M, Rice University, Georgia Tech, among others. While in school, she was the president of the National Honor Society, Texas State JCL webmaster, co-president of the Latin Club, graphics editor of the school newspaper, and a C/MSgt in the Clark AFJROTC.

"I want to thank my parents, my friends, and most of all, my teachers for all their help and support," she said.

Amie Ninh is the Clark High School salutatorian. This fall, she plans to attend Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. majoring in journalism and political science. The daughter of Lan and Winston Ninh, she is the recipient of the Syracuse University Chancellor's Scholarship, George Washington University Presidential Scholarship, Boston University Dean's Scholarship, among others. While in school, she served as the editor of the school newspaper, class secretary for all four years, vice president of the National Honor Society, and editor of the Clark Connection newsletter.

"I would like to thank the incredible teachers I have had who have left an indelible mark on me," she said. "I thank my friends for so many unforgettable memories and above all, my parents, who have supported me through anything and everything."

The commencement ceremonies for Clark High School will be held Wednesday, June 11 at 4:30 p.m. at the Alamodome.

Communications Arts High School

Phillip Fabian is the Communications Arts High School valedictorian. This fall, he plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin majoring in biology. The son of Paul and Juanita Fabian, he is the recipient of the Valero Alamo Bowl scholarship and National Hispanic Scholar scholarship, among others. While in school, he was the vice president of the National Honor Society, vice president of Helping Hands, a section leader in the Taft HS Raider Band, and an assistant teacher at Prince of Peace.

Robert Blount III, this year's salutatorian at Communications Arts High School, plans to attend Stanford University majoring in mechanical engineering. The son of Robert Blount, Jr. and Sandra Sandoval, he received the National Achievement Scholar scholarship, Tuskogee Airmen scholarship, and Links scholarship, among others. While in school, he served as treasurer of the Spanish Club.

The commencement ceremonies for Communications Arts High School will be held Thursday, June 12 at 1 p.m. at the Alamodome.

Health Careers High School

Brian Van Eimeren, this year's valedictorian at Health Careers High School, plans to attend the University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in computer science. The son of Maritza Hoag and Bill Van Eimeren, he is the recipient of the National Merit Scholarship and the Eugene McDermott Scholars Program scholarship, among others. While in school, he was the winner of numerous science awards and made a perfect score on the SAT.

Louis Chen is one of two Health Careers High School salutatorians this year. This fall, he plans to attend Rice University in Houston majoring in bio-engineering. The son of Frank and Eunice Chen, he is the recipient of numerous scholarships including the UT School of Engineering scholarship, UT Academic Merit Scholarship, and the Stanford University Summer College Program scholarship. While in school, he was the president of the Chinese Chess Club.

Ashwathi S. Mohan is the other Health Careers High School salutatorian. She plans to attend Texas A&M University at College Station majoring in molecular and cell biology. The daughter of Mohan Natarajan and Sumathy Mohan, she was the recipient of the Exxon Mobil Science and Engineering scholarship, and the First Mark Credit Union scholarship, among others. While in school, she was president of the student Red Cross chapter, and vice president of the India Asia Youth Association.

The commencement ceremonies for Health Careers High School will be held Thursday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paul Taylor Field House.

Holmes High School

Oscar Herrera, Jr., this year's valedictorian at Holmes High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station majoring in microbiology. The son of Oscar Herrera and Christina Herrera, he is the recipient of the Texas A&M Century Scholars scholarship. While in school, he was active in the Holmes HS JROTC and served as academic commander, executive officer, and vice wing commander. "I'd like to thank my parents, teachers, family, and friends," he said. "It's been fun, but I know there is still a long road ahead of me."

Cielo Jaimes is the Holmes High School salutatorian. This fall, she plans to attend John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland majoring in biomedical engineering. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Jaimes, she is the recipient American Funds Scholarship. While in school, she was captain of the varsity soccer team, editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and secretary of the National Honor Society.

"Thanks to my parents for being there, late at night when I needed a shoulder to cry on, or someone to stay up with me to do my homework," she said. "And, thanks to teachers and friends that have been there to make my high school experience better."

The commencement ceremonies for Holmes High School will be held Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Alamodome.

Jay High School

Blanca Rendon, this year's valedictorian at Jay High School, plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in biochemistry. The daughter of Blanca Rendon, she is the recipient of numerous scholarships including the Longhorn Opportunity Scholarship. While in school, she was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, president of Debate Team, and treasurer of the Drama Club and Honor Society. "From this point forward, I plan to take all of the lessons I've learned, people I've met, and memories I've acquired in high school with me for the rest of my life," she says. "I'm deeply thankful for all of the teachers, family and friends that have encouraged me to always try my hardest and made me believe that as long as I work diligently, all of my aspirations for the future will come true."

Matthew Paczkowski is the Jay High School salutatorian. This fall, he plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, with plans to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. He is the son of Susan Paczkowski, and is the recipient of numerous scholarships including the A.C.E. Mentorship scholarship. While in school, he was a Career Center Ambassador. "I would just like to thank my mother for never giving up on me and helping me through all the hard times."

The commencement ceremonies for Jay High School will be held Thursday, June 12 at 4:30 p.m. at the Alamodome.

Jay Science & Engineering Academy

Adam Ramos, this year's valedictorian at the John Jay Science and Engineering Academy, plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station majoring in applied mathematic sciences. The son of Robert and Diana Ramos, he is the recipient of scholarships from Texas A&M scholars, Baumberger Endowment, West Corporation Educational Scholarship, Carl N & Margaret Karcher Founder's Scholarship, SSFCU Scholarship, among others. While in school, he was a section leader in the Jay Band, treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta, and team leader and co-vice president of Team Famous. "Throughout my four years of high school, I learned many lessons about life and discovered who I am," he said. "I've made many friends that I hope to keep throughout college. I owe much of my success to their constant help and kind words."

Tara Lynn Cornett is the John Jay Science and Engineering Academy salutatorian. This fall, she plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station majoring in landscape architecture. The daughter of Christopher and Dawn Fannin, she served as the president of the Japanese Club.

The commencement ceremonies for John Jay Science and Engineering Academy will be held Thursday, June 12 at 4:30 p.m. at the Alamodome.

Marshall High School

Andrew Emerald is the Marshall High School valedictorian. This fall, he plans to attend Rice University in Houston majoring in biochemistry and cell biology. The son of Yang and Kanitha Emerald, he is the recipient of the ITPE J.F. Conley/H.I. Franklin Scholarship and Air Force Federal Credit Union scholarship, among others. While in school, he was the president of the Ram Science Research Society, vice president of Mu Alpha Theta, and vice president of the National Honor Society.

Amy Beckman, this year's salutatorian at Marshall High School, plans to attend Texas State University in San Marcos majoring in music education. The daughter of Milton and Kimberly Beckman, she is the recipient of the President's Honor Scholarship, Terry Foundation Scholarship, and Memorial Scholarship, among others. While in school, she was active in the Ram band, and treasurer of the Juggling Club.

The commencement ceremonies for Marshall High School will be held Wednesday, June 11 at 8 p.m. at the Alamodome.

O'Connor High School

Susan Zhang, this year's valedictorian at O'Connor High School, plans to attend Princeton University in Princeton, N.J. majoring in mathematics. The daughter of Su Zhou and Yongan Zhang, she is the recipient of the TMSCA State Championships scholarship and the Vandiver Brown scholarship, among others. While in school, she was the captain of the math/science team, captain of the Academic Decathlon team, and captain of the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) team.

Amy Zhang is the O'Connor High School salutatorian. This fall, she plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge majoring in economics and mathematics. The daughter of Maogen Zhang and Shunhua Lao, she is the recipient of a National Merit scholarship, Siemens Scholarship for Advanced Placement, UTSA Engineering Program scholarship, Trig Star scholarship, among others. While in school, she was captain of the Math and Science team, president of Mu Alpha Theta, captain of the JETS team, and vice president of the German Club.

The commencement ceremonies for O'Connor High School will be held Thursday, June 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the Alamodome.

Stevens High School

Megan Berry, the valedictorian for Stevens High School, plans to attend Baylor University in Waco majoring in international studies. The daughter of Karl and Lisa Berry, she is the recipient of the Presidential Gold Scholarship for Merit.

Desirae Danielle Guevara, this year's salutatorian for Stevens HS, plans to attend The University of the Incarnate Word majoring in education. The daughter of Mandy Guevara, she is the recipient of the Toyota Motor Engineering to Manufacturing scholarship, and the Presidential scholarship. While in school, she was treasurer of the senior class, and a member of the National Honor Society and Spirit Committee.

"I want to thank my loved ones for always being there for me no matter what, for without their encouragement, I would never have accomplished so much," she said.

The commencement ceremonies for Stevens High School will be held Monday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Alamodome.

Taft High School

Daniel Gonzalez, Jr., this year's valedictorian at Taft High School, plans to attend St. Mary's University majoring in mathematics. The son of Jacquelynn Peché and Daniel Gonzalez, he is the recipient of numerous scholarships including the San Antonio Area Foundation scholarship, the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association scholarship, St. Mary's Trustee's scholarship. While in school, he served as co-editor of the yearbook, treasurer for the Spanish National Honor Society and National Honor Society.

"High school is more than four years in a classroom," he said. "It is a stepping stone into life and a chance for us to grow. Push past every obstacle, set your own expectations, take advantage of every day and never forget where it all began."

Brittany Sullivan is the Taft High School salutatorian. This fall, she also plans to attend St. Mary's University majoring in mathematics. The daughter of Stacy Shelton and Kevin Shelton, she is the recipient of scholarships from the United SA Federal Credit Union, Texas Counselor's Association, and the St. Mary's University Presidential and Soccer scholarships. While in school, she served as the captain of the varsity soccer team, sophomore class president, and class secretary her junior and senior years.

"I would like to thank my first teacher, my mother, for instilling my joy for learning at a young age and never pressuring me to be the best."

The commencement ceremonies for Taft High School will be held Thursday, June 12 at 1 p.m. at the Alamodome.

Warren High School

Karina Munguia, this year's valedictorian at Warren High School, plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin majoring in design. The daughter of Homer and Mary Munguia, she is the recipient of the National Hispanic Scholar and University scholarship, and the National Honor Society scholarship, among others.

"There are no words to describe the gratitude I feel for my family for all the support they have given me these past years," she said.

Sarah Scott is the Warren High School salutatorian. This fall, she plans to attend Trinity University majoring in international relations. The daughter of James and Nancy Scott, she is the recipient of the Trustee Scholarship. While in school, she served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and captain of the Debate team.

The commencement ceremonies for Warren High School will be held Thursday, June 12 at 8 p.m. at the Alamodome.