EDINBURG, Texas —On Thursday, April 15, 2021, the United States Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector hosted their fourth Head of the Class Ceremony for the 2020-2021 school year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the ceremony was conducted virtually. This event, which is hosted four times a year, highlights distinguished students enrolled at various school districts throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
RGV Sector Border Patrol Deputy Chief Joel Martinez addressed the Head of the Class honorees from 17 high schools from the eastern portion of the Rio Grande Valley. The 17 students are eligible to receive a scholarship presented at the annual Youth of the Year Awards Ceremony.
Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda was the keynote speaker for the event. Chief Sauceda congratulated the students on their outstanding academic achievements, service to community, and delivered an inspirational message to the students.
Head of the Class Recipients:
Jocelyn Thomas – Brownsville Early College High School
Ashley Armendariz – Gladys Porter Early College High School
John Rios – Hanna Early College High School
Angela Arevalo – James Pace Early College High School
Jaydy Valdez – Lopez Early College High School
Jasmin Aquines – Simon Rivera Early College High School
Liza Cisneros – Veterans Memorial Early College High School
Valerie Martinez – Harlingen Early College High School
Milca Montanez – Harlingen High School
Abbeny Solis – Harlingen High School South
Kiara Garcia – Los Fresnos High School
Cole Pinkerton – Port Isabel High School
Brandon Nunez – Raymondville Early College High School
Mia Zuniga – Rio Hondo High School
Naydelin Garza Jimenez – San Benito High School
Damian Maldonado – San Perlita High School
Filanicas Zavala – Santa Maria High School
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us at @CBPRGV.