Class of 2013 Top 10 Graduates

Anahi Garza is the San Benito High School Class of 2013 Valedictorian. She is the daughter of Omar and Antonia Garza.

Anahi has received numerous awards and honors throughout her high school years. She has been selected to receive the highly prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship. Anahi earned a Hi-5 letter jacket by being named to the San Benito CISD Superintendent’s List of top five percent ranked students of her class every semester since her freshman year. She has been involved in several organizations, including Health Occupations Students of America Secretary (2010-11), Vice-President (2011-12) and member (2012-13); Treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta, Vice-President of the Senior Class; Leo Club member and Estudiantina. Anahi has volunteered at Su Clinica in Harlingen and has been involved in several organized “walks” for various causes.

Anahi will be attending the University of Texas at Brownsville where she will major in Biology. She has been accepted as a member of the University’s Early Medical School Acceptance Program.

Dalia A. Davila Simon is the San Benito High School Class of 2013 Salutatorian. She is the daughter of Maria and Ruperto Davila.

By earning a rank in the top five percent every semester since her freshman year, Dalia received the honor of a Hi-5 letter jacket. Dalia has been an active Advance Placement Scholar. She has received a Good Citizenship Award, placed first in Speechless RGV Art Competition, and earned third in University Interscholastic League Science Regionals. In addition, she is a National Honor Society member. Dalia has served as President of Mu Alpha Theta, Yearbook Business Manager, Estudiantina, and Art Club.

Dalia plans to attend the University of Massachusetts-Lowell and major in Aerospace Engineering.

Viviana Abrego is the third ranking honor student of the San Benito High School Class of 2013. She is the daughter of Eloy and Graciela Abrego.

As a student who was consistently named to the Superintendent’s List, Viviana was awarded a Hi-5 Letter Jacket. She has also received various honors, including Advanced Placement Scholar; Cross Country 2009; 2010 Regional Qualifier; and Track and Field. Viviana has also served as Vice-President of Mu Alpha Theta.

Viviana plans to attend the University of Tulsa, where she plans to major in International Business and Language.

Briza Marie Rodriguez is the fourth ranking honor student of the San Benito High School Class of 2013. She is the daughter of Juan and Nancy Del Angel.

Briza ranked in the top five percent of her class every semester, thereby earning a Hi-5 letter jacket. She has also served as Historian for the Blue Knights Club. Her special recognitions include: member of the District/Region/Pre-Area Choir, and State Solo and Ensemble recipient.

Briza plans to pursue a law degree at the University of Texas at Austin.

Ismael Reyna, Jr. is the fifth ranking honor student of the San Benito High School Class of 2013. He is the son of Ismael, Sr. and Nidia Reyna.

Ismael has received several honors at San Benito High School. He was named to the Superintendent’s List every semester of high school by consistently ranking in the top five percent of his class, therefore earning a Hi-5 Letter Jacket. Ismael’s special honors include Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor; A-Honor Roll; and University of North Texas Excellence Scholar. His activities include section leader for the San Benito High School Marching Band; Secretary for the Mu Alpha Theta Organization; and Treasurer of the Computer Maintenance Club. Ismael plans to attend the University of North Texas and become a Mechanical and Energy Engineer.

Samantha Lee Saldaña is the sixth ranking honor student of the San Benito High School Class of 2013 is. She is the daughter of Richard and Sandra Saldaña.

Every semester, Samantha ranked in the top five percent of her class, earning her a Hi-5 Letter Jacket. She is a recipient of the Presidential Achievement Scholarship and the Hutchinson International Scholarship for the University of Texas at Austin. She participated as Vice President of Animation Skills USA and has served as the Secretary of National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

Samantha plans to attend University of Texas at Austin and major in English.

Esmeralda Huerta is the seventh ranking honor student of the San Benito High School Class of 2013. She is the daughter of Rafael and Maria Huerta.

For consistently earning a rank in the top five percent of her class each high school semester, Esmeralda earned a Hi-5 Letter Jacket. Esmeralda has been selected to receive the highly prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship. She is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and National Hispanic Merit Scholar. She served as President of the Business Professionals of America Chapter 2; Enforcer’s Reporter; and Yearbook Editor.

Esmeralda plans to attend Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and major in International Politics.

Cidia Treviño Gonzalez is the eighth ranking honor student of the San Benito High School Class of 2013. She is the daughter of Gina Gonzalez and Richard Gonzalez.

Cidia has received various awards and honors throughout her high school years. She earned a Hi-5 Letter Jacket by being named to the San Benito CISD Superintendent’s List every semester of her high school years. Cidia is recognized as a National Hispanic Scholar; Texas Scholar; Advance Placement Scholar; Historian for Health Occupation Students of America; State Solo and Ensemble Participant; Superior Rated singer in ensemble; and District and Region Choir Chair member. She also has actively dedicated her time as a student volunteer at Valley Baptist and Amenity Hospice.

Cidia plans to attend University of Texas as Austin, where she will major in Biology with emphasis on Neuroscience. She plans to attend medical school, become a surgeon, and return to serve her community.

Matthew Rey Garza is the ninth ranking honor student of the San Benito High School Class of 2013. He is the son of Victor and Blanca E. Garza.

Matthew made the Superintendent’s List every semester of his high school year, thereby earning a Hi-5 Letter Jacket. He participated in the following organizations: National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. He earned first chair in Pre-Area Choir and first chair in Region. He is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. He served as Liberian for Varsity Choir and Treasurer for the Junior Class and Sophomore Class. Matthew was chosen to represent San Benito High School at Texas Boys State at the House of Representatives.

Matthew will be attending the University of Texas at Brownsville, where he will major in Mathematics.

Jose Luis Claudio is the tenth ranking honor student of the San Benito High School Class of 2013. He is the son of Jose and Enedelia Claudio.

Jose Luis participated in the Health Science Technology Program, where his studies concentrated in specializing as a Medical Assistant and Certified Medical Office Assistant. He has also made the Superintendent’s List every semester the past four years, earning a Hi-5 Letter Jacket. Jose served as President of Health Occupation Students of America and as a National Technical Honor Society member and Business Professionals of America member.

Jose Luis plans to attend the University of North Texas to earn a master’s degree in chemistry. After obtaining his master’s degree, Jose Luis plans on applying to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston to specialize in either Oncology or Cardiology.