See photos from the night: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9pw5ZKFneXts78oq7
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the Lytle Pirate Awards Ceremony honored our dedicated seniors for their hard work. College Career Military Readiness CEN CCMR Coordinator, Ms. Catherine Hoffman, welcomed all saying, “These students’ achievements reflect the tireless support from parents, school staff, administrators and community friends.”
The Lytle JROTC Color Guard opened the ceremony with the presentation of colors. Commanded by Cadet First Sergeant Danna Herrera, who held the American flag. Cadet Staff Sergeant Claire Canelas stood at left Guard. Cadet Staff Sergeant First Class Samantha Rubal held the Texas Flag and Corporal Cadet Jonah Ortiz stood on right guard. The Bulldog Battalion is under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer Tabitha Williams and Sergeant Major Frederick Carmicle.
Ms. Hoffman welcomed Mr. Kevin Perez, Jason Sarver and Richard Ramon from The Atascosa Masonic Lodge #379 to present the lodge’s Achievement Award to Samantha Mujica and Rylynn Null. The Roy Edward’s Honesty and Integrity Award was also awarded to Juniors, Nayelli Pacheco and Richard Tollett.
While the Senior Awards Program does not typically recognize underclassmen, Ms. Hoffman took a few moments to also congratulate Junior Luke Estrada, selected to attend the 2024 AIM Summer Program at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Ms. Hoffman adds, “The Academy Introduction Mission Program is highly selective from a very large pool of exceptional applicants.”
Being a Lytle Alumni herself, Ms. Hoffman presented Rylynn Null with the 2024 Lytle Ex-student Association scholarship.
Boys Athletic Coordinator / Head Football Coach Mike Trevino and Athletic Director / Girls Head Basketball Coach Lori Wilson recognized multiple students for their athletic participation at a state event - not once but twice - during their high school careers. Samantha Mujica in Cross Country, Abel Sanchez and Brandon Obando in Cross Country, Mario Diaz in Powerlifting and Calyssa Sevier in Track.
The Texas Girls Coaches Association has named three Pirates to the 2023-24 Basketball Academic All-State team: Amelia Martinez, Katara Whitfield and Calyssa Sevier.
Calyssa Sevier was also presented with a certificate that represents her appointment to the 2024 Basketball All-State Team.
Mr. Eric Smith and Mr. Mike Fernandez presented the Legacy Bowl Scholarships to Calyssa Sevier and Brandon Obando.
Cherri Buddingham and Alma Horvath presented the 2024 Devine Area Hospice Scholarship to Thalia Bowman and Katherine Scotello.
Pastor Kevin Stephens and Pastor Dan Ytuarte represented the South Texas Ministerial Fellowship - STMF - an organization of pastors from the communities of Lytle, Natalia, and Devine. These pastors united together, sharing in a common spirit of compassion and love for others with a primary focus on the poor and needy in our communities. Their first concern is meeting the emergency needs of individuals in our communities then treating their emotional, educational and spiritual conditions. It brings the pastors of the STMF great joy to provide the South Texas Ministerial Fellowship Scholarship to Brandon Obando to assist him in pursuing his dreams.
Bobby McConathy’s family selected Javier Lopez as the recipient of a $1,000 Bobby McConathy Memorial Scholarship to be used at the trade school of his choice. Javier plans to train in the field of welding and his efforts are a legacy of such a wonderful man and past Lytle High School educator.
Danielle Hernandez, Assistant Cashier and New Accounts Representative at Lytle State Bank presented multiple awards. The Walter H. Joyce Memorial Scholarship was awarded to the first highest ranking student, Samantha Mujica, the second highest ranking student, Fatima Montes, and third highest ranking student, Brianna Paredes.
The Miriam Lovelace Award in the amount of $500 was presented to Ben Davila and Nadya Harrison on behalf of the Lytle Chamber of Commerce.
Superintendent Mrs. Michelle Carroll Smith presented the Lytle Administration Team Scholarship to Lola Patiño.
The University Interscholastic League Scholar Award was created to recognize and honor those students in the top 10% of their senior class who have shown the ability and have demonstrated the discipline necessary to perform academically and yet participate in extracurricular activities. This award restates the commitment of the UIL to “Academic Excellence through Competition.”
On behalf of Lytle High School, the Director of Bands, Mr. Chessher recognized nine outstanding UIL participants. UIL Scholar Awards went to Ben Davila, Lola Patiño, Rylyn Null, Annabella Lopez (not present), Daniel Mercado, Katara Whitfield, Brianna Paredes, Fatima Montes and Samantha Mujica. The John Philip Sousa Award was awarded to Stefan Emery and the Lytle Athlete-Musician Award went to Lola Patiño.
Gabriel Alcorta was recognized and thanked for his commitment to the U.S. Military.
Mrs. Rebecca Glover presented Red Honor cords which indicate that Stefan Emery and Katara Whitfield have donated blood six or more times to the South Texas Blood and Tissue Bank.
Sponsored by the American Legion, Texas Boys State is a nationally recognized summer leadership program that is held annually in Austin, Texas. Participation is competitive and participants from around the state of Texas are asked, in a week’s time, to set-up up a mock government, run for office, and defend the state constitution. Last summer, Stefan Emery, was selected to represent American Legion Post 579.
Students learn leadership skills along with career success when they belong to the National FFA Organization. Mrs. Teresa Lassere recognized her students in FFA, starting with the Lytle FFA Chapter Senior officers, President, Rylynn Null and Sentinel, Eternity Diaz. Mario Diaz was named the Master Fabricator/Welder of the Year. The following students are chapter members who either joined this year or have been a part of the organization for several years. Adriel Ayala, Mya Ruiz, Danika Chapa, MJ Marie, Tristen Guevara, Rudy Cepeda, Javier Lopez, Alejandro Rodriguez and Calyssa Sevier.
Mrs. Hoffman proudly announced that 56% of the seniors graduating earned college credit. Lytle Collegiate High School class of 2024 has achieved a staggering 1,143 college hours. The Alamo Colleges charges $109 per college hour for out-of-district tuition which calculates to more than $124,000 in savings for our families in this community.
Mrs. Jennifer Criswell presented the White Honor cord that represents the successful completion of college coursework through either St. Philip's College or Palo Alto College, or both.
These students have successfully completed 3-9 college hours: Kristin Tovar, Destiny Finamore, Jose Gomez, Victor Perez, Christian Alcorta, Raul Cortez, Kaden Moore and Brandon Obando.
These Seniors have successfully completed 10-18 college hours: Marcos Alvarado, David De La Fuente, Alanna Huerta, Emma Keenum, Benjamin Martinez, Jessica Mata, Leandra Mora, Mya Ruiz, Amadeus Trejo-Perez, James Valdez, Benito Arizola, Rudy Cepeda, Victoria Garcia, Zinthia Lara, Navaeh Mercer, Alejandro Rodriguez, Aiden Martinez and Katherine Scotello.
These Seniors have earned 21-27 hours: Thalia Bowman, Briana Gutierrez, Luke Montez, Stefan Emery, Rylynn Null and Julissa Ferreida.
These Seniors not only earned their white cords, but will also leave Lytle High School with at least 30 college hours and are classified as college sophomores: Cid Lopez, Lola Patiño, Danika Chapa, Paris Sanchez, Katara Whitfield, Benjamin Davila, Brianna Paredes, Fatima Montes, Samantha Mujica, Hector Anaya, Joaquin Castillo, Abcde Inming, Chris Lopez and Daniel Mercado. In addition, these last few Dual Credit Seniors finished with a perfect 4.0 grade point average: Ben Martinez, Danika Chapa, Paris Sanchez, Katara Whitfield, Fatima Montes and Samantha Mujica.
Public Relations Director Lorrianne Migura recognized students in the Digital Design pathway and Skull Studios Edu-Business on behalf of the teachers in her program. Adam Leyva recognized Stefan Emery, Katara Whitfield, Annabella Lopez and Paris Sanchez for excellence in Commercial Photography.
Andrew Oser recognized Jose Gomez, Jacob Guevara, Elijah Martinez, Kristin Tovar, Thaliah Bowman and Neveah Mercer for excellence in his Audio Video Production course. He recognized Victor Perez, Benjamin Mertinez and Benjamin Salinas for excellence in his Video Game Design course. He also recognized Benjamin Davila and Daniel Mercado for excellence in his Robotics course. Dale Mather recognized Jenarae Cruze for excellence in her Digital Designs and Website Content Management work.
Bryan Bippert recognized Katara Whitfield and Christian Renteria for excellence in his Financial Literacy course.
Morgan Clyde recognized David Matthew De La Fuente for excellence in her Art classroom.
Randee Nelson recognized Chris Lopez for excellence in Theatre.
Dr. Dustin Breithaupt, Assistant Superintendent of Lytle ISD and Mrs. Michelle Carroll Smith, Superintendent, honored the Top Ten Graduates:
Starting with tenth ranked student, Benjamin Davila will attend the University of Texas San Antonio in the fall majoring in Computer Science. Ben someday hopes to work in data science or software development. Ben has been awarded the Distinguished Presidential Scholarship and the Honors College Collaborate Scholarship worth $3,180. Ben is most proud of the time he spent as President and Lead Programmer on our UIL State Champion Robotics team.
Number nine, Lola Patiño would like to be a social worker and has been admitted to Texas A&M University Kingsville. The Javelinas have indicated that they are running behind awarding grants and scholarships so we are awaiting her award letter. Lola has earned a competitive Academic Excellence award that can be renewed for the four years she will attend college for a total of $16,000.
Number eight Benjamin Martinez leaves Lytle High School college ready and enrolled in Palo Alto College. Ben would like to work in the field of software design. Ben indicated that Mr. Bryan Bippert and his lessons as a whole, made the biggest difference for him. The financial literacy course gave Ben more confidence in money management and he is thankful.
Seventh ranked Rylynn Null will attend Tarleton State University in the fall of 2024. She majors in Animal Science and plans a career as a Veterinarian. Rylynn has been awarded the Edward Geyer Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 and a Presidential Scholarship from Tarleton for $8,000.
Number six Annabella Lopez has earned enough awards to declare a “full ride” to Texas State University based on her academic achievements. These awards cover all of her expenses and are renewable for the four years she will be a Bobcat. Her award is worth approximately $120,000.
Fifth ranked Daniel Mercado graduates with an Associate of Applied Science and will attend UTSA in the fall pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Daniel has received a very nice financial aid package that includes the distinguished presidential scholarship and other aid that totals right at $20,000 for his freshman year.
Number four Katara Whitfield will be a Texas Longhorn at the University of Texas in Austin majoring in Psychology with a minor in Public Relations. Her career goals are to attend law school and be a criminal defense lawyer. Her financial aid awards cover all tuition fees plus room and board.
Number three Brianna Paredes will major in English at Texas A&M in San Antonio. Brianna would like to work in the publishing world and become an editor. Brianna is celebrating a four year financial aid package of approximately $71,580. This award will cover ALL tuition and fees for four years. Brianna is currently an intern with the Devine News and chose to miss her senior trip to cover the Lytle ISD School Board meeting to write an article for the paper.
Salutatorian Fatima Montes has a lot to celebrate. Once a year, after a four tiered-intensive application process, the Minnie Piper Stevens Foundation selects twenty-five high school seniors out of the entirety of the state of Texas to be named as Piper Scholars. Fatima was selected to receive one of these elusive designations. In addition to this four year scholarship, Fatima was also named a Terry Scholar by the Terry Foundation. The Terry Scholarship is a full ride, last dollar scholarship valued at up to $31,600 per year for up to eight semesters. Her overall award package is valued at $150,000. Fatima has chosen to attend the University of Texas in Austin and major in a Pre-Dentistry track.
Number One: Each year the highest-ranking graduate of accredited high schools in the state of Texas is awarded a scholarship exempting the graduate from the payment of tuition during both semesters of the first regular session immediately following graduation. Presented with this award is our 2024 Lytle High School Valedictorian, Samantha Mujica.
Miss Mujica will attend Harvard University in the fall majoring in Government with a secondary emphasis in education studies. Samantha Mujica wishes to someday champion educational policy with the goal of creating legislation that directly benefits rural communities.
Samantha has earned the distinction of being named a Terry Scholar at the University of Texas Austin and a Questbridge Scholar at Dartmouth College. Samantha was named one of two Texas Youth Leadership Representatives to the United States Senate and in February was flown to Washington DC where she met President Joe Biden. She received the Horatio Alger National Scholarship, the Peter R. Marsh Foundation Scholarship, the Valero Bowl, and was named a Gates Scholar just to name a few of her awards. Samantha was also accepted to schools such as Duke University, NYU, UT, Vanderbilt, Rice University and Notre Dame. Ultimately, Samantha has received in excess of $1.5 million dollars in awards and scholarships.
This next group of students have earned awards, scholarships, and distinctions outside our local community, and have been accepted into a college, university or trade school.
Gabriel Alcorta has enlisted in the United States Army. The United States Army provides a very generous education package valued at approximately $80,000. Gabriel will train to become a Black Hawk helicopter mechanic 15 Tango. He leaves for basic training July 8 to Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Joaquin Castillo leaves Lytle with an Associate of Applied Science and will continue his studies at Texas Tech University in the field of Engineering. He has received an aid package of grants and scholarships well over $10,700.
Rudy Cepeda heads to Texas A&M in Kingsville to be a Javelina. Rudy has received an Academic Excellence Award totalling $8,000 and is impatient waiting for his official award letter to be sent from A&M Kingsville. Rudy will major in Business with a specific focus on Marketing.
Danika Chapa has been accepted to Texas A&M in San Antonio and is a recipient of the Jaguar Promise which covers all tuition and fees for four years. This program provides over $71,000 of guaranteed aid for her future. Danika plans to major in Biology and plans a career in animal science.
Stefan Emery has earned a spot in the Texas A&M Kingsville Javelina band. He has also declared a music education major. Mr. Emery has earned a four year Academic Excellence award for $7,200 and a one thousand dollar javelina marching band scholarship. In addition, Stefan has received a scholarship for his participation in the UIL Texas All State Band. Earlier this year Stefan earned yet another monetary award from the San Antonio Blues Society, the Sam Baird Scholarship.
Julissa Ferreira is going to the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall of 2024. She has declared a major of study in Criminal Justice. Julissa plans to use her experiences to later apply to law school. As of Friday, Julissa has received over $7,000 to help pay her tuition and fees. Julissa is most proud of her senior year spent on the cheer squad as she challenged herself to try out and represent the Pirates.
Texas A&M San Antonio will welcome Destiny Finamore into their undergraduate Psychology program in August 2024. Miss Finamore has been awarded approximately $12,300 by the Jaguars to help with her college tuition and fees next year.
Jose Gomez begins his post secondary education at the University of Texas San Antonio where he will study music performance. Joe’s first year financial aid package is worth approximately $20,900.
Jacob Guevara plans to attend the University of Texas in San Antonio majoring in Multidisciplinary Studies. He later plans to apply to UT Health to complete his nursing degree. He would like to thank his parents, who are both nurses, for inspiring him to continue their legacy in the medical field. Jacob’s award package is approximately $8,300 for the 24-25 for school year.
Brianna Gutierrez plans to attend Palo Alto College and study education. She would like to eventually teach at Lytle Primary School. Brianna volunteers her time instructing cheer and was awarded a $500 Community Involvement Scholarship by the Somerset Lil Bulldog league.
Emma Keenum will attend The University of Texas in San Antonio where she will work toward a Bachelors in Business Management. Her award package is valued at approximately $13,000.
Zinthia Lara will enroll at Texas A&M in Kingsville and pursue a music education career. She has been awarded an $8,000 scholarship and will play the trumpet in the Javelina band.
Christopher Lopez has been accepted to UTSA and plans to major in Aerospace Engineering. His financial aid award packet exceeds $35,000.
Amelia Martinez will attend Texas A&M in Kingsville and major in Business Marketing. She would like to someday work at USAA in the marketing department. Amelia has received an academic scholarship of $1,000 to hold her place but her full aid award letter will not be available until later this month.
Elijah Martinez is yet another Lytle Pirate who will transition to Texas A&M in Kingsville. Elijah will study music performance and has earned approximately $17,195 for his first year as a Javelina.
Naveah Mercer plans to attend the University of Incarnate Word where she has received a combination of awards totalling $37,500 for her first year. Her current major is PrePharmacy.
Leandra Mora will attend the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall and has approximately $7860 in awarded aid. This package is not complete so we are excited to see her final offer. Leandra plans to study computer science.
Brandon Obando was chosen to run Cross Country and track at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. He has received a very nice scholarship package that exceeds $22,500 for the first year alone. Brandon would like to thank Coach Ruiz. He states, “Coach Ruiz instilled core values that have shaped my character.”
Abel Sanchez will join Brandon on the Cross Country team at Friends University. Abel has not yet decided on a specific major but is leaning toward something in the field of physical therapy or sports medicine. His four year award offer is calculated at $109,590. Abel and Brandon would like to thank their parents and especially Coach Ruiz who saw them through to the very end.
Paris Sanchez has been accepted to the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently enrolled in their Multidisciplinary Studies Pre-nursing program. She has received a Distinguished Presidential Scholarship. In addition, she has been accepted into and awarded an Honors College Collaboration Scholarship for approximately $15,000. Most importantly, Paris is also guaranteed that the full cost of tuition and fees will be covered through the Bold Promise.
Calyssa Sevier, our talented Lytle Pirate number 10 will soon become Midwestern State’s standout number 10. Although Calyssa had to agree to become a Mustang, she has been awarded a complete “full ride” as she continues her star studded basketball career in Wichita Falls, Texas. Calyssa’s four-year award package is valued at approximately $106,000. While she is attending Midwestern State she will seek a Bachelor of Business Administration and later aspires to attend Dental School. Calyssa was also awarded $1,000 from the South Texas Coaches Association for being named MVP.
Thank you to Mrs. Catherine Hoffman, High School Counselor Mrs. Rebecca Glover and all the administrators who organized this event. We also thank Pastor Dan Ytuarte, Pastor Kevin Stephens and David Emery who organized a Baccalaureate service for our Seniors and their families after the awards night ceremonies.