Lytle High School

The Lytle Pirate Senior Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 7pm honored the Lytle High School graduating class of 2025. Their achievements reflect the tireless support from parents, school staff, administrators and community friends. The presentation of colors from the LYTLE JROTC Color Guard commanded by Cadet Staff Sergeant Samantha Rubal. Cadet Corporal Anna Leiva stands at Left Guard, Cadet Staff Sergeant Samantha Rubal holds the American flag, Cadet Private First Class, Luke Robles holds the Texas Flag, and Private First Class Alfredo Cantu is Right Guard. The Bulldog Battalion is under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer Tabitha Williams and Sergeant Major Frederick Carmicle. Army JROTC Alpha Company Cadet Major Thomas Rubal led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Before the Senior awards presentations began, College Career Military Readiness CEN CCMR Coordinator Ms. Catherine Hoffman recognized two underclassmen, Junior Isabella Sewell was selected as a 2025 QuestBridge Prep Scholar based on her academic achievement and personal qualities. Scholars are identified as competitive candidates for admission into the Ivy League and Isabella’s selection is a notable national distinction. The American Legion has invited Junior Thomas Rubal to attend 2025 Texas Boys State, a nationally recognized summer leadership program sponsored by the American Legion 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.

Next, local scholarship recipients for Seniors began with Mr. Kevin Perez and Richard Ramon from The Atascosa Masonic Lodge #379 who presented their Achievement Award goes to Alyssa Sprenger and Kayzen Lassere

The Roy Edward’s Honesty and Integrity Award was then presented to Frankie Scotello and Thomas Rubal. 

Ms. Sadie Guerra, a former Lytle Pirate and manager of Lytle’s South Texas Hardware presented a $500 NB Cares Scholarship and certificate of achievement to Alyssa Sprenger. 

Mrs. Brenda Fernandez presented the Legacy Bowl Scholarship to Alyssa Sprenger and Jair Flores.

For over 20 years the Devine Area Health and Hospice Thrift Store has been providing clothing and household goods to our community and surrounding area. “Improving people’s lives through community giving” is the motto of the volunteers. Because of the generosity of the community, the store has been able to support health related non-profit organizations and provide health related services to the uninsured and underserved. Scholarships are awarded to students seeking a profession in the medical field. Dinah Argo, Cherri Buddingham, and Alma Horvath presented this award to Kayzen Lassere and Shea Smoot.

Mrs. Tammy McDonald presented the 2025 Lytle Ex-student Association scholarship to Alyssa Sprenger. 

The South Texas Ministerial Fellowship is an organization of pastors from the communities of Lytle, Natalia, and Devine. The pastors of the STMF have 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. Kevin Stephens and Pastor Dan Ytuarte presented the South Texas Ministerial Fellowship award to Cellest Guerrero.

Mrs. Heather Chessher presented the 2025 Lytle Agricultural Student Support Organization LASSO scholarships to Juliana Center, Richard Tollett and Nico Pacheco.

Ms. Hoffman presented the $1,000 Bobby McConathy Memorial Scholarship to Katelyn Stech to be used at the trade school of her choice. Katelyn plans to attend Tulsa Welding School.

Senior Vice President at Lytle State Bank, and Lytle Alumni, Mr. Max Metger presented multiple awards. The Walter H. Joyce Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Kayzen Lassere, the first highest ranking student award to Alyssa Sprenger, the second highest ranking student award to Valentina Ayala, and the third highest ranking student award to Nayelli Pacheco.

Mrs. Catherine Vaughan, President of the Lytle Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Mike Vasquez, Vice-President and Pamela Fintel, Secretary Treasurer presented the Miriam Lovelace Award to Alyssa Sprenger and Cellest Guerrero.

The Michelle Carroll Smith Women in Leadership Scholarship Award, honoring Mrs. Smith's remarkable 23-year tenure as superintendent of Lytle ISD. Mrs. Smith’s lasting impact resonates throughout our district, evident in our status as a National Showcase District for Capturing Kids' Hearts, an award-winning remodel of our elementary campus, setting the district on a solid financial path and for maintaining a family-friendly, positive work culture that honored everyone's contributions. This scholarship celebrates her unwavering dedication by empowering the next generation of women leaders. This year we are excited to award this scholarship to top 10 graduate, Cellest Guerro.

Representing TXFame and the HEB Talent and Acquisition Department, Ms. Allyson Barratachea recognized Carlos Gonzalez and Yandel Esquivel who were competitively chosen to participate in the San Antonio division of TXFame. Participants in this program seek to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology through St. Philip’s College while concurrently working in an intensive and in-depth paid apprenticeship. Time on the college campus, at the HEB plant and work-based learning will total 1,800 hours, launching them into a high wage 100% in-demand career. These apprenticeships, worth over $30,000 each, change lives and are nationally recognized. 

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, our director of bands, Mr. Chessher, and our Athletic Director, Ms. Lori Wilson recognized our outstanding UIL participants, Josiah Frausto, Micaela Heath, Kayzen Lassere, Addison Criado, Vanessa Mercado, Gillian Holtam, Nayelli Pacheco, Valentina Ayala and Alyssa Sprenger.

Mr. Chessher also announced Valentina Ayala as the 2024-25 Band Athlete. The Texas Music Scholar and John Philip Sousa Awards went to Joshua Guerra.

For the second year in a row, Texas Auto Salvage (The Hack Family) generously donated a new car to give to a Lytle Class of 2025 Senior/Graduate who met attendance, academic and discipline requirements. At this point in the ceremony, Assistant Principal Mrs. Tracy Emerson and Counselor, Mrs. Rebecca Glover called all eligible Seniors to the stage for the drawing. The first name drawn was Cellest Guerrero, winner of the car! The Hack Family decided to then give the next ten names drawn a $1,000 award: Eric Venegas, Lia Corral, Fatima Moreno, Katelyn Stech, Alyssa Sprenger, Miriam Lara, Juliana Center, Nicholas Pacheco, Itzel Delgadillo and Johnny Alvarez. One final surprise was revealed, and the remaining students on stage received a $200 award for meeting the eligibility requirements: Kaden Aguinaga, Andres Arredondo, Addison Criado, Evelyn Diaz, Jair Flores, Josiah Frausto-Gomez, Arianna Garcia, Josilyn Gil, Joshua Guerra, Cellest Guerrero, Gillian Haltom, Faith Hernandez, Andrew Lopez, Amira Lowery, Danica Martinez, Ismael Mireles, Luis Montero, Mia Navarro, Ariel Nixon, Nayelli Pacheco, Celeste Ramirez, Elizabeth Ramirez, Jazmine Ruiz, and Landon Wilkins. Special thanks to Texas Auto Salvage for this wonderful incentive for our students.

In the National FFA organization students learn leadership skills along with career success. In 1988, the name changed from Future Farmers of America to reflect the broader scope of the organization’s activities and interests, which encompass not just traditional farming, but also diverse fields within the food, fiber, and natural resources industries. Mrs. Teresa Lassere recognized Seniors who embody the FFA motto “Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve” and they receive their officer sash or their FFA chords: 2024-25 President Kayzen Lassere, Cashlynn Harvey, Ariel Martin, Juliana Center, Richard Tollett, Katelyn Stech, Jovi Velasquez, Nicholas Pacheco and Addison Criado.

Ms. Hoffman announced that well over 50% of the Seniors graduate with college credit earned. The Lytle Collegiate High School class of 2025 has completed 1359 college hours which has saved them more than $148,000 in tuition costs. Career and Technical Education Director, Mrs. Jennifer Criswell presented students who have met the state’s College, Career, and Military Readiness standards by successfully completing 3-9 college hours with a white honor cord: Nathaniel Armendariz, Andres Arredondo, Alexa Cordova, Arianna Garcia, Emily Garcia, Nevaeh Gonzalez, Robert Inming, Casey Jackson, Vili Mancera, Allison Mills, Ariel Nixon, Nicholas Pacheco, Makayla Perales, Zoey Salinas and Priscilla Solis-Rivera. 

The following students have also met the state College, Career, and Military Readiness standards and have successfully completed 10-18 college hours and receive a white honor cord: Johnny Alvarez, Samantha Camarillo, Melayna Cambero, Juliana Center, Addison Criado, Mariann Duncan, Jair Flores, Joseph Garcia, Joshua Guerra, Emily Martin, Danica Martinez, Ramsey O’Dell, Frederico Reyes, Lunna Reyes, Shea Smoot and Sophia Stewart, 

Students who have earned 21-29 hours, college readiness status and received their white honor cords are Luke Estrada, Cellest Guerrero, Cashlynn Harvey, Ariel Martin and Giovanni Mosqueda. 

There are 21 students earned their white cords, and leave Lytle High School with at least 30 college hours, classified as college sophomores: Lia Corral, Yandel Esquivez, Josiah Frausto, Anthony Guevara, Gillian Haltom, Micaela Heath, Haylee Hernandez, Kayzen Lassere, Alexa Leal, Andrew Lopez, Vanessa Mercado, Jossalyn Moreno, Nayelli Pacheco, Joanna Plaza, Celeste Ramirez, Jazmine Ruiz, Caitelyn Thompson, Richard Tollett and Landon Wilkins. 

Valentina Ayala and Alyssa Sprenger earned their white cords by completing over 45 college credits, taking the most challenging math and science courses offered at Lytle High School and finished their dual credit experience with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Mrs. Criswell then recognized the work of our PTECH Seniors who received their associates degrees or certificates during St. Philip’s graduation ceremony at the Alamodome the week prior. Yandel Esquivez holds an Associate of Applied Science in CNC Manufacturing Technician with Level 1 Certificate in CNC Operator. Landon Wilkins holds an Associate of Applied Science in CNC Manufacturing Technician with Level 1 Certificate in CNC Operator. Josiah Frausto Gomez holds an Associate of Applied Science in CNC Manufacturing Technician with Level 1 Certificate in CNC Operator. Andrew Lopez holds an Associate of Applied Science in CNC Manufacturing Technician with Level 1 Certificate in CNC Operator. Jossalyn Moreno holds a Level 1 Certificate in CNC Operator.

Dr. Dustin Breithaupt, Superintendent and Mrs. Tanya Tate, Assistant Superintendent, honored the Top Ten Graduates, starting with number ten, Celeste Guerrero, who will attend Palo Alto College in the fall majoring in Art. Celeste enjoys working with acrylics, and crocheting. She has also received her financial aid award that provides her with full tuition assistance worth in excess of $7,000.

Number nine, Josiah Frausto-Gomez graduated last week with an Associate of Applied Science and will attend UTSA in the fall pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. He has been invited to apply to the Honors College and should be very proud of this accomplishment. 

Number eight, Micaela Heath will join the ranks of the Texas State University Bobcats. She, as a successful woman in STEM, will major in mechanical engineering hoping to someday become a project manager. She has received the Ingram Engineering Scholarship valued at $32,000. This award is, quote, “in recognition of the outstanding academic achievements you presented in your application.” In addition, Texas State University has awarded the Texas State Merit Scholarship totalling $48,000. She was also admitted into the Engineering Living and Learning cohort located in Castro Hall. Micaela, we will definitely miss your energy. 

Number seven, Kayzen Lassere has decided to become the loudest and proudest Aggie in the class of 2029 as she will attend Texas A&M University. Kayzen will major in Agriculture Economics and plans a career in property sales. Earlier this year, Kayzen was awarded the Valero Alamo Bowl Scholarship in the amount of $7500. In addition, she has also been selected to receive $1500 from the Atascosa County Aggie Clubs. Kayzen has earned $1,000 from the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas and $2,000 from the Ed Geyer Scholarship program. Most valuable is the Aggie Assurance that will cover the estimated cost of tuition and fees for the four years Kayzen plans to live in College Station. The estimated amount for the Aggie Assurance award is worth over $38,000.

Number six, Addison Criado plans to enlist in the United State Marines. She has been actively working with a recruiter and is committed to training in the field of aviation mechanics. Her desire to serve has never wavered in the two years we have known one another. She is a strong woman and it has been a pleasure to be a part of her journey.

Number five, Vanessa Mercado will attend St. Philip’s College where she will complete her prerequisites for the medical radiology program. She has been very specific with her dual credit courses and will be fully ready to apply for the certification next January. In addition she plans to become a licensed phlebotomist this summer through the Pima Medical Institute.

Number four, Gillian Haltom will attend Texas State University where she was offered a position in the Honors College. She would like to someday be a Speech and Language Pathologist and will initially seek a Bachelors of Science Degree in Communication Disorders and later a Masters Degree and professional license. 

Number three, Nayelli Pacheco has chosen to attend Abilene Christian University where she will major in Business Marketing and Multimedia. Nayelli’s goals include working in the sports media industry. Miss Pacheco has received Abilene Christian’s highest financial award worth approximately $80,000. In addition, she has been selected to participate in the Entrepreneurs Scholar Program that will support her with peer mentors, university sponsored travel, and alumni shadowing. There is also a $4,000 gift to help support her educational goals and money to be used to study abroad. In all, her financial package exceeds $125,000. 

Number two, Valentia Ayala has chosen to attend Texas A&M University where she will major in Mechanical Engineering. She has received scholarships from both the Aggie Moms Club $500 and the Atascosa A&M Club $1,000. Although she chose not to attend the University of Texas San Antonio or the University of Houston, she was offered approximately $44,000 in academic scholarships. Her award package for Texas A&M is in excess of $15,000 a year.

And number one, Alyssa Sprenger. 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.This award goes to the 2025 Lytle High School Valedictorian, Alyssa Sprenger who will attend Texas A&M University in the fall majoring in Special Education with a secondary emphasis in Pharmaceutical Technology. Alyssa wishes to earn a Bachelor’s Degree while simultaneously completing her prerequisites for pharmaceutical school. Alyssa worked on her pharmaceutical technician license this year and is set to take the licensure exam this summer. This will launch her into a high wage, high demand career while she finishes her university studies. 

Alyssa received $1,500 from the St. Paul Lutheran Church Endorsement Fund. She received an award from the Atascosa Aggie Moms Club $1,000. The Peter Marsh Foundation named Alyssa as a recipient of an award of excellence $500. Alyssa would like to thank her father for his service in the Marines. He gifted her his hard-earned education benefits that will cover her tuition and fees. 

Students that earned awards, scholarships, and distinctions outside our local community, and have been accepted into a college, university, or trade school were recognized.

Jair Flores will continue his baseball career at MidAmerica Christian University in Oklahoma City and will major in sports management. He received the Heart of Evangel Scholarship in the amount of $10,660 for the first year. 

Nevaeh Gonzalez chose to attend the Cosmetology Program at Palo Alto College. She has all of her tuition paid for and she will leave the program as a fully licensed Cosmetologist with an Associates Degree in approximately two years. Her award is valued at approximately $15,000.

Joshua Guerra will play the trumpet at Kilgore College and major in Music Education. He was awarded an $8,000 scholarship.

Cashlynn Harvey graduates a year early from Lytle High School and will attend Pima Medical Institute where she will earn her veterinary technician certificate. Her goals include working in a practice that focuses on large animals. 

Ariel Martin will attend Sul Ross where she will major in Animal Science. Earlier this month she was awarded a $2,000 Ed Geyer Scholarship. Ariel is also the first Lytle High School Texas First Scholar. The Texas First Program was created by the Texas Coordinating Board to recognize high-achieving high school students. Eligible scholars, who graduate from high school in three years with a Distinguished Level of Achievement, qualify to receive a two-semester scholarship, equivalent to the Texas grant, to a participating university. This award has a maximum value of $10,850. 

Allison Mills will attend Palo Alto College and leave debt free. Her award package is valued at over $7,000 a year. She is an active Trio/Upward Bound participant and has earned two free summer classes at Palo Alto College. Allison will be one of the very first students to attend the dental hygiene program. She will start work in the dental offices at the college on Monday. 

Giovanni Mosqueda was selected by the Trio/Upward Bound program to receive a scholarship that will pay for his tuition to take up to two college courses this summer. He has also earned a work study stipend of $300. 

Nicholas Pacheco received a $1,000 scholarship from the Tulsa School of Welding. Earlier last month, Nicholas competed in two competitions, one in Dallas, the other in Houston. In Dallas, he placed 30th out of 105 welders. Nicholas currently holds 3 welding certifications and plans a very successful career in the trades.

Frederico Reyes was selected to participate in the Honors College at Texas State University where he will major in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources. Texas State has provided an award package well over $16,000 for his freshman year. He is recognized by the HEB Scholarship Program and awarded a renewable financial gift in the amount of $4,000 for his dedication and employment. 

Freddy would like to shout out to all of the “teacher moms.”

Zoey Salinas received two free summer classes at Palo Alto College where she will begin her postsecondary education. She earned a $300 stipend as she has been selected to participate in the campus work study program as a participant in the Upward Bound program. Miss Salinas has her sight set on becoming a dental hygienist. 

Shea Smoot begins college at Palo Alto College where she will complete her prerequisites for nursing school. She would like to attend the University of Texas Arlington. She has received the Jerremy Guinn Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,750. 

Mathew Soto leaves Lytle High School a certified welder. South Texas Vo Tech has given him a $1,000 scholarship to continue honing his vocational skills.

Caitelyn Thompson will attend St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas and study Business Law with plans to attend law school. Her acceptance into the Greehey School of Business is a notable accomplishment. Based on her academic achievements, she has been awarded the Madeleine Scholarship of $88,000. 

Richard Tollett chose to attend Texas A&M Kingsville where he will major in Animal Science with a minor in Range and Wildlife Management. He plans a career working in the field of wildlife biology. Texas A&M KIingsville recognized Richard last fall as one of the first 100 students accepted to their university during their centennial and honored him with a prize patrol on our campus. They presented him with a big bag of Javelina swag and a $500 monetary award. He received a $2,000 Academic Excellence Award from the Javelinas with a total aid package of over $10,000 for his freshman year. He also received the Knights of Columbus $500 Award from Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in LaCoste.

Landon Wilkins leaves Lytle with an Associate of Applied Science and continues his studies at Texas Tech University in the field of Engineering. He received an aid package of grants and a presidential merit scholarship that total close to $12,000 for his freshman year.

Enjoy all the photos from the 2025 Lytle Pirate Senior Awards Night: