Aldine ISD Celebrates Top 10 Scholars During Annual Celebration

A little magic filled the room as Aldine ISD honored the top 10 graduating seniors from each of its 11 high schools during the district’s seventh annual Superintendent’s Top 10 Scholars celebration on Friday, May 8.

Inspired by the world of Harry Potter, this year’s theme celebrated students for finding a home within the Aldine ISD family, a place where scholarship, leadership, perseverance and service are recognized and encouraged. The event brought together students, principals, district leaders and staff to celebrate the district’s highest-achieving graduates before they walk the stage later this month.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Faviola Cantu welcomed students while recognizing the hard work and determination that led to their success.

“This is truly a special event, and I am so excited that we can gather to celebrate the academic accomplishments of our outstanding scholars,” Cantu said.

As students listened to words of praise from their fellow district leaders, they also enjoyed an ice cream bar, mandrake cupcakes, and other Harry Potter-themed treats before making their way toward Platform 9 ¾ and the next chapter of their journeys. Before leaving, students also received words of encouragement and wisdom from Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney.

“Our Top 10 students represent the very best of Aldine ISD, not only in academics, but in character, leadership and resilience,” Goffney said. “They have already shown they know how to work hard, overcome challenges and continue learning, and those qualities will carry them far beyond graduation. I want our students to understand that they belong in every room they enter because their voices matter, their stories matter and the foundation they built in Aldine ISD has prepared them for whatever path comes next.”

Principals then presented each scholar with a medal symbolizing the dedication, perseverance and support that helped them reach this milestone. Students also shared their plans after graduation, including college, university and military commitments.

This year’s group of Aldine scholars has been accepted into the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Southern California, Sam Houston State University, Stanford University, Vanderbilt University, Morehouse College, and Texas A&M University, among other institutions of higher learning.

Students also had an opportunity to hear from keynote speaker, Andrew Musleh, a former Victory Early College student who was in their position one year ago. Musleh reflected on his time in Aldine ISD and his first year of college while offering advice and encouragement as students prepare for their next journey.

The celebration also gave students an opportunity to reflect on the journeys that led them to this achievement and the goals they hope to pursue after graduation.

From left, Carver High Principal LaKeshia Williams poses with Top 10 students, including Giovanni Gonzales (in gray) and Kelsey Williams (far right), alongside Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney.

Giovanni Gonzalez, a graduating senior from Carver High School, plans to attend the University of Southern California, where he will major in journalism while pursuing a premedical track.

“I feel really excited to be a part of the top 10,” Gonzales said. “It feels really iconic to represent a lot of communities, and it’s empowering to receive this recognition.”

Kelsey Williams, also a graduating senior from Carver High School, plans to attend Prairie View A&M University to study management information systems. She credited her success to the people who supported and encouraged her throughout her academic journey.

“The people I surrounded myself with really pushed me to be better,” Williams said. “I had friends who motivated me, and teachers in Aldine who truly cared about teaching and provided me with the resources I needed to continue doing the things I love.”

Logan Jimenez, a graduating senior from MacArthur High School, plans to attend Brown University, where he will major in political science and education studies. He said reaching the top of his class required consistency and sacrifice along the way.

“It takes a lot of dedication to be ranked No. 1,” Jimenez said. “You have to show up every day, take challenging classes and make sacrifices with your time and social life, but having support from my parents, teachers and friends made it possible.”

As the Class of 2026 prepares for graduation, Aldine ISD’s Top 10 scholars leave behind a legacy of academic excellence, leadership and perseverance.

The top 10 students recognized from each high school were: