Each year, schools across the country recognize the top two students in their graduating class—those who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, determination, and leadership. At YES Prep, we are proud to celebrate the 28 outstanding valedictorians and salutatorians who represent the very best of our Class of 2025.
These scholars didn’t just excel—they soared. Every student being honored holds a GPA above 4.0, with the average reaching an incredible 4.38. That level of academic excellence reflects years of commitment, A+ performance, and success in the most rigorous coursework offered at YES Prep. These students have challenged themselves, supported their peers, and shown the perseverance it takes to thrive in high school and beyond.
We also extend heartfelt gratitude to the families, teachers, counselors, and mentors who stood beside them along the way. Their achievements are not just individual victories—they are shared triumphs that reflect the strength of an entire community lifting them up.
To our valedictorians and salutatorians: your YES Prep family celebrates you. We are inspired by your brilliance, grateful for your leadership, and confident that the future is brighter because of your voice, your passion, and your unstoppable drive.
Join us in celebrating the Class of 2025 valedictorians and salutatorians:
YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary
Valedictorian: Jennyfer Estrada
With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep passion for science, Jennyfer Estrada rose to the top of her class to become the 2025 Valedictorian at YES Prep Brays Oaks. Beyond her stellar 4.36 GPA and All-A Honor Roll achievement, Jennyfer co-founded EmpowerHER to uplift women’s voices and served as Treasurer of the Latinx Student Association. Her outstanding work earned her the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship, the Brays Oaks Legacy Scholarship, and a prestigious Posse Foundation Scholarship. This fall, Jennyfer will attend Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania to major in chemistry, with aspirations of shaping the future of food safety. Her brilliance, leadership, and drive have already left an imprint on the Brays Oaks community—and the best is yet to come.
Salutatorian: Iris Campos
With quiet determination and razor-sharp intellect, Iris Campos earned her place as Brays Oaks' Class of 2025 Salutatorian through sheer diligence and a love for learning. A top performer since returning from virtual learning, Iris stood out in Algebra II and quickly became known for her quick wit and knack for mastering complex concepts—often before the lesson was even finished. Her talent shone brightest in her AP classes, especially Calculus and Statistics, where she not only tackled the hardest problems with confidence but also brought joy to the classroom with clever, math-themed jokes. Beyond the classroom, Iris helped launch the Cavalier Gazette as Co-Editor, capturing student life and milestones through photos and storytelling. She also served as Treasurer of the Student Government Association and was an active member of the Latin Student Association, giving back through fundraising and service. Iris will attend Austin College this fall to major in Biology.
YES Prep East End Secondary
Valedictorian: Laura Ballesteros
Thoughtful, brilliant, and quietly powerful, Laura Ballesteros has earned her place as the 2025 Valedictorian of YES Prep East End through years of dedication and distinction. With a 4.379 GPA and 12 AP courses under her belt, Laura is as sharp as she is steady—earning the AP Scholar with Honor distinction and multiple college scholarships, including the YES Prep Alumni Scholarship, Momentum Education Scholarship, and the 2025 Houston East End Chamber Foundation Scholarship. This fall, Laura will attend Rice University as a Posse Scholar, continuing her journey of impact with the same quiet fire and depth that has inspired her entire school community.
Salutatorian: Samuel Zamora
Gifted with extraordinary intellect and grounded in humility, Samuel Zamora stands tall as the 2025 Salutatorian of YES Prep East End. Known for his natural talent in math and his deep dedication to academic excellence, Samuel has been a standout in both Precalculus and AP Calculus—earning the admiration of teachers and peers alike. But it wasn’t just his ability to break the curve that set him apart—it was his unrelenting work ethic, thoughtful engagement, and quiet leadership that truly defined his high school journey. Whether tackling complex derivatives or embracing the occasional challenge with grace, Samuel has shown that excellence is not just about results—it’s about resilience, curiosity, and character. As he heads to the University of Houston, he leaves behind a legacy of brilliance and kindness!
YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary
Valedictorian: Katherine Ford
Compassionate and wise beyond her years, Katherine Ford has earned the title of Fifth Ward’s 2025 Valedictorian through not only academic excellence, but through the quiet strength of her leadership. Known for her sharp insight and thoughtful questions in AP U.S. History and History in Film, Katherine brings depth to every discussion and creativity to every challenge. Her achievements extend beyond the classroom—she led with purpose as a member of the National Honor Society and student council, supported her classmates with empathy and grace, and energized her campus through cultural events and athletics. Despite her many accolades and near-perfect academic record, Katherine remains humble, approachable, and deeply respected by both peers and teachers. This fall, she will attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in engineering.
Salutatorian: Alex Gonzalez
With grace, grit, and a calling to serve, Alex Gonzalez has earned her place as Fifth Ward’s Class of 2025 Salutatorian. A high-achieving scholar with an impressive 1440 SAT score and perfect marks on all her AP exams junior year, Alex is more than just academically gifted—she is driven by purpose. Throughout her time at YES Prep, she exemplified integrity and compassion, tackling every challenge with quiet strength and lifting others along the way. As she heads to The University of Texas at Austin to study education, Alex carries with her a clear vision: to become a high school teacher, and eventually, a college professor. Inspired by the educators who shaped her, Alex is determined to give back by becoming that same source of strength and guidance for others.
YES Prep Gulfton Secondary
Valedictorian: Yissel Hernandez
Quiet strength, unwavering focus, and an inner fire define Yissel Hernandez, the 2025 Valedictorian of YES Prep Gulfton. A recipient of prestigious opportunities like the Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science and the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program, Yissel has consistently chosen growth over comfort, perseverance over ease. She has faced family challenges with courage, maturing quickly and finding purpose in helping others—always leading with selflessness, empathy, and authenticity. Her curiosity about the world and passion for creating safer, more inclusive spaces fuel her dream of becoming a biomedical engineer. This fall, she will take her talents to Johns Hopkins University—ready to not only change her future, but to change the world around her.
Salutatorian: Mursal Safi
Resilient, visionary, and driven by purpose, Mursal Safi exemplifies the strength and spirit of the YES Prep Gulfton community as the Class of 2025 Salutatorian. An immigrant student who has navigated life transitions with grace, Mursal has balanced rigorous AP coursework, leadership roles, family responsibilities, and extracurricular commitments—all with unwavering determination and a smile. She doesn’t wait for opportunities to find her; she seeks them, prepares for them, and shows up ready. Whether it's in school clubs, sports, or community involvement, Mursal brings clarity, confidence, and a powerful voice to every space she enters. Her passion for learning and her deeply rooted sense of identity have made her a role model for peers and an inspiration for educators. Thoughtful and forward-thinking, Mursal’s college journey was never in question—she had a plan, a vision, and the motivation to match. This fall, she will attend Johns Hopkins University, where she’ll continue pursuing her dreams with the same tenacity and brilliance that earned her this honor. Mursal is the kind of student who reminds us that challenges can be stepping stones—and that purpose fuels progress.
YES Prep North Central Secondary
Valedictorian: Brianna Trevino
Energetic, compassionate, and unmistakably impactful, Brianna Treviño led North Central with a blend of charisma, discipline, and heart that made her more than a top scholar—she became the heartbeat of her campus. As valedictorian, Brianna balanced a demanding AP course load with varsity volleyball, school-wide event planning, and leadership roles as President of both the Athletic Ambassadors and Class Council. She organized chaos with color-coded spreadsheets, rallied school spirit with contagious energy, and built a team culture that transformed her peers into champions on and off the court. Her brilliance isn't just academic—it's deeply personal. As a proud first-generation Mexican-American, Brianna carries her family’s legacy with pride and purpose, pouring her heritage, humor, and humanity into everything she does. This fall, Brianna heads to Vanderbilt University with dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist. But no matter where her path takes her, Brianna will bring joy, leadership, and heart to every room she enters—and every life she touches.
Salutatorian: Darlene Garcia
With a heart for service and a spirit of excellence, Darlene Garcia has not only earned her title as Salutatorian of YES Prep North Central—she’s earned the lasting admiration of her peers, teachers, and community. As the lead student ambassador, Darlene led welcoming new students, organizing community-building events, and representing her campus with grace and integrity. Known for her maturity, poise, and unwavering kindness, Darlene has left a legacy of compassion and resilience at North Central. Her presence created a ripple effect—one that brought people together and made others believe in themselves. This fall, Darlene will attend the University of Notre Dame, where she will continue to blaze trails with the same purpose and poise that defined her high school journey. North Central will miss her deeply—but the world is gaining someone truly remarkable.
YES Prep North Forest Secondary
Valedictorian: Joselyn Robles
Steadfast, compassionate, and quietly powerful, Joselyn Robles has not only earned the highest academic honor at YES Prep North Forest—she has redefined what success means through resilience and heart. What began as a goal to build a life of peace and balance was rooted in her personal journey—navigating economic hardship, supporting her family, and learning to carry both strength and humility. Known for her dependability and maturity, Joselyn devoted herself to uplifting others, sharing her passion for financial literacy and helping her father’s business. In recent years, she stepped into new spaces—joining the dance team to express her love of music and attending the prestigious Wonderworks summer program, where she explored politics, law, and government. These experiences expanded her vision and revealed even greater potential, including a future in law. This fall, Joselyn will attend Trinity University. She may not have set out to change the world—but through her leadership, service, and quiet determination, she already has.
Salutatorian: Christian De Luna
Disciplined, dependable, and driven by heart, Christian De Luna embodies the very best of what it means to be a scholar and a leader. As Salutatorian of YES Prep North Forest’s Class of 2025, Christian has consistently excelled in some of the school’s most challenging courses, including Precalculus and AP Computer Science A. His success is the result of thoughtful inquiry, relentless effort, and a deep commitment to personal growth. Christian is a young man of exceptional character balancing schoolwork with major responsibilities at home—including working to help support his family—Christian demonstrates a maturity and resilience that far exceed his years. As a National Honor Society member, he leads with humility, offering support to classmates and volunteering his time to strengthen his school community. With plans to study mathematics and accounting at the University of St. Thomas, Christian is poised to thrive in college and beyond.
YES Prep Northline Secondary
Valedictorian: Marvin Manzano
A visionary student with deep roots and even deeper purpose, Marvin Manzano has earned the distinction of YES Prep Northline’s 2025 Valedictorian through unwavering drive, creativity, and heart. The son of immigrants who built a thriving family business from a single produce booth at the Airline Farmers Market, Marvin grew up understanding the power of hard work and community. With a 4.42 GPA, he is a Phi Beta Kappa scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, and VASE Art Medalist—achievements that reflect his remarkable academic and artistic talents. He earned the highest AP Calculus AB score in the YES Prep network, was named AP Art and English II Student of the Year, and has been on the Honor Roll every semester. Marvin’s AP Art portfolio, a tribute to his family’s journey and dreams, is more than a project—it’s a gift of love and pride. As a leader in the classroom, Soccer Club, and behind the camera, Marvin blends business acumen with creative passion. This fall, he will attend Cornell University to pursue business leadership and community impact. Marvin is not only honoring his family’s legacy—he’s expanding it.
Salutatorian: Emily Rodriguez
Determined, dynamic, and deeply devoted to her community, Emily Rodriguez has earned her place as YES Prep Northline’s Class of 2025 Salutatorian through a combination of academic excellence, leadership, and service. Graduating with a stellar 4.39 GPA, Emily tackled nearly every AP course offered at her campus with unwavering drive. But her brilliance didn’t stop in the classroom. As Vice President of the Senior Leadership Council, President of the Science National Honor Society, and a two-year Varsity Cheerleader, Emily energized her school with her spirit and influence. Her dedication has earned national recognition as a finalist for the Posse Foundation, QuestBridge, and Gates Scholarships, along with the YES Prep Alumni Rowlinson Scholarship. With over 75 hours of community service and leadership in raising more than $6,000 for senior events, Emily’s impact runs deep. This fall, she will attend Vanderbilt University to study psychology, with dreams of becoming a clinical and counseling psychologist. Emily’s combination of intellect, compassion, and commitment ensures her impact will be felt far beyond the walls of YES Prep.
YES Prep Northside Secondary
Valedictorian: Makayla Garlington
Makayla Garlington has earned the title of YES Prep Northside’s 2025 Valedictorian through academic excellence through the quiet strength of her leadership. Makayla leads not with volume, but with depth—listening intently, asking thoughtful questions, and guiding those around her with compassion and intentionality. Whether in the classroom, on the volleyball court, or at student council meetings, she shows up fully, giving her best even when no one is watching. Her dedication to growth, her tireless work ethic, and her calm presence have left a lasting imprint on her campus community. From lifting school spirit through events to fine-tuning college essays after hours, Makayla’s commitment is steady and inspiring. She cares deeply—about her work, her peers, and her purpose. A leader through and through, she embodies integrity in action and influence. As she steps into her next chapter, Makayla leaves behind a legacy of excellence, humility, and heartfelt leadership that will be remembered long after graduation day and will follow her to Hope College this fall.
Salutatorian: Jayden Mitchell
Jayden Mitchell, the 2025 Salutatorian of YES Prep Northside, is a standout scholar and student body president whose leadership, wit, and intellectual curiosity have left a lasting impression on his campus. Known for his sharp intellect, strong opinions, and signature humor, Jayden has led with energy both in and out of the classroom—whether debating football scores, organizing student events, or rallying his peers with passion and purpose. But what truly defines Jayden’s journey is his evolution as a leader. Through sports, student government, and countless thought-provoking discussions, Jayden has grown into a leader who balances confidence with curiosity, ambition with heart. With his eyes set on the business world, there’s no doubt Jayden will continue to lead with the same spark, vision, and unapologetic drive that made him a force at Northside, starting this fall at the University of Texas.
YES Prep Northwest Secondary
Valedictorian: Jorge Cordero
As the first-ever Valedictorian of YES Prep Northwest Secondary, Jorge Cordero represents academic excellence and the resilient, trailblazing spirit of a founding class leader. His brilliance in the classroom is matched by his heart and nowhere was that more evident than during his junior year, when he faced the devastating loss of his brother, Jamie. Through immense grief, Jorge remained focused—committed to lifting his family, honoring his brother’s memory, and leading with purpose. As captain of the boys’ volleyball team and an officer in the National Honor Society, he led with both compassion and drive, setting the tone for future generations of Mavericks. This fall, Jorge will attend Texas A&M University to study Mechanical Engineering, carrying with him not only the legacy of his family but also the pride of an entire campus. A recent recipient of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Scholarship, Jorge’s future is as bold as his heart is strong.
Salutatorian: Leah Valera Castro
Radiating energy, compassion, and confidence, Leah Valera Castro has rightfully earned her place as the Salutatorian of YES Prep Northwest’s historic founding Class of 2025. A true scholar and 2025 Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship recipient, Leah is known for her academic excellence and magnetic presence—uplifting others with a smile, a joke, or a spark of bold encouragement. On the volleyball court, she delivered powerful spikes; in the classroom and through her leadership as President of the National Honor Society, she led with brilliance and heart. Beyond accolades, Leah is a unifier—someone who seeks connection, shares laughter, and leaves every room brighter than she found it. This fall, she’ll bring her passion for STEM and trailblazing ambition to the University of Southern California to pursue a career in industrial engineering.
YES Prep Southeast Secondary
Valedictorian: Angela Ramos Morales
Fierce, creative, and unapologetically herself, Angela Beatrice Ramos-Morales has redefined what it means to lead with both intellect and identity. As YES Prep Southeast’s Class of 2025 Valedictorian, she graduates with an extraordinary 4.6 GPA and has been matched through QuestBridge to the University of Chicago, where she will pursue Political Science and Fine Arts with aspirations of becoming a diplomat. Angela’s accomplishments speak volumes—founder of her own creative businesses, organizer of community projects for foster youth, member of the Houston Youth City Council, and advocate for the arts and solutions to youth homelessness. She is a Korean Festival Scholar, Elks Lodge Scholar, and a walking testament to what it means to embrace every part of who you are.
Salutatorian: Cristian Diaz
Cristian Diaz is YES Prep Southeast’s Class of 2025 Salutatorian—a steadfast friend, devoted son, and natural leader, Cristian embodies the values of trust, loyalty, and family in all he does. With a full-ride offer from Vanderbilt University—a proposal even he couldn’t refuse—Cristian will soon take his talents to Nashville to study at one of the nation’s top universities. As he prepares to take the next step, he leaves behind a legacy defined not only by academic excellence, but by integrity, heart, and character.
YES Prep Southside Secondary
Valedictorian: Bre AuJene Vann
With unwavering strength, academic brilliance, and a heart rooted in justice, BreAuJene Vann has earned the distinction of YES Prep Southside’s 2025 Valedictorian. From the moment she stepped onto campus, Bre demonstrated resilience, intellect, and a fierce sense of purpose—qualities that only deepened throughout her high school journey. Her passion for reading and writing, alongside her long-term goal of pursuing a career in law, reflects a student driven not only by achievement but by a desire to make a difference. A QuestBridge Scholar and the first student in Southside’s history to study abroad through the School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL), Bre spent the first semester of her senior year in London—broadening her worldview and sharpening her leadership skills. Amid incredible academic accomplishments, she faced the unimaginable loss of her mother. Yet even in grief, Bre rose, channeling her heartbreak into motivation and honoring her mother’s memory with every step forward. As a member of the National Honor Society and a consistent volunteer, Bre leads with humility, service, and strength. This fall, she will attend the University of Virginia—ready to champion justice, lead with purpose, and continue making her mother and community proud.
Salutatorian: Melilzy Garcia
Visionary, resilient, and filled with purpose, Melilzy Garcia has earned her place as YES Prep Southside’s Class of 2025 Salutatorian through both academic excellence and heartfelt leadership. A first-generation college student, Melilzy approached her high school journey with determination to build a future that honors her family’s legacy. After stepping out of her comfort zone, she quickly emerged as a campus leader—taking on roles in Student Council and Latinx Club. From her love of literature as a Book Club member to her hands-on experience with architecture and engineering through programs like Blacks at Microsoft, Melilzy has balanced ambition with humility. This fall, she will attend the University of Houston to pursue architecture, ready to design not just structures, but spaces that reflect culture, family, and purpose.
YES Prep Southwest Secondary
Valedictorian: Giovanni Avila
Giovanni Avila has earned his place as the 2025 Valedictorian of YES Prep Southwest through not just academic excellence, but quiet resilience and character. Known affectionately as “Gio” by those around him, he holds the highest GPA, SAT, and ACT scores in his class. He is a dependable peer mentor, a leader at Camp YES, and the go-to classmate for support and encouragement. Beyond the classroom, Gio explored his love of innovation through Harvard’s CS50x computer science course and a game design program at Stevens Institute of Technology. Whether helping classmates stay organized or serving as a role model to his younger siblings, Gio leads with kindness, thoughtfulness, and purpose. This fall, he will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, ready to keep building, solving, and inspiring.
Salutatorian: Cinthia Huerta
Cinthia Huerta has left an indelible mark on YES Prep Southwest as the Class of 2025 Salutatorian. Cinthia’s leadership is rooted in advocacy and authenticity from petitioning to save trees on campus to leading Student Council as president, she has shown time and again that her voice is a catalyst for change. With sky-high academics, impressive AP scores, and an exceptional SAT English score, Cinthia is not just a standout student—she’s a force. As NHS Secretary, Maverick of the Month, and the local library’s first-ever “Volunteer of the Year,” her contributions have touched every part of her community. This fall, she will attend Columbia University, where her roots will continue to grow, and her voice will echo far beyond the halls of Southwest. The world—and the trees—are lucky to have her.
YES Prep West Secondary
Valedictorian: Ana Camacho
Creative, courageous, and full of heart, Ana Camacho has truly earned her title as YES Prep West’s Class of 2025 Valedictorian. Since joining orchestra as a sixth-grade violinist, Ana has grown into a scholar, leader, and mentor whose impact resonates far beyond the stage. Whether performing a solo as principal violinist, leading her peers as Senior Class President and President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, or planning meaningful campus traditions like Senior Sunrise and Sunset, Ana has consistently led with wisdom, dedication, and joy. Her academic brilliance is matched by her drive to grow—never shying away from a challenge, always seeking to understand more deeply. A true embodiment of YES Prep’s core values, Ana brings integrity, service, and love into everything she does. This fall, Ana heads to Bates College, where her brilliance, leadership, and joyful spirit will no doubt continue to flourish.
Salutatorian: Daisy Romo
Daisy Romo has distinguished herself as YES Prep West’s Class of 2025 Salutatorian by pairing academic excellence with fearless inquiry and fierce compassion. From her early days exploring coding club to her evolution as a confident scholar and thoughtful leader, Daisy has stood out for her deep desire to understand the world—and change it for the better. She asks the hard questions, challenges the status quo, and pursues knowledge with an intensity few can match. Her classroom excellence is matched by her character; she’s a peer mentor, a powerful advocate, and a quiet force for justice and growth. Whether supporting friends, editing essays, or uplifting voices that often go unheard, Daisy leads with purpose and empathy. A talented cellist and proud QuestBridge Scholar, she will attend Scripps College in California to continue her journey as a scholar and change-maker.
YES Prep White Oak Secondary
Valedictorian: Anthony Murillo
Driven by ambition and anchored in purpose, Anthony Murillo has made history as YES Prep White Oak’s Class of 2025 Valedictorian—and as a trailblazer determined to shape his own future. Originally a student at YES Prep Northbrook High, Anthony made the bold decision to follow YES to White Oak, seeking the advanced curriculum and college counseling that would help turn his Rice University dream into reality. That decision paid off: he will attend Rice this fall as a proud QuestBridge Scholar, where he plans to study mechanical engineering. A true scholar-athlete and leader, Anthony balanced an impressive range of commitments, excelling in football, volleyball, student council, National Honor Society, and Service Club. Whether in the classroom or on the field, Anthony showed up with discipline, heart, and a relentless work ethic. His legacy at White Oak is one of vision, dedication, and a clear reminder that when you bet on yourself and rise to the challenge, remarkable things happen.
Salutatorian: Leslie Flores
Brilliant, globally minded, and deeply compassionate, Leslie Flores has earned her place as YES Prep White Oak’s Class of 2025 Salutatorian through a powerful blend of academic excellence and humanitarian spirit. A true scholar, Leslie has excelled in rigorous coursework while embracing extraordinary learning opportunities around the world—including programs at the School for Ethics and Global Leadership in London and a science-focused experience in Tokyo centered on improving urban and rural communities. Her relentless curiosity and commitment to service have not only shaped her perspective but also earned her the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award. Whether volunteering independently or through school organizations, Leslie brings heart and purpose to everything she does. Her leadership, integrity, and empathy have left an indelible impact on White Oak, and her journey is just beginning. This fall, Leslie will attend the University of Notre Dame, where she will continue to lead, serve, and elevate every space she steps into.
Congratulations again to the Class of 2025 valedictorians and salutatorians. Your YES Prep family is so proud of all that you’ve accomplished—and we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve next!