John B. Alexander High School senior Diego Mendez will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado following his graduation this year. Mendez expressed the great enthusiasm he feels in being given an opportunity to serve his country.
"I have always had the desire to answer the call of duty, and I also hope to become a neurosurgeon in the future,” said Mendez, who hopes to gain admission to theUniformed Services University in Health Sciences. 

 The U.S. Federal government in Bethesda, Maryland operates the Health Science University.  "I used to watch medical shows on the Discovery channel from the time I was a young boy, and the programs got me to start thinking about health sciences and becoming a doctor. I have maintained a high G.P.A., and I must do well on the MCAT assessment exam to see it through." he continued.
Mendez is vice-president of the National Honor Society at his campus, and has been enrolled in the Alexander High School Health Science Magnet School since his freshman year. He is currently certified as a dental assistant, administrator of C.P.R., and trained to use a defibrillator. Mendez looks forward to the future and thanks his parents, Ricardo and Delia Mendez, for their encouragement and support. "I am looking forward to serving my country and the exciting challenges ahead," he concluded. 

John B. Alexander High School senior Christina A. Gonzalez will attend The United States Naval Academy, a four-year coeducational federal service academy in Annapolis, Maryland, United States. Gonzalez expressed the excitement and eagerness to finally be able to begin her career in the military. Gonzalez wants to be an aviation pilot and believes that the training she will be receiving, starting in June, will further her abilities in reaching this career goal. Gonzalez comes from a family with military background such as her uncle who was part of the Naval Academy and her brother, Jerry Gonzalez, who currently serves on the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets in College Station, Texas.
Gonzalez, currently, is ranked 20 out of 632 students graduating from AHS in June and maintains a G.P.A. of 4.17. She believes that her extracurricular and community activities played a huge role in being accepted in the Naval Academy. Christina formed part of the Lady Bulldog Volleyball Team as a star player. She is a student in the Health Science Magnet School and is involved in premier organizations like the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society.  In addition, she is the vice-president of H.O.S.A., a registered dental assistant, and is certified in C.P.R & First Aid. Gonzalez also forms part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program and participates in community service.
Gonzalez acknowledges that she would not be here today without the endless love and support from her coaching staff, friends, family and school staff. She extends her gratitude to her parents, Yvonne and Gerardo Gonzalez; grandmother, Argelia Ochoa; and siblings Jerry, Eliana, and Isaac Gonzalez.

John B. Alexander High School senior Andrea “Andie” Celeste Martinez will be attending The Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS).  NAPS is the preparatory school for the United States Naval Academy located in Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island.“Andie,” as she is known, expresses her excitement to be attending an institution she has invested countless hours preparing for.  “I feel blessed, overwhelmed, and I am in shock. The idea of attending the academy has filled me with enthusiasm and I am ready to begin in July,” says Martinez.
Martinez is no stranger to challenges as she currently holds the highest title as Captain of the AHS Dazzler Dance and Drill Team. In addition, Andie has accrued many hours of school and community involvement, such as initiating the first and only Key Club Chapter in Laredo. She participates in prestigious organizations such as the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee, National Honor Society, BETA Club, and student government. Martinez is also involved within the community by organizing charity events such as toy drives, Jeans for Teens, and volunteers for organizations like LAPs and The Regent Nursing Community Home.
Martinez, wants to become a naval officer, ultimately establishing a career path in military law.  Her key focus is to serve in public office by becoming a United States Senator.Andie extends her gratitude to her principal, dance instructor, AHS staff, friends and family.  In addition, she thanks her parents, Robert and Brenda Martinez, her sister Karis Martinez, and her dearest friend Leotondo Lopez.

Diego Mendez, Christina A. Gonzalez and Andrea “Andie” Celeste Martinez will be honored and will commit to The U.S. Air Force Academy at a ceremony to be held at Alexander High School on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 9:00A.M.