On May 17, 447 EMERGE scholars from five Houston-area partner districts crossed the stage at the Kingdom Builders’ Center to announce their college commitments and receive their EMERGE graduation stoles.
EMERGE’s Senior Celebration is more than a graduation-style ceremony—it’s a milestone recognizing scholars’ journeys from rigorous coursework and SAT prep to college tours, personal statement workshops, application season and beyond.
This special day is about celebrating the students and all they’ve accomplished. It marks the beginning of the amazing things they are poised to do,” said Tarah Burris, Co-Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Programs.
A Day of Milestones
The celebration began with opening remarks and a keynote address from Maalika Moore-Thomas of ConocoPhillips, who inspired students with a powerful reminder: “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.”
She encouraged scholars to remember their strength as they prepare to enter college.
“Own your story. Your background, your experiences, your voice — these are your superpowers. Don’t let anyone tell you they are weaknesses.” — Maalika Moore-Thomas, ConocoPhillips
Throughout the event, students from Aldine ISD, Houston ISD, Klein ISD, Spring Branch ISD and Spring ISD proudly announced where they are headed this fall. Holding their college pennants, each student received their EMERGE stole — a symbol of their resilience, dedication, and the community that stands beside them.
EMERGE’s Class of 2025:
- Submitted 5,191 college applications
- Will attend 110 colleges and universities across the country, including Vanderbilt University, Johns Hopkins University, Washington University in St. Louis, Babson College, and University of Virginia.
- Includes nine Posse Scholars, 27 QuestBridge Scholars and one Gates Scholar.
A Scholar’s Voice: David Medrano
The event’s student speaker, David Medrano, shared his journey as a first-generation college student headed to Northwestern University.
Introduced by EMERGE’s Director of District Strategy Roaul Channer as “a bold, driven scholar” whose “journey is a testament to perseverance and vision,” David reflected on his path from EMERGE’s Junior Retreat — a college-planning event where students begin drafting personal statements and learning to tell their stories — to standing before his peers as their class speaker.
With aspirations to merge engineering and medicine to create solutions that change lives, David reminded his fellow scholars:
“EMERGE is not just a program — it’s a village, filled with minds that will reshape the very Earth we woke up on today.” — David Medrano, Class of 2025 speaker
His message was clear: greatness isn’t reserved for the privileged. It’s claimed by those bold enough to pursue it.
Recognizing District Champions
The event also honored EMERGE’s district partners, whose collaboration and belief in the program make this work possible.
Without the dedication of our partner districts, school leadership, and counselors, many students would never have discovered EMERGE — or the paths that led them to selective colleges across the country.
“Our district partners have gone above and beyond to champion our students, support our mission, and ensure that the Class of 2025 could thrive.” — DeVonta Lee, Program Manager of College Access
This year’s District Awards recognized:
- Visionary Award – Aldine ISD
- Inclusive Impact Award – Houston ISD
- Champion of College Access Award – Spring ISD
- Community Impact Award – Spring Branch ISD
- Trailblazer Award – Klein ISD
“Your support and belief in our scholars fuel this journey, and we are beyond grateful.” — DeVonta Lee
Commit to Four
The ceremony closed with a collective promise led by the EMERGE College Success team — the “Commit to Four” pledge, affirming students’ determination to graduate from college.
Each scholar raised four fingers and committed to:
- Graduating from college as a way to honor their goals, communities, and futures.
- Taking ownership of their education and staying persistent through obstacles.
- Surrounding themselves with people who support their growth.
- Finishing what they started — for themselves and those who believe in them.
“Though you may be tested along the way, EMERGE will be here to support you and make sure you don’t lose sight of your goal.” — Sayra Alanis, Director of College Success
A Continued Journey With EMERGE
Senior Celebration is not the end of scholars’ journeys with EMERGE — it’s the beginning of a new chapter.
As they step onto college campuses across the country, students and their families can be confident that EMERGE remains a resource, a partner, and a community dedicated to their success. From guidance on campus life to financial aid, mental health and internships, EMERGE will continue walking alongside these scholars every step of the way.
Because no student should have to navigate college alone.
Know a student who could benefit from EMERGE? Learn more about our programs and how to get involved: emergescholars.org/what-we-do