Seniors at Irma Rangel, a member of Young Women’s Preparatory Network and the first all-girls public school in Texas, celebrated its Senior Signing Day with their classmates, family, friends, sponsors, supporters and college representatives on May 19. With their college posters lining the walls, cheering and pom-pom waving classmates and the first all-girls female drumline for Dallas ISD, the seniors processed into the auditorium to their favorite class songs.

Elisabeth Sanders, Irma Rangel junior, served as the emcee and welcomed everyone. Lisa Curry, Irma Rangel principal, told them how proud she was of their efforts and accomplishments. Ann Marano, College Bound Advisor, added, “By going to college, you create better lives for your community and your families.”

Lynn McBee, YWPN CEO, welcomed everyone including special guests DISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa, DISD Chief of Staff Dr. Cynthia Wilson, DISD Trustee Bernadette Nutall and DISD Executive Director Adrian Luna. “Your hard work, dedication, perserverance, leadership against adversity and other obstacles make you a ‘Rangel graduate’ meaning you are truly exceptional and the best in class.”

Much like a celebratory sports signing day, Irma Rangel’s Senior Signing Day marked one more milestone before the students receive their diplomas. As each senior was called on stage, she excitedly proclaimed where she will attend college.  To date, 100% of the girls have been accepted to college with 97% being accepted to a four-year college/university. This is particularly exciting for the girls and their families as 82% of the Class of 2016 will be a first-generation college attendee. The total offers of academic and merit scholarship amount for the class is $9.76 million.

At the end of the event, the seniors gathered on the stage to recite the school creed with a finale of confetti.

A special thanks to the sponsors:

$2,500: Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M University- Kingsville, Employees of Goldman Sachs

$1,000: Beth and Chuck Thoele, Texas Woman’s University

$500: Centenary College of Louisiana, Color Me Safe, LLC, Frost, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas at Arlington, Wilson Elser, LLP, Angela Zambrano. 

Founded in 2002, the Young Women’s Preparatory Network (http://youngwomensprep.org/) is a nonprofit agency that partners with public school districts in Texas to operate the largest network of all-girls, public, college preparatory schools in the nation.