By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY – MAY 15, 2025 – The Mathematics and Science Academy (MSA) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is proud to host its first standalone commencement ceremony this year, recognizing the outstanding achievements of its students. 

At the forefront of this celebration are valedictorian Maxim Ermolinsky and salutatorian Angelique De Anda Trevino, who will deliver their inaugural speeches on Sunday, May 18, at the Harlingen CISD Performing Arts Center.

MSA is an accelerated program for motivated high school juniors and seniors interested in math, science and engineering. Students participate as both high school upperclassmen and university undergraduates, taking classes with UTRGV students taught by university professors. By graduation, they earn 60 to 80 college credits.

MAXIM ERMOLINSKY: A LEGACY OF LEARNING

Valedictorian Maxim Ermolinsky, from Brownsville who is set to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at UTRGV, reflects on his transformative time at MSA, filled with academic challenges and personal growth. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

Influenced by a family deeply rooted in education – his father, Dr. Boris Ermolinsky, is a lecturer at UTRGV – he has always been motivated to excel. His journey began at Harmony School of Innovation in Brownsville, before he followed his brother Oleg’s path to MSA.

“I knew my parents wanted me to do well and get good grades,” Ermoinsky said. “That is what kept me going and trying my hardest in all my classes.”

He will continue his education at UTRGV, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, with the ambition to design and create schematics as a senior design engineer. 

Ermolinsky describes his time at MSA as transformative, filled with academic challenges and personal growth. As he prepares to close this chapter, he feels a mix of nostalgia and excitement for the future.

“It’s a little sad to say goodbye to friends, but it’s also the start of a new chapter,” he said.

He encourages future students to seize opportunities like the MSA program, emphasizing that education opens doors.

“An education gives you more leeway in the professional world and makes you more valuable as an employee in whatever industry you choose,” he said.

ANGELIQUE DE ANDA TREVINO: A COMMITMENT TO HEALTHCARE  

Salutatorian Angelique De Anda Trevino, from San Fernando, Tamaulipas, Mexico, attended MSA to earn college credits and experience university life. With guidance from counselors, she discovered her passion for nursing, driven by a desire to impact lives through compassionate care. (Courtesy Photo)

De Anda Trevino, from San Fernando, Tamaulipas, Mexico, chose to attend MSA to gain invaluable college credits and experience university life. With guidance from MSA counselors, she navigated her interests and found her calling in nursing, motivated by a desire to impact lives through compassionate care.

"Once I got to MSA, I could ask questions and attend information sessions, which gave me a broader perspective on the majors,” De Anda Trevino said. “I ultimately realized that nursing was the right path for me." 

Through her studies, she learned about disparities in healthcare and discovered her passion for nursing.

"I want to impact lives through kindness and holistic care," she said. "One key lesson from my classes is the significant language barriers in the U.S. healthcare system. I believe it's crucial to break down these barriers."

De Anda Trevino plans to earn her bachelor’s degree and work as a registered nurse, with aspirations to specialize in pediatric or psychiatric nursing. She also hopes to pursue a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner, furthering her commitment to healthcare.

For more information about the Mathematics and Science Academy at UTRGV, visit www.utrgv.edu/msa.