VAQUERO READY: MSA seniors graduate with nearly two years of university credit

By Victoria Brito Morales

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MAY 18, 2026 – Most students spend high school preparing for college; the 92 graduates of UTRGV’s Mathematics and Science Academy (MSA) spent theirs living it.

On Sunday, May 17, these seniors celebrated a rare milestone: earning up to 80 university credits — roughly two years of coursework — before ever receiving their high school diplomas.

A young girl embraces a graduate of MSA in celebration of their accomplishment. The Class of 2026 brings MSA at nearly 1,400 graduates since its inception in 2007. (UTRGV Photo by Victoria Brito Morales)

The ceremony at the Harlingen CISD Performing Arts Complex honored a Class of 2026 that redefined the dual enrollment model. By taking university courses alongside UTRGV students, these academically gifted scholars from the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses combined their final years of high school with the start of their collegiate careers.

“It is a true pleasure to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2026,” said Dr. Michael Aldape, associate vice provost for Secondary Educational Partnerships. “These students balanced the demanding requirements of both high school and university coursework while constantly pushing themselves toward excellence.”

The graduates from both the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses united one last time as the Class of 2026. (UTRGV Photo by Victoria Brito Morales)

“You are Vaqueros — bold, brave and determined,” he said. “Carry that spirit with you as you move into your next chapter.”

Dr. Jonnika Charlton, senior vice provost for Student Success and Academic Affairs and dean of University College, noted that the 92 graduates bring the academy’s total alumni count to 1,396 since its 2007 inception. She described the class as a testament to the program’s ability to prepare young scholars for high-impact careers.

“This is no small feat,” Charlton said. “It is a testament to your perseverance, resilience and the unwavering support of your families, mentors and teachers.”

The graduates celebrated their accomplishments after the ceremony. The students earned up to 80 credit hours at UTRGV while simultaneously receiving their high school diplomas. (UTRGV Photo by Victoria Brito Morales)

Among those recognized was valedictorian Selah Faith De Leon of San Juan. De Leon plans to remain at UTRGV to complete her bachelor’s degree in biology before pursuing dental school. For her, the academy was about more than just academics.

“At MSA, my peers became my family,” De Leon said. “When everyone shares the same drive and motivation, strong bonds form naturally.”

Salutatorian Camila Cabrera of Edinburg will also continue her studies at UTRGV, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Cabrera credited MSA with providing a seamless, cost-free transition into higher education.

“I was able to advance two years in my college path while the costs were covered,” she said. “It helped me build professionalism and responsibility at a young age.”

Friends, family and loved ones filled the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District Performing Arts Center to celebrate the MSA Class of 2026. (UTRGV Photo by Victoria Brito Morales)

Camila Garcia of Harlingen, student council president for the Brownsville campus who plans to study mathematics at UTRGV, urged future MSA scholars to dive deep into the university experience.

“Take advantage of all the opportunities MSA and UTRGV have to offer,” Garcia said. “Network with professors, seek research opportunities and believe in yourself.”

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