2023 DVISD valedictorian and salutatorian talk about their rise to the top

With final grades tallied and the school year at an end, Del Valle ISD has confirmed its top two students in the Class of 2023.

The Class of 2023 Valedictorian is Milagros Ramirez, and the Salutatorian is Nathaniel James.

Both are graduates of the Early College High School, and Milagros has been with DVISD since pre-kindergarten, while Nathaniel joined the Cardinals during his first year of high school. The two seniors spoke about their academic journey and finding out they occupied the top spots in their class.

“There's pride that comes along with it, but there's also a pressure that comes with it because people are expecting a certain standard,” Milagros said. “They have expectations already, and sometimes I could get them to my head because I think people may expect more from me. But overall, I feel proud, and I'm making my family proud and everyone around me, so that's what counts the most.”

Nathaniel said his high school finish sets the standard for his younger siblings still navigating elementary and high school. 

“It's good because I have three younger sisters, 5, 7, and 16, so I could set the standard for them, and eventually, when I have kids, I could tell them this is something I did too. Just set the standard. It does come with a lot of pride too. I put in a lot of work, a whole bunch of hours, and on the weekends,” he said.

As part of the ECHS, both are graduating with their high school diploma and an associate's degree through Austin Community College - amounting to 60 or more hours of college coursework. Heading into college, both are first-year students but with their core classes completed, are prepared for courses in their respective majors.

“I feel accomplished. Not many people have their associates coming straight out of high school, and I also feel prepared for college because I know what a syllabus look like, how to navigate scheduling my classes, and stuff like that,” Milagros said. “Those are definitely skills that other students don't have yet, and they'll be learning those things along the way. And I’ll be steps ahead already. I always like to be one step ahead, it's the best thing to do,” she said. 

“A lot of students don't know that there are certain resources on campus until they’re like a junior. So I'll come into that as a freshman being able just to ask and see what I need to do rather than wait two years to find out about it on my own,” Nathaniel added. 

After graduation, both seniors will attend the University of Texas at Austin. Milagros plans to pursue a bachelor's in mechanical engineering while Nathaniel is taking the pre-dental school track. They said they wouldn’t have made it without the support of countless educators, counselors, and staff at DVHS and the ECHS. Among those was their principal, Mrs. Jenise Wright. 

"Ms. Wright, oh, she's such an amazing leader. All of them are," Milagros said of the staff and administrators. 

"We have Ms. Wright, who never sleeps," Nathaniel said about how much effort she puts into her work for students. "When you have that confidence in somebody running the program - that's all you need."

The two students were involved in extracurricular activities throughout high school, Milagros in athletics, yearbook, Red Cross Club, and National Honor Society. Nathaniel was in band for a while, Red Cross Club, and National Honor Society. Both also participated in a program through the College and Career Center, volunteered, and were active through events held by the ECHS.

Both Milagros and Nathaniel agree that the climb to the top starts early on for young students who want to receive high grades and potentially be top students in their classes. 

“Well, for the upcoming freshmen, it starts then. I started working in my freshman year and did not look back. Work, stay focused, but also have fun,” Milagros said. “I would also say communicate with your family or communicate with those who care about you because it can be stressful sometimes. So having those people to talk to is helpful.” 

Nathaniel added that connecting with those around you is essential to success. 

“I would try to build relationships with either staff or people who can make things happen for you when you need it, and along with that, you need to have a plan that you are pretty confident in for the next five years, I would say. That's a big task at 14, but you can do that through the relationships you build,” he said. 

Ultimately, though, Milagros said joining the ECHS program catapulted her ahead and set her up for success in high school and beyond as she continues her studies at UT.

“It was a great experience. ECHS really opened all those connections up for us. I really enjoyed my time with them,” she said. “I love the ECHS program. If you have a chance to be in it, be in it. It is such an amazing program that I do not regret completing. It's just amazing.”