(Geronimo) — The top two students at Navarro High School are celebrating their individual paths to being recognized as this year’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
Named as the Navarro 2025 Class Valedictorian is Sofia Castillo.
Castillo says she is proud to have achieved the many goals that she set out for herself in middle school.
“Being valedictorian to me was definitely not a surprise but not because it was easy for me but because I have set out this goal ever since I was in junior high. In 8th grade, I told myself that I would be first in the class and ever since that day, I just worked towards it – all the late nights spent studying and the dedication and time management has really led up to this moment and I think that with the help of my parents and all the faculty at Navarro, it kind of made this and I know my counselors have heard me speak about this prestigious honor and now I am glad that I can finally say I hold that position,” said Castillo.
Castillo says her success is more than an academic milestone. She says it’s a family victory. That’s because she is the daughter of first-generation Mexican American parents.
“Being named valedictorian is a moment of deep pride, not just for me, but for my entire family. As a first-generation Mexican American, this achievement is the realization of sacrifices made long before I was born by my parents who left everything behind in a small village in Mexico so their children could have a better life,” said Castillo.
Castillo says she also credits her grandfather, Pablo Ordoñez of Lagunillas, San Luis Potosí, as one of the greatest influences and constant source of strength and motivation in her life to be resilient and dream beyond her limitations.
“My heritage has taught me that true success is measured not by personal achievement, but how we serve and uplift those around us. This is not the final destination, it is only the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to learning, leading, and lifting others, “ said Castillo.
Castillo, the daughter of Jose and Elba Castillo, looks forward to attending Rice University to pursue studies in economics, business, and political science on a pre-law track. From there, she intends to continue her education at Harvard Law School with the goal of becoming a patent attorney. Ultimately, she hopes to one day serve as a congresswoman advocating for innovation and change.
Like Castillo, Giovanna Coello, this year’s Salutatorian, has also walked a road paved with determination. Coello says her high school experience has been both challenging and transformative.
“It was never easy,” said Coello. “And I often felt tested by the high standards and expectations of my teachers that the great Navarro High School is known for. (The) hard work, honesty, integrity, discipline, and maintaining balance” were essential in achieving this milestone — “(It) wasn’t merely handed to me.”
The lasting friendships that she made along the way also proved to be helpful in Coello achieving her dreams.
“It would have been really difficult to get through high school without my fun, crazy, and supportive group of friends. They allowed me to be myself, and I will always cherish that. The classes and activities I was involved in exposed me to a group of people I would have never known that I could connect with so closely. I will always think of Navarro as the doorway to a world of close and life-long friends,” said Coello.
For Castillo, realizing her success this year also allows her to be deeply rooted in the success of not only Coello but also in the top two students over at Seguin High School. She says together with Seguin Valedictorian Yvette Hernandez and Salutatorian Anahi Marquez, the young women have helped to pave the way for others.
“It’s such an honor to be a first-generation Mexican American leading the class. I would have never thought that would have happened and without my parents, I don’t think I would be here and also, GiGi, her dad is from Honduras so it’s just amazing that the four valedictorians and salutatorians in Seguin are Hispanic so that is always something that I dreamed of happening,” said Castillo.
The young women will represent this year’s graduating class which includes 161 students. Navarro’s commencement exercises are set for 8 p.m. Friday, May 23 in the Erwin-Lee Field.