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This semester, the Alamo Colleges District graduated 11,000 students, including close to 1,500 AlamoPROMISE scholars, across five ceremonies. Alamo Colleges is an anchor partner helping lead the work of the Future Ready Bexar County Plan, which aims to increase postsecondary enrollment of Bexar County High School graduates in a degree or credential program to 70% by 2030.
Meet six graduates — one from each of the five colleges and one from a bachelor’s program — who represent the talent, resilience and impact of Alamo Colleges’ 2025 graduating class. These students aim to inspire future Alamo College enrollees.
Aubriana Barrera
Associate of Arts – Academic Focus: Economics, Northeast Lakeview College
Aubriana Barrera hadn’t planned to attend the Alamo Colleges until she realized how expensive college could be. Thanks to her counselors at James Madison High School, she discovered AlamoPROMISE.
“I’m so glad I took that opportunity,” said the 20-year-old. “It opened doors I didn’t know existed.”
Through AlamoPROMISE, Barrera earned her degree tuition-free, worked as a peer advisor, and landed a summer internship. “I didn’t realize how much grit I had until college,” she said.
This fall, she’ll transfer to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in accounting.
She advises others: “Always look for opportunities and never be afraid to speak up.”
Evan Scott
Associate of Science – Academic Focus: Biology, Northwest Vista College
At just 19, Evan Scott — from Future Ready school district Northside ISD‘s Harlan High School — is graduating with another degree and a broader worldview.
Last summer, she was selected to attend the Nurturing Hope retreat in Ireland through NVC’s Peace Center. The two-week experience brought together young people from over 10 countries.
“It taught me that peace isn’t just a global idea; it starts with how we treat people every day,” said Scott.
She also worked in NVC’s President’s Office and remained active in the Peace Center. “Before college, I didn’t know how to connect with people. Now I see the value of every voice.”
Scott plans to transfer to UTSA and explore a path combining science and service, possibly through Doctors Without Borders.
“Community college helped me grow up, build relationships, and realize how much I care about the world.”
Logan Martinez
Associate of Arts – Academic Focus: Political Science, Palo Alto College
Logan Martinez never imagined he’d represent all Alamo Colleges students as a student trustee, let alone advocate for them at the national and state levels.
“My biggest joy has been finding the confidence to speak up,” said Martinez. “Now I know I belong in those rooms.”
Martinez’s academic focus is political science and has a 4.0 GPA. He served as Student Body President, Vice President of Leadership for Phi Theta Kappa, and a Presidential Ambassador.
Next, Martinez will pursue a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Business Administration at Palo Alto College.
“Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” he said. “That’s where the best opportunities are.”
Bridgette Ellis
Associate of Arts – Academic Focus: Business and Entrepreneurship, St. Philip’s College
At 33, Bridgette Ellis is a first-generation college student, mother of three, and graduate with big plans.
This fall, she’ll pursue her bachelor’s degree in business administration at Palo Alto College, hoping to return to the Alamo Colleges as a full-time employee.
Ellis works as a student employee at the Alamo Colleges District ACCESS Building and found her spark through campus involvement.
“I wasn’t active in high school, but when I got involved at St. Philip’s College, it changed my world,” she said. “It helped my family, too.”
She now mentors new students and encourages others to get involved. “Someone is going to see you and pull you in,” she said. “That’s how I built my home away from home.”
What made the most significant difference for her? “The culture of care from the staff, the professors, even the college president. You’re never alone here.”
Gilberto Miramontes
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, San Antonio College
At 34, Gilberto Miramontes has balanced it all: full-time work, raising his 9-year-old son Santiago, and completing his BSN at San Antonio College after military service.
A former combat medic in the U.S. Air Force, he found his calling in pediatric nursing. “I’ve worked in emergency medicine, trauma, and pediatrics,” he said. “Nursing felt like a natural next step.”
Now working at University Health, Miramontes credits SAC for its veteran support and strong academic programs. “SAC wasn’t just a school, it was a community.”
His proudest moment? “Showing my son what resilience looks like. Life has thrown me curveballs, but I’ve kept going for him.”
He’ll miss the people the most. “Just like the military, it’s the relationships you build that carry you forward.”
Michael Reichle
Associate of Arts – Academic Focus: Philosophy, San Antonio College
For Michael Reichle, affording college always seemed out of reach. A first-generation student from Johnson High School and from a single-parent household, he credits AlamoPROMISE for making it possible.
“I have three brothers and no college fund,” said Reichle. “AlamoPROMISE allowed me to earn a degree without long-term debt.”
Studying philosophy changed his outlook. As President of the SAC Honors Academy, he launched projects like a mental health comic-making event to help students decompress and reflect through art.
“I learned that if I’m intentional with my studies, I can succeed,” he said. “The more I put into the experience, the more I get out of it.”
His advice? “Be your own advocate, get involved, and trust the process.”
