Family, friends and the Garza community gathered at the Erwin Center this evening to celebrate the Garza Independence High School Class of 2019.

Superintendent Paul Cruz congratulated the graduating class, and celebrated their success and tenacity.

• Garza graduates have been accepted to more than 30 four-year colleges and universities, and have been awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships.
• Catherine Muñoz was accepted to the Capital Idea program, which will fully fund her computer programming degree and provide a paid internship during her time at college.
• Margaret Wong received top honors at the 2019 State VASE competition.

AISD Trustee LaTisha Anderson also graduated from Garza this evening and, after receiving her own diploma, presented diplomas to her classmates.

Graduating senior Jane Cooper introduced the school's namesake, Gonzalo Garza, who addressed the class.

"As you receive this honor, you can finally look forward to a future of unlimited possibilities," Garza said.

Principal Linda Webb introduced graduating senior Miracle Gooding, who talked about the effect her experience at Garza has had on her life.

"My time at Garza has been life-changing. It wasn't until I had the opportunity to work with the college counselor that I opened my eyes and realized that I could do it," Gooding said. "I'm proud to say that, this August, I will be an incoming freshman at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, majoring in criminal justice."