Corpus Christi Education Foundation

Eleven graduating Veterans Memorial High School students were selected to receive the Leyton Hernandez Legacy Scholarship, presented by the Hernandez family honoring Leyton’s enduring influence and spirit within the school community.

Congrats to this year’s scholarship recipients! ♥️🤍💙

Veterans Memorial High School and the Hernandez family proudly awarded the Leyton Hernandez Legacy Scholarship to 11 graduating seniors, honoring Leyton’s life, legacy and lasting impact on the Eagle community.

Congratulations to the recipients:
🎓 Grayson — Texas State University
🎓 Kylie — University of Texas Permian Basin
🎓 Braxton — Kansas State University
🎓 Uduak — McMurry University
🎓 Tayly — Texas Tech University
🎓 Brylee — Texas A&M University–College Station
🎓 Kyle — UTSA
🎓 Brandon — Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi & Texas A&M University in College Station
🎓 Davian — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
🎓 Madison — Texas Lutheran University
🎓 Jillian — Texas State University

The Corpus Christi Education Foundation (CCEF) hosted the CCISD First in Family Graduate Ceremony. This event honored 182 students who are the first in their families to earn a high school diploma.

First in Family graduates from every CCISD high school campus were recognized during last night’s ceremony. CCISD also welcomed guests from the community, as well as event sponsors including CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery and Frost Wealth Management.

CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery awarded a $1,000 college scholarship to 15 First in Family graduates. Citgo’s $15,000 contribution in support of higher education is an annual tradition established through the education foundation. Corpus Christi Independent School District, CITGO Fueling Good, Frost, Academy, Mary Carroll High School, Solomon M. Coles High School, Collegiate High School, Richard King High School, Miller Metro High School, Foy H Moody High School, W.B. Ray High School, and Veterans Memorial High School.

The following students were the recipients of the CITGO First in Family Scholarship:

1. Kiayanna Franklin – Harold T. Branch Academy
2. Abcede Fuentes – Mary Carroll High School
3. Amanda Valles Acosta – Mary Carroll High School
4. Gabriella Hernandez – Solomon M. Coles High School
5. Catherine Salinas – Collegiate High School
6. Joe Rocha Jr. – Richard King High School
7. Veronica De Leon Calvo – Richard King High School
8. Alan Garcia – Roy Miller High School
9. Xavier Vela – Roy Miller High School
10. Anastaxya Alvarado – Foy H. Moody High School
11. Jonathan Loredo – Foy H. Moody High School
12. Marillela Moreno – W.B. Ray High School
13. Marissa Roldan- W.B. Ray High School
14. Anna Biriukova – Veterans Memorial High School
15. Grace Maeng – Veterans Memorial High School

We extend our sincere thanks to Frost Bank for their generous donation to purchase the medals for our CCISD First in Family graduates.

The First in Family ceremony is a meaningful celebration that honors students who are the first in their families to earn a high school diploma. This milestone represents not only academic achievement, but also perseverance and determination. Each graduate receives a commemorative medal to wear with their cap and gown, serving as a lasting symbol of their hard work and the bright future ahead.

We are grateful to Frost Bank for helping make this special recognition possible and for supporting the success of our students.

🎓We’re looking for a proud community partner to help us celebrate our CCISD First in Family graduates.

In a couple of weeks, we will honor our First in Family graduates—students who are the first in their families to earn a high school diploma. Each student receives a commemorative medal to wear with their cap and gown on graduation day, symbolizing their hard work, resilience, and achievement.

We are currently seeking a sponsor for these meaningful medals. Your support will directly recognize and uplift these students as they reach this incredible milestone.

If your organization is interested in making a lasting impact and being part of this unforgettable moment, we would love to partner with you.

Please contact Eloisa Dowiat at 361-695-7412 to learn more about this sponsorship opportunity and how you can help celebrate the success of our First in Family graduates. Corpus Christi Independent School District

🎓CCISD Seniors! 🎓

CCEF is now accepting scholarship applications. The deadline to apply for all CCEF scholarships is Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

For more information please visit, https://ccef-ccisd.org/scholarships/ or contact your high school counselor.
Corpus Christi Independent School District, Mary Carroll High School, Miller Metro High School, Richard King High School, Veterans Memorial High School W.B. Ray High School, Foy H Moody High School

Thank you to all our 2026 sponsors for supporting the CCEF Hearts & Minds 5K Run! The foundation appreciates your continued support! Corpus Christi Independent School District

This past Saturday, the foundation hosted its 9th Annual CCEF Hearts & Minds 5K—and what an incredible event it was! With over 1,600 runners registered, this remains the largest 5K in Corpus Christi, bringing together CCISD students, teachers, staff, business partners, and community members for an unforgettable day. We’re so proud of all of you who participated and made it such a huge success! 💪🏅

📸 Check out more photos here: https://bit.ly/3O0EcG9

A huge thank you to everyone in our community who value the quality of education for our CCISD students. Special shoutout to Fulton Coastcon, H-E-B, Texas, CoastLife Credit Union, Focus Foundation, Weaver & Jacobs Constructors, Inc., Frost Bank, Gignac Architects, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, Jennings, Hawley & Co., P.C., and Thompson & Horton, LLP for helping make this event possible. Your support means the world to us! ❤️👏Corpus Christi Independent School District

We’re so excited to welcome all of our runners this morning! 🎉 The CCEF Hearts & Minds 5K Run kicks off promptly at 8:00 a.m. at Water’s Edge Park. Don’t forget to scan the QR code below or visit https://bit.ly/3O0EcG9
to share your photos with us—we can’t wait to see them! Corpus Christi Independent School District

The foundation is excited about tomorrow's CCEF Heart & Minds 5K Run at Water's Edge Park! We can’t wait to see everyone—be ready, as the run kicks off promptly at 8:00 a.m.! Corpus Christi Independent School District