2020 has proven to be a year we will never forget. From the onset of a global pandemic to being quarantine for months to the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, 2020 has worn us out and we still have half a year left. The very way we have live our lives has been drastically altered. This time has unfortunately brought on many tragedies but nothing beats a resilient spirit. Despite what’s going in the world everyday we search for joy. Nothing could be more joyful than the accomplishment one’s goals. That sentiment could not be more appropriate for the class of 2020.

Their senior might have been mapped out a certain way but none of them surely planned for the senior year they got. Schools were closed. Stay-at-home mandates were ordered. Nevertheless the class of 2020 made it a point to find new ways to do senior traditions to not damper than fun. Hosting backyard proms, zoom check-ins, and drive thru graduations, the class of 2020 left their mark using technology and innovation. Houston Style Magazine salutes these creative thinkers by recognizing the African American and Hispanic valedictorians of Houston ISD. Congratulations on literally letting absolutely nothing stand in your way!

Meet the valedictorians!

Graduate of Austin High School

Plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in neuroscience

Graduate of Booker T. Washington High School

Plans to attend Notre Dame majoring in electrical engineering

Graduate of Eastwood Academy

Plans to attend Rice University majoring in biology

Graduate of ESTEM Central

Plans to attend the University of Virginia majoring in computer science

Graduate of Furr High School

Plans to attend the University of Houston majoring in business

Graduate of Heights High School

Plans to attend Harvard University majoring in government

Graduate of Houston Academy for International Studies

Plans to attend Rice University

Graduate of Jones Futures Academy

Plans to attend the University of Houston or Houston Baptist University majoring in exercise science/kinesiology

Graduate of Kashmere High School

Plans to Albion College majoring in nursing

Graduate of Madison High School

Plans to attend Sam Houston State University majoring in homeland security

Graduate of Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy

Plans to attend Pomona College majoring in computer science

Graduate of Middle College High School at Felix Fraga

Plans to attend Houston Community College majoring in electrical engineering

Graduate of Middle College High School at HCC Gulfton

Plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in architecture

Graduate of Milby High School

Plans to attend the University of Houston majoring in mechanical engineering/business.

Graduate of Mount Carmel Academy

Plans to attend the University of Houston majoring in mechanical or chemical engineering

Graduate of North Forest High School

Plans to attend Texas Southern University majoring in forensic science/psychology

Graduate of North Houston Early College High School

Plans to attend Colgate University majoring in computer science/architectural engineering

Graduate of Northside High School

Plans to attend Hamilton College or the University of Texas at Austin majoring in economics/political science.

Graduate of Sam Houston MSTC

Plans to attend the University of Houston majoring in business

He has not decided on a college to attend but he will major in computer science

Graduate of Sharpstown International School

Plans to attend Yale University majoring in neuroscience

Graduate of South Early College High School

Plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in chemical engineering

Sterling Aviation High School

Plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in biomedical engineering

Graduate of Westbury High School

Plans to attend Emory University majoring in neuroscience

Graduate of Wheatley High School

He is undecided on the college he will attend or his major

Graduate of Wisdom High School

Plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in nursing

Graduate of Worthing High School

Plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in pre-law/criminal justice

Graduate of Yates High School

Plans to attend Southern University majoring in civil engineering

Graduate of Young Women's College Preparatory Academy

Plans to attend Texas A&M University majoring in animal science