Edinburg Honors 30 Students Committed to Military Academies, Service at Council Meeting

Staff Report

EDINBURG TX – The Edinburg City Council on Tuesday evening honored 30 graduating high school seniors for their commitment to serve in the United States Armed Forces, including three who earned prestigious appointments to U.S. service academies.

During the June 3 meeting at City Hall, city leaders recognized students who have either enlisted directly into military service or secured full, merit-based appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

During Tuesday night’s meeting, city officials honored Adriana Noyola, Ava Ponce, and Gael Gama for earning full, merit-based appointments to the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Military Academy at West Point, respectively.

These appointments represent one of the highest academic and leadership honors a high school student can attain. Fewer than 1% of graduates across the country are accepted into the service academies, which rival Ivy League universities in prestige and rigor. Cadets and midshipmen receive a world-class education, intensive leadership training, and graduate as commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Adriana Noyola, a senior at Edinburg High School, was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She plans to major in aerospace engineering. A second-generation cadet, Noyola is the daughter of two retired military officers and follows in the footsteps of her sister, Mia Noyola, a 2024 USAFA graduate. Adriana received both Presidential and Congressional nominations.

Ava Ponce, a senior at Robert Vela High School, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where she intends to study engineering. Ava, the daughter of a U.S. veteran and member of American Legion Post 408, received a Congressional nomination and cited a desire to honor her family’s legacy of service.

Gael Gama, a senior at IDEA Edinburg College Preparatory, was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. He plans to major in engineering or cybersecurity, with aspirations of becoming a Green Beret and a future leader in Army special operations. Gama also earned a Congressional nomination.

“These young leaders have earned a place at the highest level of military education,” said Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. “Their achievements speak volumes about their character, discipline, and c

“We thought it was important that we recognize all the students that are enlisting in the service to show the community support,” said Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. during the ceremony. “Many times, we have celebrations honoring those that have served. These are kids that are about to go serve, and we wanted them to know that we’re grateful for their decision to serve our country, but also that they have the support of our community. We thought it was important that we recognize that.”

In addition to the academy appointees, 27 students were recognized for their decision to enlist in various branches of the military—a choice officials described as both courageous and selfless, especially at a time when fewer than 1% of Americans serve in uniform.

The recognition was a highlight of the council’s regularly scheduled meeting and drew applause from families, educators, and veterans in attendance.

2025 City of Edinburg High School Graduating Seniors Enlisting in the U.S. Military

Source – City of Edinburg.