United ISD announced its 2025 League of Legends on Thursday evening at a special event where 20 successful alumni from the four high schools were showered with praise and recognition for their hard-earned achievements.
The dinner featured special awards for the alumni who proudly accepted them as attendees applauded their accomplishments. Those recognized ranged from doctors to musicians and military veterans. They sat with family members and friends who were especially proud of them.
United ISD board members present at the event included: Rodolfo “Rudy” Gonzalez Jr., Board Secretary Michelle Monlina and Gilbert Aguilar Jr. Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz, administrators and staff also attended the event, held at Los Patios. And the Elias Herrera Middle School Jazz Band gave a rousing performance.
Rene Rodriguez Jr., Alexander High School, Class of 1997, said, “It’s amazing, amazing, everything is well-planned, well-organized and I see a lot of familiar faces. It’s a big honor for me and my family. I am glad to be part of this fraternity, especially my alma mater at Alexander High School, a place where I grew up as a kid.”
Juan Manuel Vazquez, United South High School, Class of 2013, said the recognition was a humbling experience. “It’s a testament of UISD’s mission to give back to graduated students but the alumni more than anything, giving back to the community. It’s very humbling to be here representing my alma mater, United South, and more than a reassurance we are going on the right path.”
Dr. Sylvia E. Solis-Dominguez, United South High School, Class of 1999, said she was thrilled when she learned she had been chosen for this honor.
“When I opened the email announcing that I was nominated to be a League of Legend, I wanted to cry with tears of joy,” she said. “I was humbled and honored to receive this prestigious nomination.”
“This honor to me means that I can proudly go back to the high school that saw me grow and determine what I wanted to do in my future. It is rewarding to go talk to the students that are where I was years ago and instill in them that dreams come true,” added Dr. Dominguez, who has many years of experience as a counselor in the Laredo Independent School District.
Ray Sanchez, Lyndon B. Johnson High School, Class of 2009, said this honor sent him down memory lane. Sanchez is the Chief Executive Director and co-founder of Smiles from Heaven, a top-rated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization nationally recognized for its fight against childhood cancer.
“Recognizing UISD alumni in this way is so important because it reminds us of where we came from. Growing up in Rio Bravo and attending LBJ, my family faced financial hardships,” he said.
“With the support of our community, my family, teachers, coaches, and administrators, we have persevered and now have the privilege of making a difference. This recognition took me on a journey down memory lane, filling me with immense pride. Though I have never sought the spotlight, this moment reaffirmed how far we’ve come and the impact we continue to make,” Sanchez added.
Superintendent Dr. Cruz said successful alumni serve as powerful role models for current students.
“Their achievements demonstrate what is possible with a United ISD education, inspiring students to strive for their goals. Recognizing alumni fosters community pride among current students, faculty and fellow alumni. It strengthens the connection to the school and reinforces the value of the education received,” he added.
Alberto Resendez, Alexander High School, Class of 2003, said the award was incredibly meaningful. “It connects my past as a student to my present role as an educator (he is principal of Ryan Elementary). It’s a reminder of the mentors who shaped me and the responsibility I now have to inspire the next generation.”
Ramon “Moni” Godines, United High School, Class of 1992, said the event was a homecoming for him. “The honor is deeply meaningful to me as a member of the UISD family, as a teacher and as a musician. To be able to achieve this honor from humble beginnings, and return to teach at the district where I received my education is something that I am truly grateful for,” he said.
On Friday, the honorees attended their alma maters to address students. They are role models to all and had special messages for the students.
United High School League of Legends:
Ana Laura Rangel Guajardo, Class of 1980
Dr. Elsa Canales, Class of 1989
Jose G. Hernandez, Jr., Class of 1991
Dr. Gilberto Salinas, Class of 1991
Ramon Godines, Class of 1992
Dr. Rene Compean II, Class of 2011
Oscar Ormando Lopez III, Class of 2018
United South High School League of Legends:
Dr. Jose Antonio Alvarado, Class of 1993
Dr. Sylvia E. Solis-Dominguez, Class of 1999
Adriana N. Rodriguez, Class of 2004
Juan Manuel Vazquez, Class of 2013
Alexander High School
Rene Rodriguez, Jr., Class of 1997
Fernando Lemus, Class of 1998
Alberto Resendez, Class of 2003
Rebecca E. Villarrean, PA-C, Class of 2011
Karen Gaytan, Class of 2013
Lyndon B. Johnson High School:
Ray Sanchez, Class of 2009
Betzabet Sanchez, Class of 2009
Iris Wico, Class of 2010
Jennifer Lozano, Class of 2021
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