Spotlights
Graduate Spotlight: Aide Medina Pursues Success with Passion and Focus
From the moment she was diagnosed with vasculitis at just nine years old, a life-threatening disease that attacked her kidneys, Aide Medina’s life changed forever. What followed was a journey marked by extraordinary challenges: chemotherapy, seizures, a stroke, a coma, and eventually the need for two kidney transplants. She spent three years on dialysis before receiving her first kidney transplant at age 12. Ten years later, shortly after getting married, she faced another setback when that kidney failed, requiring a second transplant at age 22.
Graduate Spotlight: Julien Martinez Finds Direction Through Education
When Julien Martinez graduated from Permian High School in 2024, he had a clear plan in mind: join the United States Air Force. But a knee injury from his high school football days unexpectedly disqualified him from service. Faced with the challenge of rethinking his path, Julien turned to a familiar source of inspiration: his father.
Graduate Spotlight: Hadlee Zartner Follows Her Path to Success
Permian High School junior Hadlee Zartner has never been one to wait for her future to begin—she’s already building it. In December 2025, before she even walks the stage at Permian High School, Hadlee will graduate from Odessa College with an Associate of Science degree in Biology.
Graduate Spotlight: Aldo Cortez Transforms Goals into Reality
Growing up, Aldo often traveled with his family to Mexico to visit relatives. Each trip included crossing the border, where he watched U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers work with professionalism, confidence, and respect. Their sharp uniforms and strong presence left a lasting impression. “They looked professional in their uniforms and were professional in their interactions with the people who were crossing,” he recalled. That early experience planted the seed for his future in criminal justice.
Graduate Spotlight: Evangelina Quiroga Creates Opportunity Through Education
After graduating from high school in El Paso, Evangelina made a big move to Odessa. She chose to spend her first year working full-time, giving herself the chance to adjust to a new city and a new rhythm of life. When she felt ready, she started her college journey, enrolling in a full course load at Odessa College while continuing to work. She already knew exactly what she wanted for her future. Since the age of 10, Evangelina had dreamed of a career in social work. She had seen social workers help families move toward stability, and she felt called to make the same kind of difference.