News Story

In front of a packed YES Prep crowd, including YES students in eighth grade and up, the 21st annual Senior Signing Day (SSD) was held on May 25, 2022, at the Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets.  

Kicking off the event was Roberto Treviño, managing director of college initiatives, who welcomed and introduced the student performance groups that would provide the event’s entertainment throughout the program. The student performance groups in attendance were: White Oak Nation (W.O.N.) Dance Team, Southside Secondary’s Dazzling Giants Dance Team, Southeast Secondary’s Steppers as well as the Pure Gold Dance Team, and Gulfton’s Insanity Dance Team. 

CEO Mark DiBella gave the formal welcome and congratulated the Class of 2022 for all they had accomplished amidst a global pandemic, “Today is yours! This celebration is yours!” He also gave a hearty welcome to Southside Secondary’s first graduating class and addressed the junior class, reminding them that in just a few short months they'll be walking this stage, too.  

With the addition of Southside Secondary, this senior class is the largest in YES Prep’s history, with over 90% being first-generation college-bound, and joining an alumni network 10,000 strong. DiBella’s special message to our outgoing seniors, “Whether you’re off to college, heading to the armed forces, or joining the workforce, my charge to you is: You are extraordinary, so be extraordinary. Seniors, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for all that you’ve given to YES Prep. I wish you all the best in the years to come!”