Josiah Ponce will earn his associate degree before his high school diploma and plans to pursue a career in education.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Corpus Christi high school senior will make history this week as the first dual credit student selected to serve as keynote speaker for Del Mar College’s Spring 2026 commencement ceremony.
Josiah Ponce, a student at CCISD Collegiate High School and Del Mar College, will address graduates on Friday during the college’s commencement ceremony at the Hilliard Center.
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In a press release, Del Mar College said Ponce is set to earn his Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Arts before receiving his high school diploma the following day.
He plans to continue his education at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi as an elementary education major.
“My experience with CCISD, Collegiate High School and Del Mar College has been truly unique,” Ponce said. “It has been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I’m proud to have reached this milestone.”
College officials said nearly 1,250 students are part of the Spring 2026 graduating class, with more than 330 dual credit students earning certificates or associate degrees.
They add that Ponce’s speech will focus on perseverance, future opportunities, and recognizing the people who supported graduates throughout their educational journeys.
Ponce has also earned recognition through the Texas Association of Future Educators, where he served in leadership roles and gained experience in public speaking and mentoring students.
Outside the classroom, he has worked at the Texas State Aquarium and interned with CCISD’s professional learning department, helping support educator training programs.
Ponce said his goal is to become a school superintendent someday.
“I aspire to become a superintendent because I see myself as a leader who wants to create meaningful change while supporting both students and educators,” he said.