Moving the tassel during Fredericksburg High School’s commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025 on May 23 had a different impact on senior Anthony Arias.
Graduating sixth in his class is the reward for years of dedication to academic excellence, character and leadership.
Originally from Venezuela, both his Spanish-speaking parents set the educational bar high for each of their sons.
“My parents wanted my brother and I to break the cycle by extending our education beyond just middle school or high school,” said Arias. His parents moved the family to Fredericksburg just in time to enroll their children in primary school in the Fredericksburg Independent School District. As a bilingual student, Arias was an adaptive learner who excelled in the classroom.
Over the last 12 years, Arias has conquered milestones, including the language barrier and many cultural adjustments. Through hard work, Arias was awarded eight college scholarships to support his education at Texas A&M University in the fall.
The Hagan Scholarship is one of his most prestigious awards and requires students to work and attend classes.
Arias, who doesn’t mind this requirement, said, “My parents have always encouraged hard work, so I plan to continue working at Walmart by transferring to a store in College Station.”
As a first-generation college student, Arias plans to study accounting and finance and return to Fredericksburg and serve the community as a financial planner after earning his degree.
Like many students, he also has talents beyond academics. Through his musical interests, he earned membership in All-State Jazz Band as a trumpet player.
“His commitment to our band program and his leadership among his peers is something we will miss next year without question,” said Brian Hecimovich, Director of Bands and Fine Arts for FISD.
He also plans to audition for the Texas A&M JazzBand and credits the FISD band program for building his work ethic and determined practice habits.
“When I get to college, I’ll be able to do what I do best and work under stress because our FHS band directors run a rigorous program,” Arias said. “They taught us that we must put in the hard work to be successful and that has prepared me for college in so many ways.”
Surrounding himself with other students who had big goals and a strong work ethic helped him stay on the right track, he said. Great friends and positive adults have profoundly helped shape his future.
“Coach (Kristy) Danz has always been there to help students with college. I contacted her in the summer for help with a college scholarship application and she was happy to support my needs, even when she didn’t have to make herself available. That’s just who she is,” he said.
“It has been a joy to support Anthony in his future plans to attend college and become the best version of himself by achieving unlimited potential,” said Danz.
She taught Arias during his junior year in Advanced Placement English and continued helping him navigate the college scholarship application process in her current role as College and Career Advisor at FHS.
“Mr. Arias is an outstanding example of what it means to be a Billie graduate who is well-rounded and prepared to make a positive impact in the world through strong character, leadership and community involvement,” said Dr. Joe Rodriguez, FISD superintendent. “We look forward to following his future accomplishments and continued success.”
