Alyssa Ramos
PSJA Early College High School, Class of 2026
Plans to Attend: Texas A&M Corpus Christi,
Major: Theater Education
Awards/Honors
- I've been to the Palm Awards for 2 years, with the fall shows I've been a part of. My first show was a Straight Play, “The Three Musketeers,” as Sabine. Nominated for 7 Palm Awards in Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Sound Design, Best Technical Crew, Best Ensemble, and Best Production. Also, in PSJA Tri-City, straight play in “Zoot Suit” as Adella Barrios, nominated for 2 Palm Awards in Best ensemble, and Best Costume.
- Been in a joined fall production with PSJA Southwest preforming "Lion King" as "Sarafina" •
- A&B honor roll (2022-present).
- I got first place in UIL prose in the speech and debate event (November 2024).
- I was a semi-finalist in my first TFA meet, competing in prose (October 2024).
- I was a finalist in TFA for prose placing 6th and poetry Finalist (October 2025).
- I was a part of the Varsity One Act Play “Living out” as the lead actress “Ana Hernandez,” and my theater department advanced to Area. (Spring 2025).
- I was awarded Top performer in district, Honorable mention in bi-district, and Top performer in Area. (Spring 2025) .
- First Golden Legacies Captain (August 2023).
- All American Dancer (Summer 2024-2025).
- All American Officer Dancer (Summer 2025).
- ADTS Dance Company (Summer 2024-2025).
- ADTS Kick Company (Summer 2024).
- ADTS Miss High Kick (Summer 2024).
- In the Golden Legacies, we competed in the ADTS RGV dance contest and won 1st place and 1st runner up in the ADTS Alamo Dance Championship in San Antonio. I was a part of the Golden Legacies winning 1st place Best in Class Team Classic Division, Team sweepstakes, Gussie Nell Davis Award, Best Overall in Gold, and Judges Award for team jazz, pom, contemporary, and field jazz. ( 2024-2025) •
- Invited to perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City.
- I am honored to be the next selected 2025-2026 Major for the Golden Legacies. (2024-2025) •
- Been recognized by the school board for advancing to regionals in 2023 and this year, for advancing to area, being part of the 2 schools in PSJA to make it this far. (2023 and 2025)
- I was selected to be a part of TDEA All- State Dancer.(January 2026)
Tell us your story! What hardships or challenges have you overcome to get to where you are today? How have these experiences motivated you to pursue your educational dreams?
When I was young, I attended a private elementary school where I was not given the academic resources or educational attention I needed. As a result, I struggled to read and keep up within the school system. Those early challenges could have limited my confidence. Then once I made the decision to be a part of the PSJA Family, seeing my brother's excellence of opportunities that he was given, and once I joined I had no idea how much it would transform me. The opportunities I was given opened doors I never knew existed and changed the way I viewed both myself and my future. One of the most powerful influences in my life has been theater. I once struggled with reading and expressing myself, but theater gave me a platform where I could grow beyond those limits. It taught me how to communicate, how to understand emotion, and how to tell stories that matter. What once felt like a weakness became one of my greatest strengths.
Being part of theater since my freshman year also meant learning how to navigate change. Losing directors I trusted and adjusting to new leadership was one of my hardest challenges. I had to rebuild trust, adapt, and continue pushing myself to grow. That experience taught me resilience and showed me that growth does not stop just because circumstances change it continues when you choose to keep going.
Dance played an equally important role in shaping who I am. It gave me discipline, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. As I grew into leadership positions, I learned how to motivate others, take ownership of my role, and lead with integrity. Dance empowered me to believe in my voice. My junior year was the most demanding period of my life. I balanced being a lead actress in theater, 2 dancing full time, and participating in organizations such as NHS, UIL, TFA, and more, while also staying on top of my academics. In addition to these commitments, I am also working toward graduating with my Associate’s Degree in Arts, a goal that reflects my dedication to my education and my future. This year has been just as challenging as I now serve as theater treasurer and as a Major on the Golden Legacy dance team. These roles require accountability, professionalism, and commitment not only to my own success, but to the success of everyone I lead. All of these experiences have shaped my future goals. I plan to pursue theater education so that I can give back to the Rio Grande Valley and return to PSJA one day to build a legacy for students who, like me, may not yet see their own potential. I want to create the same safe, inspiring environment that theater gave me one that turns uncertainty into confidence and struggles into strength.
Every hardship I have faced has strengthened my determination to succeed. Through theater and dance, I found my voice, my leadership, and my purpose. These experiences continue to drive me toward my educational dreams, not just for myself, but for the students I hope to inspire in the future.
How have the opportunities offered at PSJA ISD, including the PSJA Early College Program, impacted your life?
The opportunities provided by PSJA ISD, especially through the PSJA Early College Program, have played a major role in my academic and personal development. Being part of Early College has allowed me to challenge myself at a higher level while earning college credit and preparing for the expectations of higher education. This experience has strengthened my time management, discipline, and commitment to longterm academic goals.
Beyond academics, PSJA has provided a wide range of programs that have helped me grow as a leader, performer, and student. Through theater and dance, I have developed confidence, collaboration, and professionalism. These programs taught me how to work as part of a team, take responsibility, and perform under pressure.
My participation in UIL Prose, TFA Prose, and Poetry has strengthened my communication, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Competing in these events has helped me analyze literature more deeply and express ideas clearly and effectively. Being a member of the National Honor Society has reinforced the importance of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Through NHS and other PSJA organizations, I have learned how to give back to my community while maintaining high academic and ethical standards. Overall, PSJA ISD and the Early College Program have given me the tools, opportunities, and support to grow both academically and personally. These experiences have prepared me for college, leadership, and future success.
What, if anything, would you say to your PSJA Family?
I would thank my PSJA family for never giving up on me, even during the moments when I was still learning to believe in myself. Every teacher, director, coach, and counselor who pushed me to do better helped shape the person I am today. PSJA gave me more than an education it gave me confidence, opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Because of this community, I discovered my voice, my leadership, and my purpose, and I will always carry that with me as I move forward.
