For graduating senior Jayden Alonzo, school has been about more than academics – it’s been about finding his passions, building lifelong memories and honoring his biggest supporter, his mother. Alonzo has spent his entire academic career in Irving ISD, attending Good Elementary and Austin Middle Schools before beginning his high school journey at Irving High School. Over the past four years, Alonzo has shined in the classroom, on the football field and on the wrestling mat as a star student-athlete. Many of his fondest memories are of his time playing sports.
“I grew up playing soccer, but it wasn’t physical enough for me,” he says. “So, I decided to start playing football in middle school.”
Alonzo went on to play varsity football at Irving High as a linebacker, and has been a member of the wrestling team for the past three years. He says his most memorable high school experience was competing at this year’s District wrestling meet held in Coppell. Not only was the experience exciting, but most of the team qualified for regionals – a first for many of the students. Throughout it all, one person has consistently been in his corner to cheer him on – his mom.
“She’s always been there for me,” says Alonzo. “She always decorated my locker and gave me special gift baskets every game day. I remember her taking me to all of my soccer games when I was little, no matter how far. My mom always made sure I was involved in sports and supported me no matter what.”
For him, her encouragement made all the difference.
In the classroom, Alonzo gravitated toward his Forensics class, citing his favorite lessons as those that covered blood splatter and DNA labs, which allowed him to gain hands-on experience. As he continues to reflect on his time at Irving High, Alonzo says the biggest lesson he’s learned is simple but powerful.
“Everything is hard in life, but no matter what, you have to keep going,” he says.
On Tuesday, June 3, Alonzo and his fellow Irving Tigers will walk across the stage at Joy and Ralph Ellis Stadium – transitioning from students to graduates. He plans to continue his education at Dallas College to major in Business Management, with hopes of transferring to the University of North Texas or the University of Texas at Arlington to earn his bachelor’s degree. Alonzo’s long-term goal is to continue growing his family’s automotive business alongside his dad.
