PSJA Triplets Earn Associate Degrees Before High School Diplomas, Proving Students Can Have It All

PHARR, Texas — Most students spend high school choosing between rigorous academics and the experiences that make adolescence memorable. 

The Maynez triplets never had to. 

Over the past four years at PSJA Early College High School in San Juan, Marco, Maria, and Miguel Maynez balanced varsity athletics, dance, student leadership, fine arts, community service, and college coursework. By the time they crossed the stage as high school graduates this spring, they had already earned associate degrees from South Texas College, proving that students can pursue ambitious academic goals without sacrificing the experiences that define high school. 

Their achievement reflects a hallmark of PSJA ISD's nationally recognized early college model: students are not asked to choose between college readiness and campus involvement. Instead, they are encouraged to excel in both. 

From their first days at Kelly-Pharr Elementary School to Liberty Middle School and ultimately PSJA Early College High School, the siblings spent 18 years learning, growing, and achieving side by side. Along the way, they developed distinct interests and identities while relying on the support system that only siblings, and especially triplets, can provide. 

"I think it's a special moment for all three of us," said Marco Maynez. "Growing up together really meant a lot. We always helped each other out and made sure we stayed on top of everything. It was kind of like having a second parent because we were always looking out for each other." 

This spring, the triplets celebrated two major milestones together. First, they walked the stage at South Texas College to receive associate degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies. Weeks later, they celebrated another unforgettable moment as they crossed the stage at Bert Ogden Arena to receive their high school diplomas from PSJA Early College High School. 

For their family, the moment represented years of hard work, perseverance, and shared experiences. 

"It was honestly the greatest blessing," said Maria Maynez. "To see them grow from Pre-K to earning awards, completing their associate degrees, and now graduating high school and moving on to college is rewarding. We've seen each other's hard work and growth every step of the way." 

While they shared classrooms and milestones throughout their educational journey, each sibling carved out a unique path. 

Marco distinguished himself through varsity football, wrestling, powerlifting, and the National Honor Society. Maria immersed herself in the PSJA Bearette Dance Team, drama, and community service activities. Miguel emerged as a student leader through athletics, Student Council, drama, choir, and Roaring Bears. 

Their schedules were often filled with practices, performances, competitions, meetings, volunteer work, and college assignments. Yet they embraced every opportunity available to them, demonstrating that academic excellence and extracurricular involvement can go hand in hand. 

"Being a triplet, you have your own personalities," Marco said. "Athletics really helped shape the person I am and helped me create my own character." 

For Maria, joining the Bearette Dance Team became a defining part of her high school experience. 

"It helped me find my own self, be independent, not be afraid to ask for help, and learn lessons that I use in my everyday life," she said. 

Miguel credits his involvement in both athletics and the performing arts for helping him grow into a confident leader. 

"Drama allowed me to become a performer and somebody who is not afraid to show his charisma and speaking skills," he said. "I've grown into my confidence and become comfortable with who I am." 

Despite their accomplishments, the siblings say their greatest source of strength has always been one another. 

"We're very much each other's rocks," Miguel said. "When we're going through difficult times, we're always there to pick one another up. Friends may come and go, but family, that's forever." 

That support will take on new meaning this fall as the triplets begin separate journeys for the first time. Marco will attend Texas State University, Maria will attend Texas Woman's University, and Miguel will attend The University of Texas at Austin. 

Although they will no longer share the same classrooms, hallways, or campuses, the bond forged through 18 years together remains as strong as ever. 

As they begin the next chapter of their lives, the Maynez triplets leave PSJA ISD with more than high school diplomas and college degrees. They leave with a lifetime of memories, a foundation built through years of opportunity, and proof that students can fully embrace athletics, fine arts, leadership, and student life while pursuing life-changing academic goals. 

"Family is forever," Miguel said. "We'll guide each other, love each other, and be there for one another no matter what." 

Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD is an open-enrollment school district welcoming students from throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Through its nationally recognized wall-to-wall early college model, students have the opportunity to earn college credit and even an associate degree while participating fully in athletics, fine arts, leadership organizations, and other extracurricular activities that define the high school experience. 

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