An emotional start to Lyndon B. Johnson High School’s (LBJ) graduation ceremony as family and friends remembered Alexandra Doria, the beloved 15-year-old student who tragically lost her life in a car accident nearly two years ago.
“Our daughter was an outstanding, well-rounded individual known for her drive, dedication, and the heart she put into everything she did,” shared her mother, Gladys Doria. “She was part of the Johnson High School Early College program with a 103.50 GPA, placing her in the top 10 of her class. She served as class president her freshman and sophomore years, and had been re-elected for what would’ve been her junior year, leading her to automatically become the senior class president for the Class of 2025.”
Sadly, that day never came for Alexandra. Though she didn’t have the chance to walk the graduation stage, her presence was felt in every corner of the Sames Auto Arena. Her seat was lovingly reserved in the exact spot she would’ve sat, draped in her cap and gown, surrounded by flowers and adorned with Alexandra’s beautiful framed photo. Her family’s seats were also set apart with white satin linens, symbolizing the absence of a young life gone too soon.
“Academics were always a priority for Alexandra. She dreamed of becoming a lawyer and often talked about applying to Harvard Law School,” added Doria. “She was driven and always gave her best in everything she did.”
Alexandra Doria, was the first name to be called during the ceremony. With emotion in their eyes, her parents, sister and brother rose to accept her diploma. The crowd stood in solemn silence as Principal Armando Salazar led a heartfelt moment of reflection in her honor.
“Although it is an honor to receive her diploma, it deeply pains us not to have seen her walk the stage and receive it herself,” said her sister, Giovanni Guerrero. “This diploma is a symbol of her dedication, hard work, and deep love for Johnson High School. It is bittersweet without her here to celebrate this moment.”
A well-rounded student with a vibrant spirit, Alexandra was involved in nearly every facet of student life. She was a proud member of the National Honor Society, the Student Advisory Committee, the Lady Wolves soccer team, and served as a lector at Blessed Sacrament Church. Her passion for cheerleading began in third grade and quickly became one of her greatest passions, especially as she followed in the footsteps of her older sister and coach, Giovanni. Alexandra rose to become co-head cheerleader at Johnson High School. “She led with spirit, compassion, and heart, bringing energy and genuine love to her teammates every time she stepped on the mat,” Giovanni shared. Despite the tremendous loss of her sister, Giovanni continues coaching the Johnson cheerleaders to this day, finding healing and strength in the team that still carries her little sister’s spirit with them.
Though her physical presence is deeply missed, Alexandra’s teammates dedicated a space in their practice studio just for her. A large banner with her photo hangs above three carefully arranged shadow boxes, one holding her cheer uniform and the other two displaying the National Championship winner’s jacket earned in her honor and her letterman jacket. “Alexandra was proud to be part of Johnson High School,” added Giovanni. “She believed in hard work, in lifting others up, and in making the most of every moment.”
Alexandra pictured with her coach and Sister Giovanni.
Her best friends and class officers also kept her memory alive through traditions like Senior Sunrise, where Alexandra’s spirit remained an unspoken but powerful presence. “To many, she was simply known as ‘Doria’,” her family added. “A name full of warmth and laughter. More than a year and a half after her passing, we continue to hear beautiful and meaningful stories about her.”
“To us, her family, she will always be remembered as our princess, a studious, caring, and loving daughter and sister. Her presence lit up every room, and her memory continues to inspire.” Alexandra’s favorite color, mint green, has become a cherished symbol. It’s worn proudly by her family and cheer team as a visual reminder of the light she brought into their lives.
Mom proudly held Alexandra’s diploma as the family sat next to her seat at graduation, all of them wearing her favorite color-mint green.
Johnson Cheer Team.
Her family shares this message with the Class of 2025: “As you step into this next chapter of life, we hope you do so with the same strength, passion, and heart that Alexandra carried with her every day. Or as Doria would say, “La vida… solo hay una.”
A heartfelt gesture as classmates took Alexandra along with them to walk the halls of her former school, Killam Elementary one last time before graduation.
In Alexandra’s honor, her parents, Chrystian and Gladys Doria along with Mr. Barney and Mrs. Blanca Garcia, established the Alexandra Doria Scholarship Fund. This year, three Johnson Senior cheerleaders received the inaugural scholarships of $1,000 each to help pursue their college dreams. Plans are underway to expand the program in 2026 to include all graduating seniors at LBJ through an application process. “We hope to award as many students as possible for years to come,” said the family. “Keeping Alexandra’s spirit and love for learning alive.”
Alexandra Doria Scholarship Fund recipients pictured with sister Giovanni, Mom Gladys and Mr. & Mrs. Garcia.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
