Third annual Quantum for All Camp

Forget about band camps, art camps or sports camps.

You want to find a camp where students have a passion, attend a Quantum for All camp.

For the third-straight year, the district hosted a Quantum for All camp. This year鈥檚 camp, which is run in conjunction with the and the , was at Young Junior High.

The 41 students who attended the four-day camp approached it with the same enthusiasm as students approach any other camp.

That鈥檚 true even if their explanation of what happens at the camp can fly right over your head. Don鈥檛 believe it? Here is sophomore Gavin Gilbreath-Mann鈥檚 explanation of one of the experiments they were doing at the camp.

鈥淲e have a piece of thorium in this little sack here, glowing orange, it鈥檚 causing alpha and beta particles to fall off, and some gamma,鈥� said the STEM Academy at Martin High School student. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 see those very well. You can tell the difference because the thicker of the two particle strands you can see is the alpha particles, which are essentially an ejected nuclei from an atom. The beta particles, the thinner ones, are just an electron shot out of an atom.鈥�

While his description of the smoky container that had light bouncing around in it may sound foreign to some, it鈥檚 exactly what the campers and the 27 teachers and eight teacher leaders who come from across the country come to the camp to see.

The leaders teach the teachers for a week and then the campers arrive and learn from the 27 teachers. This year鈥檚 camp was a mix of the history 鈥� starting with the origin of a particle 鈥� and then applications that put scientific discoveries into action.

Longtime 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 teacher Karen Jo Matsler, who is the principal investigator/director for Quantum for All, looks forward to the camp because of the exposure it gives to the students.

鈥淵ou have your sports kids, and then you have your more academic kids that want to do something and there aren鈥檛 a lot of opportunities out there until they get older,鈥� Matsler said. 鈥淲e want this to be something that鈥檚 appropriate for ninth and 10^th graders. Everything we do is appropriate for them. These kids get it. That鈥檚 why they come back. To have these teachers work with these kids and see them get excited, it motivates the teachers to want to come back and teach it in the classroom. That鈥檚 where the rubber meets the road.鈥�

Gilbreath-Mann is just one of the students who gets it. He was at the camp last year when the focus was more on quantum mechanics than the quantum chemical reactions like this year鈥檚 camp.

Campers were introducing different chemicals to flames to see how it impacted the color. There were Hot Wheels that were connected to magnets and getting pulled along a track. There was really something for everyone at the camp, which makes sense given its name.

鈥淚 came here because I wanted to learn more about science, because STEM is science,鈥� said Maddox Michel, who will be a freshman at the STEM Academy at Martin High School. 鈥淚 wanted to expand my knowledge.鈥�

Michel鈥檚 favorite part of the camp was learning about the Higgs boson particle discovery in 2012. Another incoming freshman 鈥� Trinity Battle 鈥� liked learning about the bubble chamber.

鈥淐amps like this are an equalizer,鈥� Matsler said. 鈥淲e try to make sure these kids see it. They feed on this.鈥�

July 4th parade celebrates students' accomplishments

It鈥檚 not really time for the July 4^th holiday until the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 extended school year (ESY) July 4^th parade happens.

So now the 4^th can happen! Last Thursday Webb Elementary was the site of the annual ESY parade.

The parade is a chance to celebrate the ESY students and all their accomplishments. And what better way to do that than with a parade complete with red, white and blue decorations, traditional summer school students cheering them on and Miley Cyrus鈥� 鈥淧arty in the USA鈥� playing in the background.

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="/wp-content/files/SpEd-Parade_2024.mp4"][/video]

鈥淚t鈥檚 so fun,鈥� said Shelby Sanders-Alvarez, who is the ESY summer school principal and a special education instructional specialist the rest of the year. 鈥淚 like seeing the kids being able to participate and the kids being able to see them enjoy the small things.鈥�

It wasn鈥檛 a small thing to get the parade set up. Sanders-Alvarez had help from people on the Webb campus, the district鈥檚 special education department and others to help make the day special. Donations of decorations also helped.

And while the parade put smiles on the faces of the students being honored in the parade, they weren鈥檛 the only ones.

Special education curriculum coordinator Tamara Johnson has been with the district since 2016. The parade is a must-see part of her summer.

鈥淭his is a tradition,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nice that they EY (extended year) administrators allow this to take place. The collaboration between the EY administrators and the ESY administrators make this happen. This is a wonderful setting. A lot of our kids wouldn鈥檛 be able to do something like this because of the limitations they have.鈥�

Threats credits AVID with changing his life

Fred Threats Jr. is a threat.

The rising 11^th grader at Lamar High School鈥檚 P-TECH is a threat to all things negative. He turns every negative into a positive. And he鈥檚 spreading hope and inspiration everywhere he goes.

That鈥檚 exactly what he did for thousands of teachers from across the country last week.

Threat鈥檚 ability to find the positive in everything 鈥� paired with his gift of eloquence in speech and memorable voice 鈥� is what landed him behind the microphone in the cavernous Landmark Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas last Tuesday.

The aspiring constitutional attorney was one of only two high school students nationwide invited to speak at the AVID conference. is a program offered in 8,000 schools across the country that supports educators and helps students develop college and career readiness.

Earlier this year, Lamar completed the revalidation process to become a National AVID Demonstration School. During the process, AVID staff from various parts of the country visited Lamar鈥檚 classrooms, met with campus and district staff and heard from students, including Threats. They were impressed by Threat鈥檚 ability to articulate the impact of AVID on his education, and they asked if he would speak at their national conference.

So, there he was last week, a featured speaker at the AVID Summer Institute.

鈥淲e are Family鈥� blared over the loudspeakers as thousands of AVID teachers streamed in and took their seats. Threats, seated on the first row, gently bobbed his head to the beat, showing no signs of nerves.

Moments later he was on the stage, at the podium, representing Lamar in a sharp blue suit with a gold pocket square and American flag lapel pin.

Threats had his own cheering section in the audience 鈥� several Lamar teachers and administrators along with a few fellow Lamar students. They were loud in their support when Threats was introduced, but their cheers were soon drowned out by applause from the entire ballroom throughout the speech and during the standing ovation at the end.

Threats looked and sounded like a presidential candidate 鈥� only more well-spoken, more hopeful and with a messagethat resonated with everyone in the room. Threats shared his story of hardship growing up and how he has overcome and turned every negative situation into a positive. And he explained how moving to Texas and taking AVID at Lamar has changed his life and given him direction.

No one says it better than Threats, so here are a few snippets from his speech:

鈱�鈥淟ife has presented me several reasons to lose hope: inadequate education; untrustworthy peers with the exception of a few, disappearing opportunities and deaths of very permanent family members over the past four years of my life. However, I鈥檓 an individual who loves to dissect situations that may seem negative to find the positive 鈥� Had my parents not separated, I would not be standing before you here today. Had I not experienced bullying, I wouldn鈥檛 have had the desire to increase my physical activity. Had I not experienced bullying, I wouldn鈥檛 have had the desire to defy the odds. Had I not experienced the loss of loved ones, I wouldn鈥檛 have the emotional strength I have today, and had I not relocated to Texas, I wouldn鈥檛 have the amazingly devoted friends, mentors and opportunities I have today.

鈱�鈥淥ne of the opportunities of relocating to Texas was the discovery of AVID. When entering AVID, I knew I wanted to become a lawyer. But did I know which field of law best suited me? No. Did I even know how to become a lawyer? Absolutely not. But ask me now, two years into my AVID experience, and I can give you a detailed guide on how to become a lawyer.鈥�

鈱�While it is true I had expectations and goals for myself before AVID, the program has refined them and given me a whole new level of confidence and inspired me to work harder and achieve more.鈥�

鈱�鈥淵ou can find the positive in every negative situation. Often times, the most valuable lessons in life come from the negative situations if only you can find it.鈥�

As Threats concluded his talk, he acknowledged and thanked all teachers.

鈥淚 want to say to each of you that you are the reason that everything around us exists,鈥� Threats said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e the reason doctors are able to heal the sick, architects are able to design structures, automotive companies are able to manufacture vehicles, lawyers are able to apply the law and you yourself were able to become a teacher. You quite literally hold the future in the palm of your hands. You are heroes without capes. I don鈥檛 know where this world would be if God hadn鈥檛 blessed us with each of you.鈥�

One of those teachers Threats thanked was his ninth and 10^th grade AVID teacher, Melanie Drake. She was in the audience and one of the loudest supporters in the room.

鈥淚 knew he was going to blow me away,鈥� Drake said after Threats spoke, 鈥渂ut it was even on a level that I would have never imagined. He鈥檚 just so well-spoken and he鈥檚 so confident and he鈥檚 so different now 鈥� it validates everything that we do 鈥� That鈥檚 the whole point of AVID to build that confidence and that love as a student. That was evident in Fred ... I鈥檓 happy.鈥�

So was everyone else in the room. Threats just does that to you.

Eagle Scout about to become a Naval Academy midshipman

Determined, passionate and fearless, he鈥檚 Martin High School graduate and soon-to-be midshipman Owen Hulme. 听

Hulme听is ready to听embrace the challenges of the four-year academy.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 been lots of running and lots of working out,鈥� Hulme said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also been lots of studying on naval history.鈥�听

For Hulme, his journey into the military is about more than just serving his country. It鈥檚 also about learning to lead those around him. 听

鈥淚 want to serve as an officer,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to lead my brothers and sisters in arms. I鈥檝e always liked standing up and leading the people around me. I want to learn from the best.鈥�听

In fact, Hulme鈥檚 leadership has always been evident through his involvement at Martin as a swim team captain, roboboat member and active participant in his STEM courses. 听

Inspired by book 鈥�,鈥� Hulme felt destined to enter the Naval Academy after graduation. 听

鈥淩eading about his story and what he had to overcome, it really pushed me,鈥� Hulme said. 鈥淭he caliber of people I wanted to work with was exactly who was represented in the book.鈥� 听

That鈥檚 also why听 leader and former Army Ranger John Burdick has helped mentor Hulme along the way. 听

鈥淗e helped me a lot in figuring out what I wanted to do and what the best way to do that was,鈥� Hulme said. 听

As a thirty-year veteran, Burdick knows Hulme will make an outstanding officer one day.听

鈥淗e鈥檚 a great scout and a great young man,鈥� Burdick said. 鈥淲hen you think of an Eagle Scout and what comes to mind 鈥� a person always willing to take charge, be a leader, jump in to help wherever it鈥檚 needed, carries a great personality, upbeat and helpful 鈥� that's Owen.鈥�听

After submitting over 15 essays and earning a congressional听nomination, Hulme was accepted into the academy with a full scholarship. 听

For students interested in following the same path, Hulme鈥檚 advice is simple.听

鈥淕et started on the application process as early as you can and believe in yourself,鈥� he said. 听

Later this month, Hulme will make his way to the academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he plans to major in ocean engineering. After he graduates, he鈥檒l embark on an eight-year commitment in the Navy, five of which will be served on active duty.听

鈥淚 am so incredibly proud of him, and I am overjoyed that he made it in,鈥� Burdick said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 worked so hard to achieve this goal. Anybody who sees his success can take that from it. If you have a goal, it is absolutely possible to achieve it.鈥� 听

His story inspires his peers听to have the strength never to give up on their dreams.听听

鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot of hard work, you鈥檝e got to want it,鈥� he听said. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 so worth it.鈥�听

Read more about the . 听

10th Annual Back to School Kickoff is Near

It鈥檚 hard to believe that it鈥檚 been 10 years since the district started its annual Back to School Kickoff at AT&T Stadium, but Aug. 3 marks that milestone.

鈥淲e鈥檝e helped nearly 100,000 families get ready for the school year, which is an amazing accomplishment that wouldn鈥檛 be possible without community volunteers and sponsor support,鈥漵aid Aaron Perales, 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 executive director of engagement, equity, and access.听

This in-person event offers students the opportunity to receive a free backpack full of school supplies and services in preparation for the 2024-25 school year. You can register for a backpack here.

Sponsored by the听, the event will provide haircuts, dental services, vision screenings, information about community resources and immunization opportunities, as well as the chance for 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 students to receive a backpack full of school supplies.

Volunteers are also needed to help with checking in students and handing out backpacks. To volunteer, please sign up .

See you at the 10th annual Back to School Kickoff!听

Seguin HIGH salutatorian Thao Ho

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Seguin High School鈥檚 salutatorian Thao Ho.

NAME:听Thao Ho

SCHOOL: Seguin High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Computer science

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Focus more on making friends, especially in your freshman year, because it鈥檚 going to be your easiest year in high school. I got to meet all my friends my freshman year and I was friends with them all four years and they were truly my support system to make it this far.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

The thing is I don鈥檛 watch that many superhero movies. The only one I really watched was Spiderman because I think he鈥檚 really cool. He鈥檚 very charismatic.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

I鈥檓 pretty excited to meet new people because, especially at a small school like Seguin, I鈥檝e known these people for at least four years. One of my closest friends I鈥檝e known for 14 years. I鈥檝e known her since pre-K. I think going into college I鈥檓 going to see so many more people and so many different people from different backgrounds and I鈥檓 very excited to see that.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

This is a very easy question for me. It鈥檚 my oldest brother (Hieu) because he was the very first child in our family to ever go to college. He was very driven. He didn鈥檛 do extremely well in high school but in college he studied super hard and worked so hard on top of being the translator for my parents whenever they needed help with the bills or with the taxes or with the internet system. He was the translator on top of managing school. He even made it to dental school and he鈥檚 graduating this year, and his work and his determination and his passion really inspires me. I can work hard to support my family in the future.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory was the senior pep rally. I got to see a lot of people that I know, and I haven鈥檛 seen in a long time. I feel like it was a last goodbye because I may not be able to see those people at graduation. It was also really funny because our teachers got to loosen up and they performed a couple of dances. It was definitely memorable.

SEGUIN HIGH VALEDICTORIAN听Emma le

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Seguin High School鈥檚 valedictorian Emma Le.

NAME: Emma Le

SCHOOL: Seguin High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Biology

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

One piece of advice would be to not only focus on your long-term achievements, but also enjoy your high school life while you have it.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

I would be Supergirl because even though she鈥檚 a superhero she also deals with personal struggles, and she learns along the way how to deal with those.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

I鈥檓 most excited about branching out and seeing how I learn in an independent way and leaving the support of my parents and seeing how I grow as a person.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My oldest sister (Sophia) inspires me the most. She鈥檚 a role model for me. She inspires me the most to achieve success.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

Going to the homecoming football game my senior year. It felt very nostalgic to me. It was the last game I was at.

Sam Houston HIGH Salutatorian Nestor Mejia Lopez

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Sam Houston High School鈥檚 salutatorian Nestor Mejia Lopez.

NAME:听Nestor Mejia Lopez

SCHOOL: Sam Houston High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Electrical and computer engineering

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Try new things. Don鈥檛 be afraid to be a leader even if others will judge you. Just go out and join any clubs or organizations and become the leader, become the president. Do something outrageous, something spontaneous. 听

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

I鈥檇 be Batman because he鈥檚 a character who wants to make connections to solve crimes and solve problems on his own. He doesn鈥檛 like depending on individuals. He does things on his own and believes in himself.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

Obviously go to college and finally meet individuals who have the same goals as me, more people in the school of engineering in the school I鈥檓 going to at UT-Austin. Hopefully work on a project that will change the world while I use my skills from my degree.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

For me it would be Dr. (Robert) Oppenheimer. He was the leader of the Manhattan Project that made the atomic bomb. That鈥檚 something I want to do. I want to make something that will revolutionize the world by bringing together a lot of individuals who will work on a common goal. I want to change the world through technology.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

When I went to go watch a soccer game where I saw all my old teammates and they won. It started raining, and that made it exciting. Afterwards we went to CiCi鈥檚 Pizza and we had a good time talking and catching up with each other.

MARTIN HIGH VALEDICTORIAN听LYNN CHANG

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Martin High School鈥檚 valedictorian Lynn Chang.

NAME:听Lynn Chang

SCHOOL: Martin High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Biochemistry

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

I would say don鈥檛 let yourself get pressured into things. I think that interests in subjects and organizations should develop naturally and not just because you want to be with your friends. If you want to go somewhere 鈥� to a meeting or event that your friends don鈥檛 鈥� don鈥檛 be afraid to go there alone. It鈥檚 your life and you should live it according to what you want to do.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

I think I鈥檇 want to be Spiderman because I think it鈥檚 empowering. Most of what he does is with his own body and just to have that range of motion, imagine the tricks you could do as Spiderman. It would be really cool.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

It鈥檚 kind of clich茅, but honestly just meeting new people. I鈥檓 going to UT and it鈥檚 pretty large. I鈥檓 going to meet a lot of people in similar paths as me and people who also have different paths. I think that鈥檚 exciting.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

All of my family inspires me because they are so goal oriented, but my brother [Ray] is someone I鈥檝e been looking up to my whole life. He鈥檚 always been a few steps ahead of me because he鈥檚 a little bit older than me, but I think it鈥檚 really amazing he鈥檚 been able to pioneer his own path with basically no advice from anyone else.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory was the senior pep rally. I got to see a lot of people that I know, and I haven鈥檛 in a long time. I feel like it was a last goodbye because I may not be able to see those people at graduation. It was also really funny because our teachers got to loosen up and they performed a couple of dances. It was definitely memorable.

Sam Houston High valedictorian Luis Andrade

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Sam Houston High School鈥檚 valedictorian Luis Andrade.

NAME:听Luis Andrade

SCHOOL: Sam Houston High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Business

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Take a chance on yourself. Try that hard class. Even if you don鈥檛 get the grade you want, get the 100, challenge yourself. It鈥檚 all about growing as a person. 听听

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

听I鈥檇 be Captain America. There was a scene when he attempted to pick up Thor鈥檚 hammer. He moved it a little bit. He鈥檚 not worthy just yet. Later in Endgame, we see he carries a hammer and he鈥檚 worthy of the responsibilities. Even if you鈥檙e not ready for something, you鈥檙e going to work hard on it and be ready.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

I鈥檓 excited to meet new people, all the new opportunities. Hopefully I鈥檒l get internships, jobs, network and have that exposure in the world and hopefully succeed.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My dad inspires me the most. He鈥檚 the reason I鈥檓 here. He鈥檚 the reason I have that drive to want something better in life. He鈥檚 my hero.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

When I got the school record for the 3,200-meter run in track. I was at Texas A&M. Having my friends there and the people I run with almost every day was just the best feeling. And receiving those phone calls from my parents, my other friends, people who have graduated, people back home, it was a blessing to know I was doing something that was getting recognized and it was something good.

MARTIN HIGH SALUTATORIAN听EMILIO REZA

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Martin High School鈥檚 salutatorian Emilio Reza.

NAME:听Emilio Reza

SCHOOL: Martin High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Computer science

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Have fun in high school. Try to do new things and see what stuff you like. Keep doing that throughout your four years. I meet a lot of friends through various competitions. We had a lot of fun working together. Also, don鈥檛 procrastinate. Everyone, including me, hears that and does so anyway. 听

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

I鈥檓 going to go with the Flash. He鈥檚 one of the most overpowering superheroes and with super skills I could quickly train and gain a ton of skills. I also tend to run late sometimes so that would really help.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

I鈥檝e heard a lot about Rice鈥檚 O-Week (orientation) so I鈥檓 looking forward to that. It鈥檚 the week before classes begin. I hear I鈥檒l have a great time and make a lot of long-lasting friends. I鈥檇 also like to see the Mavs maybe win the championship.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My parents. Seeing them work hard to establish life in Texas as immigrants has taught me I can do anything I set my mind to. They鈥檝e been my constant supporters and remind me when I have missing assignments or usually when the teacher hasn鈥檛 put in the grade yet.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

I鈥檝e had a lot of great moments. One of my favorites was winning the Lockheed Martin Cyberquest competition with my friends. We didn鈥檛 expect to do that well but got to grind for three hours together and took home a WWE-style championship belt.

Lamar HIGH SALUTATORIAN Hannah Bunnag

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Lamar High School鈥檚 salutatorian Hannah Bunnag.

NAME:听Hannah Bunnag

SCHOOL: Lamar High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Computer science

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

There鈥檚 nothing that you can鈥檛 come back from, and it鈥檚 never too late to start trying. I know a lot of really smart, capable people could achieve what they want if they just had the motivation and support.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

Megamind. He鈥檚 not very serious, and he鈥檚 good natured despite his upbringing. His underdog story is really inspiring.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

I鈥檓 most excited to start college because it鈥檚 an entirely different chapter of my life.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My older sibling (Sydney) because she鈥檚 always been a role model for me. She sets a good example for what I need to be.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

The eclipse. It was really beautiful to watch with my friends and it kind of put life in perspective for me. We watched it from school because they let us out for the peak of it.

Lamar HIGH VALEDICTORIAN EMILIANO GUTIERREZ BERLANGA

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Lamar High School鈥檚 valedictorian Emiliano Gutierrez Berlanga.

NAME:听Emiliano Gutierrez Berlanga

SCHOOL: Lamar High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Government

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

The one advice I would give to an incoming freshman is to dare to go outside your comfort zone and try everything. My freshman year I didn鈥檛 really get to do that because we were hybrid, and we didn鈥檛 get to be on campus every day. Even sophomore year, some of the clubs seemed to fade out. But I would say try all the extracurriculars you can be part of, join every club. That鈥檚 coming from someone who did practically every club available.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

My answer is a little bit niche, but I would want to be The Flash Barry Allen, but an important little niche aspect is I would want to be Barry Allen when he is a Blue Lantern. The Blue Lanterns are similar to Green Lanterns, but they focus on hope. I think that would more encompass me as a person as well as some super cool speed and some Blue Lantern patterns.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

Honestly just kind of having that independence of making my own schedule, learning subjects that I want to learn specifically, learning more about our government system and just having the overall freedom of not having the monotonous every day public school education. It was very tiring sometimes when waking up at 7:30 just thinking five more minutes, please, I just want to go to sleep. It鈥檚 about choosing your own schedule and I get to listen to your needs instead of having to go through a general system.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

The beauty in life is we find inspiration in everyone. If you don鈥檛 learn something new about yourself or the world from someone you encounter then you鈥檙e not really doing yourself justice. I think there鈥檚 inspiration in everyone. You can find inspiration from everyone you meet. If I had to isolate it to one person, I think it would be my mother. My mother is my biggest inspiration. She has always motivated me and always shown me what hard work and dedication can do. I truly respect her and she鈥檚 honestly kind of the one person I can always rely on to lead me towards my next goal.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

It would be March 28 鈥� Ivy Day. I remember I was so anxious that day I even told me my mother, 鈥榃ould you be OK?鈥� because she was as equally invested in my education in what happened after high school. I remember asking her in the car, 鈥榃ould you be OK if I don鈥檛 get into an Ivy, if I don鈥檛 get into any of these schools?鈥�

She said, 鈥榊ou know what, I think you鈥檙e going to get into at least four.鈥� At that point I thought it was just that mother support and she was trying to say things to calm my nerves.

Through the day teachers were asking me, 鈥楬ey, when鈥檚 Ivy Day. Isn鈥檛 it today?鈥� I asked them if they wanted to be added to my email list. That contributed more to my anxiety.

Once I got home, I think it was 5:04 when all the results came out. It was truly a whirlwind of emotions. I applied to all eight Ivys, and I decided to open them alphabetically. That was probably the worst decision I could have made that day. It messed with me.

I opened Brown鈥檚 letter 鈥� rejection. Columbia 鈥� rejection. Cornell 鈥� rejection.

So, after three rejections I was feeling emotionally overwhelmed and then I opened Dartmouth and got accepted and a weight lifted off my shoulders. Then I opened Harvard and got accepted. Princeton accepted. UPenn 鈥� waitlisted, and Yale 鈥� accepted.

It's so hard to remember that moment because I was feeling so many emotions. That is my favorite high school memory because it wasn鈥檛 just a moment of surreal joy, but then I immediately sent text messages to my closest friends and then emails to my teachers with screenshots of everything. I felt so much love and support. It was truly one of my favorite memories even with the low points.

BOWIE HIGH Valedictorian Lily Nguyen

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Bowie High School鈥檚 valedictorian Lily Nguyen.

NAME:听Lily Nguyen

SCHOOL: Bowie High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Biology

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Don鈥檛 do exactly what your friends do. That鈥檚 what I did. I would move away from what everyone did and try my own things. That鈥檚 how I made it to where I am today. It was a very good experience even though I didn鈥檛 do everything everyone else did.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

I鈥檓 not really sure because I don鈥檛 watch a lot of superhero movies. I would like to be a princess from one of the Disney movies because I grew up watching them, and they are very wholesome and nostalgic for me.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

I鈥檓 most excited to learn new things and meet new people. I don鈥檛 know how college is going to be, but I can鈥檛 wait to go on and live my life and get a job and start a family.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My aunt. Her name is Mary. She inspires me the most because she was valedictorian at my school 10 years ago. She sought out and became an optometrist and I want to do the same thing because she seems so happy, and she has so much free time to go on vacations and spend time with her family. I want to live like that, too.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

At the end of my junior year I was very close to my AP bio class and we all made t-shirts together and we wore them during tests and we took pictures everywhere together. It was a great experience. We shared a Google drive with our teacher, too.

BOWIE HIGH CO-SALUTATORIAN Timothy Pham

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Bowie High School鈥檚 co-salutatorian Timothy Pham.

NAME:听Timothy Pham

SCHOOL: Bowie High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Biology

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

I would advise them to stay on top of the classes they wish to take. Of course, not procrastinate. I would also advise them to explore their options before they decide what they truly want to do and go to college because I feel like high school is that time where you鈥檙e open to a lot of opportunities and have that time for programs and try your hand at what might interest you later on.

If you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

I guess I would be my favorite superhero Dr. Strange. Just because he knows a lot. He was also a medical professional before he became a superhero and I also think magic is really cool.

What are you most excited about after graduation?

It鈥檚 exciting and nerve wracking the opportunities that are opening up to me as I graduate high school like college and getting into my career pathway that I wish to take. Getting to meet people and experience the world as I go.

Who inspires you the most and why?

My father inspires me the most because he has succeeded after being an immigrant coming from Vietnam. It鈥檚 very difficult to do that, coming to America at such a young age and being able to succeed in America. He had hardships and all sorts of things, so he really inspires me the most to do my best and appreciate what I have.

What鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

Going on a BPA (Business Professionals of America) trip with my friends because we made it to state and nationals. The traveling times by ourselves, of course we were with the school, but we enjoyed the competitions and the time as we traveled. We did a lot of fun things there.

BOWIE HIGH CO-SALUTATORIAN ALYSSA VU

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Bowie High School鈥檚 co-salutatorian Alyssa Vu.

NAME:听Alyssa Vu

SCHOOL: Bowie High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Computer science

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Definitely don鈥檛 slack off, and try to plan a schedule so you don鈥檛 procrastinate. I would do assignments a week ahead so I would be caught up. A lot of assignments from different classes overlap.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

I think I would just want to be Spiderman. He has such a good reputation, and it would be fun to swing around buildings.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

Probably moving on to college and having more freedom as well as control over my academics.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My older brother Nhan inspires me the most since he is someone I look up to and he鈥檚 the whole reason I鈥檓 going into computer science.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory might have just been any event for getting money for senior prom such as Senior Sunrise or any of the fundraising campaigns. It was nice to collaborate with other people as well as to have a collective goal in mind. We were able to pay off our prom venue even though it was like $40,000 and we had no money to begin with.

Arlington High salutatorian Cooper Peach

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Arlington High School鈥檚 salutatorian Cooper Peach.

NAME:听Cooper Peach

SCHOOL: Arlington High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Finance and engineering

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Really don鈥檛 chase the achievements of life. There鈥檚 a lot that comes with the glamour. It looks like it is a lot more than it is. The starting spot. Being second in the class. It鈥檚 very nice. It鈥檚 very cool, but it doesn鈥檛 beat the process. It doesn鈥檛 beat the abilities you gain along the way. Being able to spend time with friends, being able to enjoy the family that is your football team or your baseball team, nothing will beat that compared to the achievements. 听

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

How could you go against Superman? He flies. Super strength. He鈥檚 got a big weakness, but everybody鈥檚 got something. I鈥檇 be Superman.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

Life. This starts the freedom and the next steps of beginning my actual life. For my entire life, it鈥檚 been Arlington, Texas, nothing else. Arlington High School, being around all the games and all the things. It鈥檚 going to be different, but it鈥檚 very exciting for me and the change is something I look forward to.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My dad (Arlington High football coach Scott Peach), no doubt about it. His smile. His good nature toward everybody and the way he can walk into a room, and everybody lights up when they see him. Seeing that everywhere I go to is completely inspiring. I aspire to be like that every single day.

鈱�What鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

It鈥檚 probably a combination. There were two or three moments when I would come off the football field and whether I scored a touchdown or made a big play or did something like that, and I crossed that sideline and I looked up and my dad was there smiling at me. Nothing beats that in my entire high school career, those Friday night lights. That鈥檚 what I dreamed of every moment of my life up to that point was being able to play under my dad, being able to do those things with him. When I was able to perform at a really high level, stepping off that field and seeing his face light up, nothing beat it.

ARLINGTON HIGH VALEDICTORIAN ADDISON GARDNER

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Arlington High School鈥檚 valedictorian Addison Gardner.

NAME:听Addison Gardner

SCHOOL: Arlington High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Forensics and investigative science

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

The biggest thing I would say is to get involved in your school, whether that is with sports, clubs or fine arts. Finding that group of people where you feel like you belong is so important to the high school experience because having that community you feel comfortable in can help you through all the things 鈥� good and bad 鈥� while also giving you and helping you find those people that make high school a memorable experience.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

I don鈥檛 know much about superheroes. I guess I would say Spiderman because of his passion for helping the community, not only the community but the entire world is admirable. And the way he鈥檚 able to balance his personal life and just being a normal person with his passion for doing good.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

Just moving on to college and the next stage of my life and all the new opportunities and new connections and the new people I can meet is something I鈥檓 looking forward to. And just getting started with my career and all that. I want to get into the forensics field and that鈥檚 something I鈥檓 really looking forward to in college because that鈥檚 what I will be majoring in. I鈥檓 really looking forward to that.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My mom. She鈥檚 not just my mom but also my best friend. She is so patient and kind and has an incredible ability for problem solving. I just know that I can always turn to her when I need to no matter how stressed out I am or anything and she will always be there to calm me down and brainstorm solutions together. She just inspires me every day to want to be like her and have her patience and kindness and quick-thinking skills.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

I would have to say everything involving Friday Night Lights. I am a cheerleader and so getting to be on the sidelines with my best friends is just an unforgettable feeling. The unity and the excitement really with everyone at Arlington High at football games is just unmatched and something I will never forget.

ACHS VALEDICTORIAN SAMANTHA FERNANDEZ

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Arlington Collegiate High School鈥檚 valedictorian Samantha Fernandez.

NAME:听Samantha Fernandez

SCHOOL: Arlington Collegiate High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Nursing

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

It鈥檚 OK to make mistakes. Try to learn from them and don鈥檛 beat yourself up about it because I did that a lot. Every little thing I was beating myself up about and it was so bad.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

Quicksilver. I鈥檓 always running late to things, and I don鈥檛 have a car. To be able to have super speed would be really useful.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

Moving into my dorm because that would be the first time almost living alone. I鈥檓 going into more of an apartment. I鈥檒l have a sense of freedom and have to rely on myself.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

That would have to be Scooby-Doo. I love Scooby-Doo. He鈥檚 always there for his family and friends. He鈥檚 scared of his own shadow, but if any of the gang is in trouble he jumps in head first even though he鈥檚 scared of everything.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

It鈥檚 pretty recent, but our Senior Sunset. We couldn鈥檛 even see the sunset, but everyone was there together. That鈥檚 what I liked about it, the togetherness. Everyone was eating, taking pictures, signing yearbooks, signing t-shirts. That was very fun. Everything was so peaceful in that moment.

ACHS salutatorian Vanessa Trejo

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Arlington Collegiate High School鈥檚 salutatorian Vanessa Trejo.

NAME:听Vanessa Trejo

SCHOOL: Arlington Collegiate High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Nursing

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Don鈥檛 stress yourself out too much. In high school, you don鈥檛 have to worry too much. It鈥檚 not the end of the world with grades. Just try and make the best out of everything. You have to enjoy it while it lasts.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

I think Batman. I would want to stop crime at night. That resonates with me because I鈥檓 more effective at night as a person than I am in the morning. I think that resonates with Batman because he鈥檚 always out fighting crime at night.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

Being able to find myself and my sense of individuality and try and live by myself. I want to see how that goes. I鈥檓 ready to be by myself and not be surrounded by my family. I want to see what the world has to offer me.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My sister Alexandra. She inspires me because she鈥檚 my older sister, and I鈥檝e been looking up to her ever since I was a kid. She鈥檚 one of the reasons I鈥檓 the salutatorian because she inspired me to persevere and not give up. She鈥檚 been there for me every step of the way and has been a big inspiration to me. I look up to her a lot. She鈥檚 the person I strive to be a lot. She鈥檚 my role model.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

Whenever I would help with the adopt-a-street mile cleanup. It was for my community and with people who wanted to volunteer. I liked the whole thing. It was the first time I was able to help in the community. I got to meet the volunteer coordinator and she was great. I looked up to her. She was passionate about what she was doing and why she does it. I liked the sense of being able to help the community knowing how much it鈥檚 given me.

ACCHS SALUtatorian OYINlOLA Alokan

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Arlington College and Career High School鈥檚 salutatorian Oyinlola Alokan.

NAME:听Oyinlola Alokan

SCHOOL: Arlington College and Career High School

COLLEGE:听

INTENDED MAJOR:听Biology

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

There are a lot of things I could say, but I would start with really go in with an open mind to experience and learn new things because when you鈥檙e close minded and you have made the conclusion that you don鈥檛 like math or you don鈥檛 like English or you鈥檙e not going to try in that class, it restricts you from doing good in that class. Be open minded in anything you do. Be open to getting those experiences. And don鈥檛 procrastinate. It鈥檚 something that can affect your grades. You should be determined and focused, especially if you have goals for yourself. It鈥檚 important to stay focused and determined. You can reach your goals if you鈥檙e persistent about it.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

WandaVision. I just like her energy, especially the show she was the main star of. She had to do to get what she wanted. Sure, it wasn鈥檛 the right means, because people couldn鈥檛 live their lives. She has the power to control her narrative, her story. I think that鈥檚 a big thing in this world. We have the power to control how we live, and we should take control and make that happen. Also, she has telekinesis and lasers.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

Just to experience new things. It鈥檚 kind of scary leaving a sheltered environment and going to a university with new people. It鈥檚 that experience you can get, the stories you can tell your kids and everyone as you grow older. You鈥檙e making fun memories. It鈥檚 very exciting.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My parents just because growing up they didn鈥檛 have much, and they have done everything in their power to make sure myself and my siblings have a better life than they did. They brought us to America to get an opportunity they didn鈥檛 have back home where I鈥檓 from in Nigeria. I can take inspiration from that. They dared to be great. They鈥檙e inspiring.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

When it was after class and me and my two other friends we were in the library, and we just had taken a test and we were destressing and we were making jokes and watching shows that were funny and thinking about when funny things were happening and we were just laughing at the top of our lungs. I enjoy that because it was a way to come together and destress because exams can be really stressful.

Moore's perfect attendance started at Ashworth Elementary

Seguin High School senior Connor Moore has made it a point not to miss anything during his senior year of high school.

That should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Moore. He hasn鈥檛 missed anything since he started in the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 as a kindergartener at Ashworth Elementary in 2012.

When Moore graduates from Seguin later this week, it will cap an 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 career of perfection as Moore went 13 years without missing a day of school.

It鈥檚 a streak that took 13 years to happen and is a stunning achievement as Moore made it through COVID, the sniffles, the senior itch and every other obstacle that could stand between him and perfection.听听听听

鈥淚鈥檝e been sick a lot,鈥� said Moore. 鈥淚 was just kind of sick at breaks. My mom would say that my body has kind of trained itself to be sick when I鈥檓 on breaks and then be perfectly fine when I was at school.鈥�

It鈥檚 true. His mom Celeste Moore Cervantes, who happens to be a nurse, joked that he conditioned his body to get sick at just the right time. And that time was immediately once there was a school break.

It wasn鈥檛 easy, though.

There were some near misses for Moore, who plans to go to to start his career before moving to where he hopes to study forensics.

听There was a family funeral in elementary school when Connor had to leave early. But he made it past the time attendance was taken. And there were the well-timed trips to the orthodontist when Connor got braces. Then like everyone else, Connor had to navigate through COVID. Missing school wasn鈥檛 an issue, as it was easy for him to make classes when students were studying online. Of course, he did end up getting COVID. But like his mom said, that happened when school was out for summer.

The idea of the chance at perfect attendance has been with him since he was at Ashworth.听听

鈥淭hey had an award on a plaque, a perfect attendance award,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was around third grade-ish when I realized I had perfect attendance. My teacher at the time, Ms. (Kathryn) Kaju, she told me I had perfect attendance and should go for that. That was the award I was going for at the time, was getting my name on a plaque. Junior high (Ousley) it just kind of happened that I got through it. Then I was like, 鈥業鈥檓 just going to continue.鈥欌��

While the family played a role in helping Moore achieve perfection, his mom credits him.

鈥淚t was all Connor,鈥� Moore Cervantes said. 鈥淗e wanted it.鈥�

And it鈥檚 not like Moore made it this far while in a bubble. He played cello in the orchestra and the euphonium in band. He鈥檚 also an honor graduate. He鈥檚 just one that has shown up every day鈥�.. for 13 years!

鈥淚t鈥檚 a testament to the family,鈥� Seguin principal Billy Linson said. 鈥淭hey made sacrifices to ensure that he鈥檚 able to get here and able to get the education he needs from us on a regular, daily basis. He鈥檚 a great kid. It鈥檚 really a testament to him, too, fighting through those days when it was a struggle to get up.鈥�

ACCHS VALEDICTORIAN RICHARD AGUILAR

It鈥檚 graduation season and we听are celebrating the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools. Meet Arlington College and Career High School鈥檚 valedictorian Richard Aguilar.

NAME:听Richard Aguilar

SCHOOL: Arlington College and Career High School

COLLEGE:听 or the

INTENDED MAJOR:听Aerospace engineering

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

To live without regrets. Sometimes I feel like I didn鈥檛 do enough or try enough. Things could have gone better if I would have put more effort into them.

鈱狪f you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?

Superman. He can basically do whatever, and I think that level of freedom and that level of ability could allow me to be whoever I want.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

I鈥檓 excited about a lot of things in life. Now I have to make my own decisions, and I will be able to succeed or mess up because of me, not anyone else.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

I don鈥檛 really have people I look up to for inspiration or anything. It just doesn鈥檛 make sense for me to look up to someone or be inspired by them.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 been your favorite high school memory?

The senior sunrise where I was at a pond watching ducks.

Young JH one of only 50 awarded a Moon Tree

Most everyone dreams of going to the moon one day. But if you can鈥檛 make it to the moon, maybe a from is the next best thing.听

At least that鈥檚 what Young Junior High principal Kirsten Lundin听believes. 听

Earlier this month, the school's eighth-grade community joined together to plant its own Moon Tree seedling. With , the seed traveled into lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft spending four weeks in space before returning to Earth. 听

鈥淲e have a tree from outer space,鈥� Lundin said. 鈥淗ow many people can say that?鈥�听

Through partnership with the , it flew five species of tree seeds aboard as part of a national STEM engagement and conservation education initiative. Museums, universities, federal agencies and K-12-serving organizations were invited to apply for ownership of a Moon Tree seedling. 听

That鈥檚 when art teacher Diedre Grimm and Young鈥檚 eighth grade science teachers decided to take the chance. 听

鈥淚t鈥檚 really exciting,鈥� Grimm said.听鈥淭o have this collaborative effort that everyone worked on together is so cool.鈥�听

With over 1,300 applications, the school was one of only 50 awarded a seedling. 听

鈥淲e were one of the lucky ones,鈥� said Lundin. 鈥淎nd now we have a tree from outer space planted right here in front of our building.鈥�听

The tree will serve as a living educational tool for students learning about Earth and space science as a part of the eighth grade curriculum. The school even plans to enhance the tree's significance through its next kindness campaign where students will decorate rocks to place around the tree, fostering a sense of community.听

"We are super excited," Lundin said. "It鈥檚 a unique opportunity to connect our students with the history of space exploration and the future possibilities that lie ahead."听

Learn more about the history of . 听

Destination Imagination inspires innovation

Seven fourth graders from Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language are going to miss the last day of school tomorrow.

That鈥檚 because they left for Kansas City today.

The fourth graders are part of a team heading to the in Missouri this week.

The all-girl team 鈥� Annabelle Ellis, Eden Shelor, Sophia Kidwell, Eliana Trawick, Elle Whittenberg, Jenna Carlton and Penny Nutt 鈥� is the district鈥檚 only team to qualify for the finals after the girls won the Mid-Cities Regional competition and earned a state championship at the state meet.

鈥淭his is a huge deal,鈥� said Sonia Justl Ellis, the team鈥檚 manager and parent volunteer. 鈥淨ualifying for Global Finals is very difficult, and these empathetic, hard-working, smart girls are amazing!鈥�

Destination Imagination competitions require students to work together in teams to solve open-ended STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) challenges designed to teach the creative process. The goal is to inspire students to imagine and innovate today so they become the creative and collaborative leaders of tomorrow.

Corey鈥檚 students have definitley been inspired.

"I learned that anything is possible 鈥� anything!鈥� Annabelle said.听鈥淎ll you have to do is work hard and try your best. It's fun to be creative."

The Corey team鈥檚 road to Kansas City started months ago in the fall with a service-learning project. The students organized a blanket drive at Corey where they collected 345 blankets that they then donated to local shelters in time for winter.

The team then developed a presentation about the blanket drive that they delivered at the DI competitions.

鈥淭he presentation is the story of everything they did and learned through their 鈥� their blanket drive 鈥撎齞one through the lens of a fantasy story with a map they created using technical methods to show their progression within their story,鈥� Ellis explained.

It鈥檚 not your average presentation, but this isn鈥檛 your average DI team.

"It was really fun to hand out blankets to the homeless, and I'm really excited to do DI again next year,鈥� Eliana said.

Next year is going to have wait for now though. First, they have the Global Finals with teams from 26 other states and 15 different countries.

The team will be graded on its service project presentation and in a surprise STEAM challenge where they will have a limited amount of time to create something. The key to success will be working together.

"DI has taught me that it's always better to work together than by yourself,鈥� Elle said.

Building legacies

Everyone can see the construction going on at the front of Arlington High School.

But on a recent Saturday, there was construction in the back, too.

More than a dozen Arlington High students donning blue jeans, neon-orange T-shirts and white hard hats measured and sanded wood planks, drilled holes and hammered nails.

No, they weren鈥檛 working on the school鈥檚 rear. They were participating in the first-ever 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 Trades Competition led by Chris Grimaldo, who teaches a principles of construction course at Arlington High.

With a background in aviation and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business management, Grimaldo spent a decade as a cabinet maker and lead installer. The six-year construction teacher joined Arlington High鈥檚 staff two years ago.

Grimaldo was inspired to host a competition after attending a construction workshop and becoming motivated to shed light on 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 students鈥� talents.

鈥淚 wanted these companies to see how great these Arlington students are. I told them that they are amazing. They have great attitudes. They work really hard,鈥� he said.听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听

Grimaldo鈥檚 听students were divided into four teams and displayed their woodworking skills while building two picnic tables, a beverage center and a Jenga-style game set. The event鈥檚 theme: 鈥淏ackyard Projects.鈥�

On hand to observe and share their expertise were representatives of , the largest construction industry trade association in Texas, and , based in Dallas. The event鈥檚 other two big sponsors were the and (Live. Build. Lead.) Architects, also based in Arlington. Tim Thompson, a CTE specialist who supports the district's architecture and construction, manufacturing and engineering programs, said the competition was crucial.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really important to get the kids excited and to show them that there is support from the district and from the community 鈥� that what they are doing is valued,鈥� Thompson said. 鈥淭here is a need for this industry. Not everything is college-based.鈥�

Winning creations听

鈥淚鈥檓 in the field all day long and you can tell 鈥� we need trades bad!鈥� said Landon Miller, a senior combination inspector for the City of Arlington. 鈥淲e need carpentry. We need electricians. We need plumbing. Even if you don鈥檛 go into construction, you will use these skills for the rest of your life, and it is fantastic to have.鈥�

Glenn Grant, an LBL architect, echoed Miller鈥檚 sentiments.

鈥淲e need the people out there doing things; not everyone sitting at a computer,鈥� he said.

A former longtime teacher, Grant wishes he had the experiences that today鈥檚 CTE students are receiving.

鈥淚 had shop classes in high school, and I had drafting. But it didn鈥檛 go this far, where you have competitions and work collaboratively as a team.鈥�

After spending hours watching the competitors complete their projects, Miller and Grant judged the creations, offering constructive criticism. They asked each of the teams if they would have done anything differently and inquired about how each team divided tasks among its members.

Freshman Yozhbad Carlos led three other students as they built the beverage center that featured a drop-in spot for an ice cooler, a food cutting board space and storage space underneath. The 15-year-old has grown up learning the ins and outs of construction from his grandfather, dad and uncles.

鈥淚 felt it was really special that (Grimaldo) called me to be the leader of this group. And I wanted to show up and help them out,鈥� he said.

Carlos was elated to have the experience, humbly taking advice from Miller and Grant. The judges were pleased with the efforts all the teams gave and offered constructive critiques on all of the creations.

Vivaldi Lopez, Gabriel Bateman, Josue Garcia and Roberto Vencill earned the Best Teamwork recognition for the picnic table they built.

The Best Presentation award went to Juan Avendano, Desiree Bustillos and Eric Hernandez, who created the Jenga-style game set. The team was led by 18-year-old Nick Cortez. The senior said he thought the competition 鈥渨ould be fun鈥� when Grimaldo asked him to serve as an advisor for his younger teammates.

By the end of the event, Cortez was offered a job.

Grimaldo said more details about Cortez鈥檚 position still need to be determined, but 鈥渢hat鈥檚 the whole purpose of (the competition) 鈥� to get these kids jobs.鈥�

Isac Tavares, Larry Hurtado and Bobby White 鈥� all juniors 鈥� won the Best Leadership and Collaboration award for their picnic table version.

The grand prize winner? Carlos and his teammates 鈥� Jose Suarez, Richard Hernandez and Landon Henderson 鈥� won the Best Overall award for the beverage center. Hernandez, a senior, was also offered a job as a carpenter.

Each award was a rectangular lumber piece in the shape of a pencil, engraved with the category names. The students were also awarded with their choice of gift cards from local businesses like Raising Cane鈥檚, First Watch and Dutch Bros., as well as wireless earbuds.

Grimaldo was so excited about how the inaugural turned out that he humorously told the students and judges, 鈥淲e gotta go live.鈥�

Framing lives

Throughout the contest, signs that read, 鈥淒irty Hands, Clean Money鈥� and 鈥淪upport Blue Collar鈥� hung to inspire the contestants about their future careers in construction. Simultaneously, a football scouting session took place on the field on the other side of the gate from the trades competition.

Grimaldo was thrilled to know that his contest judges were keeping a close eye on his students鈥� efforts. Like the players on the gridiron, Grimaldo鈥檚 participants had opportunities to be recruited. For jobs. Right there on the spot.

While it was a true competition, Grimaldo continuously reminded them that it 鈥渨as all in good fun.鈥� After all, the teens had proven in front of industry experts that they had successfully learned how to handle power tools for which they first had to pass safety tests in the classroom.

鈥淭his was the best day ever, guys. I鈥檓 not lying,鈥� Grimaldo said. 鈥淏eing your teacher, I have never been prouder of you.鈥�

As the students helped him take the remaining materials and their projects from their 鈥渃onstruction site鈥� back into the school, Grimaldo made them all pause. Affectionately called 鈥淕鈥� by his students, the teacher belted, 鈥淗ey! Stay on your grind!鈥�

鈥淲hoop-whoop! the students shouted back.

The call-and-response interaction between Grimaldo and his pupils further demonstrated their respect for one another.

鈥淚鈥檓 so proud of you, guys. I love you. We鈥檙e family,鈥� Grimaldo said.听听

One Act Play state meet is in Austin this weekend

Martin High School鈥檚 varsity theatre production class is one of only eight 6A high schools performing at the meet in Austin this weekend. With a long history in the One Act Play contest, this year will mark the school鈥檚 17th appearance.听

鈥淏eing at this level of competition is a true honor,鈥� said Martin theatre director Kelly Groves. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be more excited and honored to be carrying on this tradition of excellence.鈥�听

Freshmen to seniors auditioned and interviewed for a spot in the prestigious group with only 24 talented individuals making the cut. These students then auditioned for specific roles in November, preparing for their performance of scenes from the play "Equus" by Peter Shaffer.听

The play is set in 1973 at Rokeby Psychiatric Hospital in Southern England, so students had the challenge of mastering a British accent. 听

鈥淚 am excited to share this theatre experience with such a large audience and to make an impact on others 鈥� especially with a play with such strong and important themes,鈥� said senior Charlie Davis. 听

The success of the play has come from a team effort, including the actors, crew, alternates and directors. 听

鈥淚 could not be more proud of these student artists and performers,鈥� Groves said. 鈥淒irecting this group of students has been one of the great joys of my life. Their intelligence, dedication and professionalism are not only inspiring to me and others but will serve them well in whatever they do in the future. Watching them perform this play has been so inspiring. They give their whole hearts and souls to each show.鈥�听

The class will take the stage听this Saturday at the . 听听

鈥淢y director has opened our eyes to a level of performance, literature and theory that I believe most high schoolers aren鈥檛 privileged enough to be exposed to,鈥� Davis said. 鈥淭o be performing alongside others from around the state who have achieved this level of excellence is a dream come true.鈥�听

Spanish pronunciation required at spelling bee

Fourth grader Adan Rodriguez set the example at the first-ever Thornton Elementary Spanish Spelling Bee 鈥� and he spelled it correctly, too! 听

Buzzing with anticipation, 22 third through sixth grade students gathered in the cafeteria, ready to showcase their language skills last week.听

After eight rounds, Rodriguez took home the win after correctly spelling the word 鈥渆jemplo,鈥� which translates to "example" in English. 听

鈥淚 was nervous, but I am so excited,鈥� Rodriguez said. 鈥淚 practiced every single day.鈥澨�听

But it wasn鈥檛 an easy win. In round seven, Rodriguez faced off with fifth grader and spelling bee runner-up Nicole Flores with the word 鈥�别诲耻肠补肠颈贸苍,鈥� where the speller must include the accent. Spellers also had to use the Spanish pronunciation of letters when they stepped up to the mic to spell.听

And while there were only 22 students in the bee, there were plenty of eyes on the spellers. The bee was also broadcast for the entire听school. 听

鈥淎ll of my friends screamed when I went back to class,鈥� Rodriguez said. 鈥淭hey were so excited.鈥�听

As a Spanish and English speaker, Rodriguez speaks mostly English at home, making the Spanish bee a challenge. 听

鈥淚 wanted to just try to see if I could do it,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd I won first place.鈥� 听

Rodriguez鈥檚 experience reflects that of many at Thornton, where 70%听of students are Spanish English learners.听

鈥淭he spelling bee speaks to our population here,鈥� said Thornton principal, Alicia Rodriguez. 鈥淚 felt so proud watching them speak in Spanish.鈥�听

Scholarship includes Amazon internship

Most students don鈥檛 get Amazon deliveries at school. But two seniors from 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 STEM Academy at Martin High School just got packages that will change their lives.听

鈥淚 had no idea what was coming,鈥� said Karmen Chandler.听

What began as a typical meeting for members of the school鈥檚 Roboboat team turned into something much more significant 鈥� the unveiling of two winners.听听

鈥淚 thought there was no way,鈥� Chandler said. 鈥淭he second they pulled out those Amazon boxes, I knew.鈥� 听

In a competitive field of 4,000 applicants nationwide, Chandler and his classmate Emilio Reza were among the 400 students selected for the prestigious scholarship.听听

Offering up to $40,000 toward undergraduate degrees in engineering or computer science, along with a summer internship at , this opportunity opens doors for students to pursue their dreams at any college of their choice.听听

鈥淚t鈥檒l help all my options be more affordable,鈥� Chandler said. 鈥淚 feel like now I have more of a choice in where I want to go.鈥澨�听

As busy members of Martin鈥檚 Roboboat and drone teams and national cyber scholars who won last year, they couldn鈥檛 have done it without the support of their STEM teacher James Hovey.听

鈥淢r. Hovey has been my number one supporter,鈥� Reza said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 given me so many opportunities to learn from and pushed me to where I am today.鈥�听

But to Hovey, it鈥檚 their go-getter attitudes that set them apart.听

鈥淥ne thing they have in common is they take advantage of every opportunity to enter competitions to have fun while learning,鈥� he said.听听

As the district鈥檚 fourth and fifth recipients - and the fourth year in a row for a Martin student - the reputation of Amazon scholarship winners in 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 stands strong.听听

鈥淚 am very proud,鈥� Hovey said. 鈥淚 had high hopes that they would be awarded this honor.鈥�听

But the journey is just beginning.听听

Chandler hopes to attend the or the to study computational neuroscience, the field of study in which mathematical tools and theories are used to investigate brain function. With interest in coding, Reza plans to attend , or to study cybersecurity. 听

Until then, Chandler and Reza will be soaking up the rest of their senior year.听

鈥淭his is an incredible opportunity and scholarship for these kids,鈥� said Martin principal Marlene Roddy. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge honor for our STEM Academy and the work our teachers do.鈥� 听

Learn more about . 听

Students named TCU Community Scholars

Once a Texan, always a Texan. But this fall, seven more Sam Houston High School seniors will be Horned Frogs, too! 听

鈥淚t warms my heart every year,鈥� said Sam Houston听counselor Cynthia Carter. 鈥淚t takes time, and these kids work so hard.鈥� 听

Selected as , their hard work sure paid off. The seven students were honored Monday with a celebration with classmates and family and a clap-out to end the day. That鈥檚 what happens when you鈥檙e heading to TCU on scholarships valued at more than $280,000 each. The future is bright for Sam Houston鈥檚 soon-to-be biology, nursing, business and political science majors.

鈥淲e are so excited to do this together,鈥� said Angelica Garcia, whose best friend Samantha Leos will be right there beside her. 鈥淚 called her immediately and told her to check her phone right away.鈥� 听

For Leos, the email almost didn鈥檛 seem real. 听听

鈥淚 couldn't believe it at first,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 worked really hard, and I shed a lot of tears.鈥� 听

Cheering the scholars were听Garcia and Leos鈥� teammates from the school鈥檚 cheer team along with students from Sam鈥檚 P-TECH and AVID programs. It also helped expose those freshmen and sophomores to the possibilities that await them. 听

Each year, awards 50 scholarships to students at 13 Title I high schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The four-year scholarship includes a supportive residential experience and opportunities to study abroad. 听

Around December or January, students find out if they鈥檝e been admitted to the university before they can be considered as a community scholar. Once admitted, the application process begins. Finalists attend a dinner, go through interviews and visit TCU where they learn more about their career pathway. 听

https://youtu.be/J9ZiU5grZ54

In addition to the seven who were selected, Sam Houston had six other students who were finalists for the scholarship.听

鈥淭hese kids are amazing,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淭hey are good human beings, they are kind individuals, they are compassionate individuals and they are concerned not only about Sam Houston but about their peers and about others.鈥� 听

That鈥檚 why when they were asked to speak about their experience leading up to the scholarship, they all chose to share their own advice to inspire others. 听

鈥淭ake the risks,鈥� said Zerahann Ondieki. 鈥淕et out of your comfort zone, there are so many new opportunities out there. Don鈥檛 sit on your potential. Don鈥檛 limit yourself. It鈥檚听hard, but you never know what could be at the end of the road for you.鈥�听

Garcia felt the same way.听

鈥淭ake advantage of your opportunities because you never know where they may lead,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think any of us ever thought we鈥檇 be here. Keep going and never give up.鈥�听

With the support of their teachers and counselors, they were able to do just that.听

鈥淭hey are why we're even here right now,鈥� Garcia said. 鈥淭hey didn't leave our side for a second.鈥� 听

The experience for other recipients like Christopher Montano was similar. 听

鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 have done it without them,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited and I'm ready.鈥� 听

So, let the countdown to the fall semester begin. 听

鈥淚鈥檓听so proud,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淭hey did it.鈥�听

And although they鈥檙e taking on their purple and white, they鈥檒l always bleed red and blue!听

Way to go Texans! Congratulations to the seven TCU Community Scholars: 听听

Luis Andrade 听

Caleb Dixon听

Angelica Garcia听

Samantha Leos听

Stephani Lopez听

Christopher Montano 听

Zerahann Ondieki

Carre帽o explains how special this eclipse is

Have a question about the upcoming eclipse?

Just ask a third or fourth grader at Burgin Elementary. They have the details down.

That鈥檚 because Univision鈥檚 chief meteorologist visited Burgin and gave the students a presentation about the upcoming eclipse. And she drilled home all the specifics.

鈥淚 want you to remember some key things that are going to happen with this eclipse because it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,鈥� she told the students seated on the gym floor.

Again and again she鈥檇 ask the students if they remembered a certain detail and they鈥檇 respond loudly in unison.

鈥淲hen is the eclipse?鈥� 鈥淎pril 8!鈥�

鈥淲hat time does the eclipse start?鈥� 鈥�12:23!鈥�

鈥淲hat time does the total eclipse start?鈥� 鈥�1:40!鈥�

鈥淗ow long will it last?鈥� 鈥淔our minutes!鈥� (Three minutes and 52 seconds to be exact.)

鈥淐an you look at it without special glasses?鈥� 鈥淣o!鈥�

鈥淟ooking at is so dangerous,鈥� Carre帽o said. 鈥淭he sun will be covered up, but the rays will still be coming through. Only use special glasses. Remember, sunglasses are not good enough.鈥�

Carre帽o explained the science behind the eclipse and demonstrated how the moon, which is so much smaller than the sun, can block it completely.

鈥淗ow can the moon cover the sun?鈥� she asked. 鈥淭he sun is 400 times bigger than the moon.鈥�

It鈥檚 all about the distance. Carre帽o had the students stick up their thumbs and block out her head.

鈥淭he sun is also 400 times farther away than the moon,鈥� she said.

Carre帽o also emphasized how special this event is.

鈥淲ho has cousins that live in another state?鈥� she asked.

Dozens of hands shot up.

鈥淭hey鈥檙e not going to get to see it,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e going to have to tell them how cool it is. That鈥檚 why this is so special.鈥�

Plus, this won鈥檛 happen in the DFW area for another 300 years!

Starstruck

The presentation was all about the sun and moon, but a lot of the students were starstruck when they saw Carre帽o.

Especially the bilingual fourth graders. They know Carre帽o by name and watch her regularly on Univision. And they couldn鈥檛 leave the gym without giving her a hug.

鈥淔irst of all, I know what it feels like to start with another language 鈥� how difficult it is when you come to a new country or when your parents are immigrants,鈥� Carre帽o said after giving out dozens of hugs. 鈥淪o, I wanted to make sure they saw somebody that looked like them on TV and succeeds in science and in math.鈥�

Her visit brought the students a lot more than details about the eclipse. The Emmy-award-winner and only female chief meteorologist in Texas also brought inspiration.

That was obvious from the smiles and joy on so many of the student鈥檚 faces.

鈥淭he school [Burgin], I鈥檝e heard some amazing things about,鈥� Carre帽o said. 鈥淎nd when I got here, just going down the halls you can feel the loving atmosphere they have. I鈥檓 so glad that I came here 鈥� it means the world to me to come.鈥�

The feeling was mutual. It meant the world to the students, too.

WWE's Montez Ford inspires students

If the seventh graders at Nichols Junior High needed a boost to start their last Friday before spring break, WWE superstar was ready to give it to them.

Ford jumped on the table in the cafeteria and pumped up the students with his talk about commitment.

The commitment theme was all part of the morning event put on by the and the . Joining Ford at the event were another WWE superstar and National Medal of Honor recipient , who is one of 63 living MOH recipients.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the best,鈥� Ford said. 鈥淚 remember being their age and just being excited, happy and scared all at the same time. To see someone that I possibly idolize who takes the time to come in and give me some words of encouragement, it would go a long way. I鈥檓 glad I鈥檓 in this position to give back.鈥�

Ford, who served in the Marines, talked about the commitment it took for him to reach the level he is now. He talked about the travel involved, the training, and balancing that along with being married and raising two children.

鈥淓very success story has commitment,鈥� Ford said. 鈥淔or me to be as fly as I am, it took commitment.鈥�

Ford had the Nichols students hanging on his every word with his engaging speech and served as the perfect hype man for Groberg.

鈥淐all of Duty ain鈥檛 got nothing on him,鈥� Ford said of Groberg.

Groberg鈥檚 commitment to the event was evident by the fact that the day before appearing at Nichols, he was in Latvia working with people helping Ukraine.

At Nichols, Groberg didn鈥檛 talk much about what it took for him to earn the Medal of Honor, but instead focused on his time as a junior high student. He came to the United States from France as a sixth grader and didn鈥檛 speak English. By the time he graduated from high school, he had a college scholarship and graduated with honors.

It wasn鈥檛 easy, but Groberg was committed.

鈥淚 did my best,鈥� Groberg said.

Commitment is one of the Medal of Honor values. The new Medal of Honor Museum is slated to open in March of 2024 in Arlington, and Groberg was happy to share his message.

鈥淚t reminds me of when I was in their shoes,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e probably going to get 15 or 20% of the message we sent out today, but this is one of those things that they鈥檙e going to remember. To do it with someone like Montez, that added element of stardom gets them really excited, so this is a day they鈥檒l remember for a long time.鈥�

Canon representative is a CTC grad

When Aleksandr Thomas went to the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center last week, he had to go in the front door and sign in as a visitor.

A little different than last year when he鈥檇 come in the student entrance.

Last year at this time, he was an Arlington High School senior taking classes at the CTC. Now, Thomas is a field technician with .

He joined other Canon employees on a visit to the CTC to announce a new partnership with seniors at the school.

鈥� Skilled Professionals at Rising Canon 鈥� offers seniors an opportunity to see and explore rewarding careers at Canon outside of the conventional higher education track. SPARC introduces the future graduates to various career options in the technical installation, maintenance and repair fields.

鈥淥ur goal is to provide opportunities to you for a career with Canon America,鈥� said Steve Lucas, Canon Solutions America vice president of service central zone, to dozens of seniors in his pitch about SPARC at the CTC. 鈥淲e鈥檙e here to help you think about your future and what鈥檚 coming up very quickly for all of you.鈥�

Lucas is passionate about the perks of a career with Canon, and his palpable enthusiasm for the SPARC program stems from his own experience. He started with Canon 39 years ago as a tech trainee, and he loves his job and the company he works for.

鈥淔ind something you like,鈥� he told the students. 鈥淚f you find something you like to do, you will be good at it. If you love to do it, you鈥檒l be great at it.鈥�

For seniors who might be interested in following in the footsteps of Lucas or Thomas at Canon, the SPARC program can get them there.

The program runs through May and includes field trips to Canon鈥檚 Dallas regional office and a customer site, product demonstrations, meetings with industry experts and finally an opportunity to interview with Canon.

Lucas wasn鈥檛 the only Canon representative who touted the opportunities the program offers.

Henry Mceachin, a Canon branch sales director, traveled to Arlington from Indiana to share his experience with the students.

鈥淚鈥檓 currently living my dream,鈥� Mceachin told the students. 鈥淭he opportunity to just get your foot in the door with a company like Canon 鈥� 200,000 employees, $30 billion 鈥� you can go from sales to service to support, parts to logistics to business analysts 鈥� we鈥檙e in so many different things.鈥�

Thomas got his foot in the door last summer with an internship that turned into a full-time job.

But it wasn鈥檛 through the SPARC program. It didn鈥檛 exist in Arlington yet. This is SPARC鈥檚 third year, but just the first in Arlington. It鈥檚 now available at only five schools in the country.

Nonetheless, Thomas was eager to promote SPARC to his former fellow students because of how much he has enjoyed his budding career at Canon.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a wonderful opportunity,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚f you have an interest in anything,鈥� he told the students, 鈥渢hey [Canon] probably have a position for you.鈥�

Students interested in participating in SPARC need to write a letter about why they should be selected for the program and submit it to Canon via Kari Winters, 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 practicum specialist at the CTC.

鈥淭his is a very unique opportunity,鈥� Winters said to the students as she encouraged them to write an application letter.

Career Exploration Camp registration opens March 18

Parents, if you are looking for a fun way for your incoming seventh, eighth or ninth grade student to spend their summer, the free Career Exploration Camp at the Dan Dipert Career Technical Center is the perfect opportunity.

The 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 career and technical education department (CTE) has partnered with the guidance and counseling team to introduce students to four-year pathways they can take advantage of once they begin high school. With over 12 discussion topics, students will have the opportunity to learn about career paths that focus on robotics, culinary arts, web design, architecture and much more.

鈥淲e are excited to offer these hands-on opportunities for students to experience some of our amazing programs," said Sara Mahoney, the coordinator for career and technical education. 鈥淥ur hope is that this experience will help students choose programs that they are interested in and start them on their path to future career success!鈥�

Registration for the Career Exploration Camp opens on March 18 at 5 p.m., and CTE specialists like Earl Harris are excited to for students to register and take part in the camp. He believes it will spark a curiosity in students that will last a lifetime.

鈥淓mpowering young minds with hands-on experiences at our CTE career camp for junior high students isn't just about sparking curiosity; it's about igniting a passion for learning,鈥� Harris said. "We believe that by providing real-world applications, we're not just preparing students for the future 鈥� we're sculpting future leaders equipped with 21st-century skills, essential for their post-secondary success.鈥�

You can see the camp flyer here, and be ready when the link to register goes live. Don鈥檛 wait to register because there will only be 200 spots available.

Keira Cloud's painting evokes nostalgia

For Arlington High School junior Keira Cloud, her passion for art goes beyond the classroom.听听

鈥淪he puts in 100%, she鈥檚 all-in,鈥� said Arlington High School art teacher Michelle Justice. 听

That鈥檚 why her artwork goes beyond the classroom, too.听

As the artist featured on the cover of the 2024 Winter Texas Art Education Association () Newsletter, Cloud鈥檚听鈥淒iner in the Snow鈥� is being听displayed across Texas.听

鈥淚t feels really exciting,鈥� said Cloud. 鈥淚t鈥檚 super rewarding to see something I put so much effort into on the cover of the E-STAR.鈥�听

But the piece is听more than just the cover of a听newsletter. It鈥檚 a special childhood memory.听

鈥淢y inspiration was my childhood love for the holidays,鈥� Cloud听said. 鈥淚n the painting, the view from the windows is a photo my dad took of my childhood house鈥檚 street during a snowstorm when I was younger.鈥� 听

She grew up with a fondness for wintertime and Christmas and was successful in creating that听nostalgic feeling in her painting.听

鈥淲hat I especially love about her piece making the cover is how it compares to the artwork that usually gets selected for these honors,鈥� said Justice. 鈥淚t is refreshing to see Keira's atmospheric, subdued, poetic landscape earn this recognition.鈥�听

In fact, the听painting has been recognized for its ambiance听multiple times before. 听

鈥淒iner in the Snow鈥� previously received a regional medal, a state medal and the highest honor in the event, the Gold Seal Award.听

鈥淢y entire childhood I grew up with the dream of being an artist,鈥� said Cloud. 鈥淚鈥檝e always admired the expression of beauty and emotion through art. I hope to continue developing my skills and understanding for as long as I can.鈥� 听

Cloud has a willingness to try new things, and her teachers have helped encourage her听dream, too.听

鈥淭his piece was her first oil painting,鈥� said Justice. 鈥淚 had a feeling she was going to love it and it would open a whole new world of possibilities for her.鈥�听

After taking on the challenge, Cloud discovered听a new favorite medium of art.听

鈥淪ince this painting was my first time working with oil paint, I'm very grateful to have had such a patient and thoughtful teacher to help me learn the basics,鈥� Cloud said. 鈥淚 believe the memories and bonds between me and my teachers will stick with me forever.鈥� 听

Learn more about .

Opal Lee spearheaded Juneteenth campaign

Two hours into 鈥淚gniting the Change,鈥� Sam Houston High School鈥檚 Black History Month program, keynote speaker took the stage.

Judging by the rousing standing ovation, it was worth the wait.

Lee, 97, walked gingerly to a waiting chair, sat, leaned into the microphone and began to talk about life as the catalyst for Juneteenth, the national holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

It was Lee who campaigned for decades to bring Juneteenth to the national stage, promoting the idea during a series of symbolic walks from her Fort Worth home to the U.S. capital, beginning in 2016. She also spearheaded an online petition that drew 1.6 million signatures.

In June 2021, a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden.

鈥淚 was there when President Biden signed the resolution and the bill making it a law,鈥� Texas Congressman Marc Veasey said during one of several video tributes to Lee. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of any better person to focus on than Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth.鈥�

Lee is highly sought after in February but said that Sam Houston was an intentional choice after hearing good things about its past Black History programs. Indeed, the yearly event has become a district staple with other campuses joining in on the celebration, too, like Martin High School (Davina Obinyan recited her 鈥淏lack Monologue鈥�), Nichols Junior High (performed its award-winning step routine), Dallas ISD鈥檚 fifth grade oratory winner Jzairus Hopkins Swanson (recited his speech) and TCC Northeast (a spirited hip-hop performance).

鈥淲hen presenting a program that reflects the resilience, creativity and leadership of African Americans who have shaped our nation鈥檚 history, who better represents that than Opal Lee?鈥� Sam Houston principal Juan Villarreal said when opening the program.

Black History committee member Billy Wilson said Lee was a good fit for its new theme, 鈥淚gniting the Change,鈥� a theme which he didn鈥檛 quite understand at first.

鈥淎s I got to ponder it a bit more,鈥� he said, 鈥淚 really got to see it as a call to action. Each of us in our everyday lives has been taught to make decisions about what we will do. We have a mind that lets us make choices of right and wrong.

鈥淓ach of us, as we go through the day, we see things going on we need to say something about. Whether it is integration, jail deaths or the homeless, there are a lot of things going on we can say something about. If we each do our part, we can bring a better society. We should be a committee of one to change. If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love.鈥�

That was the sentiment for the program, including performances by various Sam Houston choirs, the Jazz Ensemble, the dance group African Sensations, the Color Guard and the oratory group 鈥淵oung People of Color.鈥�

Committee chair Graylon Roberson, a teacher at Sam Houston, directed a Black music appreciation medley featuring songs from Chuck Berry to Whitney Houston.

鈥淲e work on this program starting from the end of the last year鈥檚 program,鈥� Roberson said. 鈥淭he students and staff all come together, including members of the community, other high schools and colleges.鈥�

Last year, the program honored John Lewis and his campaign for civil rights.

鈥淭his year, the students said, 鈥榃e want to start something that ignites a change鈥� and say how it鈥檚 bigger than us, more than just us,鈥� Roberson said. 鈥淲hen we found out that we鈥檇 have Opal Lee coming, we thought that 鈥業gniting the Change鈥� was perfect, seeing that to start something, all it takes is one small step that can make a difference. That鈥檚 what we wanted to hone in on this year.鈥�

During her speech, Lee said she took one step toward making Juneteenth a national holiday and watched as many others followed and kept pace.

鈥淎ll you have to be is a committee of one,鈥� she said, 鈥渢o change somebody鈥檚 mind, to get people who are not on the same page on the same page. You can change minds if you keep at it. You can change lives. That鈥檚 what we did with Juneteenth.鈥�

Industry partners take CTE to the next level

色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 career and technical education (CTE) program is all about opportunities that set students up for real-world success. One of the biggest ways the program achieves that real-world component is through industry partnerships. February is , so there鈥檚 no better time to highlight the district鈥檚 outstanding partners and the impact they make on students.

With more than 90 industry partners 鈥� from and to and 鈥� students get access to classes, instructors, practicums and internships that bring the real job world into the classroom and often take students out of the classroom and into the real job world.

鈥淭he 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 is fortunate to have so many impactful partnerships,鈥� said 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 CTE director Susan Patterson. 鈥淭hese mutually beneficial partnerships ensure that education remains relevant, provides work-based learning opportunities, addresses the skills gap and prepares the future workforce. By working together, schools and industry can create a collaborative relationship that promotes the success of students, educators and the Arlington community as a whole.鈥�

Access to real-world partnerships

Industry partners help introduce students to the job world and expose them to a variety of career options they might want to explore.

For Preston Murria, a freshman in the P-TECH program at Seguin High School, the school鈥檚 industry partner has him thinking seriously about his future for the first time.

鈥淚've never really thought about what I wanted to do before getting to talk with professionals in engineering,鈥� Murria said. 鈥淕etting to ask questions and explore my interests has been amazing... I love this opportunity, and I won't waste it.鈥�

The P-TECH at Seguin 鈥� one of four Pathways in Technology () high schools in the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 鈥� is all about just that. Each P-TECH has an industry focus and partner that support students in their career journeys. For the Seguin P-TECH 鈥� which is focused on engineering and computer-aided drafting and design 鈥� the industry partner is Bell.

鈥淪tudents engage with business and industry partners to foster a better understanding of the various career pathway opportunities and the educational journey it will take to get them there,鈥� said Andrea Hicks, Seguin鈥檚 P-TECH administrator. 鈥淭he connection with our partners will lead to internships and job opportunities for our students.鈥�

One of the tangible ways that Hicks and her staff help foster student engagement with partners is through Work-based Learning Fridays. Professionals from a variety of fields visit with students, interact with them and offer insight into potential career paths. Most of the visitors this year have been from Bell, but there have been others as well, including , a NASA researcher who was the first Black women to earn a Ph. D in aerospace engineering from UT Arlington.

鈥淭he Bell Helicopter presentations have allowed me to gain a solid grasp as to what to expect once I am applying for a job in the engineering field,鈥� said Seguin P-TECH freshman Michael Grooms. 鈥淭hese presentations have displayed to me what I'm required to do once I'm actually working on various projects within my community of colleagues.鈥�

Real-world experiences and skills development

Seguin鈥檚 P-TECH is just one example of what is going on throughout the district at every high school and at two of the district鈥檚 newest facilities. In fact, relevant, real-world experiences are what the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center (CTC) and the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 Agriculture Center are all about.

The CTC is a state-of-the-art facility that offers juniors and seniors from all 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 high schools 68 CTE courses in 27 programs of study. The building features an open design concept that creates a college-like atmosphere. Then there鈥檚 the听Agriculture Science Center, a net-zero building that gives any student in the district the opportunity to raise an animal and participate in ag education.

Many of the courses and opportunities at these facilities include industry partners who offer the students real-world training. From the fire academy to floral design, from cosmetology to health sciences, and from welding to animal science, students engage in practical learning that develops the skills they will need in their careers or future education.

鈥淐TE programming is the catalyst in which students gain knowledge and skills that set them up to successfully transition to college, career or both upon graduating from high school through students engaging in relevant, rigorous and real-world learning experiences,鈥� said Ginger Polster, the CTC principal.

Many students take practicums with industry partners 鈥� like veterinary clinics, restaurants and hospitals 鈥� which are designed to give students a supervised practical application of previously studied knowledge and skills in an arrangement appropriate to the nature and level of their experience.

鈥淭he purpose of a practicum is to provide students the opportunity to explore a career within their pathway giving the student an on-site observation and training experience,鈥� said Kari Winters, practicum specialist at the CTC.

The experience students get through these CTE courses, practicums and internships are invaluable. Take it from a few recent graduates. Here鈥檚 what a few had to say:

Ryan Smith, Arlington High School Class of 2022

These facilities shaped me into the leader I am today with classes that built the foundation for my career readiness. Starting with prerequisites at my home campus, I was able to put forth my knowledge on agriculture into continued education at the Agriculture Science Center where I completed courses like advanced animal science, intro to floral design and livestock production, and later participated in the two offered practicums, Veterinary Assistant and Floral Design. In each of these courses, I obtained my TSFA Florist License and became a certified veterinarian assistant. The environment that I experienced at both of these facilities built my courage to find lifelong friends and make lifelong experiences. Since graduating, I have pursued further education at Tarleton State University to major in animal science, with scholarships obtained from these programs. I will forever be grateful for the AISD CTC and ASC!

Nick Ward, Sam Houston High School Class of 2020

The CTC鈥檚 model of industry-level instruction allowed me to set goals inspired by my personal field experience. Having learned specialized skills before pursuing higher education made room for me to explore the full breadth of my discipline.

Cameron O'Dell, Martin High School Class of 2019

The Career and Technical Center helped me get machinist and welding training that gave me the chance to do an interview with Lockheed Martin. I now have a job with Lockheed Martin that gives me amazing benefits and amazing work environment. The Career and Technical Center is what put me on the path for my future and I don't know what I would be doing if I never took these classes. The staff helped me so much in getting my foot in the door in Lockheed Martin that I will always be grateful for this school and everything that they do.

Diana Contreras, Lamar High School Class of 2018听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听

I am a Mexican immigrant first generation college graduate, and I attended the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center in its first school year of opening in 2017-2018. The CTC has opened so many doors for growth and opportunity for me. At the CTC I was able to take a second-year course in architecture taught by Kari Summers 鈥� Thanks to Ms. Summers and her class I was able to land an internship at LBL Architects, the longest running architecture firm in Arlington, Texas. I got the internship as a sophomore in college and today I have almost four years of experience in the field with only having graduated in spring of 2022 from UTA with my degree. Ms. Summers and her class at the CTC has played a major role in my success as a college graduate and now as a professional in the field of architecture.

The real-world CTE opportunities offered to 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 students through the district鈥檚 outstanding industry partners is making a real impact in the lives and careers of students and graduates. Learn more about all the opportunities the district鈥檚 CTE department offers here.

18 PLUSS helps students with vocational development

It鈥檚 the season of love, hearts and x鈥檚 and o鈥檚!听听

鈥淚t makes me happy,鈥� said 18 PLUSS student Emma Sturkie.听听

It鈥檚 also the perfect time to spread the love and happiness with those who have served our country.听听

That鈥檚 why the students of 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 Performance-Based Learning in Unique School Settings (18 PLUSS) program from Lamar High School decorated Valentine鈥檚 Day cards for veterans and shared their love and appreciation.听

Serving students 18-22 years old, the program is designed to support high school students eligible for special education services who require assistance in securing and sustaining employment in their local area as part of their vocational development.听

In partnering with local businesses, around 80 students visit the or the nearby Sheraton Hotel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week to gain real-world work experience.听听

Last week鈥檚 visit to the stadium was a little different. Instead of stocking supplies or setting up events,听it was all about getting creative. 听

With their own VIP suite stocked with hearts, flowers, glitter and more, the festive project sure did spread the spirit of Valentine鈥檚 Day. 听

鈥淚 decorated them with stickers and drew lots of hearts on them,鈥� said 19-year-old La鈥橳ori Reed.听

Each card was a small token of gratitude, a reminder to the veterans that they were loved and cherished.听

鈥淭hanks for supporting our country,鈥� Reed wrote. 鈥淚 liked decorating this one because it shows love.鈥� 听

Reed, Sturkie and their classmates' cards were given to the and handed out to veterans and their families. 听

鈥淲e talk to them about how meaningful it is to these veterans when they open them,鈥� said special education teacher Dana Rainwater. 鈥淚t means that they are being thought of on this special day and someone has taken the time to make something special just for them.鈥澨�听

With each card, they hope to brighten the day of Arlington veterans through love, kindness and the enduring spirit of community. 听

鈥淚 love that these veterans get to have a piece of my students, a piece of what they created,鈥� said Rainwater. 鈥淲e hope they have a wonderful Valentine鈥檚 Day wherever they are.鈥�听

Learn more about 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 18 PLUSS services. 听

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Explore your future at College and Career Expo

Discover endless opportunities at the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 College and Career Expo on March 26, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. at the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 Athletics Center. With college reps, local businesses, seminars and prizes, this event is a gateway to a world of possibilities after high school and is geared to both eager high school students and their parents.

The Expo features colleges and universities like the University of Texas at Arlington, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Tech University, the University of Oklahoma and many more. College representatives will share insights on academic paths and advice to help students figure out how to pursue their aspirations.

Beyond academics, businesses like Canon Solutions America, Prince Lebanese Grill and National Special Force will be present as well, and some will offer on-site job interviews. So, students, dress appropriately and bring multiple copies of your resume.

The Expo will also include informative 45-minute seminars designed to empower students and parents alike to make informed decisions. Seminar topics include college prep, paying for college, college athletic recruiting and scholarships.

You鈥檙e guaranteed to leave the event with a ton of helpful information for your future. And you might even walk away with an exciting prize. Several lucky attendees will win a Bluetooth speaker, Fire TV Stick or Beats Studio Buds. Thanks to for sponsoring the giveaway.

With all the learning, networking, job interviewing and fun, attendees are bound to work up an appetite. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 a good thing there will be concessions this year for the first time, courtesy of students from the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.

To sign up for this enriching experience, click . Don't miss the chance to explore, learn and pave the way for a successful future at the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 College and Career Expo.

We can鈥檛 wait to see you there!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AnyTpZwj6k

Students made Chinese dumplings in Mandarin class

Happy Lunar New Year! Or 鈥渪墨n ni谩n h菐o,鈥� as Wimbish World Language Academy鈥檚 Mandarin听students would say. 听

Last Friday, the academy鈥檚 Mandarin program immersed the school in the festivities of the and听hosted a Chinese New Year parade wishing听strength, power and success.听

From handmade dragons to traditional music and dumplings, there was no better way to highlight the richness of Chinese culture. 听

鈥淚t feels like joy,鈥� said fourth grade Mandarin student Aaron Najera. 鈥淚t鈥檚 fun getting to spread the cheer and celebrating different things that are happening all around the world.鈥�听

With more than 100 students learning the language, Mandarin is听one of the school鈥檚 most popular programs. 听

鈥淭he kids love it, and they鈥檝e been preparing for this forever,鈥� said Wimbish principal Dr. Chelsea Kostyniak. 鈥淢andarin is such a popular foreign language, and everybody wants to take it.鈥� 听

That鈥檚 because Mandarin teacher Yona Zhang makes it so special. 听

鈥淢rs. Zhang is amazing,鈥� Kostyniak said. 鈥淪he prepares them to show off what they learn about in class every day.鈥�听

That鈥檚 why Zhang helped her students create their own dragon heads, lanterns and ribbons in preparation for the parade. 听

鈥淚鈥檓 honored and blessed to be celebrating the Chinese New Year at my school,鈥� Zhang said. 鈥淚鈥檓 so proud to see my kids having such a great time.鈥�听

And it didn鈥檛 end with a parade. Zhang also taught her students how to mix, wrap and eat traditional dumplings. 听

She even taught new superintendent Dr. Matt Smith and board members Justin Chapa and Brooklyn Richardson how to do it, too.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to see our kids learn through sharing and culture,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭he thing that strikes me the most is the pride that I see in these听students' faces.鈥�听

Fourth grader Mila Hernandez is the perfect example.听

鈥淲e get to do fun activities with what we learn about in school all the time,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really exciting.鈥�听

Drawing from her own experience, Zhang is grateful to be able to give her students the same opportunities she had. 听

鈥淣ot every school has a Chinese program,鈥� Zhang said. 鈥淟earning English from China opened so many doors for me. My students will learn Chinese here, learn the culture and it will open many doors for them, too.鈥�听

Highlighting the importance of cultural exchange through shared learning experiences is what Wimbish is all about. 听

鈥淭here鈥檚 a feeling at this school that everybody belongs,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淐elebrating different cultures as a community makes learning that much more fun!

There's a CTSO for every student

色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚听career and technical education program听is all about providing future-building opportunities for students. And many of those opportunities extend beyond the classroom.

That鈥檚 the case with all the district鈥檚 many career and technical student organizations (CTSOs). These organizations offer students the opportunity to learn a wide range of real-world skills, improve teamwork and engage in competition with other schools.

鈥淐TSOs provide unique programs of career and leadership development, engaging and competitive activities, classroom enrichment with extended learning and well-deserved student recognition for their talent and hard work,鈥� said Susan Patterson, 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 director of career and technical education.

With a wide variety of organizations to choose from 鈥� from agriculture to robotics to business and more 鈥� there is something for everyone. While these organizations are fun for students while they are in them, their impact is serious, lasting and life-changing.

鈥淐TSO听organizations are a gateway to finding community, creating a network that reaches beyond the walls of the organizations and finding friendships that will last a lifetime,鈥� said Dakota Lindemulder, an Arlington High School grad who moved on to Texas A&M to study agricultural economics.

BUILDING A FUTURE

Lindemulder鈥檚 CTSO when he was a high school student, Future Farmers of America 鈥� or FFA 鈥� is a great example of the impact on students.

Sponsored by the district鈥檚 ten agricultural science teachers, 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 FFA has around 160 student members from all district high schools. FFA gives members the opportunity to apply what they learn in their ag science courses and exhibit chickens, rabbits, goats, lambs and cattle. Plus, FFA students participate in competitions on leadership development, career development and public speaking.

听鈥淔FA impacts me by making me a more responsible and social person,鈥� said Ismael Plata, a senior at Arlington High. 鈥淪ome things that I have gained are educational opportunities, leadership skills and work ethic. Through the FFA I have shown a goat, heifer, ag mechanics, and I helped another student show their market broilers at the county show.鈥�

The impact extends beyond the animal arena and helps create well-rounded individuals. FFA helps strengthen time management skills, work ethic and responsibility as well as employability skills for all careers, ag-related or not.

鈥淚 would not be the person I am today without the hard lessons, rewarding successes and valued mentors that I experienced during my time in the FFA,鈥� Lindemulder said. 鈥淭hese organizations are one of the stepping stones into adulthood and finding your place in this world.鈥�

RABBITS TO ROBOTS

While some students raise rabbits, others build robots. The district鈥檚 robotics clubs compete in the听, which bills itself as the ultimate sport for the mind. The student teams design, manufacture and build a robot that competes with other teams throughout the state.

鈥淩obotics is very useful to the students because it allows them to apply in-demand real-world skills primarily in the areas of design, manufacturing, engineering and programming,鈥� said Kevin Knierim, an entrepreneurship and marketing instructor at the听Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center听and the lead mentor for one of the CTC鈥檚 robotics teams. 鈥淪tudents are able to apply these skills directly in the workforce or it prepares them for STEM-type degrees.鈥�

One of the most impactful elements of robotics competition isn鈥檛 specifically about STEM. It鈥檚 about learning to work together with others. It鈥檚 about teamwork.

鈥淚t is not a group of students working on individual competitions,鈥� Knierim said. 鈥淚t is truly a team where all the parts work together. In addition, we can incorporate a variety of pathways. We have engineering, manufacturing, programming, business and even cosmetology students involved in the different aspects of the team.鈥澨�

FAMILY-FOCUSED

CTSO鈥檚 don鈥檛 just focus on animals and technology. Some, like 鈥� Family, Career, Community Leaders of America 鈥� are focused on people, on families and on community.

鈥淚t is the only student organization that is focused on family, and it honestly is one big family,鈥� said Seguin High School teacher Stephanie Bowsher. Bowsher has been the FCCLA advisor for six years and loved every minute of it.

鈥淚t is an extremely competitive organization and teaches the students leadership skills, networking, community service and the importance of doing for others,鈥� she said.

Students compete with projects related to anything from culinary arts, leadership, sustainability, food innovations and parliamentary procedures.

鈥淚 am so proud of all of my competitors and students in the organization,鈥� Bowsher said. 鈥淭hey all work extremely hard and learn life-changing lessons and skills that take them into college and their adult lives.鈥�

Advancing all the way to the FCCLA鈥檚 national competition is extremely difficult, but Bowsher has had students reach the National Leadership Conference for the last three years in a row. That includes Alexis Chukwunyere, last year鈥檚 Seguin FCCLA president. In fact, she didn鈥檛 just make it; she placed 11th in the nation for her event management project.

鈥淲ithout the help of my advisor, Ms. Bowsher, and the staff and faculty at Seguin, I would not have had the opportunity to experience something as great at NLC for two years in a row or find myself in ways I may not have before,鈥� Chukwunyere said.

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS

Many students have their sights set on business and entrepreneurship after they complete their education, and CTSOs like听听and听 equip students with the skills they will need to be successful.

鈥淏usiness Professionals of America is an organization that exposes members to opportunities that offer real value to the community while simultaneously providing a vehicle to develop and improve academic knowledge, 21st century skills and a broader sense of social conscience and community awareness,鈥� said Christi Cox, a teacher and BPA sponsor at Bowie High School.

Judging by Cox鈥檚 students鈥� success at the regional BPA competition, the students are getting a lot out of their BPA experience. All 44 students who competed recently in the regional competition advanced to the state competition at the end of the month. They will be competing to advance to the national competition in Chicago in May.

鈥淏eing a part of BPA has been a wonderful experience,鈥� said Bowie鈥檚 BPA vice president Joanne Xia. 鈥淚 love the connections that I was able to make over the years. BPA allowed me to go out and feel new experiences and create amazing memories that I will never forget. This organization has truly made my time at school a little more enjoyable.鈥�

BUSINESS, BBQ AND BEYOND

Whether it鈥檚 ag, robotics, family, business or barbecue 鈥� yes, BBQ 鈥� or health sciences or welding or public safety or education 鈥� there are CTSOs for every student. And every one of them is giving students life-building opportunities 鈥� opportunities to learn, to grow and to lay the foundation for a successful future.

Scholarship from the Texas Music Educators Association

With so many pathways, how do you choose the right one after high school?听

For Martin High School senior Matthew Stringer, it came easy. 听

鈥�I realized I wanted to become a choir director听when my choir was performing with a local choir called the ,鈥� said Stringer. 听

Inspired by the director of the chorale, words made all the difference. 听

鈥淗earing him talk about his love for teaching and how he impacted the lives of his students made it click in my brain that I wanted to do that too,鈥� Stringer said.听

As the recipient of the 2024-2025 听Past Presidents Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship, he鈥檒l be guiding students through their own musical journeys in no time. 听

Selected from an impressive group of 255 high school candidates from across Texas, his commitment and passion for music education were听evident, but his leadership is what set him apart. 听

鈥淢atthew is an intelligent, kind and natural leader,鈥� said Martin director of orchestras Jamie Ovalle. 鈥淗is peers look up to him because he leads them with confidence and grace.鈥�听

It shows through his commitment to planning, coordinating and executing all the orchestra's social events as president of the program and tenor section leader.听

鈥淭his听scholarship听solidifies that this is what听Matthew听is meant to do - and he is going to be a phenomenal choir director one day,鈥� Ovalle said. 听

With $2,500 per year for up to five years, the scholarship will help Stringer major in a music degree program and earn a Texas teacher certification.听

鈥淚 feel very honored to have received听this TMEA scholarship and especially honored to be the first one from 色窝窝无码一区二区三区,鈥� Stringer said. 听

And he couldn鈥檛 have done it without the support of his teachers who encouraged his musical success along the way. 听

鈥淢y directors show obvious passions for music, whether that be choir or orchestra; they want us to be the best and that makes me want to be the best I can be,鈥� said Stringer. 听

After submitting an application and receiving several letters of recommendation from his teachers, he is one step closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming a choir director. 听

鈥淚 am so excited and proud that Matthew is so passionate about wanting to be a teacher,鈥澨齭aid Martin choir director Kay Owens.听鈥淗e鈥檚 known that he wanted to be a听music educator for nearly his entire high school career. Receiving this scholarship will help him become the fantastic choir director he wants to be one day.鈥�听

Stringer has been accepted to the University of Texas at Arlington, Baylor University and Oklahoma City University. 听

鈥淚'm looking forward to the connections I can make with my students and helping them听find their own passion for music,鈥� Stringer said. 听

Until then, he鈥檒l be busy deciding where he wants to begin听his music career with the well-deserved scholarship.听

Learn more about . 听

Senior battling cancer as she raises steer

There is nothing that鈥檚 stopping Arlington High senior Brooklyn Sinclair from taking care of her steers.

听Not the 30-minute drive she makes twice daily from her home in North Richland Hills to the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 Agriculture Science Center.

Not the fact that she made a lot of those drives in the fall while she was undergoing treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Not the fact that Sinclair just found out Tuesday that the lymphoma has returned, and more treatment is in her future.

Nope. There鈥檚 no questioning Brooklyn鈥檚 dedication to her steers. That dedication paid off in a big way last weekend as Sinclair became the first 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 student to have her animal earn a spot in the that benefits Texas 4H and FFA.

By the time the auction for her steer Kerosene was over, Sinclair had earned $47,500! It鈥檚 money that she鈥檒l put toward college once she comes down from the high of the historic weekend.

鈥淚 was hoping for a lot of money,鈥� said Sinclair, who transferred to the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 for her senior year because of ag opportunities. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the goal. We were happy with $20,000, but we were going to be super excited for $50,000. Honestly, I didn鈥檛 have a reaction. I didn鈥檛 really know what was going on. I was focused on walking Kerosene in the arena and smiling.鈥�

The odds of making it to the Saturday auction are staggering. More than 4,0000 steers are entered in the competition and only the top 270 make it to the big auction. Sinclair was one of only three students from Tarrant County schools to make it that far.

Sinclair purchased Kerosene last May and then put in the work to have him ready for the stock show. The two almost didn鈥檛 get together because Kerosene wasn鈥檛 high on a lot of people鈥檚 lists when it came time to get a new steer.

鈥淚 did not want a Hereford, but my breeder talked me into getting one,鈥� Sinclair said. 鈥淚 actually paid a little less than we were supposed to pay. I think we paid $1,700 and normally they run $5,000 or higher. We got him a little cheaper because no one wanted him because he pictured bad. They thought he was ugly. We had some insight from someone who saw him in person.鈥�

Kerosene remained in Weatherford until Sinclair started school. But getting to the start of school was tough because Sinclair was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma over the summer. She had been feeling tired, and after visits to the doctor, the cancer was discovered. But in true Sinclair fashion, she wasn鈥檛 going to let cancer keep her from going to her new school on the first day.

She did that and then missed the rest of the week because of chemo treatments. The chemo treatments lasted for three months, but Sinclair was always focused on her school, her animals and making livestock shows.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 one of my favorite things to tell people,鈥� Arlington High School welding teacher and ag advisor Jordan Williams said. 鈥淎ll she wants to do is show. She told us when they try to schedule chemo she told them she has a show and had to load up a trailer on Friday and show on Saturday. So they had to work the chemo around that. It鈥檚 funny and insane. I know if I was in the same position, I鈥檇 want to get the cancer taken care of.鈥�

But that鈥檚 not the way Sinclair is wired. She only sees the cancer as a roadblock in the way of her accomplishing goals like going to Tarleton State (where she鈥檚 already accepted) or Texas Tech and then going on to vet school.

She鈥檚 got too much to do to dwell on cancer.

鈥淚t鈥檚 bad, but it鈥檚 life,鈥� she said. 鈥淥nce you see a lot of little kids going through it you know you can do it, too.鈥�

Her mother, Amanda Sinclair, said her daughter got involved in ag because of the family atmosphere. It鈥檚 been a huge help, especially given everything Brooklyn has gone through this year. The staff and students at the center filled in and helped out when Brooklyn was undergoing cancer treatments.

鈥淭he staff at the Arlington barn has been amazing,鈥� Amanda Sinclair said. 鈥淲e felt so welcome there. They run their program like it鈥檚 one big family. That鈥檚 the support these kids need.鈥�

While Brooklyn Sinclair is only spending her senior year in the district, the impact she and Kerosene made is huge for the ag program in the district.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 the biggest goal you can have is to make it to that stage at these majors,鈥� Williams said. 鈥淔or FFA programs, it can be difficult because it鈥檚 a school-done thing. A lot of these kids that make it to that stage are doing it from private ranches. They work their animal whenever they want. Brooklyn is under constraints here and driving, too. It鈥檚 huge for our program. People don鈥檛 realize 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 has an FFA program because of where we鈥檙e at you wouldn鈥檛 expect that. This puts us on the map, and lets people know we can compete in a city.鈥�

Sinclair鈥檚 not done either. While figuring out the next steps in her cancer journey, Sinclair is working with Kerosene鈥檚 best friend Chubbs. Her goal is to have Chubbs ready for the next big competition in March at the Houston Livestock Rodeo.

Of course, cancer treatments will have to find their way into that schedule on her terms.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 want it mixing up my shows and competitions,鈥� Brooklyn said. 鈥淚 want to live my life. My animals always come before me.鈥�

Spelling Bee champs now head to regionals

There鈥檚 no spell check in the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 Area Spelling Bee. It鈥檚 practice听that pays off.听

For Morgan Garner, a fifth grader听from Jones Academy of Dual Language and Fine Arts, and Will Farnell, a sixth grader from Ditto Elementary, it sure did. 听

Out of 61 participants, both students took home the championship titles for areas 7 and 8 last week. 听

鈥淚t鈥檚 crazy,鈥� said Garner. 鈥淚 feel really good.鈥�听

After placing 12th and fifth听in his first and second bee, Garner won this year鈥檚 Area 8 competition in the fifth听round with the winning word 鈥渆mbryo,鈥� an听unborn or unhatched offspring in the process of development.听

鈥淚鈥檝e tried for years for this,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 study for about 30 minutes to an hour every day.鈥�听

And the practice听isn鈥檛 over yet. Both winners will be headed to to participate in the regional spelling bee on March 5.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 nerve-wracking, but I'm excited,鈥� said Garner.听

Farnell's victory came in the sixth round of the Area 7 competition with the word 鈥渙ctuplicate,鈥� meaning to have or consist of eight identical parts. 听

While the word may have seemed foreign to most, Farnell approached it with a simple strategy.听

鈥淚 thought of the word duplicate, so it was just duplicate but eight,鈥� he said.听

This year鈥檚 bee was not the first for Farnell either. He placed fourth when he was in fourth grade. 听

As the younger brother of a previous spelling bee champion, it even听runs in the family. 听

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 expect it, but I'm happy,鈥� said Farnell.听

As these super spellers prepare to represent their schools and 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 on a larger stage, their victories serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication. 听

They're ready to spell their way to success, one word at a time! 听

Check out 色窝窝无码一区二区三区's scholarships page

Attention high school students. Is 鈥渁pplying for college scholarships鈥� on your winter break to-do list? If not, you need to add it! Take advantage of your free time over the holidays to set yourself up for a great future.

If you don鈥檛 know what scholarships to apply for, that鈥檚 not a problem. Finding scholarships is easy thanks to the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 guidance and counseling department. Students can apply for scholarships year-round by checking out the听scholarships page听and choosing which ones they qualify for.

There is a scholarship for everyone. Do you have a green thumb and plan to major in horticulture? Are you first in your family to pursue college, or are you an active member in Boy Scouts? Did you participate in the Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center culinary arts and hospitality program, or are you currently enrolled in a STEM-related career pathway? There are scholarships for all those students and a whole lot more. Scholarships range from $500 to $10,000.

色窝窝无码一区二区三区 director of guidance and counseling Telisa Brown has a few tips for parents and students planning to apply for scholarships this spring and fall:

• Do not ignore small awards.
  Every amount will help and add up.
• Gather items needed to apply for a scholarship early, like your transcript, completed FAFSA documents, resume, recommendation letters and essays.
  You may need these documents to reference while completing applications.
• Request letters of recommendation early.
  Some scholarships require letters of recommendation. Decide early who should write these letters. Select individuals (outside of close family members) who can speak to your strengths and ability to overcome your weaknesses. Give your recommenders no less than two weeks to prepare.
• Gloat! Sing your own praises!
  This is a time to brag about all the great things you are doing academically and within the community.
• Meet all application deadlines.
  If you miss a deadline, even by just one day, you may not be considered.

Brown also reminds students and parents to take advantage of听, a platform that helps juniors and seniors plan for college by using resources such as basic information surrounding scholarships, when and where to find scholarships and how to avoid scholarships that may be scams.

For additional questions related to searching and applying for scholarships, please contact your school counselors. If you do not know who your school counselor is, use this link to search:听Email Your Student鈥檚 Campus School Counselor Here.

St. Nicholas drops gifts in students' shoes

Santa Clause has already been to Wimbish World Language Academy. Actually, it was St. Nicholas, a German version of Santa.

Wimbish is using the holiday season to teach and expose students to different cultures. With so many different holiday traditions celebrated worldwide, there are endless听opportunities to learn.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited for our students to learn about the way other cultures celebrate because that鈥檚 our purpose at this school,鈥� said Elizabeth Velasco, the school鈥檚 community outreach liaison. 听

Last week, the school embraced the German tradition听of for the very first time. In the German tradition, kids leave their shoes out in the foyer on the night of Saint Nicholas Eve (Dec. 5)听in hopes that Saint Nicholas will leave behind treats, coins or other little gifts in their shoes. 听

鈥淪tudents are reading about these traditions, learning about the culture and getting to celebrate it in an authentic way,鈥� said Kailey Corpman, a dual language specialist at Wimbish. 听

To celebrate the German tradition authentically, Wimbish students left a shoe 鈥� or a drawing of their shoe 鈥� out in the hallway on Saint Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) with no idea what to expect. 听

When they went to get their shoes later on, their faces lit up as they realized that Saint Nicholas had indeed paid a visit. 听

A piece of candy, a new pencil and a Wolf Buck to use at the school store were waiting for them in each shoe. 听

Celebrating the German tradition is personal for Wimbish teaching assistant Johanna Voigt, who is German and grew up celebrating Saint Nicholas Day.听

鈥淢y son and I have always given听his teachers their gifts on Saint Nicholas Day to promote it in school,鈥� Voigt said. 鈥淚 was so excited when I heard that we were doing this this year. I听love that Wimbish听has incorporated this for all the kids.鈥� 听

Celebrating different听traditions has been a great way to connect students with the cultural roots of some of their peers and educators 鈥� like Voigt 鈥� and of people they鈥檝e never met across the world. But it鈥檚 not just educational. It鈥檚 fun, too. 听

鈥淚t鈥檚 fun because we learn about other cultures,鈥� said second grader Adah Ramos. 鈥淓very day is something different.鈥� 听

Velasco says that鈥檚 exactly the goal.

鈥淲e not only teach the language, we teach the culture.鈥澨�

Learn more about Wimbish World Language Academy.

Summit demonstrates positive leadership

Being a teenager isn鈥檛 just a stage of life. It鈥檚 a state of becoming.

From social and self-awareness to the effects of drugs and alcohol, can you read the room?

The participants of Lamar High School鈥檚 very first Male Leadership Summit sure can.

With 130 students registered, it wasn鈥檛 just an ordinary event. It was an opportunity for students to gain valuable insights and perspectives regarding topics that impact them as a teenager.

Topics included 鈥淗e Ain鈥檛 Heavy; He Is My Brother,鈥� 鈥淩ead the Room,鈥� 鈥淵ou Can't Get in Trouble for Being Mad鈥� and 鈥淚dentity-Facing Adversity and Overcoming Challenges.鈥�

Each participant could choose the session they were most interested in and attend one other focusing on brotherhood, decision-making, mental health, overcoming teenage challenges and much more.

Volunteers from Lamar, other 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 campuses and the shared their own experiences, exposing Lamar students to positive male leadership.

The program was conceptualized with feedback from the community after Lamar counselor Clarissa Savoy hosted Lamar鈥檚 All Female Career Day. Plans for the summit were originally halted in 2020 due to COVID-19. They were put back into action this school year.

鈥淭ogether as a team, we were able to kick off our very first Male Leadership Summit which was a huge success,鈥� Savoy said.

The summit ended with a general session panel discussion. Students even made their way on stage to thank the volunteers for their guidance without being prompted.

鈥淚t truly warmed my heart to hear the guys emphatically expressing their gratitude because of the impact this event had on them,鈥� Savoy said.

After receiving an abundance of positive feedback from community members and student participants from the summit, it鈥檚 safe to say this certainly won鈥檛 be the last summit.

鈥淲orking with teenagers in general often affords us many opportunities to make a difference,鈥� said Savoy. 鈥淭he goal was to make an impact and we did exactly that.鈥�

Learn more about 色窝窝无码一区二区三区's guidance and counseling department.

CTE Showcase at the Career + Technical Center

Want to know more about the Career and Technical Education () programs that the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 offers?

Join us for the CTE Showcase on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center. Learn about everything from culinary arts to cosmetology. There鈥檚 something for everyone at the CTE Showcase.

Attendees will be able to visit classrooms, see demonstrations designed for eighth, ninth and 10^th grade students and learn first-hand about the CTE courses that are available at our high school campuses as well as the upper-level courses at the CTC.

Current CTE students and teachers will be on hand to talk to you and show what they are doing in classes. You can also meet with administrators and counselors to set up a plan for CTE success.

Register for the event and learn more about the district鈥檚 CTE programs here to prepare any questions you or your student may have.

'The Voice' airs Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC

Have you ever wondered what it鈥檚 like to perform on the stage of a national television show?听

鈥淎s soon as you step on that stage, it鈥檚 like you鈥檝e never sung a day in your life,鈥� said 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 2019 Martin High School graduate Elizabeth Evans. 听

As a contestant on season 24 of ", not only has Evans performed in front of big-time superstars, but she鈥檚 also becoming one herself.听听

With two chair turns from Grammy Award Winning artists and in the blind auditions, Evans's life changed.听听

But she will never forget where her career started and who influenced her love for singing and songwriting.听

鈥淚 think I was singing before I was even talking,鈥� Evans said. 听

That鈥檚 because it runs in the family. Evans was inspired to start singing after watching her mom perform at local shows and church services.听听

鈥淪he鈥檚 the one who made me want to sing,鈥� said Evans. 鈥淛ust like she did.鈥澨�听

Growing up in Arlington, Evans attended Key Elementary, Boles Junior High and Martin High School and was heavily involved in her school orchestra and choir programs. 听

鈥淭hat period in my life made me who I am as an artist,鈥� Evans said. 鈥淕etting to be around music as much as I was every single day throughout high school and junior high changed how I write music and how much I love it.鈥�听

Evans says former Martin orchestra director Michael Stringer made a significant impact on where she is today.听

鈥淗e was so passionate about music, and it made me love music even more,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e was such a big inspiration for me.鈥澨�听

Auditioning for "The Voice" recently was a dream come true for Evans, who grew up watching the show with her mom.听

鈥淟ittle me used to dream about going on the show,鈥� she said.听听

Inspired by artists like Christina Grimmie and Melanie Martinez 鈥� who were also contestants on previous seasons of the show 鈥� Evans found herself on the same stage听where she watched them get their start.听

鈥淚t was wild,鈥� Evans said. 鈥淚t was an adrenaline rush.鈥�听

And choosing her coach was the hardest part.听 听

鈥淚n that moment, I was so torn,鈥� Evans said. 鈥淚 picked John because he said something about recognizing that I was a songwriter. I wanted somebody who could get me for the quirks and uniqueness that I bring to the table, and I felt like he got me for that.鈥澨�听

In the first round of "The Voice" Battles, Legend made an even harder decision to send Evan鈥檚 battle partner, Kaylee Shimizu, into the knockout rounds instead of Evans. 听

But Evan鈥檚 "Voice" journey was not over yet. With a steal from McEntire, she鈥檚 headed into the knockout rounds, too. 听

鈥淚 still can鈥檛 believe it,鈥� Evans said. 鈥淚t was such an honor that she wanted me during the blind auditions, and she took the chance to have me on her team now.鈥澨�听

As she prepares for her next "Voice" performance, Evans will be traveling back and forth between Los Angeles and Nashville where she recently graduated from and is launching her music career.听听

And here in 色窝窝无码一区二区三区, we鈥檒l be cheering her on all the way through.听听

Keep up with "The Voice" on 听听听

DeMarcus Lawrence visits with automotive students

Rowdy? Yep. Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders? Check. Cowboys defensive end number 90 DeMarcus Lawrence? That鈥檚 right.

It wasn鈥檛 a Dallas Cowboys football game, but it was a big-time win for 色窝窝无码一区二区三区.

Last week, the and launched their partnership to extend hands-on experience opportunities for 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 automotive technology students at the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center (CTC).

Coming out of high school with real-world job experience isn鈥檛 easy. But Ford is changing that with a partnership aimed to help students gain internships, scholarships and networking through Ford during and after high school.

To launch the partnership, representatives from the Cowboys and Ford came out to tour the CTC鈥檚 automotive facility and talk with 色窝窝无码一区二区三区鈥檚 future service technicians.

鈥淲e need bright young people that are interested in growing their career,鈥� said Ford service performance manager Jonathan Cuff.

And there was no better way to introduce the partnership than by hearing from number 90 himself.

鈥淚 always wanted to be in the automotive program growing up,鈥� said Lawrence. 鈥淏eing able to see the kids have the opportunity to live out their dreams at such a young age is truly inspiring.鈥�

During the school year, Ford experts and staff will visit with students during class hours, sharing their knowledge of the automotive industry as it aligns with the curriculum.

Students will also have the chance to shadow Ford personnel at local dealerships and be mentored through technical competitions.

鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding to get to see these kids starting a career,鈥� said automotive technology teacher Nicholas Comey. 鈥淲ith opportunities like this, we will be able to challenge the kids and watch them grow.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 super excited,鈥� said Martin High School senior Michelle Buser. 鈥淥ur first year we didn鈥檛 have this, so for us to open it up and be a part of the first year is really exciting.

鈥淚t鈥檚 going to bring a lot of opportunity for other people,鈥� said Buser. 鈥淓specially the younger ones.鈥�

Ford and the Cowboys also gifted each student with a Ford and Cowboys co-branded shop shirt.

At the end of the year, Ford will also give each student their very own work tools.

鈥淭hese kinds of opportunities don鈥檛 happen for everybody,鈥� said interim superintendent Dr. Steven Wurtz. 鈥淣ot everybody gets the chance to actually work with people who are in the field to mentor kids so that they can transition after high school into a job that pays well.鈥�

色窝窝无码一区二区三区 is a district that aims to help all students pursue their passions, so new ways to gain hands-on experience in school are always worth celebrating.

鈥淚鈥檓 here to show the kids love,鈥� said Lawrence. 鈥淚f you believe it, if you see it, you can achieve it.鈥�