Category: Culture

RedWolf Alum Explores Sustainable Agriculture in Costa Rica

UTRGV Student Explores Sustainable Agriculture in Costa Rica

Jared Valdes, a student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), recently returned from a school-sponsored trip to Costa Rica, where he deepened his understanding of sustainable agriculture and tropical agroecology. Valdes, a member of the class of 2022 at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, is pursuing a degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems with a focus on Tropical Agroecology.

As part of the trip, Valdes visited various farms across Costa Rica, including those producing coffee, bananas, cacao, and vegetables. The program, hosted alongside Costa Rica’s Center for Tropical Agriculture Research and Education (CATIE), offered students hands-on experience with agroecological practices in a tropical environment.

“Being here in Costa Rica, a place teeming with biodiversity, I have been able to experience the outdoors like never before,” Valdes said. “From cloud tropical forests to barren landscapes by the Pacific, I have dived deeper than any other class.”

Valdes and his classmates explored how sustainable agriculture operates in Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, gaining valuable insights into tropical farming techniques. “We are visiting different farms to gain a deep understanding of agroecological principles in a tropical setting,” he added.

A graduate of the Jimmy Carter Early College High School, Valdes is eager to apply what he learned during the trip to his studies and future career. He hopes to promote sustainable farming practices within his community and beyond.

Thania Robles: The Adventures of Teaching

This entry is part 2 of 4 in the series Featured Teacher

Thania Robles is a dedicated teacher at JCECHS. She completed her education at Lamar University and UTRGV, and Robles is known for her commitment to her students.
Before stepping into the classroom as an educator, Robles pursued her academic goals with vigor.
“I got my bachelor’s at Lamar University and later on got my masters at UTRGV,” Robles said.
Robles was driven to education by wanting to effect change in her community.
“I saw a need for better educators and education in the RGV, and I wanted to be a part of it,” she said.
Her passion for teaching stems from a lifelong ambition to advance educational standards and positively impact her community.
“Yes, because I wanted to help grow the field of education and help my community,” Robles said.
Despite the rewards, Robles acknowledges the profession’s challenges, particularly in engaging students.
“The apathy from students and to get them to care for their education,” she said, highlighting the motivational hurdles she faces.
Reflecting on her career, Robles has occasionally pondered other professional avenues but remains satisfied with her decision to pursue teaching.
“Sometimes I would think maybe I would be better in a different field, but no, I don’t regret coming into teaching,” she said.

Passion Ignited: Journeying Through the Joys of Teaching

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Featured Teacher

Written by: MaryJane E. and Janet G.
Since its inception, Felicia Charles has been an integral part of Jimmy Carter Early College High School (JCECHS), teaching dual enrollment biology. Her unexpected journey into teaching began with a simple thought: “Why not?”

Initially, on a path to becoming a pharmacist, Charles was advised by her counselor to enroll in the Secondary Certification Program with the Education Department.

“I landed in this career because of a scholarship I had,” she said. “This scholarship paid for four years of college. When I was in my 3rd year, I already qualified to graduate, but my counselor told me I would give up most of my scholarship.”

Though she planned to take the PCAT exam, Charles fell in love with teaching instead.

“I loved the superintendent’s vision for the school,” she said. “At that time, I didn’t know of any other campus that was an ECHS in the valley, so I was excited to be part of it.”

Charles has grown alongside JCECHS.

“I have been teaching as long as Jimmy Carter ECHS has been open (14 years),” she said. “During that first year of opening our doors to the first graduating class of 2014, we worked diligently to apply to be an Early College High School.”

Her enthusiasm led her to abandon the PCAT.

“Needless to say, I never attempted the PCAT because I loved what I did and didn’t feel the need to explore that initial career goal.”

Despite the challenges of adapting to new environments annually, Charles remains committed to creating a supportive classroom environment.

“What truly makes teaching special for me is the opportunity to connect with my students on a personal level,” she said. “Building these relationships not only enhances their learning journey but also makes my own experience as an educator incredibly enjoyable.”

Her unyielding dedication to her students and her positive personality embody the essence of a great teacher. As we approach Teachers’ Appreciation Week, it’s a fitting time to honor Ms. Charles and all dedicated educators for their unwavering commitment to shaping future generations.

RedWolves Celebrate Unseen Heroes with ‘Mi éxito, su orgullo’ Stoles at Graduation(Bulk 1) Orgullo – 19

This entry is part [part not set] of 246 in the series Graduation

In a heartfelt inaugural ceremony, Jimmy Carter Early College High School introduced the “Mi éxito, su orgullo” tradition during their Senior Awards Assembly on April 25.

The program, translating to “My Success, Your Pride,” is designed to recognize and honor the significant figures who have contributed to the success of graduating students. At the celebratory event, mentors, family members, and friends who played a pivotal role in the academic and personal achievements of each student were presented with a commemorative RedWolves stole.

“These stoles are a symbol of the tireless support, guidance, and belief that these individuals have bestowed upon our students,” said the principal of JCECHS. “It’s a tangible acknowledgment of their indispensable contributions to shaping the future of our graduates.”

The stole, bearing the school’s RedWolves mascot, is not only a mark of distinction for the graduates but also serves as a gesture of gratitude towards those who have supported them behind the scenes throughout their high school journey.

As the senior class prepares for graduation, this new tradition adds a layer of community celebration to the ceremony, fostering a spirit of collective accomplishment and shared pride.

The “Mi éxito, su orgullo” program is set to become an annual tradition at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, ensuring that each graduation is not just a moment of personal triumph but also a celebration of communal effort and support.

RedWolves Celebrate Unseen Heroes with ‘Mi éxito, su orgullo’ Stoles at Graduation(Bulk 1) Orgullo – 20

This entry is part [part not set] of 246 in the series Graduation

In a heartfelt inaugural ceremony, Jimmy Carter Early College High School introduced the “Mi éxito, su orgullo” tradition during their Senior Awards Assembly on April 25.

The program, translating to “My Success, Your Pride,” is designed to recognize and honor the significant figures who have contributed to the success of graduating students. At the celebratory event, mentors, family members, and friends who played a pivotal role in the academic and personal achievements of each student were presented with a commemorative RedWolves stole.

“These stoles are a symbol of the tireless support, guidance, and belief that these individuals have bestowed upon our students,” said the principal of JCECHS. “It’s a tangible acknowledgment of their indispensable contributions to shaping the future of our graduates.”

The stole, bearing the school’s RedWolves mascot, is not only a mark of distinction for the graduates but also serves as a gesture of gratitude towards those who have supported them behind the scenes throughout their high school journey.

As the senior class prepares for graduation, this new tradition adds a layer of community celebration to the ceremony, fostering a spirit of collective accomplishment and shared pride.

The “Mi éxito, su orgullo” program is set to become an annual tradition at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, ensuring that each graduation is not just a moment of personal triumph but also a celebration of communal effort and support.

RedWolves Celebrate Unseen Heroes with ‘Mi éxito, su orgullo’ Stoles at Graduation(Bulk 1) Orgullo – 21

This entry is part [part not set] of 246 in the series Graduation

In a heartfelt inaugural ceremony, Jimmy Carter Early College High School introduced the “Mi éxito, su orgullo” tradition during their Senior Awards Assembly on April 25.

The program, translating to “My Success, Your Pride,” is designed to recognize and honor the significant figures who have contributed to the success of graduating students. At the celebratory event, mentors, family members, and friends who played a pivotal role in the academic and personal achievements of each student were presented with a commemorative RedWolves stole.

“These stoles are a symbol of the tireless support, guidance, and belief that these individuals have bestowed upon our students,” said the principal of JCECHS. “It’s a tangible acknowledgment of their indispensable contributions to shaping the future of our graduates.”

The stole, bearing the school’s RedWolves mascot, is not only a mark of distinction for the graduates but also serves as a gesture of gratitude towards those who have supported them behind the scenes throughout their high school journey.

As the senior class prepares for graduation, this new tradition adds a layer of community celebration to the ceremony, fostering a spirit of collective accomplishment and shared pride.

The “Mi éxito, su orgullo” program is set to become an annual tradition at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, ensuring that each graduation is not just a moment of personal triumph but also a celebration of communal effort and support.

RedWolves Celebrate Unseen Heroes with ‘Mi éxito, su orgullo’ Stoles at Graduation(Bulk 1) Orgullo – 22

This entry is part [part not set] of 246 in the series Graduation

In a heartfelt inaugural ceremony, Jimmy Carter Early College High School introduced the “Mi éxito, su orgullo” tradition during their Senior Awards Assembly on April 25.

The program, translating to “My Success, Your Pride,” is designed to recognize and honor the significant figures who have contributed to the success of graduating students. At the celebratory event, mentors, family members, and friends who played a pivotal role in the academic and personal achievements of each student were presented with a commemorative RedWolves stole.

“These stoles are a symbol of the tireless support, guidance, and belief that these individuals have bestowed upon our students,” said the principal of JCECHS. “It’s a tangible acknowledgment of their indispensable contributions to shaping the future of our graduates.”

The stole, bearing the school’s RedWolves mascot, is not only a mark of distinction for the graduates but also serves as a gesture of gratitude towards those who have supported them behind the scenes throughout their high school journey.

As the senior class prepares for graduation, this new tradition adds a layer of community celebration to the ceremony, fostering a spirit of collective accomplishment and shared pride.

The “Mi éxito, su orgullo” program is set to become an annual tradition at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, ensuring that each graduation is not just a moment of personal triumph but also a celebration of communal effort and support.

RedWolves Celebrate Unseen Heroes with ‘Mi éxito, su orgullo’ Stoles at Graduation(Bulk 1) Orgullo – 23

This entry is part [part not set] of 246 in the series Graduation

In a heartfelt inaugural ceremony, Jimmy Carter Early College High School introduced the “Mi éxito, su orgullo” tradition during their Senior Awards Assembly on April 25.

The program, translating to “My Success, Your Pride,” is designed to recognize and honor the significant figures who have contributed to the success of graduating students. At the celebratory event, mentors, family members, and friends who played a pivotal role in the academic and personal achievements of each student were presented with a commemorative RedWolves stole.

“These stoles are a symbol of the tireless support, guidance, and belief that these individuals have bestowed upon our students,” said the principal of JCECHS. “It’s a tangible acknowledgment of their indispensable contributions to shaping the future of our graduates.”

The stole, bearing the school’s RedWolves mascot, is not only a mark of distinction for the graduates but also serves as a gesture of gratitude towards those who have supported them behind the scenes throughout their high school journey.

As the senior class prepares for graduation, this new tradition adds a layer of community celebration to the ceremony, fostering a spirit of collective accomplishment and shared pride.

The “Mi éxito, su orgullo” program is set to become an annual tradition at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, ensuring that each graduation is not just a moment of personal triumph but also a celebration of communal effort and support.

RedWolves Celebrate Unseen Heroes with ‘Mi éxito, su orgullo’ Stoles at Graduation(Bulk 1) Orgullo – 24

This entry is part [part not set] of 246 in the series Graduation

In a heartfelt inaugural ceremony, Jimmy Carter Early College High School introduced the “Mi éxito, su orgullo” tradition during their Senior Awards Assembly on April 25.

The program, translating to “My Success, Your Pride,” is designed to recognize and honor the significant figures who have contributed to the success of graduating students. At the celebratory event, mentors, family members, and friends who played a pivotal role in the academic and personal achievements of each student were presented with a commemorative RedWolves stole.

“These stoles are a symbol of the tireless support, guidance, and belief that these individuals have bestowed upon our students,” said the principal of JCECHS. “It’s a tangible acknowledgment of their indispensable contributions to shaping the future of our graduates.”

The stole, bearing the school’s RedWolves mascot, is not only a mark of distinction for the graduates but also serves as a gesture of gratitude towards those who have supported them behind the scenes throughout their high school journey.

As the senior class prepares for graduation, this new tradition adds a layer of community celebration to the ceremony, fostering a spirit of collective accomplishment and shared pride.

The “Mi éxito, su orgullo” program is set to become an annual tradition at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, ensuring that each graduation is not just a moment of personal triumph but also a celebration of communal effort and support.