Posted inEducation

Leos leaves the National Beta Club in its stead.

Yanet O by Yanet O

After dismantling the Leos Club, its formal coordinator, Mrs. Torres, introduced Jimmy Carter ECHS to the National Beta Club. 

The National Beta Club, like the Leos Club, values volunteerism and leadership, allowing members to participate in various events without restrictions. 

“The Leos Club, our events had to be related to what the Leos stood for, which was helping with vision, pediatric cancer, the environment, trying to fight hunger and diabetes,” said Mrs. Torres. 

The National Beta Club can participate in any community event as required.

Students will be informed about events in which they can take part to give back to the community and accrue service hours. 

“This club is gonna be kind of like Carter Care and kind of like the Leos where people will tell us that there’s a volunteer opportunity in the community, and we’re gonna get these specific individuals to go help out whether after school or on the weekend,” said Mrs. Torres. 

Although joining the National Beta Club can appear like another volunteer organization that helps students fulfill their service hours, there are specific requirements a member must meet. 

“First and foremost, they have to show that they want to serve their community and that it goes beyond them,” said Mrs. Torres. “We want no referrals, good academic, good character students to take the initiative that shows that they want to be leaders in their community, but that they’re doing things to help out like that they show kindness to other, you know, to humanity, in other words.”

 Before joining the National Beta Club, students must enter the Carter Cares Club or complete their service hours to demonstrate their leadership abilities and desire to give back to the community. 

“So in this club, your freshman and sophomore year, you join the Carter Cares Club, which is our other club that focuses on volunteering,” said Mrs. Torres. “Once you join that, you’re eligible for your junior and senior year to be picked for this other club, and you can only get in by letter of recommendation invitation.” 

These qualities freshmen and sophomores interested in joining the club need to exhibit to earn admission to this prestigious organization that celebrates academic achievement while promoting leadership, volunteerism, and ethical character.

Posted inEducation, Community, Events

See You At The Pole

Yankarlo M by Yankarlo M

On Wednesday, September 27, Jimmy Carter Early College High School students gathered around their school’s flagpole for a solemn prayer. The students assembled in observance of this year’s “See You At The Pole.”

“See You At The Pole” refers to the student group prayers held annually on the Global Day of Student Prayer. In schools, it entails a student-led event inviting all students to pray around the school’s flagpole.

Two Carter juniors, Angel Treviño and Marianna Rodriguez, were instrumental in organizing “See You At The Pole.” They took it upon themselves to bring the event to school.

As many students encircled the flagpole, Treviño led them in prayer.

“It’s like my faith, a part of who I am. And I had thought about doing it last school year, but I never got the opportunity,” Rodriguez said. “I thought when I moved over here, it would be different.” 

The brief event lasted only 15 minutes, yet its occurrence was memorable. It marked the first “See You At The Pole” event at JCECHS. Although it is an annual event, “See You At The Pole” is student-led and initiated.

“Just simple prayers. Simple as in like they’re easy to read and participate in, not like they don’t have power.” Treviño said. 

The future of this event at Carter is contingent upon student interest and participation.

“I do want to make it continual,” Rodriguez said. 

Rodriguez added that the event presents a chance for students to demonstrate their faith openly.

“Jimmy Carter is a place where students seek opportunities for various events,” Treviño said.

Perhaps they will hold another “See You At The Pole” event next year.

Posted inEducation

A Juggling Act: Work and School

Naola by Naola

Kelly Galvan, a junior, is currently enrolled in eight classes, including three college courses. This kind of workload is typical for a junior, but it can sometimes be challenging to balance.

Sometimes, balancing all that load of work could be a hassle. Despite the academic load, Galvan has a job working at Whataburger in La Joya.

Why would Galvan choose to work despite taking college and high school classes?

“I’m trying to be financially stable; I want to have money so that I could go to college, have a car, and gain a bit of independence,” Galvan explained.“I also work to help my parents with their money, even if it’s just a little bit. I don’t work for just myself, but also my family.”

Having to work on Wednesdays, Fridays, and the weekends, Galvan’s schedule is somewhat flexible, but it depends on her manager.

“If they call me into work, I go unless I’m still in school,” Galvan explained.“There have been times when I asked my manager to leave early to finish my schoolwork, and they were cooperative, allowing me to complete them during.”

Galvan’s job doesn’t conform with her school schedule. She communicates with her manager beforehand to inform them of her school schedule. Because of her college courses, her managers have her schedule for the evening shift.

Most would expect that juggling school and work would be overwhelming, and they’d be correct. Galvan admitted that she often feels overwhelmed managing the two but has developed a system to balance them.

“Yes, I am overwhelmed with work and school,” Galvan admitted.“To make up for most of it, I use my work breaks to complete any assignments on my laptop. I tend to do the remaining assignments at home or first period.”