(1924-2024)

“James Earl Carter Jr. is an American politician and humanitarian who served from 1977 to 1981 as the 39th president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served from 1963 to 1967 in the Georgia State Senate and from 1971 to 1975 as the 76th governor of Georgia.”

Today, we gather as a community at Jimmy Carter Early College High School to celebrate and honor the extraordinary life of our namesake, President Jimmy Carter. A man of profound humanity and unyielding dedication, President Carter transformed lives through his unwavering commitment to service, education, and justice.

From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to the highest office in the nation, President Carter championed equality, compassion, and opportunity. As President, he prioritized education, founding the Department of Education to solidify its role as the cornerstone of democracy and a pathway to opportunity.

Even after his presidency, his work only grew more impactful. Through his tireless efforts with Habitat for Humanity, he built homes and hope for countless families, and through the Carter Center, he advanced human rights, fought diseases, and monitored elections to promote global peace and fairness.

At our school, we carry forward President Carter’s legacy every day. His life teaches us that leadership is service, humility is strength, and that one person can inspire change for generations. His compassion touched lives across the globe, and his relentless dedication reminds us to strive for a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Let us commit to carrying his light forward.

Ivan Silva serves as the advisor for RedGold News Student Publications, where he mentors student journalists and oversees all aspects of the publication. In addition to his work with RGN, Silva teaches Dual Enrollment courses in Speech Communication and Interpersonal Communication, helping students bridge the gap between high school and college-level academics.

He is also an adjunct instructor at South Texas College (STC), where he brings his expertise in communication studies into higher education classrooms. On campus, Silva is actively involved as the UIL Coordinator and UIL Journalism Coach, guiding students to success in academic competitions at the district, regional, and state levels.

Through his combined roles as Journalism Advisor, RGN Advisor, and educator, Silva is dedicated to fostering student voice, leadership, and excellence in communication, both in print and beyond.