An inaugural pinning ceremony was held at Jimmy Carter Early College High School; students from all four grade levels were invited to begin a new tradition to foster school spirit and commitment to the school’s core values and mission. The ceremony marked a significant moment in the institution’s history. It saw students pledge to uphold the principles that define their school and community.


In her address to the students, Principal Claudia Gomez-Perez emphasized the ceremony’s importance in their educational journey.
“As a school, we have worked towards creating milestones and traditions that will develop core memories and anchor them in your development as students and as community citizens,” she said. “Today marks a significant milestone in your educational journey.”
Teachers agreed that as students pledged and donned their pins, they were actively and willingly transforming as high school students and moving along their journey that would shape their future.
The students who participated in the ceremony pledged to endorse the principles of Jimmy Carter Early College High School, committing to show perseverance, respect, integrity, discipline, and excellence. This pledge, PRIDE, is a cornerstone of the school’s ethos and is expected to guide the students in their academic and personal growth.
Principal Gomez-Perez further highlighted the essence of being a RedWolf, the school’s mascot.
“Being a RedWolf is not just about wearing a badge; it’s about embodying the character traits that define us: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence – PRIDE,” she stated, reinforcing the values that the pinning ceremony aims to instill in every student.
The inaugural pinning ceremony at Jimmy Carter Early College High School represents a new tradition that symbolizes the students’ commitment to their education and values that will shape them as individuals and community members.
As the school continues to nurture these traditions, it paves the way for its students to grow and succeed, embodying the PRIDE of a RedWolf.

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.