Posted inStudent Life, Sports, Education

Beyond the Pool: A sophomore’s swimming journey

Roberto by Roberto

Beyond the Pool: A sophomore’s swimming journey

Contained with anxious feelings after qualifying for swimming & diving regionals, sophomore Javier Liguez faces a rigorous path that will soon entail his persistence and skill in his hobby.

“Qualifying for regionals is a great accomplishment,” Liguez said. “And although this is my second time qualifying for regionals, I still feel extremely nervous and anxious, but once it’s all over, I feel accomplished.”

Liguez competes for La Joya High School, which made him learn valuable social skills to become a model member of the swim team.

“Swimming has definitely changed me as a person by becoming more communicative, more disciplined and taught me to lead others,” Liguez said.

Liguez’s family and teammates continue to motivate him to pursue swimming throughout high school.

“As a sophomore, I plan to keep on swimming throughout high school and I’ll say that the people around me is what’s keeping me going,” Liguez said. “My mom and teammates definitely push me to do better and push me to never quit.”

With his second regional meet coming up, fueled with encouragement and compliments,
Liguez prepares himself to face this rigorous competition head-on and represent the La Joya swim team.

Posted inStudent Profile, Education, Featured

RedWolves Alum: Raquel Cruz and Her Academic Journey

Yankarlo M by Yankarlo M

RedWolves Alum: Raquel Cruz and Her Academic Journey

Raquel Cruz, soon to graduate from Texas A&M Kingsville, is on her way to start a career in kinesiology. In the class of 2021, Cruz was in her junior year when the COVID-19 pandemic affected Texas. Her academic journey highlights the significance of JCECHS.
“It’s helped me manage my time better, so I’ve been able to balance things that I have to do and want to do,” Cruz said.
Before her college years, Cruz was part of the La Joya Independent School District. When it was time for her to enroll in high school, she set her eyes on Carter.
“There were a lot of schools (…), but I just thought that Jimmy Carter was more adequate,” Cruz said. “Adequate for my future and the goals I had in mind.”
As was the case with many students, Cruz took the opportunity to complete two years of college for free. JCECHS is an early college, and its academic programs prepare me for life even beyond college.
“I feel that it helps Texas society advance more economically and socially,” Cruz said.
Cruz graduated from Carter and is soon to hit a closing chapter in her academic journey. Cultivating an interest in the sciences, Cruz has accomplished things she’s proud of.
“My major interest is exercise science (…) I feel like people underestimate the chains you can have in your life with exercise,” Cruz said. “I’ve gone to Waco for the American College of Sports Medicine (…). We were able to place in the top ten of all universities.”
Cruz will be graduating from A&M Kingsville this year.