Red Gold News

Mila Obnial has accomplished a lot throughout her career, from electrical engineering to teaching dual enrollment mathematics.

“My education includes two master’s, one in business administration and one in mathematics teaching, as well as a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering,” Obnial said.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Obnial was determined to pursue a promising career, so she came to the United States. She studied at UTPA, now known as the University of The Rio Grande Valley, UTRGV, and earned multiple degrees through the years. 

“For ten years after I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I worked as an engineer during the daytime while I passionately taught Mathematics at the College of Engineering in the evenings and weekends,” Obnial said.  

Over the years, Obnial realized she was much more passionate about teaching Mathematics than being an electrical engineer. So, she decided to go back to school and get her master’s degree to become a teacher. 

“Once I graduated with my master’s, I began to work with La Joya ISD in 2006 and became a Dual enrollment teacher for South Texas College at Jimmy Carter in 2011,” Obnial said.

Since then, Obnial has been a proud RedWolf teacher at JCECHS and continues to teach her students.

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick0off: Students Show Cultural Pride

Part of the Pack: Ivan Sifuentes

High school senior Ivan Sifuentes plays football for La Joya High School while also attending Jimmy Carter Early College High School to complete his high school education while pursuing an associate’s degree. 

He maintains a high-grade point average every six weeks and stays motivated through all his troubles. He has had to overcome many hurdles to get where he is now.

“Football motivates me to pass and keep my grades high so I can play on Friday. Without football, my grades or discipline wouldn’t be where they are today,” Sifuentes said. 

Sifuentes embraces a unique approach and demonstrates that while nothing comes easy, anything is achievable with the right motivation. Unlike most athletes who avoid acknowledging their mistakes and maintain an aura of perfection, Sifuentes stands out.

“I sacrificed a better-winning team with better coaches and overall mentality among all the players,” Sifuentes said.

He had to decide whether to stay in football at PHS or solely at JCEC, as the commute from Palmview High School to Jimmy Carter is long. Sifuentes’ family didn’t want him to take that drive as he had only been driving for a year. He also didn’t want to leave football as it kept his body and mind healthy.

“I stay in football not so much to win anymore but to stay fit and healthy while doing what I must do for myself,” Sifuentes said.

Keeping his body fit and healthy is a priority for Sifuentes because he doesn’t want to “let himself go,” Sifuentes said.

Sifuentes ultimately chose to transfer from PHS to La Joya to play football. Even though it has cost him the joy of victory, he remains focused on the work.

“Being in football has always motivated me to pass my classes,” Sifuentes said.

Playing football has helped Sifuentes stay on top of his classes while still being physically fit and mentally healthy.

While he still has trouble “getting bad feedback after games,” Sifuentes said.

Sifuentes says he still puts in his hundred percent and is focused on molding himself into the best RedWolf, Coyote, and young man that he can be.

Turns out that was not such a bright IDEA

Junior Marianna Rodriguez formerly attended IDEA Mission.
As Rodriguez enters Jimmy Carter ECHS for the first time, she contemplates what lies ahead. Rodriguez is both learning and adapting to a new world.
“This district is much more lenient than IDEA,” said Rodriguez. “You can be more flexible with work, and they offer many more resources.”
Rodriguez mentions she can now have more flexible classes since she is no longer restricted to taking only AP classes, as she used to. This allows her to take college-level courses and have the flexibility to focus on her needs and build friendships, while in her previous school, she had to adhere to a strict curriculum.
“If I want to make those friends, I have to put myself out there,” Rodriguez said, “I have to actually do something, whereas over there, we grew up with each other, so we were friendly with each other.”
The most challenging thing about moving here, Rodriguez said, would be branching out. It’s awkward since she moved here at the beginning of her junior year, the middle of her high school career.
“I like how this school offers a lot of clubs and opportunities to be more engaged with your community,” Rodriguez said. “My old school only had like two clubs to offer, so I appreciate the variety this school has.”
This year, she plans to join University Interscholastic League (UIL) Journalism.
Although moving schools has significantly changed her routine, she enjoys the new opportunities JCEC can provide. Newfound freedom allows Rodriguez to explore more, and she believes that the IDEA school she left behind was not the right fit for her.

Influenced by his students, Victorio Salinas, a 10th-grade chemistry teacher, switched to Jimmy Carter Early College High School permanently after a year of working at two schools.

Mr. Salinas was born in Sullivan City. He has a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Master’s of Education in special education.

“Teaching was my first choice as a kid, then I got to college and wanted to be a game warden,” Salinas said.

His first job was at HOPE Academy. Most places where he has worked are what some people may think of as “the troubled kid’s school.”

Salinas said that his deep passion for assisting students who have fewer privileges or encounter more significant challenges has been a part of his professional journey.

“I taught AVID for six years at both middle and high school levels,” Salinas said. “I enjoy helping students become better learners.”

Salinas’ dedicationis evident in taking on the challenge of working with two schools last year.

“It was difficult because I knew I couldn’t give my 100% to one,” Salinas admitted.

His commitment and unwillingness to give his full to his job contributed to his decision to become the official Chemistry teacher.

“I didn’t see me here; I saw myself in CCC,” Salinas said.

The students at Jimmy Carter and the school environment ultimately persuaded him to make the switch.

Leah Rios puts hours of hard work and dedication into the drill team and academics, making Rios proud of her accomplishment. Last week, La Joya High School’s Jewelette of the week was Jimmy Carter’s Early College Freshman, Leah Rios.

“I felt amazing about being Jewelette of the week,” Rios said. “That people recognized me and saw that I was doing well made me feel very proud.”

While being in an after-school program is time-consuming, Rios sees the drill team as something she has always been passionate about. She feels that being a part of this organization pays off.

“The drill team is a lot of hard work, but it’s rewarding, especially when you do good,” she said.

However, the drill team and school assignments have created a few challenges for Rios since she missed afternoon classes to attend football games. She still feels confident that she’ll be able to keep up with her schoolwork.

“I can make up the work another time,” she said. “I have to have good time management to finish all my assignments.”

Balancing extracurricular activities and schoolwork can prove to be challenging at times. But Rios is passionate about what she is doing and encourages others to try.

“Don’t quit something before you even try it because you gonna miss out on something that could be amazing, ” Rios said.

Rios encourages everyone to try something, even if they are unsure. Joining a club or organization can be exciting and different.