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 C by Naola C

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.”

Posted inEducation

A few steps to shining for everyone to see

Jaymee G by Jaymee G

At the La Joya High School pep rally on Friday, September 15, Tavarez was named Dancer of the Week for the La Joya High School Tabasco Folklorico. She was honored to receive this title as a freshman and felt accepted by her teammates.

At the La Joya High School pep rally on Friday, September 15, Tavarez was named Dancer of the Week for the La Joya High School Tabasco Folkloric. She was honored to receive this title as a freshman and felt accepted by her teammates.

“When they said my name, I really did know it was going to be me,” Tavarez said. “I was shocked. It felt like I was part of the team now.”

Tavarez plays the marimba in the La Joya High School Band’s percussion section. When she hears the sound of the band’s hard work, it makes the long hours spent outside in the sun feel rewarding.

“It’s rewarding knowing the music and being able to play it,” Tavarez said. “Being amazed and thinking, ‘Wow, this sounds nice.’”

Both organizations can be time-consuming and challenging to manage. Tavarez has after-school practices for both clubs, which requires her to split her time between them. Remaining optimistic, Tavarez believes she can balance both commitments while making time for her schoolwork.

“Right now, I have to split my time with both of them,” Tavarez said. “But I can still get stuff done with both organizations.”

Tavarez started dancing folkloric in elementary and took up band in middle school. Despite her early starts in both organizations, she encourages everyone to try out for something new.

“Try anything new and be more social,” Tavarez said. “Don’t let what others say determine what you do. Just make friends and have fun.”

Abigail Tavarez puts time and effort into both organizations, striving for excellence and proudly representing the Jimmy Carter Red Wolves and La Joya Coyotes.