Red Gold News

“Hi, I am Alexandra Contreras, and I am a senior at Jimmy Carter and the secretary of the Beta Club,” Contreras said.

Contreras decided to run for secretary because she believed it would be a fun and manageable role.

“When I heard there were student elections for the club, I immediately ran for secretary because I thought it would be an easy and fun job,” she said.

She enjoys being part of Beta Club and finds it rewarding because of its emphasis on community service.

“It’s a fun and rewarding club to be a part of because we help out the community,” Contreras said.

Next semester, she will attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she plans to major in kinesiology.

“I am so excited to attend UTRGV next semester and study kinesiology,” she said.

Contreras is known for her dedication to academics and makes the most of her free time to stay on top of her coursework.

“I have a lot of free periods, so during those, I make sure to study, review, and stay caught up on all my classes,” she said.

One of her proudest achievements in high school was passing the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exam, allowing her to take college courses and earn her associate degree before graduating.

“For me, my greatest accomplishment during high school is passing my TSI exam, being able to take college classes, and graduating with my associate degree,” she said.

As she prepares to leave high school, Contreras hopes to be remembered for her kindness and work ethic.

“I want my peers to remember me as kind, helpful, and hardworking,” she said.

Balancing academics, athletics, and social life is no easy task. Still, Kevin Soto embraces this daily challenge with discipline and determination. As a dedicated student-athlete, Kevin’s days begin before sunrise and end only after all his responsibilities are met. His unwavering commitment to his education and sport sets him apart as an outstanding Jimmy Carter Early College student.
Kevin’s mornings start early with soccer practice, followed by a demanding school day filled with assignments and coursework. After school, it’s back to the field for more training before finally unwinding by socializing with friends and finishing homework.
“I wake up early to practice, then travel from my conference high school to Jimmy Carter. Then, I go through my day, my daily school life, and do my work. After school, I go to practice, and then afterward, I socialize with my friends, play video games with them, and before I go to bed, I do my homework,” Kevin explained.
So, his primary motivation for maintaining such a demanding schedule?His future. “I want to set myself up for the future,” he explains.This focus drives him to push through the pressures of school and sports, a balancing act requiring immense discipline. Kevin believes that the structure and commitment required in athletics translate directly into academic success. 
“The discipline you get from playing your sport, like waking up early or going to practice all day, really helps,” he says.
Despite his disciplined approach, the challenges of being a student-athlete are inevitable. Conflicting schedules often force him to sacrifice social outings, and the pressure to excel in both areas can be overwhelming.
“They clash together sometimes, like my social life. Whenever I want to hang out with my friends, I have practice, so I can’t go. And then whenever I have schoolwork, I also have practice. Soccer takes a lot of time, which means I have less time to do everything else,”
However, these challenges have also shaped Kevin into a more resilient and confident individual. “It’s a big part of my life. It’s helped with my confidence and how I handle challenges—like if I mess up in a game, it’s very similar to messing up in school or just in life,” he shared. His ability to recover from setbacks on and off the field has made him a stronger athlete and person.
For Kevin, the most rewarding aspect of being an athlete is representing high school.” I think mainly representing that team or that school, and whenever you bring on that badge as a team for the school, it’s a great feeling,” he says with pride.His dedication to his team and school fuels his desire to keep pushing forward, no matter how demanding the journey becomes.
So, how does he stay focused amid all these responsibilities? Kevin follows a simple yet very effective strategy: Focusing on the present moment. “I try to focus on the moment and what I’m doing currently and not get distracted by something else until I’m done,” he explains.Avoiding procrastination and handling tasks promptly have been key habits that help him stay ahead in academics and athletics.
On tough days,when the stress of school and sports feels overwhelming,Keving reminds himself of his long-term goals. “I don’t focus on the problem; I go through it thinking about the end—the future,” he says.This mindset keeps him motivated, pushing him past the challenges and staying on track.
Kevin plans to continue balancing his academic and athletic pursuits in college, advancing his life. His journey as a student-athlete is a testament to the power of perseverance and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.
Kevin Soto is more than just an athlete or an outstanding student; he inspires those around him. His relentless pursuit of excellence proves that anything is possible with the right mindset and dedication.

Few students stand out at the intersection of academics and athletics, like Valeria Barrera, a dual-enrolled student who attends Jimmy Carter Early College High School while competing for La Joya High School’s softball team. Known for her skill, determination, and focus, Barrera has gained recognition for her outstanding performances on the field.
Her journey into softball began during her freshman year, though she had been interested in the sport since middle school. Limited opportunities led her to explore volleyball and basketball instead. Despite the late start, she quickly made a name for herself. In one game, she scored five runs; in another, she stole 10 bases—an achievement that would impress even the most seasoned athletes.
When asked how she handles high-pressure situations, Barrera remains composed.
“I try not to put too much pressure on myself in those moments,” she said. “I just trust the process and focus on doing my best, leaving the outcome to God.”
She credits her ability to stay focused to a simple yet effective habit.
“To stay focused, I rely on the simple act of chewing gum during the game. It helps me block out distractions and concentrate better,” she said.
Barrera also acknowledges the leadership and guidance of her coach, whose influence has been instrumental in the team’s 36 championship wins over the past four years.
“Our coach has been a huge influence on our success. He taught us to never give up and to always stay true to what we’re capable of. He reminds us to never let anyone bring us down,” she said.
Beyond her coach’s support, Barrera values the energy and encouragement of her teammates.
“The energy from my teammates makes a big difference. They’re always cheering for me and leading chants that keep us confident and motivated. Knowing they’re relying on me helps me stay calm and focused,” she said.
Balancing academics and athletics is one of the biggest challenges student-athletes face, but Barrera has developed a strong sense of discipline.
“I make it a habit to do my homework right after games, even if I’m exhausted. If I can’t finish it that night, I make sure to get it done the next morning during the first period,” she said.
Barrera’s impressive combination of talent, discipline, and determination positions her to succeed in her academic and athletic pursuits.