Red Gold News

Working through the day.

Senior agenda completed for their first semester

Success takes sacrifice and motivation
“Joanna Castillo, an active member in several organizations at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, credits her parents as her primary motivation for academic success.”

They have made many sacrifices for her to experience and enjoy all of this, and she thanks them for always supporting her.

Castillo is involved in the National Honor Society, Texas Association of Future Educators, National Beta Club, and Mu Alpha Theta. She takes pride in her involvement and position in school life. 

 ”I started actively participating in these extracurricular activities for two reasons: first, I enjoy having the ability to contribute within my community, and second, it has brought me many new and impactful experiences,” Castillo said.

Castillo acknowledges the challenges but embraces them. She engages by using her organizational skills to the best of her abilities. For instance, Castillo has a personal planner that helps her keep track of her duties.

 “I balance my extracurricular activities by using time management effectively, which has taught me to handle my responsibilities properly,” Castillo said.

Castillo’s effective time management allows her to minimize stress while remaining dedicated to her academic success and personal growth.

“I  believe that it will be worth it in the end because being part of clubs and organizations has taught me to reinforce skills that will help me in the future,” Castillo said.

New Teacher Mr. Rios: New Angle for Sophomores

Sophomores at Jimmy Carter Early College High School started the year with a new face in their geometry classroom: Mr. Adrian Rios. Known for his engaging approach, Rios is already making an impact on his students.

Rios, who draws his passion for teaching from his own high school experience, said he was inspired by teachers who showed him respect and ignited his love for math. “The way my teachers got me interested in math is something I want to do for my students,” he said. His goal, he added, is to make math enjoyable and meaningful for his students.

Reflecting on his first impressions, Rios noted a supportive atmosphere among staff and well-behaved students, though he observed some “a bit too relaxed.” “The staff here is very tight-knit,” he said, appreciating the community’s spirit of collaboration.

In his teaching, Rios emphasizes hands-on learning. “I enjoy teaching through discovery, letting students find answers themselves,” he explained. This year, he is especially excited about teaching logic, which he believes will challenge and engage students.

Rios uses technology and interactive methods to keep students involved. “I want math to be exciting and interactive,” he said. His approach is resonating with students like sophomore Giovanni Alvizo, who described him as “funny and straightforward.” Alvizo added, “He understands us well because we’re close in age.”

Deyla Rogero, another sophomore, initially felt disappointed about losing a free period. “But after meeting Mr. Rios, I realized math class could be better with a teacher like him,” she said.

With a mix of enthusiasm, relatable teaching, and a focus on engagement, Mr. Rios is already making a positive impression in his new role.

A recent surge in vape use has swept through school environments, creating challenges for students and staff alike. Vaping in school is not only affecting students’ ability to concentrate in class but is also becoming a concerning trend for those seeking an escape from academic pressures.

According to the Texas State School Safety Center, “E-cigarettes are electronic devices designed to look like regular cigarettes or youth-friendly items such as USB flash drives, pens, highlighters, lipstick, or other cosmetics.” This design, paired with flashy colors and flavors, appeals directly to young audiences, making vaping both accessible and attractive.

A report from NEA Today highlights the trend, stating, “According to the survey, 5.9 percent of middle and high school students use e-cigarettes, a decrease from 7.7 percent the previous year. Yet, over a quarter of those users report using e-cigarettes daily.” This high frequency of use among some students underscores the grip that vaping holds over them, often without an awareness of its long-term health effects.

“Students who vape often display signs of elevated heart rates, palpitations, and anxiety,” noted Sarahi Pena, the nurse at Jimmy Carter Early College High School. “You can often see it in their eyes—there’s a lack of control over their eye movements.”

According to Pena, the physiological impact of vaping can lead to lapses in judgment and a lack of awareness in the classroom. “When students are under the influence, their thought processes slow, making it harder for them to understand and respond to questions. Some don’t answer at all because they can’t fully process what’s being asked,” she added.

The effects of vaping, both immediate and long-term, continue to unfold in schools, posing a challenge for educators, healthcare providers, and families as they navigate this complex issue.

For Brandon Vasquez, a high school student from Mission, Texas, each day is a balancing act between academic rigor and personal passions. Known for his dedication to his studies, Brandon often prioritizes schoolwork above everything else. 

“Schoolwork is really important to me. Sometimes, it has to come first,” he shared, reflecting on his commitment to staying focused on his goals.

But there’s more to Brandon than just books and assignments. Behind his studious exterior lies a surprising talent: he’s an accomplished violinist. Few people know that he once competed in UIL for orchestra in eighth grade, a period he fondly remembers. 

“Playing the violin has always been a part of me,” he says. “It’s something that lets me express myself in a way that words sometimes can’t.”

Yet, like many students, Brandon has faced challenges in his academic journey. Procrastination was a significant hurdle, one that threatened to throw him off track. 

“I used to struggle with putting things off,” he admits. To overcome this, he designed a personal schedule and worked hard to stay disciplined. “Sticking to a plan helped me stay focused and manage my time better.”

As for the future, Brandon envisions a mix of career, education, and exploration. In five years, he hopes to be either continuing his studies, working, or traveling. 

“Exploring the world is something I really want to do,” he says, his voice filled with excitement. “I want to see as much as I can while I’m here.”

Brandon lives by a personal motto inspired by a quote from rapper Lil Uzi Vert: “Never ever change, never ever let anyone change you. Always mold yourself into who you want to be and always strive for greatness.” 

For Brandon, these words resonate deeply. “I believe that we should shape ourselves based on who we want to be, not on what others think,” he reflects.

With a clear vision for his future and a steadfast dedication to self-improvement, Brandon Vasquez is already paving his path toward the life he aspires to lead.

Seniors dress up for last school Halloween.

Seniors show off their senior shirts at Senior Sunrise

Student-Led FBLA Workshop