Posted inEducation

Sophomore RedWolf and Lobos Cross Country Star Qualifies for State Championship

by Ivan Silva

Dolores Ramirez, a Jimmy Carter Early College High School sophomore, has qualified for the Texas State Cross Country Championships after a strong showing in the Region IV-5A meet. On Monday at Dr. Dugan Soccer & Track Stadium, Ramirez placed 7th in a field of 187 runners, securing her spot at the state competition, which is set for Round Rock.

Ramirez, a member of the Lobos XC team, has achieved standout success this season, earning titles as District Champion and Most Valuable Runner. Her efforts have been instrumental in the Lobos’ success, as the team clinched the Region IV-5A Championship and established themselves as one of the top cross-country teams in South Texas. The Lobos are currently ranked 8th among 5A teams in the region, which spans Laredo, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley, and hold the position of 2nd best team in the Rio Grande Valley.

The state competition in Round Rock will allow Ramirez and her team to showcase their skills on one of Texas’ largest stages for high school athletics.

Posted inEducation

Dive into Kaylie Macias’ life

Karim C. by Karim C.

Kaylie, a 16-year-old junior at Jimmy Carter Early College, has embraced the journey of high school with a focus on self-improvement and educational goals. She chose Jimmy Carter Early College for the opportunities it offered and the educational benefits that would prepare her for the future.

Reflecting on her growth since freshman year, Kaylie feels she has matured in several areas, including time management, independence, and critical thinking. The transition to high school brought new responsibilities, a shift in her priorities, and a broader focus that extends beyond academics to include her future aspirations.

One of Kaylie’s favorite quotes, “Do your best, then let God do the rest,” captures her approach to challenges. She believes that giving her best effort is an achievement in itself, and she finds comfort in trusting that whatever she cannot control, God will handle.

For those who don’t know her well, Kaylie shares that she’s deeply committed to helping others feel comfortable and happy. “I’ll do anything and everything to make someone feel truly comfortable and happy in life,” she said, expressing a core part of her personality that often goes unnoticed.

One major decision that changed Kaylie’s life for the better was quitting volleyball to focus on her academics. Although she loved the sport and the camaraderie with her teammates, balancing school and volleyball became too challenging. The demands of her strict, high-expectations coach added to her stress, making it difficult to keep up. Ultimately, stepping away from volleyball allowed her to improve her grades and prioritize her well-being.

Now, as she moves through her junior year, Kaylie is excited about what lies ahead, looking forward to her future, the job she’ll eventually pursue, and the independence that comes with it. The challenges and choices she’s faced so far have shaped her into a determined and thoughtful student, ready to take on whatever comes next.