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Jimmy Carter ECHS Students Attend RGV Lead Fall Leadership Conference

by Ivan Silva

Jimmy Carter ECHS Students Attend RGV Lead Fall Leadership Conference

Kevin Soto, Ernesto Romero, and Yankarlo Muñoz from Jimmy Carter Early College High School joined other students from across the Rio Grande Valley at the RGV Lead Fall Leadership Conference on October 18, 2024, at South Texas College. The conference aimed to help students develop leadership skills and prepare them to serve as ambassadors for their schools and communities.

The event opened with a welcome session, followed by a presentation from Rob Barrera, a Mathematics Specialist at Region One Education Service Center. Barrera led students through a “National Contribution Project” and a reflection activity. He emphasized the importance of using creativity and critical thinking to solve problems, both in school and in the community.

After a break for networking and lunch, students heard from Ramiro Hernández, a graduate of Harvard University’s School of Education. Hernández shared insights on the labor market and led an activity that encouraged students to connect their educational goals with future career opportunities. His story of growing up in South Texas and later attending Harvard resonated with the students, highlighting the value of persistence and education.

The day wrapped up with a planning session, where students outlined strategies to apply the leadership lessons they had learned throughout the day. A raffle and closing announcements ended the event.

Soto, Romero, and Muñoz left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to use their new skills to make a positive impact in their school and community.

Posted inEducation

Jimmy Carter Dual Enrollment Students Participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Event at UTRGV

by Ivan Silva

Jimmy Carter, a dual enrollment criminal justice student, attended the Rio Grande Valley District Attorneys Coalition Regional Press Conference and Domestic Violence Awareness Event on October 17. The event, hosted at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), allowed students to engage with legal professionals and hear firsthand accounts related to domestic violence.

Criminal Justice instructor Gilberto Salinas expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, noting, “It was great that the students got to hear from Terry Palacios, Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney; Luis Saenz, Cameron County District Attorney; Annette Hinojosa, Willacy County District Attorney; and Allen Ramirez, Starr County District Attorney, as well as a domestic violence survivor.”

The press conference and awareness event are part of ongoing efforts by the Rio Grande Valley District Attorneys Coalition to raise awareness about domestic violence and its lasting effects on the community.

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Community Builder: Genesis Gutierrez

Michelle G. by Michelle G.

Genesis Gutierrez is the junior class president at Jimmy Carter Early College High School. Helping the community and making a difference is what drives her.

“I am the president, keeping students together and letting them know that attending school can actually be enjoyable. The reason I chose this position is because I want to provide a space where students can have fun and express themselves,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez finds helping students and encouraging them to enjoy school as key reasons for continuing her work. Being involved in students’ lives and improving the school community plays a significant role in shaping who she is.

“My future plans for the class of 2026 are to raise $12,000 for a good prom and a field trip. Since students want both, I’m willing to try to make that happen,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez hopes the juniors can raise enough money for both a memorable prom and a field trip during their senior year. As student council president, she’s also planning to organize a homecoming to give students a fuller high school experience while raising money for the junior class.

“The homecoming was originally meant to be a winter formal, but we decided on homecoming to encourage more students to attend. We’re asking students to donate items so we can make a profit,” Gutierrez said.

The homecoming dance is being organized by the Junior Class Student Council officers. It serves as a way for the junior class to raise funds while ensuring students have fun.

“Being part of the National Honor Society allows me to be involved with other students and help the community around me. I enjoy being involved and providing help in some way,” Gutierrez said.

Despite her involvement in various activities, Gutierrez says she manages her time by following what feels right. She views herself as a typical student, just wanting to make the most of her high school experience.

“I manage my time by just going with the flow and doing what feels right at the moment,” she said.