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Confidence, teamwork, and a sense of achievement are just as important as the medals our elementary students will receive during the 2024 UIL Academic Elementary District Meet to be held December 12 – 14.   This friendly competition is back after a four-year hiatus.

“Our kids need it,” Sam Houston Elementary Principal Selma Gutierrez said. “They need some normalcy. The kids need to be active in other clubs, especially academic clubs.” Gutierrez was one of the principals who advocated for the return of the district UIL meet after COVID canceled all extra-curricular events.

Approximately 240 students advanced to the district meet after placing in the top three at their campus UIL competition.

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is designed to enrich students’ educational journeys by offering inter-school competitions that develop skills beyond the classroom. “UIL at the elementary level helps lay the foundation for academic and character growth, preparing students to be engaged citizens and learners,” Martinez said.

This year, the district meet will include contests in: Art for 4^th – 5^th graders; Music Memory for 2^nd - 5^th grade; Number Sense for 4^th and 5^th grade; Spelling for grades 3^rd – 5^th grade; and Storytelling for 2^nd and 3^rd grade. Other UIL events like Maps, Graphs and Charts, Ready Writing, Oral Reading and Chess Puzzles may return next year.

“Through their involvement in UIL, we hope students gain confidence, learn the value of teamwork, and discover their unique strengths. The experience allows students to dive deeper into specific subjects or skills,” Advanced Academic Manager Claudia Martinez said.

Sam Houston Elementary will host the district meet for the Weslaco High School feeder campuses: Cleckler-Heald, Memorial, Justice Raul A. Gonzalez and Rodolfo “Rudy” Silva. North Bridge Elementary will host the Weslaco East High School feeder campuses: Airport Drive, Dr. R. E. Margo, A. N. (Tony) Rico and PFC Mario Ybarra.

In preparation for the meet, students have met after school with coaches to review the different competition requirements.

“This gives our students a sense of belonging,” Gutierrez said. “It pushes the kids to think outside the box.”

A life’s goal is becoming a reality for one of our kindergarten teachers. Rosa Rodriguez recently won the 2024 Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) $1000 scholarship during the ‘Discovering and Unleashing the Power of Languages and Cultures’ conference held in Round Rock recently.

“I was so excited,” she said.  “It fills me with pride.  It humbles you and you are grateful.”

With this scholarship, Rodriguez will continue to work on her Master’s in Bilingual Education with a specialization in Biliteracy.

“Pursuing my master’s degree has always been a goal for me, but it took a backseat when I started my family and focused on their needs. I firmly believe that learning is a lifelong journey and that knowledge is empowering,” Rodriguez said.

As a former bilingual student herself, the Rodolfo “Rudy” Silva Jr. Elementary teacher hopes to apply her studies in her classroom and the district.   

“Bilingual education holds great significance for me because, as educators, we have a responsibility to show bilingual students that the ability to communicate in two languages is a remarkable gift,” she said. “In many ways, being bilingual is like having a superpower. My goal is to cultivate a sense of pride in being bilingual.”

To be selected a TABE scholarship recipient, Rodriguez along with bilingual teachers from across the state, completed several essays describing the importance of a bilingual education.  

“By gaining advanced proficiency in bilingual education, I learn and implement innovative teaching strategies that cater specifically to bilingual learners, thereby enhancing their language abilities and academic achievements,” she said. “In today's globalized environment, being bilingual provides a significant competitive edge in the job market.”

Rodriguez has attended several TABE conferences in the past and this is her second year as an official TABE member.

The trophy case at Weslaco East High School just got a bit more crowded.  This time a new piece of hardware will be on display after the Boys Varsity Cross Country Team brought home the 2024 5A Region IV Championship for the first time.

“We are real happy,” Cross Country Head Coach Tom Owens said.  “We’ve finished third and fourth before and never could quite get that regional championship.  The funny thing is we’ve beaten the team that won regionals at the state meet.  It’s not easy.  All the teams at regionals are pretty good.”

At regionals, the Wildcats faced off against 190 runners from Region IV which encompasses Districts 25-30 covering schools from Round Rock/Austin, San Antonio to Corpus Christi and Laredo to Brownsville.

Now Coach Owens has his sights on state and the team is staying focused.

“We are keeping sharp; these guys are staying sharp.  They are not satisfied with just getting to the state either. Winning the regional meet was nice but now we want to make the podium.”

Consistency, dedication and discipline has built a team culture of success.

“Last year our mantra was Operation Round Rock. This year we call it: The Path to the Podium,” he said.

The path has been a journey for the regional champions.

“I want the kids to know that we can go to state and make the medal stand,” he said. “We’ve done it once now, let’s keep doing it.”

Students representing Career and Technical Education programs came to together to offer a shockingly good time at the 2^nd annual CTE Spooktacular held at the Joe Cavillo Jr. Career and Technology Complex.  This showcase served to inform parents and community about the many programs, licensures and industry certifications available at CTE.

The Cosmetology students offered face painting and the Culinary Arts students manned the frappe booth.  Students in the Audio-Visual production class hosted a haunted house and the Photography students helped participants capture the moment in print. Students in architectural design class gave out raspas and the popcorn machine was working overtime as the Auto Collision students passed out these tasty treats.    

Spiderman, Elsa from Frozen and several others were seen having a great time.

The bright stadium lights will not outshine the sparkle of the diamond-encrusted rings the Weslaco High School Softball State Championship Team will receive this Friday, October 25. This ring ceremony will take place during the halftime show of this week’s football game when the Panthers face off against the PSJA North Raiders.

Following UIL Texas tradition, the school district will present all team members and coaching staff with the 6A State Softball Championship Ring.

“This is the first female team sport in the Valley that has received a state championship ring,” WHS Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach Roy Stroman said.

After the PSJA halftime band performance, the stadium lights will be turned down for a KWES highlight reel.  The lights will then be turned on to reveal the team members at the 50-yard line. The rings will be unveiled to the team for the first time during the ceremony.

“We’re excited for this great night,” he said. “I’m pretty sure it will be emotional for the girls, seeing the rings for the first time. It’s a beautiful ring,” Stroman said.

The rings will serve as a lasting tribute to a unique group of individuals who came together and achieved tremendous athletic accomplishment.

“We are super excited that we are able to do this for the girls.  They will be our hometown heroes for the rest of our lives,” he said. “This was the most humble, grounded group, I have ever been around.  This is the definition of team.”

The team has already left a lasting impression. 

“The girls have kicked open the door for not only Weslaco but for the rest of the Valley. In south Texas, we have the athletes down here to accomplish great thing like state championships,” he said.

Weslaco ISD student representatives and the city of Weslaco officials gathered at City Hall to kick off the National Red Ribbon Week campaign for Oct. 21 – 25.  Students and guests were treated to the Hollywood Walk of Fame following this year’s theme: Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free. 

“Our students need to know that, they are the leading role in their lives,” Student Support Services Director Cindy Cid said.  “All the choices they make will affect the outcome of their own movie.”

City Mayor Adrian Gonzalez warned students about the pressure they may experience at school.

“You be yourself,” he said.  “Don’t try to be a popular kid by doing something you are not supposed to be doing.  Drugs are not going to be the way.”  

Weslaco Police Chief Dr. Joel Rivera also addressed the students and discussed the severe consequences of drug use.

“I am not going to sugar coat it,” he said.  “Drugs are ugly.  I have seen a man take his last breath on this world because of an overdose and try as I might to bring him back, I couldn’t.”

Licensed vocational counselor George A. Lopez also spoke with the students.

“I have had a chance to work with teenagers and even elementary students who already had problems with alcohol and drugs because they forgot who they were,” he said.    

WISD students will take part in several district-wide activities during this Red Ribbon Spirit Week. Students will fill out cards pledging to be drug free.  Winners of the Red Ribbon Week door decorating contest will be announced Friday, Oct. 25.

Secondary students are also submitting essay, poster or video entries for the National Substance Abuse Prevention Month contest for first, second and third place prizes.

Governor Greg Abbott recently announced that 14 Weslaco ISD schools have been awarded with the Purple Star Campus Designation across the state of Texas for 2024-2025. Dr. Armando Cuellar Middle School received a Purple Star recognition for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.

“This is recognition of the district’s commitment to serving the unique needs of our military children,” Student Support Services Director Dr. Cindy Cid said.  “We provide a sense of belonging to students who move from one place to another.”   

Purple Star Elementary Schools include A.N. (Tony) Rico, Airport Drive, Cleckler-Heald, Justice Raul A. Gonzalez, Memorial, North Bridge, PFC Mario Ybarra and Sam Houston.  Secondary schools with the Purple Star designations are Beatriz G. Garza, Central, Cuellar and Mary Hoge, as well as, South Palm Gardens, Weslaco East and Weslaco high schools. The designations are valid for two years.

These campuses met the rigorous criteria which includes the establishment of a military liaison, the creation of a webpage with resources for military-connected families, a campus transition program for military-connected students, and support for this military family assistance initiative. 

“Each campus-based military liaison, and counselors/social workers provide our military students with resources to help them with social emotional issues,” Dr. Cid said.  “These students have to be resilient when their parents are not there because of deployment.”

Currently, 15 out of the 37 Purple Star schools in Region I are from WISD.

“Our district is committed to our military students,” Dr. Cid said.  “We support them throughout the school year.”

The district will celebrate Veteran’s Day with a special assembly on November 11.  The district also celebrates Child of the Military Month in April and high school students who are signing up for military service.       

The Purple Star Campus program was established in 2019 by the 86^th Texas Legislature. Texas is the second largest state with military-connected students in school.

It’s one thing to study history but it’s quite another to make history.  A variation of that word has been used to describe the Weslaco High School Lady Panthers Varsity Softball Team and the first-ever 6A state championship title: historic.  Now this unforgettable moment in time is on full display at the Weslaco Museum now through October 26.  The museum, located at 500 S. Blvd., will host a community reception for this “League of the Own” exhibit from 4 – 6 p.m. Saturday, October 5.  The reception is free to the community.

“As the keepers of Weslaco history, it is our duty to celebrate the latest milestone in our city’s rich history,” Executive Director of the Weslaco Museum Crystal Rodriguez said. “Many have seen highlight reels and videos of the game, but we wanted to delve a little deeper to showcase a more personal side of the big day. The perspectives from the girls and coaches add a unique touch to our exhibit that we hope the community will enjoy.”

Team member game uniforms, cleats, helmets and an autographed softball are among the exclusive artifacts that are part of the exhibit.  Seven golden softball gloves stand tribute to the winning 2024 season recounting the team’s trajectory from district, bi-district, area, regional quarterfinals, regional semifinals (Sweet 16) regional finals (Elite 8) and state semi-finals play. The state championship trophy clearly makes it presence among the celebratory hardware.   

News clippings from Sports Illustrated, Dallas Morning News, Laredo Morning Times and The Monitor are also part of the collection.  Visitors can relive that fateful 7^th inning against Waco Mid-Way with a special screening of the game.

The exhibit also displays messages from the players themselves.

“I found the exhibit truly impressive, not just from the historical perspective but also in how it’s thoughtfully put together,” Head Softball Coach Mario Rodriguez said.  “It offers a unique glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of the players and coaches throughout the championship game, allowing visitors to experience their mindset and feelings during those intense moments.”

In keeping with a Rio Grande Valley tradition, the museum will offer loteria cards featuring the 2024 state champions. According to Rodriguez, several items of the exhibit may become a permanent of the museum. 

“It’s such a blessing to take part in such a monumental season because I know how hard our girls and coaches have worked to accomplish something like this for the softball program,” Coach Rodriguez said.

Several team members will also attend the reception.

They are show stoppers. You will definitely notice the two new Weslaco ISD school buses that have recently joined the transportation department. Fully wrapped in purple and black, sporting the Weslaco High Panthers and Weslaco East Wildcats, these Ultra Coach Liners will transport our students to any academic, fine arts or athletic event in comfort and style.

The Weslaco High School Volleyball Team had the privilege of using the bus for the first time for their trip to a Laredo game last week.

“We feel really special to be honest,” senior Daniella Gonzalez said.  “At least we got to smell the new leather seat smell before all the football players. I really, really loved it. I think it’s such a great addition to this school.” 

Each bus will definitely make a statement when it takes to the streets.  The district’s long-standing competitive spirit is on full display, promoting and marketing WISD.

“It gives every sport a chance to feel really hyped up, to really feel into the game. It brings a lot more spirit, more personality to our school. I like that it has both the Wildcats and the Panthers, it makes us feel more together,” she said. 

The new bus acquisitions are part of the district’s ongoing efforts to make things better for our students.  These new charter-style buses offer a nicer ride for travel to competitions outside the Valley. Aside from the additional leg room, students will also have more space for their gear or luggage in compartments available above and below the seats.  Each seat is also equipped with vents to allow students to control their own air flow.  The fully-cushioned seats also recline and have built-in chargers.

WISD ordered two additional buses of the Safety Liners class which will be delivered in November.   

The tabulations are in, and the Weslaco ISD Business Office has received a perfect score of 100 points from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for sound financial planning. This is the ninth consecutive year that the Business Office has received this Superior rating from the Texas Education Agency. FIRST provides accountability for Texas public schools on the quality of their financial management practices.

Accounting for a $200 million operating budget is a monumental task considering that every employee has contact with the Business Office in one way or another.

“It is a team effort to get these points, everyone has to do their part and making sure that we follow the current guidelines and policies that the district has, and just by doing that great things happen here,” WISD Chief Financial Officer David Robledo said.

WISD is one of nine districts out of 38 in the Valley that received a perfect score.

“This is due to the hard work of all the staff at the Business Office and the campuses and departments,” Robledo said.

FIRST utilizes 21 indicators to assess the district’s finances; if the district does not pass the first five indicators, a perfect score cannot be obtained. For example, FIRST tracks district payments to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to determine if they are made in a timely manner. The rest of the indicators are part of the yearly audit.

During the audit, balances are confirmed with banks, all TEA funding is accounted for; and local, state and federal monies are tracked. The district’s investments and revenues are also checked. Also, during an audit, a batch from the tens of thousands of checks paid by the district are spot checked to ensure that the correct accounts were used.

FIRST provides TEA with budget oversight that also flags school district that may not be performing optimal financial practices.

Weslaco ISD kicked off the inaugural 2024 water polo season with its first district game last week when the Weslaco High School Panthers faced off against the Weslaco East Wildcats in a historic crosstown game.   The Panthers came out on top winning both boys’ and girls’ games.    

“It was really interesting just to see this brand-new sport,” WHS Water Polo Head Coach David Ortiz said.  “This was history in the making for both teams. It has been a learning process for all of us.”   

It was a close game for the Lady Panthers and Lady Wildcats with both teams going back and forth until the third quarter when WHS began to pull away. 

Melany Bautista scored three goals and Ari Angulo scored one for the Lady Wildcats.  On the purple and white side, Maya Peña netted three goals, Alexa Ortegon made two, Tessa Martinez, Lourdes Moreno, and Leelee Ipiña finished with one goal.  The final score was 8-4.

In boys’ action, for the Wildcats, Joeleo Carrizales netted two goals, Octavian De La Serna and Eduardo Zuniga finished with one goal.  Representing the Panthers, Julius Casanova scored four goals and Jaiden Lopez scored three. Michael Mata, Carlos Reyes,

and Diego Garza each had two goals. Daniel Cavazos and Devin Solis also added one goal each.  The final score was 15-4.

“I thought we had a good turn out,” Ortiz said. 

After an initial slow start, both Weslaco ISD programs have gained momentum. 

“It has been with the UIL for the past 2.5 years and Weslaco moved forward to incorporate it as part of athletic programs,” WISD Athletic Director Desi Rodriguez said.  “We want all Weslaco athletes to get every opportunity other athletes from around the state are receiving.”

Currently, there are 12 teams that have water polo in the Valley. WISD competes in a district which includes Mission, Mission Vets, Sharyland High and Sharyland Pioneer. The season consists of 10 district games.

Central Middle School 6^th grader Ethan Guerrero is the only student in the State of Texas to be selected as a Summer Math Splash contest winner. Ethan spent the better part of his summer days reviewing and completing over 100 math problems through the online Imagine Math program.  Upon completion, Ethan was eligible for a grand prize and he was selected from the group of participants from across the country.

“I was shocked because this never happens to me,” Ethan said.  “I was surprised.”

The Summer Math Splash contest is designed to help students retain and build math skills while school is out. Ethan’s parents encouraged him to participate in the program.

“My mom wants me to go into advanced math,” Ethan said.  “I’m doing good in my advanced math class, I think it helped me be ahead.” 

The Summer Math Splash Grand Prize consisted of a goodie bag that included a solar powered backpack filled with back-to-school essentials.

Weslaco High School graduate Maia Flores is looking forward to making a difference in the world and she is starting with her community.

As the only Hidalgo County recipient of the Mexican-American School Boards Association scholarship, Maia will use the $5000 grant to attend the University of Texas – Austin and major in advertising.       

“I had applied to so many scholarships and my financial aid hadn’t kicked in so I was really stressing,” she said. “It was incredible to see my hard work pay off. I spent a lot of time writing.”

Maia completed a series of essays centered around Latino issues and is one of six students to receive the MASBA scholarship in the state.

“We are thrilled to support these remarkable students as they embark on their college journeys,” MASBA Director of Organizational Advancement Pedro Ortiz stated.  “Their dedication and hard work embody the values we strive to promote within our communities and exemplify the thriving talent found in our public schools.”  

Maia hopes her degree in advertising will help her elevate how Latinos are portrayed in the media.

“Advertising is so diverse,” she said “My goal is making sure that Latinos are represented in an accurate and positive way,” she said. “It’s important for young people to see someone who looks like them and be inspired to do great things.”

Weslaco High School junior, Diego Calderon led the Future Farmers of America Citrus Valley District Leadership Camp to help empower FFA students. CVD student officers from Mission, PSJA, Progreso, Mercedes and Weslaco FFA charters attended the day workshop hosted at the Joe Calvillo CTE Complex.

As the CDV President, Calderon understands first-hand how the FFA organization can help students develop into a better version of themselves as officers.

“I have gained confidence and learned many life lessons,” Calderon said.    

Following the theme: Levels of the Ocean, the workshop consisted of 30-minute break-out sessions like “The Shoreline,” “The Twilight Zone,” “The Midnight Zone,” “The Abyss,” and “The Trenches,” to help students understand the role of a good leader.

“The first session shows students that they have to go through barriers to be successful,” Diego said.  “They will also understand how supporting a leader is transforming. I know that first hand.” 

About 59 students attended the camp.

“This event starts the FFA year for our officers.  We wanted to make a lasting impact and I believe we did,” Calderon said.  “We started strong and we need to keep it going.”

Calderon attributes the success of the camp to his district officer team and advisor Joey Gutierrez.  He also encourages students to consider joining FFA once the school year begins.

“Everyone should dive in FFA to see if it can change you! Try out your FFA program because you’ll never know if it is your jam!”

One more feather in their cap. Lady Panther Softball Team Day was officially declared during a special board meeting proclaiming June 1^st as a day to always to be remembered in the school district. The Weslaco High School Lady Panther Softball Team were the guests of honor during the reading of this decree.

Certificates of team post season distinctions were presented to the team members and Texas State Senator Morgan LaMantia also presented the team with certificates of excellence.

“You did a fantastic job,” she said. “Know that you are the pride of this community.”

The team also presented the board members and superintendent with signed softballs and UIL medals commemorating the state championship.

“I am so proud to be a part of this team and we are all thankful you are a part of our district,” Lady Panther 2^nd baseman Mia Rodriguez said.  “We know that you have cheered us on every step of the way. And so, we would like to present this token of our appreciation to our VIP fans.”

The board closed the meeting with words of encouragement.

“We are so excited for you,” Weslaco ISD School Board President Jaclyn Sustaita said. “I know you’ve heard a lot of inspirational words lately, but honestly you are the ones that inspire us.”

The City of Weslaco and Hidalgo County Precinct 1, in collaboration WISD, will host a parade for the Lady Panthers, Saturday, June 8 beginning at 9 a.m. to commence at Pike Boulevard on Texas Boulevard and conclude at 6^th Street.   

It’s no surprise that several members of the Weslaco High School Girls Softball State Championship Team have been named to the 2024 UIL Softball State All-Tournament Team.

“They always select one player per position and the fact that we have four players, it’s spectacular,” WHS Head Softball Coach Mario Rodriguez said.  “They beat out Division I committed players. We don’t nominate for the girls to be recognized by UIL, we have no influence so this is awesome.” 

Representing the 6A conference, state selections are: sophomore Dayla Hinojosa, Outfield; senior Mia Rodriguez, Second Base; sophomore Madelynn Cantu, Pitcher; and earning the Most Valuable Player distinction is sophomore Andrea Ortiz.

The State All-Tournament Team is selected by the Texas Girls Coaches Association.

Members of graduating Class of 2024 will announce their post-graduation plans during the 3^rd annual Weslaco ISD Decision Day celebration, tomorrow Wednesday, May 15.  Seniors from Weslaco East and Weslaco High will gather at the Susan Peterson Center for Visual and Performing Arts for a special ceremony to officially proclaim their college of choice, military enlistment or career choice.  The event begins at 9 – 10:30 a.m.

WEHS alumni and WBC Featherweight Champion ‘The Heartbreaker” Brandon Figueroa will serve guest speaker.

“We have prepared our students for the day they graduate for 12 years,” WISD Counseling Director Dr. Cynthia Cid said.  “We are so proud of them.  This is the most important step they will take and we are going to celebrate that.”

KWES will air the event live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/7WACoqMbv_I?feature=share

Parents honked their horns, waved, received goodie bags and a box of pizza as part the 24th annual Autism Acceptance Curbside Celebration hosted by WISD Special Education Department.

“As a whole, we’ve come a long way in identifying autism,” WISD school psychologist Dr. Abbie Muñoz said. “Early identification and early intervention is key so a prognosis can be better.”

This neurological disorder affects the way the brain processes stimulus which can impact the way a student learns.

“It affects children differently,” Muñoz said. “There is a spectrum. It looks differently in every student based on where they fall on the spectrum.”

Once a student is evaluated and identified with autism, the district can provide support services based on the student’s needs such as referrals to speech therapy or occupational therapy.

Currently, there are 288 WISD students who have been identified with autism. The curbside celebration is an effort to help students, parents, families who are a part of the autism community to feel accepted and cared for.

“We put this event on for our parents,” Muñoz said. “We want them to know that they are not alone. It is not easy and we are here. We can work together.”

For more information contact the Special Education Department at 969-6822.

Weslaco ISD recently received the 2024 Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education for the 7^th consecutive year.

“The consistency over the years solidifies our district’s commitment to creating diverse musical opportunities for all students at every campus in our district,” Fine Arts Director Christopher Fernandez said.  “This achievement also highlights the talented faculty and staff we have in our classrooms and after school programs here at Weslaco ISD.  Our students are able to learn, grow and play at the highest level because of our faculty's commitment to excellence in music.”  

Now in its 25^th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.

Weslaco ISD kicked off the Month of the Military Child with a proclamation reading in celebration of students whose parents are active military personnel. 

Special guest U.S. Army Specialist Jorge A. Pedraza expressed his appreciation of the district’s efforts to support the students in military families.

“It’s hard for the military people to leave their kids behind, but what about the kids,” he said.  “We have orders, we know what to do, we know how to execute, but you kids are resilient you are able to adapt.”  

The district will also host Military Child Spirit Week, April 15 – 19 with different activities to honor military families.   

“It’s an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and ‘we support you,’” Director of Student Support Services Dr. Cindy Cid said.  “Military children face obstacles that other students don’t and recognizing them helps to build a sense of pride with their parents’ service.”

Former college football players used pushups and pullups to demonstrate how challenging achieving academic goals can be. Representing the Top School Speakers organization Josh Perez and Jonathan Medina, who once attended Louise Black Intermediate and Dr. R. E. Margo Elementary, now travel across the country to help inspire students.

“Our main message is ‘focus on your dreams and choose a path based on your dreams,’” Medina said.

Selected elementary and secondary students gathered at the Professional Learning Center this morning to PUSH (Persevere Until Success Happens) and ‘Hang On.’

“There are going to be moments when you are going to have to believe that you belong,”Medina told the students.

Perez and Medina played college football at Abilene Christian University and Georgetown University, respectively, as offensive linemen and faced many challenges as they pursued their academic goals.

“This presentation was to motivate our students,” Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator Erica Garcia said. “We want them to know that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to and we are here to help.”

Tomas Garces was a Weslaco High School Alumni that graduated in 2003. During his time at Weslaco High School, he participated in the wrestling program where he was a 2X District Champion, 3X Regional Qualifier, and 2X State Qualifier and amassed an overall record of 95 - 17. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country and help achieve his goal of graduating college and becoming a wrestling coach. Unfortunately, when he was deployed to Iraq, his company was ambushed and Tomas lost his life. Since his death, WISD has held a memorial tournament in his honor to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice he paid for our country.

This year’s event marked the 19th Anniversary of the Tomas Garces Invitational held by Weslaco High School. WISD wanted to think outside the box and attempt to do something that had never been done in the Rio Grande Valley; host an outdoor wrestling tournament. When the idea came up, we knew that it would be a daunting task, but we were up for the challenge. We were very ambitious with our vision to make this a once in a lifetime memory for all of our student athletes, community and the Garces Family. After meeting with our Athletic Director and Athletic Coordinator, approval was granted to move forward with the planning process to be able to conduct our outdoor tournament at our beloved Bobby Lackey Stadium under the Friday Night Lights.

In planning for this event, we realized that in order for us to pull this off, we would need to have a complete team effort to execute this vision. With the help of our Athletic Director, Freddy Rodriguez, Athletic Coordinator, Roy Stroman, Principal, Yvett Morales, and Head Wrestling Coach, Moises Chavez, Tomas Garces Invitational Wrestling Tournament we were able to develop a plan and carry it out with precision. This year, a total of 24 boys’ and girls’ teams from 11 different school districts participated in the Tomas Garces Invitational, equaling roughly about 300 wrestlers that competed in this Team Dual Tournament. There were also about 250 spectators, coaches, referees from all across the Rio Grande Valley in attendance that came out to support and witness this event. A total of 4 wrestling mats were used and extended from the 20-yard line to 20-yard line. High Schools in attendance included Weslaco HS, Weslaco East HS, PSJA HS, PSJA Memorial HS, Edinburg Vela HS, Sharyland HS, Sharyland Pioneer HS, McAllen Memorial HS, San Benito HS, Harlingen HS, and Los Fresnos HS.

When asked about this year’s tournament; Rafael Garces, older brother to Tomas Garces, stated “This Wrestling Invitational has truly been an unforgettable tribute to my brother’s memory. The overwhelming turnout of teams and the community coming together to honor his legacy through this demanding sport, which meant so much to him, has touched our family deeply.”

Garces also stated “Having the Invitational held at the Stadium feels like a fitting tribute, offering Tommy a front-row seat from Heaven to witness the love and respect poured out in his honor.”

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual who contributed to the success of the Tomas Garces Invitational. Your support and dedication have ensured that his memory will endure, etched into the making of this event for years to come” Garces stated.

This year’s Tomas Garces Invitational was a huge success. All of our hard work and dedication paid off and we indeed made history. Weslaco High School and Weslaco ISD will forever be remembered as being the first to host an outdoor wrestling tournament in the Rio Grande Valley. At Weslaco High School, we are very big on tradition and look forward to making this outdoor tournament a new Panther Wrestling Tradition. We look forward to only growing this tournament, and having teams from across the state come down and compete at the Tomas Garces Invitational. We are the standard that most will now try to replicate. “We Are Weslaco and We Are Built to Win!!

It was the poignant, personal story of one school principal that garnered the Weslaco ISD Communications Team the Best of Category Gold Medal during the 2023 Star Awards Celebration.  The team won this gold medal along with numerous gold and silver star awards during the Texas Schools Public Relations Association conference held recently in Sugar Land, Texas.

Judges look over 1000s of print and video entries from school districts across the state to award Bronze, Silver and Gold Stars.  A Best of Category Gold Medal winner is then selected from the Gold Star recipients of each category. 

Led by Executive Director Carlos Robledo, the WISD Podcast #3 featured Justice Raul A. Gonzalez Principal Rosa Garcia who recounted her journey from Mexico to the U.S.

In the Graphics categories, winning a Gold Star is the "Weslaco ISD Seal" for Logo, Trademark, Symbol.

In the Video/Cable TV categories, winning Gold Stars are "Let’s Talk" for Video Marketing; "Alex Solis, A Top Baseball Prospect" for Video Feature Story; "College Decision Day" for Video General Event; "WISD Young Chefs Café” for Video News Package; "Weslaco vs. Los Fresnos" for Video Live Sports Event; "Living Our Best Life" for Video Promotional; “Stop the Prop, Keep Doors Locked” for Video Training/Instructional.

Also, winning Silver Stars in the Video/Cable TV categories are “1976 Pantherettes Basketball Team” for Video Documentary and “WISD Convocation 2022” for Video Live Event Non-Sports        

With over 40 years of teaching experience, WISD Culinary Arts Instructor Melba Tijerina easily surpasses any requirement for a lifetime achievement award.  Tijerina joins top educators from across the state of Texas who were recently selected as finalists for the 2024 HEB Excellence in Education awards program.

“It’s part of our pillars,” HEB Public Affairs Specialist Audrey Treviño said.  “We’re ensuring that we continue to honor our public educators.”  

HEB representatives along with HEBuddy stopped by Tijerina’s classroom to present a $1000 check to her and her campus, Weslaco High School.

“I am overwhelmed,” Tijerina said.  “How can you grasp this, it’s impossible. It’s very important that my students are a part of this.”

Her students have been at the forefront since Tijerina first joined WISD.

Tijerina began her career 22 years ago as a Family and Consumer Science teacher at South Palm Gardens High School.  The class was absorbed by the fledgling Culinary Arts program that consisted of 30 students on half days.  This program now encompasses a four-year curriculum and 200 students thanks to Tijerina’s leadership and direction.

“I get a lot of my drive and passion from my students,” she said. 

 As a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement – Secondary Award, Tijerina may win a $25,000 cash award for herself and a $25,000 grant for her school.  Tijerina was part of 1,900 educators who were nominated for the HEB Education in Excellence Awards. The group was narrowed to 150 and after serval panel reviews, Tijerina was named one of five finalists.   

Tijerina has already put the $1000 grant to good use.

“We just purchased an expresso machine for the mobile café,” she said.

A mobile café is just the latest project Tijerina has added to the Culinary Arts program. The mobile café is an offshoot of the Young Chef’s Café which is operating from Weslaco’s city library.

As a finalist, Tijerina is set to travel to Houston in May for the awards presentation. One elementary and one secondary teacher will be selected from each of the three categories: The Rising Star Award, Leadership Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tijerina is no stranger to teacher accolades.

Tijerina was named 2006-07 SPGHS Teacher of the Year and WISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. She was also selected as the Region I Secondary Teacher of the Year.

“This HEB award is special to me,” Tijerina said. “It happened with my students being present. That’s why I’m here.”     

The assignment was a bit unusual but Weslaco East High School senior Daphne Valero forged ahead. She used acrylic paint, water colors and colored pencils to create her own rendition of the art class assignment themed: Cats in Ramen.  Her unique creation then caught the eye of several art enthusiasts.

Daphne’s artwork will be on display February 26 – March 30 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin as part of the 2024 Texas Art Education Association’s Youth Art Month Exhibit. 

“It was a surprise to me. It’s so shocking,” Daphne said.  “I’m really proud of it.”

The exhibit highlights pre-K through 12^th grade works of art from across the state.

‘Cats in Ramen’ was part an Art II class assignment. Art teacher James Miller said he wanted to challenge his students to think out of the box.

“What can we do with something that doesn’t make any sense,” Miller said.  “The work was so well done that I decided to enter it to the state event.”  

Daphne’s artwork was also auctioned off as part of fund-raising event for the WEHS National Art Honor Society. East counselor Nancy Ortiz purchased the original artwork for $20.