THE CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER IS READY FOR LAUNCH

TO BOOK SCHOOL TOURS OR MORE INFORMATION CALL 956-364-4517 OR EMAIL [email protected] THE CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER IS READY FOR LAUNCH

TO BOOK SCHOOL TOURS OR MORE INFORMATION CALL 956-364-4517 OR EMAIL [email protected] CONTENTS PAC’ed Performances HCISD programs, students enjoy 26 world-class facility for the arts College Showcase 22 Graduating leaders share future plans Student Content HCISD students answer “What inspires you in 38 your classroom?”

6 DISTRICT WELLNESS 20 SPRING SPORTS PHOTOS HCISD family members Relive the spring athletic season achieve fitness goals through a visual showcase

DIGITAL SUMMER 8 RESOURCES 30 CHESS STORMS THE BOARD Keep minds active during Creating strong players inside summer with technology and outside the classroom

10 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 32 MORE THAN NEWSWORTHY See what past HCISD graduates Students at all grade levels are up to prepare for broadcast careers

STUDENTS TASTE THE BRINGING RELEVANCE TO 14 RAINBOW 34 THE CLASSROOM An overview of the district’s CEOs, Administrators and fruits and vegetables program Teachers meet to benefit HCISD students 16 DISTRICT AWARDS Achievements from Spring 2014

4 Experience HCISD SPRING 2014 THE MAGAZINE | vol. 2, no. 2

EDITORIAL TEAM: This publication is the result of a team of excellent editors, writers, FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT designers and photographers. MESSAGE PUBLISHER am proud of the collaborative effort our the forthcoming transformation. To help HCISD Public Relations and family and community have put forth you share the message with our community, Community Engagement Department as we have come together to shape our we have created some resources with more Ischool system for the next three to five years. details on “Transforming Learning for Global EDITOR & WRITER Maritza Gallaga That effort reached another milestone as Achievement.” On your campus, you should our Board of Trustees adopted our strategic find a poster listing the goals of this strategic ART DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Roland Anzaldua plan, “Transforming Learning for Global plan and pamphlets detailing this program. Achievement” during their regular February We also ask that you please visit www.hcisd. PHOTOGRAPHERS board meeting. org/transforminglearning for details. Sem Vargas, Roland Anzaldua, Maritza Gallaga, Iris Montemayor, Joe Medrano and George Banda We will now move forward in implementing We have the right people in place here to initiatives that will directly impact student create world-class schools that improve the instruction, making it individualized, rigorous, quality of life for all students. Thank you for SPECIAL THANKS engaging, and aligned with college and career your commitment to the mission and your Shane Strubhart, Corey Ryan, Julio Cavazos, Liz Phillips, Kasey readiness for current and future generations. support of HCISD students and schools. Boykin, Dr. Laura Sheneman, We want to inspire learners for a lifetime in Jahdiel Navarro, Jhocelyn Medina, this district, and we plan to do so responsibly Marisol Tovar, Sara Mesa and Alyna De Leon and innovatively. Dr. Art Cavazos www.hcisd.org/transforminglearning Superintendent of Schools The mission for our family is to provide educational excellence for all students, while providing students with choices for a The best way to predict your meaningful and successful life. We need to future is to create it. Experience HCISD The Magazine rally around this plan, and to advocate for is published by HCISD with – Abraham Lincoln a circulation of 15,000. Experience is distributed to every elementary student and available at all campuses for parents and community members. HCISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, or any other legally protected status in employment or provision of Greg Powers Dr. Nolan Perez Verna Young Gerry Fleuriet Dr. Cesar Maldonado George McShan Javier De Leon services, programs, President Vice President Secretary Member Member Member Member or activities.

HOW TO CONTACT US We would love to hear from you. Have any comments or suggestions on the stories you have seen here? Let us know how WE’RE ONLINE we are doing!

You can email us at For more information or back issues go to www.HCISD.org/magazine [email protected], write to us at Like us on Facebook at Download the HCISD Mobile App for 407 N. 77 Sunshine Strip, www.Facebook.com/HCISD FREE on your Apple or Android device. Harlingen, TX 78550 or give us a call at View our videos at AvailableAvailable on the on iT unethes iTunes AvailableAvailable on the on Android the Android (956) 430-9530. www.YouTube.com/hcisdtv AppApp Store Store AppApp Store Store

www.HCISD.org Experience HCISD 5 wellnessDISTRICT HCISD family members achieve fitness goals

With health and wellness front and center at HCISD, members from our learning community take time to answer questions on how they reached their fitness goals and the advice they can give to others about staying active.

Nina L. Garcia satisfying and it will only propel you to reach for bigger goals. Most INTERNAL AUDIT DEPARTMENT importantly, don’t compare yourself to others. We are all different! Your health and fitness is for YOU and no one else. Join a gym, a Describe your fitness goal (ex. running team, boot camp, or form a group for support. Making those run a marathon, lose weight, etc.) connections with others that are supportive, motivating, and enjoy and the reasoning behind it? the same activities that you do will make it fun. It’s all about the goals One day I decided I had enough you set for yourself and accomplishing those goals. The next goal I of all the excuses. I was at an have set for myself is running a FULL MARATHON! unhealthy weight, tired, and had no energy. My first goal was to just lose a few pounds. I started Marcela Fernandez walking and watched what I ate. BONHAM ELEMENTARY Day by day, step by step I increased Describe your fitness goal (ex. my mileage and found ways to eat healthier options of the foods I run a marathon, lose weight, love. Eventually I worked my way up to jogging. When I started to see etc.) and the reasoning behind it? the progress, it ignited a fire and a drive that I couldn’t stop. I began After a yearly physical in Septem- trying different exercise classes to keep my routine exciting and fun. ber 2011, I decided to make some Just recently I joined RuNsane Running Team to help me complete lifestyle changes in order to reach a my second goal, running my first half marathon. I wanted to ensure healthy body weight and reduce my that I was held accountable for staying active and to surround myself risk of developing health problems with others that are on the same journey. such as diabetes. What was your biggest obstacle in achieving your fitness goal and I began by signing up for and how did you overcome that? attending weekly Weight Watchers meetings. I removed over 60 pounds My biggest obstacle in achieving my fitness goal was time manage- and reached my healthy weight goal in December 2012. I attribute my ment. I discovered that in order to achieve my goals I needed to plan success at maintaining a healthy weight to regular exercise and a sensible ahead, just like with anything else. I made my health and fitness my (not prohibitive) diet- pretty boring- but making sustainable lifelong priority. That meant I cooked and prepped my meals so I wouldn’t changes is what it takes! make bad food choices or get tempted to grab something unhealthy- What was your biggest obstacle in achieving your fitness goal and when I was hungry. Plus I always made sure I had gym clothes in my how did you overcome that? car. I made it a point to work out immediately after work, because we all know once we get home how easy it is to make a thousand excuses The biggest obstacle continues to be making good choices even when not to workout. When I made the choice to run my first half mara- I don’t feel like it, or when it is not so convenient. It’s difficult to fit in thon I made time for training. Whether it be early morning, nights, exercise some days, but I know that I feel so much better when I do it! I or weekends. This was my time to prove to myself what I was capable have learned to make planning ahead a priority. of and worked so hard for. What is one piece of advice you would give to someone trying to What is one piece of advice you would give to someone trying to reach a similar fitness goal? reach a similar fitness goal? Give up the idea of a “quick fix” and choose to be patient and per- The best advice I can give is take your time. There is no quick fix. sistent to make sustainable improvements in your health and wellness. The key to success is consistency. We all have our good days and our Set small goals to help you celebrate success along the way to your big bad days but just keep going. Make small goals for yourself, and find goal(s)- that’s the secret to staying motivated! something that works for you. The feeling of accomplishment is so

6 Experience HCISD SPRING 2014

DIGITAL

SummerRESOURCES

As summer months draw near, it’s important for students to keep their minds and their bodies active. ”By continually stimulating brain activity through learning, students stay prepared to have a strong start during the next school year,” said Superintendent Dr. Art Cavazos. To help students at the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District stay on the path toward success, we showcase a list of digital applications that parents/students can download on their smartphones, tablets or computers to help minds of all ages stay sharp. Also highlighted is the district’s digital library collection, which gives students the opportunity to checkout the e-version of today’s most popular books at no cost. eBooks Harlingen CISD has an exciting collection PK- 5th grade interest) can be used with can be read online or downloaded to your of eBooks for your child. Our eBooks are any device having internet access. These digital device. Look for OverDrive’s app for available in several formats and most can books highlight words as the story is read the easiest access. All of these resources and be downloaded to your device so you can aloud. Rourke eBooks (1,240 titles, English more can be found at http://www.hcisd.org/ have access even when you are away from and Spanish, PK-12th grade interest) and virtuallibrary. the internet. Rourke Interactive eBooks OverDrive (1,976 titles, English and Spanish, (93 interactive titles, English and Spanish, PK-12th grade interest) have eBooks that

www.hcisd.org/virtuallibrary

”Most Checked Out” books on HCISD’s Digital Libraries

PreK-2nd grade 3rd-5th grade 6th-8th grade 9th-12th grade (Rourke eBooks) (OverDrive) (OverDrive) (OverDrive)

8 Experience HCISD SPRING 2014 Mobile Apps Elementary

Sushi Monster DIY Sun Science Practice your math skills with Sushi Monster! Learn more about science and the sun with This interactive app helps with whole number this app! Explore the app to find hands-on Summer addition and multiplication. activities to complete during the summer.

StarFall Learn to Read Splash Math Learn how to read with Zac the Rat! Reinforce math concepts with this collection of fun and interactive math problems aligned with Common Core Standards.

Middle School

BrainPop Bookworm Hero Bring learning to your fingertips! Watch a Build words and become a Bookworm Hero! different animated movie every day, then test Play against your friends and challenge them your knowledge with an interactive quiz! to a game.

Geography Quiz Game Duolingo Brush up on your geography skills by using With Duolingo, you learn different languages this app. Play games against your friends and while having fun, competing with friends, and challenge them. Set up tournaments to see leveling up! who is the Geography Quiz Master!

High School

iMovie SkyView Free – Explore the Universe Create movies on your iPad with iMovie! Point your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to the sky to Use the green screen feature to put yourself identify stars, constellations, satellites, and more! anywhere in the world and create video works of art!

Mathemagics – Easy Algebra Fast Paper by FiftyThree Practice your algebra skills this summer with Do you love to draw and write? Use Paper on the Mathemagics App! your iPad or iPhone and keep a journal of your favorite drawings and notes!

Productivity/Study Apps

iTunes U Edmodo The iTunes U App gives you access to Collaborate and communicate with your complete courses from leading universities teacher in the summer! and other schools – plus the world’s largest digital catalog of free education content.

Microsoft Office Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote)

www.HCISD.org Experience HCISD 9 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Harlingen High School

10 Experience HCISD SPRING 2014 Peter Coneway ‘62 Investment Banker

As a former Ambassador to Rice University, Baylor University, in Israel, Iran, Pakistan, India Switzerland and Lichtenstein and and other Ivy League schools. and Thailand. I concluded my current Investment Banker in How did your experience in journey in Hong Kong. Houston, HHS Alumnus Peter the classrooms at HCISD help The experiences as a partner Coneway began his journey in prepare you for college and at Goldman Sachs, my service as the schools at the Harlingen your career? the U.S. Ambassador to Switzer- Consolidated Independent My Harlingen classroom land and Lichtenstein, and now School District. Graduating in as a Managing Director at Ri- 1962, he played Cardinal football experiences, particularly participating in sports, taught verstone Holdings have enforced and while in high school was my belief that a solid and proper selected as a representative for me that teamwork is critically important in any competitive education is a necessity to be able the Boys National Conference. to compete in the global arena – While attending the University endeavor. I also learned that appreciating diversity, in terms be it business, education, politics of Texas at Austin, he served or public service. HCISD as the Vice President for the of race and economic status, Student Body and Friar’s Club. is important in the global What advice would you give SNAPSHOT

After graduating from UT, Peter competitive environment. other students from Harlingen Schools Attended: Coneway journeyed through Becoming a Managing pursuing careers in business or any other field? Austin Elementary, Gay Jr. several different universities and Director and former US High School, and Harlingen countries before settling down in Ambassador to Switzerland Always keeping in perspective High School Houston. Recently, he took some must involve many trials and the other person’s point of view, time to answer questions from tribulations. What knowledge agenda, and objectives is crucial Favorite Teachers: Experience HCISD. have you taken away from these in any negotiation – be it in a Jim Werner and Mrs. Keesler What was the path you took ventures? business setting, the geo-political/ Favorite Subjects: after high school? Having graduated from diplomatic arena, or in delibe- rations involving community American History and Math After graduating, I continued Harlingen High School, The University of Texas at Austin, service with institutions such my education at The Univer- as those in the arts and sciences, sity of Texas at Austin. I also Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, and higher education, or the health attended the Rotary Foundation care industry. Fellowship at the University of benefitting from the experience Hong Kong, and later enrolled at as an Ambassador of Good Will Stanford University for my MBA through the Rotary Foundation degree. Fellowship Program, prepared me for my service as the U.S. Working in such a Ambassador to Switzerland competitive field, what does and Lichtenstein, after being it mean to you to be able appointed by President George to say you’re an alumnus of W. Bush. Of equal importance Harlingen High School and of were my travels the summer the Harlingen Consolidated after graduating from UT, when Independent School District? I earned a trip to Europe and I am proud of the fact that through the Middle and Far I attended public schools in East as Vice President of The Harlingen, which produced University of Texas student body. many outstanding scholars who During that time, I was in charge attended universities such as The of the UT student summer University of Texas at Austin, travel program and spent time

LEFT: HHS Alumnus Peter Coneway serves as a Managing Director at RiverStone in Houston, and previously served as the United States Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein from 2006-2008.

www.HCISD.org Experience HCISD 11 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Harlingen High School South

12 Experience HCISD SPRING 2014 Michael McMillin ‘04 Civil Litigation Attorney

As a graduate from Harlingen to me that you can do anything comes a point that no matter how High School South, The if you make the most of the talented you are, you will not be University of Texas and Harvard opportunities available to you. able to achieve your goals unless Law School, Michael McMillin How did your experience in you have the grit to bear down made his way to the top after the classrooms at HCISD help and power your way through beginning his education at prepare you for college and the challenges ahead of you. Harlingen CISD. As a former your career? Whether that means preparing for Speech, Drama, and Debate weeks for a final exam or staying competitor, McMillin pursued Beyond giving me the base at work for as long as it takes to a future as a Civil Litigation of knowledge that helped me do the job right, there comes a Attorney. In 2009, he earned make my way through the first time that everyone is tested. The his BA in Plan II Honors and few years of college, high school key is recognizing those times History, and his BBA in Business gave me an opportunity to and making sure that you are up Honors and International figure out what I was really good to the challenge. HCISD at- speaking and arguing. That Business and now works for What advice would you give inspired me to join the UT mock SNAPSHOT Andrews Kurth, LLP in Austin, other students from Harlingen trial team, which sparked an TX. Recently, McMillin took pursing careers in law or any interest in law school. If not for Schools Attended: some time out of his day to other field? the things I learned about myself Treasure Hills Elementary, answer some questions for Coakley Middle School, at HCISD, I would not have First, find some activity that Experience HCISD. Harlingen High School South chosen my career path at all. you are interested in and that you Having graduated from enjoy. Then, worry about how to one of the most prestigious What memory gained from Favorite Teachers: turn that into a career. Too many law programs in the nation, your time in Harlingen has had Lee Ann Ince and people focus on the end game what does it mean to you to be the greatest impact on who you Rodolfo Monsevalles (“I want to be a doctor”) without able to say you’re an alumnus are today? thinking about all the steps that Favorite Subjects of Harlingen High School The high school memory that it will take to get there (chemistry, Debate and Biology South and of the Harlingen has the greatest lasting impact on multiple years of graduate school, Consolidated Independent me is winning 7th place at the etc.). I didn’t know what I School District? national speech/drama/debate wanted to be when I grew up It means that being from a tournament in Salt Lake City until my last year of college. I small town like Harlingen does my senior year. That, along with think that might have even been not limit where you can go and attending high school debate’s helpful, because it’s not all about what you can achieve. It means Tournament of Champions, gave where you end up. It’s also about that anyone from Harlingen can me proof going forward that I whether you enjoy the journey. go wherever they want to go was ready and able to stand toe- in life. Most of my law school to-toe with anyone in the country. classmates were from New York, Becoming a civil litigator D.C., and Los Angeles. Many must involve many trials and of them went to elite private tribulations. What knowledge schools from the time they have you taken away from these were born, and the Ivy Leagues ventures? for college. But when it came I have learned that hard down to it, they were no more work and dedication are more prepared for Harvard Law than I important than raw talent, and was. Being from Harlingen and that every job worth doing is going through HCISD proved worth doing correctly. There

LEFT: HHSS Alumnus Michael McMillin serves as a Civil Litigation Attorney in Austin, TX.

www.HCISD.org Experience HCISD 13 HCISD STUDENTS Taste the rainbow

14 Experience HCISD SPRING 2014 alk into a classroom on any given after- imagination of students and adults noon at Bowie, Dishman, or Zavala El- alike. The spiny skin of the kiwano ementary schools and you’ll see students melon resembles a puffer fish and the Whappily snacking on fresh cucumbers, watermelon, cross-section of a starfruit lives up to carrot sticks or perhaps something a little more its name, encouraging kids to have fun unique like a dragon fruit or an Asian pear. with their food. The vast range of healthy afternoon snacks are provided by the Harlingen CISD Child Nutrition Department through the federally assisted Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The FFVP helps create It has been a pleasant healthy school environments by surprise to see how providing healthier food choices; “ expanding the variety of the children often fruits and vegetables children enjoy eating foods experience; and increasing children’s fruit and vegetable we least expect them consumption. Harlingen has been participating in the to enjoy, such as raw FFVP for over four years cucumbers, tomatoes, ABOVE: A Zavala student holds up an exotic dragon and has seen tremendous fruit, which is given to students through the benefits at each of the three and kiwi. It’s very district’s fresh fruit and vegetable program. participating campuses. unpredictable... It’s a Bowie Elementary learning experience Principal, Susan Salinas, says the program is a learning lesson for us all. not only for students but for teachers and staff. Susan Salinas” BOWIE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL "Many of the food items, www.hcisd.org/child_nutrition even common ones, are new to some of the students. The program has also educated the staff to be open to the idea that children enjoy healthy foods more than some might think,” says Salinas. The goal of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is to create healthy habits in young children that will last a lifetime, such as eating and enjoying raw vegetables. "It has been a pleasant surprise to see how the children often enjoy eating foods we least expect them to enjoy such as raw cucumbers, tomatoes, and kiwi. It’s very unpredictable... It’s a learning experience for us all,” says Salinas. While the program focuses on encouraging children to eat common fruits and vegetables that they can ask Mom and Dad to add to the grocery list, exotic produce is a fan favorite among students. Kiwano melon, Mangosteen, Buddha’s Hand, Mandarinquats, Rambutan, and Dragon Fruit are just a few of the exciting and adventurous fruits that have made their way into classrooms participating in the program. Featured once ABOVE: Students show off the assortment of produce available to them through the fresh a month, the super exotic produce sparks the fruit and vegetable program the HCISD Child Nutrition Department offers.

www.HCISD.org Experience HCISD 15 2014 HCISD AWARDS The students at HCISD continued their tradition of excellence this school year by earning prestigious awards and working to make a difference in the lives of others. Below is a snapshot of their achievements so far during the spring semester of the 2014 school year.

HCISD Band & Choir will have the opporutnity to attend rehearsals then chosen by the 17 ACE District Directors with the famous director, Kurt Mouser, in from Region One. As a result of the selection High school band and choir students New York and perform at Carnegie Hall with process, a finalist from each grade level was 1 competed at the Region 28 Solo and a vast group of other talented individuals selected and was then rewarded by earning Ensemble competition on Feb. 22. from around the nation. “I never thought the honor to represent the 21st Century With their outstanding performances, 75 that I would come this far, it feels amazing Community Learning Center Program at the students advanced to the Texas State Solo- to be able to have this opportunity,” Garcia Mexican-American School Board Members Ensemble Contest. In order to qualify, said. Last fall, Garcia was invited to join Association (MASBA) Annual Conference at students were required to perform in front of the University of Texas at Brownsville the McAllen Convention Center in McAllen judges and receive a first division rating. Symphony by its director, Martha Placeres. Texas on Jan. 31 through Feb. 2. The first division rating is the highest score a An impressive feat considering the symphony student-musician could receive. consists of all college students and university Harlingen HS professors. As a result of his hard work In total, the HHS Choir had 27 members Inside and outside the pool, Seton Uhlhorn, and multiple hours a day of practice, he that advanced to the state level.The HHSS Celeste Taniguchi, and Meredith performed with the UTB Symphony and the Choir and Band had 24 and 18 members Kuykendall swam their way to the Horzsoswki Tri, a famous group of professors who advanced to the state competition, top to achieve the title as Academic from Juilliard. Garcia began his musical career 4 respectively. Finally, the Dr. Cano Academy All-Stars this year. Uhlhorn and last year advancing to the varsity section advanced 6 members. Taniguchi have recently been named quickly and eventually named first chair viola Academic All Americans, as well as Academic Students competed at the state in the All Region Orchestra. In his second All State along with their teammate Meredith contest this past May. year of playing the viola, Garcia intends to Kuykendall. Uhlhorn and Taniguchi were continue his passion for music and rigorous 2 Gutierrez Middle School both awarded this title for participating in schedule of practicing for four hours a day to the Harlingen High School Girl’s Varsity Working his way to the top, seventh grade continue the success he has seen in this short Swim team for at least two years, having Gutierrez Middle School student Matthew time to his high school years and beyond. a 3.75 non-weighted Grade Point Average Garcia continues to reach new goals in his (GPA) and for being seniors. Uhlhorn, musical career. Drawing his bow over his Vela Middle School Taniguchi, and Kuykendall all received the viola to create beautiful music, his talent was Cara Ingram, sixth grade student from Academic All- State title for being either a recognized by one of the most prestigious Vela Middle School, is already junior or senior, and for having at least a musical groups in the nation. Recently, an accomplished writer earning 3.75 GPA. The HHS Girl’s Swim team was Garcia was selected as a Junior Finalist for the 3 multiple awards for her thoughtful also awarded a National Silver Scholar team Honors Junior Orchestra. Auditioning with essays, and this spring she has added one award for having a combined GPA between the viola, he will now have the opportunity more to her list. Ingram was recently awarded 3.5 and 3.75. In addition to these awards, to travel to New York City and play at first place for her essay submission in the Uhlhorn and Taniguchi both qualified for Carnegie Hall. The audition process required Region One 21st Century CLC sponsored, the 2014 Regional meet earlier this year. Garcia to send in an audio recording of him Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Writing Contest. Uhlhorn qualified in the 50 freestyle, 200 performing a musical piece. Perfecting his Through her participation in the Afterschool freestyle relay, and the 400 freestyle relay, and performance, he “practiced four hours a day Centers on Education (ACE) Program, she 200 medley relay. Respectively, Taniguchi and recorded over and over again trying to competed with students from 17 different qualified in the 200-medley relay, 200 get it where [he] wanted it”. “It’s a huge deal districts to earn the top spot. Ingram and individual relay, and 100 breaststroke. that Matthew was selected, I believe this is her competitors were asked to write an essay the first time this has ever happened in a about their personal dream for themselves Middle School and it’s a once in a life time and the world and why Martin Luther King opportunity, even for a director”, said Olga Jr. felt equality was important for everyone. De Leon, Gutierrez Orchestra Director. After To qualify for the regional level, Ingram’s completing sponsorship requirements, Garcia essay was selected first by district judges and

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www.HCISD.org Experience HCISD 17 2014 HCISD AWARDS

Harlingen HS as our work to advance the role year, I would have never imagined South of library services in developing us going to San Diego,” said Sam 5 successful educational programs Kullmer, tenth grade student at Harlingen High School carries on.” ECHS. “We’ve taken huge steps South Boys basketball team A proponent of collaboration, Dr. this season and seen the program ended their regular season with picking up steam.” Getting to the the District 32-5A title and had a Cavazos has been instrumental in expanding the roles of libraries national tournament was no easy strong start to the playoff season feat with the journey beginning this month. and librarians to further provide students and teachers with the at the state tournament on Feb. For the District title, the team resources needed to enhance the 7. While going head to head with faced Harlingen High School on learning that takes place in the players from across Texas, ECHS Feb. 7 with a score of 59 to 45. classroom. The impact has been so came in second for the High The team ended their season with a great that they are now referred to School JV Division with players record of 26-5. as Information Literacy Centers, Amadeo F. Drysdale, Samuel Kull- and librarians are now known as mer, Isaiah Rodrigues, Alex Galvan, Superintendent Library Media Specialists. They Amir Rivera Jr., Vincent Mena, Noah C. Weston, Elijah S. Drysda- Supporting transforma- also carry an assortment of techno- logical resources so that students le, and Ethan Esquivel. Individual- tion across the Harlingen ly, Amadeo Drysdale received fifth, Consolidated Independent and teachers can continue their 6 lessons while in the ILC which is Kullmer placed ninth and Rodrigu- School District, Supe- considered to be biggest classroom ez received fourteenth in the High rintendent Dr. Art Cavazos was School JV Division. recently honored for his efforts to at any of the HCISD campuses. advance library services. “Dr. Cavazos is a champion for Harlingen HS Dr. Cavazos was awarded the Di- education whose life’s work is Feb. 4, the Harlingen stinguished School Administrators guided by his passion for providing High School Lady Award by the American Associa- the best learning environment for Cardinal Basketball team all students,” said Gerry Fleuriet, 8 tion of School Librarians, which earned the District 32-5A recognizes administrators who HCISD board of trustee. “We con- Championship title after defeating have made worthy contributions sider him to be one of the leading Brownsville Porter in their last to advancing the role of the school Superintendents in the State of district game. Texas, and has been and continues library in the educational program. The game ended with a win over to be an instrument for positive Only the second administrator Porter with a score of 61-27, and force for good in education.” from Texas to earn the national the Lady Cardinals have continued award, he was previously named Early College HS to soar over the competition while by the Texas Association of School maintaining a record of (25-8). Libraries as the recipient of the Di- With cheers from their stinguished Library Service Award classmates ringing thro- On Feb. 10, The Lady Cardinals for School Administrators this year. ughout their halls, stu- began their playoff quest by defe- 7 dents on the Early College ating the San Benito Lady Grey- “It’s an honor to be recognized High School chess team further hounds with a score of 53-32, at by the American Association of Harlingen High School. The team School Libraries for the progress solidified the legacy of outstan- ding chess teams at the Harlingen ended their regular season with a our Information Literacy Centers record of 25-8. (ILCs) have made at the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School Consolidated Independent School District. On April 4, the ECHS District,” said Superintendent team placed 19th in the nation in Dr. Art Cavazos. “Our ILC’s play the High School JV Division at the an important role in shaping our at the National High School Chess students’ futures by providing Championship in San Diego. It’s them with the resources to succeed a first time achievement for many and our teachers with the tools of the students as the club was just to create meaningful and relevant started two years ago. Before le- learning in the classroom. Holding aving, they were treated to a school this honor close to my heart, I will wide celebration of their success on continue to look toward the future April 2. “At the beginning of the 18 Experience HCISD SPRING 2014 5

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www.HCISD.org Experience HCISD 19 20 Experience HCISD SPRING 2014 www.HCISD.org Experience HCISD 21 COLLEGE SHOWCASE

Juan Antonio Maldonado, II HARLINGEN HS - VALEDICTORIAN “I plan to major in Chemical Engineering. I’ve been accepted to A&M College Station, UT Austin, Rice, Notre Dame, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and MIT. However, out of all of these schools, I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin. After college, I hope to have a successful career in Chemical Engineering and possibly return to college to As students at the Harlingen attain an MBA.” Consolidated Independent School District get ready to graduate, the valedictorians, salutatorians, and campus organization presidents at each of the district’s Donaldo Almazan HARLINGEN HS - SALUTATORIAN comprehensive high schools “I will be attending Rice University and plan share their future plans. on gaining a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. My career goal is to develop energy technologies through research. I consider myself very blessed for the opportunity.”

Gilbert Bermea Santiago Arellano HARLINGEN HS - CLASS PRESIDENT HARLINGEN HSS - CLASS PRESIDENT “I plan to attend Texas A&M University “I plan on attending Texas A&M at in College Station and major in Business Corpus Christi for one year, then enroll at Administration and Finance. After that I Texas A&M College Station to major in plan to pursue further education to obtain a Communications. My end goal is to work in Master’s degree in Hospital Administration.” Public Relations with a major corporation.”

22 Experience HCISD SPRING 2014 Tristan Barrera Paloma Flores HARLINGEN HSS - VALEDICTORIAN EARLY COLLEGE HS - VALEDICTORIAN “I plan to attend Texas A&M University, “I plan to go to the University of Texas- Pan College Station, and I plan to major in American and participate in the A Prime chemical engineering. I hope to get an Time B.S./ M.D. I will major in Biology for appropriate job in the field of the major I my Bachelor’s degree. After I graduate from pursue. I am a National Merit Finalist.” college, I plan to practice medicine. I have received several scholarships, most are related to my being named a national Hispanic scholar.”

Stormie Garza EARLY COLLEGE HS - SALUTATORIAN “I plan on pursuing a Bachelors Degree Ashley Peters and Masters. I hope to study biomedical HARLINGEN HSS - SALUTATORIAN engineering with a specialization in prostheses and plan on attending the “I plan to attend Texas A&M University University of North Texas, University of in College Station and major in Business Texas at Dallas, or St. Edward’s University. Administration at Mays Business School. I I hope to work in a research company that hope to secure a lucrative, fulfilling career utilizes technology to advance the field of and become a contributing member of prostheses. I have received a full scholarship society doing something I love. I received the from St. Edward’s University and tuition Texas Student Housing Scholarship.” from University of Texas at Dallas.”

Aaliyah Gonzales EARLY COLLEGE HS - CLASS PRESIDENT “My plans after graduation are to move to San Antonio to become a U.T.S.A. Roadrunner! I plan to pursue my bachelor’s degree in communication. After I graduate from college, I intend on moving to Austin, Texas to establish my career in communication.”

www.HCISD.org Experience HCISD 23

PACed Performances 26HCISDExperience HCISDprograms,SPRING 2014 students enjoy world-class facility for the arts he Harlingen Cardinal Honors Band took the stage on a Friday morning in April, dressed in their black tuxedos and Tconcert dresses. An intimate audience of parents and students from the neighboring Gutierrez Middle School band listened intently as the band performed its selection for the pre-UIL competition, an opportunity for bands to receive a pre-evaluation before their end of the year rating in concert band. The select turnout for the 955-seat auditorium was a result of the mid-day start time; however, it was not the norm for the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District’s Performing Art Center (PAC), which has drawn large regional crowds for evening and weekend competitions that have normally been reserved for small, passionate parents with the flexibility to make long commutes to watch performances. In the audience sat Jennifer Strutz, a parent of a freshman at the Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy, who was set to perform next. She took pictures with her tablet in order to document her first time in the facility “It’s just such a gorgeous space,” said Strutz, whose daughter Jennifer was preparing to take the stage with the Raven Navy Band. “I know it means a lot to the parents and students to have a space that is our own. It makes it special.” Strutz would not have been able to attend a mid-day performance if it had been in Brownsville or Donna, the typical locations for competitions prior to the opening of the PAC, ABOVE: HCISD Fine Arts students prepare to mesmerize audiences from across the Rio she said. Grande Valley backstage at the PAC. “Our Performing Arts Center offers our stu- dents the opportunity to showcase their talents and orchestra, schools work in a in a state-of-the-art facility while developing a regional area that extends from passion and appreciation for the arts,” said Supe- Brownsville to Donna, putting a Our Performing rintendent Dr. Art Cavazos. “We strive to create strain on schools, which are for- Arts Center offers programs, initiatives and facilities that promote ced to travel to the farthest reaches the development of well-rounded individuals and of the region prior to the PAC. our students the benefit our community by providing an access area for enriching live performances.” “I think other school districts opportunity to have benefited from the PAC showcase their UIL and the Texas Music Educators Asso- because we are centrally located ciation Regional 28 have hosted 52 events this here in Harlingen,” Telles said. talents in a state-of- year at the PAC. That’s not including the local “We have been able to save on the-art facility while performances from schools and organizations travel costs because we aren’t that hav