Raymondville Early College High School students announce commitment to TSTC

College declaration days are not just for athletes.

On May 21, nine Raymondville Early College High School students announced their plans to attend Texas State Technical College in the fall.

The Texas Workforce Commission sponsors Texas Career Technical Signing Day events, like the Raymondville event, statewide to recognize students who are choosing to enter career pathways that can lead to in-demand careers and occupations.

Julian Alvarez, the Texas Workforce Commission’s commissioner representing labor, congratulated the students and their families during the event.

“I am so grateful to be part of this celebration. It is important to recognize the commitment that these young students have made to continue their educational and career pathway with such a stellar institution as TSTC,” Alvarez said. “Our Texas economy will continue to remain strong because these young students will connect to careers that are in demand regionally and statewide.”

The nine students who announced their commitment were Larry Aguilar, Electrical Lineworker Technology; Dashia Alfaro, Dental Hygiene; Madai Carranza, Nursing; Dominic Cervantes, Digital Media Design; Juan Contreras Reyes, Welding Technology; Jaden Galvan, Nursing; Ruben Martinez, Welding Technology; Santos Paz, Academic Core; and Jicelle Perez, Nursing.

“It was exciting to see our students commit to TSTC, which is a world-class institution of higher education,” said Ben Clinton, Raymondville ISD’s deputy superintendent. “This was a good experience for our students and their friends to see them commit to a career. For me, this was just as exciting as seeing one of our student-athletes signing to play at the collegiate level.”

Dr. Sandra Y. Nieto, Raymondville Early College High School principal, said the students worked hard to be honored for their career decision.

“Our students have been working hard for an event such as this one, where their technical career is the focus,” she said. “This celebration was what our students needed.”

TSTC representatives presented the students with gifts for making the commitment to continue their education.

“We are hoping to do this every year. I hope more students stand up to say they plan to attend TSTC,” said Janet Alfaro, TSTC’s coordinator of student recruitment.

Richard Mesquias Jr., a senior field development officer for The TSTC Foundation, said the event placed the spotlight on both the students and the community.

“It is exciting to help a tiny community and recognize students who want to help provide for their family,” he said. “This event shows that TSTC is committed to helping students make the transition to college. Our recruiters did an outstanding job working with the students and school.”

Adrian Hinojosa, a student recruitment representative for the Harlingen campus, said the Texas Workforce Commission is a perfect partner to host the event.

“We want to make sure Texas has well-equipped workers in the future, and the commission wants to expand the state’s employee base. This was a perfect way to showcase our commitment to the future Texas workforce,” he said.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.