Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationLos Fresnos student places 30th in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee
LOS FRESNOS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Anirudh Roy, a sixth-grade student from Resaca Middle School in Los Fresnos, has placed 30th in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Roy is one of 247 students from across the country and around the world who have been selected for Scripps, currently being held in Washington, D.C. The Scripps National
EducationRoma High School sending two seniors to Ivy League schools on full rides
Two seniors from Roma High School, Isabella Elizondo and Miguel de la Garza, are set to attend Ivy League universities on full scholarships. Elizondo, the valedictorian, received over $2 million in scholarship offers, including a $400,000 package from Harvard and a spot in its Rising Scholar Program. De la Garza has been accepted to both Columbia University and Yale, with scholarship offers exceeding $2.5 million. He plans to study computer science and engineering focused on artificial intelligence. Both students aim to inspire their peers and return to Roma during breaks to motivate others.
EducationAbbott Orders Texas Public Universities to Freeze Tuition for Next Two Years
Governor Greg Abbott has instructed all public universities in Texas to freeze undergraduate tuition and fees for the next two academic years. This decision aims to make higher education more accessible for Texas students and families. Abbott emphasized the importance of affordable education in preparing students for the workforce. The freeze will apply to both two-year and four-year institutions, including general academic and health-related schools, lasting through the 2026-27 academic year. This initiative follows a significant investment by the state in higher education, which included an increase of $328 million in student financial aid funding.
EducationWeslaco ISD building new band towers for two high schools
Weslaco ISD is set to construct new three-level band towers at both Weslaco High School and Weslaco East High School, funded by a 2023 bond. The project, costing $370,000, will replace outdated structures over 25 years old. These new towers will enhance visibility for band directors and drum majors during practices, allowing for better guidance in student formations ahead of performances. According to district spokesperson Carlos Robledo, this upgrade is a strategic investment in both staff and students, aimed at improving their competitive edge during marching season. Construction is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026, with completion expected by year-end.
EducationSan Benito CISD Performing Arts Center expected to be ready by January 2028
SAN BENITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The San Benito Consolidated Independent School District has begun construction on a $24 million state-of-the-art performing arts center funded through the 2018 bond election. While the facility is located on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Academy, it will be available to the entire district. “We’re excited about it being an auditorium
EducationUTRGV offering swim lessons for children, adults
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is providing swimming lessons for both children and adults this summer. With many families planning to enjoy pools and beaches, learning to swim is emphasized as a vital life skill. Nora Galvan, the Aquatics and Outdoor Adventures Coordinator at UTRGV, discussed the significance of swimming education in an interview with Channel 5 News. Interested individuals can find registration details and additional information about the lessons through UTRGV's official channels.
EducationIDEA Public Schools to Offer FREE Meals to All Children This Summer
IDEA Public Schools will provide free meals to all children aged 18 and under this summer, regardless of whether they are IDEA students. This initiative is funded through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Meal service begins on May 29 at select campuses and on June 1 at most others. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. The program aims to support children who rely on school meals during the academic year, addressing food insecurity in the community.
EducationCensus Bureau Drops New Enrollment Insights
The U.S. Census Bureau has published new data on school enrollment for individuals aged 3 and older, based on the 2024 School Enrollment Supplement. In 2024, 23.4% of this age group was enrolled in school. Of those enrolled, 11.3% were in nursery or kindergarten, 42.7% in elementary school, 22.8% in high school, and 23.2% in college. Notably, 58.8% of children aged 3 to 4 were enrolled in school, a rise from 53.5% in 2023. Among students aged 18 and older, 57.9% enrolled in college were female, while 42.1% were male, with most in undergraduate programs.
EducationLongtime TSC Instructor Maggie Solis Retires After 25 Years of Service
Maggie Solis has retired after 25 years of teaching at Texas Southmost College, where she significantly impacted students as the accounting technology program coordinator. Her career began in 1993, and she transitioned from adjunct instructor to full-time faculty. Solis recalls a time when teaching relied on traditional methods, contrasting it with today's digital tools. Beyond the classroom, she contributed to the community through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, helping thousands file taxes and secure over $5 million in refunds. As she retires, Solis plans to focus on her health and family, leaving a lasting legacy at TSC.
EducationPSJA Graduate’s Path to Blue Origin
Raphael Angeles, a graduate of PSJA North Early College High School, now works as a Responsible Engineer for Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. Born in the Philippines and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Angeles credits his education at PSJA ISD for shaping his path in aerospace engineering. He took numerous AP courses and was encouraged by teachers and his mother, Rose Hernandez. After earning a degree from the University of Texas at Austin, he joined Blue Origin's New Graduate Rotation Program. Angeles aims to inspire local students, emphasizing that their backgrounds do not limit their potential in the aerospace industry.
EducationOver 500 Students Now Enrolled at The PossAble Dream
The PossAble Dream Adult High School has surpassed 500 enrolled students at its locations in Pharr, Brownsville, and Edcouch-Elsa since its opening in August 2025. This tuition-free public school caters to adults aged 18 to 50, allowing them to earn their high school diplomas while pursuing industry certificates in high-demand fields. Superintendent Darcia Cuellar emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for adults to return to education. The school offers flexible class schedules and support services, including transportation and childcare, to help students balance their responsibilities. Interested adults can find more information at www.thepossabledream.net/interest.
EducationLone Star National Bank Supports Adult High School Graduation With $20,000 Donation
Lone Star National Bank has donated $20,000 to The PossAble Dream Foundation to support the first graduation ceremony of The PossAble Dream Adult High School in McAllen. This event, scheduled for August, will celebrate over 100 adult students from Pharr, Brownsville, and Edcouch-Elsa who will receive their high school diplomas and industry-based certifications. Dr. Daniel P. King from Region One Education Service Center expressed gratitude for the bank's support, which will cover costs such as caps and gowns. The program aims to double its enrollment from 500 to 1,000 students next year, emphasizing community education and support.
EducationFormer Harlingen Albertsons to become $42.3M UTRGV Physical and Occupational Therapy facility
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The building that used to house the grocery store Albertsons in Harlingen will be transformed into a new facility for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Departments of Physical and Occupational Therapy. A $42.3 million funding package for the new learning hub was approved by the University of Texas Board
EducationSan Benito High School student brought her graduation to her dad hospital room
During graduation season, San Benito High School senior Ruth Valdez made a heartfelt decision to celebrate her achievement in her father's hospital room instead of on stage. With support from the San Benito Independent School District and Valley Baptist Health System, Ruth graduated at the hospital where her father, Edgar, is receiving hospice care for Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Despite his health struggles, he was present for this special moment. Ruth expressed her joy in sharing this day with her dad, creating an unforgettable memory for their family. The Valdez family continues to rely on their faith during this challenging time.
EducationLos Fresnos CISD 6th grader competing in Scripps National Spelling Bee
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 6th-grader from the Rio Grande Valley is heading to Washington, D.C. to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The competition takes place at DAR Constitution Hall this year and will feature 247 spellers from across the country and around the world, including 12-year-old Anirudh Roy of Resaca Middle School.
EducationSTC Graduate Uses AI Skills to Tackle Manufacturing Challenges
Andrea Leal, a recent graduate of South Texas College (STC), presented her AI-driven app aimed at predicting equipment failures to industry leaders. Having earned a certificate in Mechatronics through STC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program, Leal is currently interning at Binary Technologies. Her project focuses on predictive maintenance for electric motors, utilizing data like temperature and noise levels to foresee breakdowns. Leal emphasized the importance of AI in manufacturing and how STC has prepared her for real-world challenges. The AI in Manufacturing course, developed in partnership with Intel, positions STC as a leader in applied AI training for the industry.
EducationChildren Can Receive Free Meals at South Texas ISD Campuses
The South Texas Independent School District (STISD) will offer free breakfasts and lunches during the summer for children under 18 and students with disabilities up to 21 years old. The program will be available from June 1 to June 30, with meals served in person from Monday to Thursday at the cafeterias of four district campuses. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., while lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The school district also reported that children do not need to be enrolled in STISD to participate. The available locations are as follows: Edinburg: South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy/World Scholars Cafeteria, 510 S. Sugar Rd., Edinburg; Mercedes: South Texas ISD Health Professions Cafeteria, 700 Med High Drive, Mercedes; Olmito: South Texas ISD Medical Professions Cafeteria, 10650 N Expressway 77/83, Olmito; San Benito: South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy Cafeteria, 151 S. Helen Moore Rd., San Benito.
EducationUT System approves $42. 3 million project to convert Harlingen retail center into UTRGV therapy facility
The University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved a $42.3 million project to convert a former retail center in Harlingen into a modern academic facility for UTRGV's Physical and Occupational Therapy Departments. This new 55,430-square-foot learning hub will include specialized labs and research areas, such as anatomy labs and spaces for various healthcare research. Expected to be completed by spring 2027, UTRGV President Guy Bailey emphasized the project's significance for healthcare education in the Rio Grande Valley, enhancing opportunities for students and preparing future healthcare professionals to meet community needs.
EducationFree Summer Meals Available at South Texas ISD Campuses June 1-30
From June 1-30, South Texas Independent School District (STISD) will provide free breakfast and lunch for children 18 and younger, including students with disabilities up to 21 years old. Meals will be served in-person from Monday to Thursday at four STISD campuses. Breakfast hours are from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., and lunch is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participation does not require enrollment in STISD. Meal locations include Edinburg, Mercedes, Olmito, and San Benito. For more information, contact Oliver Galvan, Child Nutrition Director, at 956.514.4230 or via email.