Aldine ISD Spring 2024

ALDINE ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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SMOKE ALDINE ISD READY FOR ALL COMPETITION BRINGING THE

feature AISD NEWS EISENHOWER SCIENCE TEACHER ARPINO NAMED H-E-B EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD FINALIST

Eisenhower High School science teach er Remelia Arpino received a pleasant surprise on Jan. 30 when represen tatives from H-E-B and the school dropped into her classroom to let her know that she has been selected as one of five state finalists for the H-E-B Ex cellence in Education Lifetime Achieve ment Award at the secondary level. Arpino and the school each received a $1,000 check and if she is named the overall winner (H-E-B will announce the winners in all categories in the spring), she could also receive an additional $25,000, as will Eisenhower High School. Eisenhower High School Principal James Metcalf said he has been im pressed with Arpino’s dedication to her students for more than 15 years. He said she was very deserving of this honor. “Remelia is a highly passionate second ary educator who believes that every one deserves a quality education, and she always looks forward to making a difference in every learner’s life as well as the educational institution,” Metcalf wrote in his letter of recommendation nominating her for the award. “She is constantly in search of the best oppor tunities that she can offer her students through professional advancement and networking with universities, institu tions and the community.” Arpino was also nominated for the award by Eisenhower High School As sistant Principal Kesha Bolton. During her 30-plus years in education, Arpino has earned numerous honors. She has won the Eisenhower High School Going the Extra Mile Award, she was Eisenhower’s Teacher of the Year for the 2017-18 school year, the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston Teach er of the Year in 2020, the Outstanding Texas High School Science Teacher of the Year in 2022 and earned the Yale Educator Award in 2023. She was also the mentor to a group of Eisenhower students who won the METRO Bus Shel ter Design competition in 2022. Arpino received her Bachelor of Sci ence Degree in Biology and a Master

of Arts in Science from the University of Southeastern Philippines. Arpino also dedi cates her time to many worth causes inside and outside of education. She has served as the head curriculum writer for Environ mental Systems

and AP Environ ment for Aldine

nurture young minds and impart skills that extend far beyond the confines of the classroom,” Arpino said. “The influence I have can extend across generations, as my students may go on to become future parents and leaders. Consequently, the importance of qual ity education becomes paramount in shaping individual lives and contribut ing to the well-being of society. Having highly dedicated educators is a gift to society.” She added she was thankful to work with such a wonderful staff of fellow dedicated educators at Eisenhower. “I am deeply grateful for the unwaver ing support and trust of my colleagues and administrators at Eisenhower High School, without whom many of my initiatives would not have been pos sible. Additionally, I extend my heart felt thanks to all my students and the organizations I sponsor, especially the Culture Club and NHS (National Honor Society) for their continuous support of my endeavors outside the classroom.” Created in 2002, the H E B Excellence in Education Awards are designed to honor outstanding public school pro fessionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H E B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile each and every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.

ISD, served as head facilitator for sci ences during district staff development, served as a team leader over Biology at Eisenhower and has served as lead sponsor for the International Culture Club at Eisenhower. She also volunteers with the Red Cross Disaster Assess ment Team, she’s a member of the St. Matthew’s Catholic Church Music and Dance Ministry, volunteers with the Houston Food Bank, the International Culture Club and served as a volunteer at George R . Brown Convention Center during Hurricane Harvey. Arpino said she was greatly honored to be named a H-E-B Excellence in Educa tion Award finalist. “Being selected as a finalist for the H-E-B Educator Lifetime Achievement Award holds profound significance for me,” she said. “This recognition validates the importance of my daily contributions and serves as a reminder that the flame of passion for nurturing students doesn’t diminish with ex perience. Instead, it emphasizes the responsibility of experienced educators to set the stage for those entering the profession, become role models of true dedication and commitment.” Arpino, who teaches IB Biology, IB Environmental Systems & Societies and Environmental Systems, said she is thankful she chose education as a profession. “Teaching holds immense significance for me as it provides the opportunity to

PREGAME

AISD NEWS

ALDINE ISD BOARD MEMBERS

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear VYPE Community, We are already nearly halfway through the spring semester. There is much to share between students competing in sports and academic competitions and new opportunities, and we have so much to celebrate. First on our list of celebrations is the rating Aldine ISD received under Texas’ School FIRST accountability system. AISD received a “Superior” rating for the 20th consecutive year. I thank our Chief Financial Officer and his team for ensuring the district meets critical indicators, including timely payments, financial solvency, and competency indicators. It takes good people in the right positions to ensure we have the resources to give teachers and students what they need to teach and grow in the classroom. In January, we announced that Memorial Hermann Health System and Aldine ISD are collaborating to design a Houston-based career-technical education high school,

President

DR. KIMBERLEY BOOKER

the Health Education And Learning (HEAL) High School. The $250 million initiative, led by Bloomberg Philanthropies, will integrate healthcare career knowledge and job training with a high-quality high-school experience, serving around 760 students. This partnership is another example of how we continue offering options and choices that prepare students for their future. We are focused on giving students access to high-quality schools and learning experiences. It is with pride that I share that eight of our Choices Schools won National Merit Awards for 2024 from Magnet Schools of America. Magnet Schools of Excellence include Reece Academy for Montessori, Direct Instruction and Fine Arts; Carter Academy for Performing and Visual Arts; and Drew Academy for Math, Science, Technology, and Fine Arts. Magnet Schools of Distinction are Kujawa EC/PreK/K School for International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program; Kujawa Elementary School for IB ® Primary Years Program; Grantham Academy for Engineering; Shotwell Middle School for IB ® Middle Years Program; and Carver High School for Applied Technology, Engineering, and the Arts. A school district’s success is based on the people behind it, and our teachers and campus leaders are the backbone of education. We recently celebrated our Educators of the Year. Congratulations to all our honorees: Rosalind Burns from Jones Primary is the Elementary Principal of the Year, Dr. Cedric Stewart from Houston Academy is the Secondary Principal of the Year, LaKeshia Williams from Carver High School is the Rookie Principal of the Year, Ricky Ward from Johnson Elementary School is the Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year; Ryyan Pritchett from Shotwell Middle School is the Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year; Amanda Lee from Carmichael Elementary School is the Elementary Teacher of the Year; and Leticia Vargas from Davis High School is our Secondary Teacher of the Year. Amanda and Leticia will go on to represent Aldine ISD at the Region 4 ESC Teachers of the Year competition. Kudos to Eisenhower High School science teacher Remelia Arpino, who was named an H-E-B Excellence in Education Award finalist. The magic happens in our classrooms every day because of talented, unwavering individuals who believe in our students and all their possibilities. I am excited that we are on track to open the new Thorne Stadium, as promised, in time for the start of the 2024 football season. Before we started the project, it had been 44 years since the stadium was built. Everyone working on the project is thrilled with this state-of-the-art facility for our student-athletes, student performers, fans, and community members. And who can forget all the other performing arts events like a band or watching our ROTC cadets on the field that will benefit from playing and performing in a premier facility we can take pride in. The new state-of-the-art stadium will accommodate up to 10,000 guests with two tiers of seating, providing Aldine supporters and our students with a showplace. I am super excited that this dream is becoming a reality. I can’t wait for that first game at our new, improved Thorne Stadium. I have to mention the incredible run of our basketball teams. The Nimitz High Cougars advanced to the Region 2 Tournament in the Class 6A state basketball tournament. The Cougars won three playoff games to advance to the Regional Tournament, where they fell to Rockwall in the semifinals. The Davis High School Falcons advanced to bi-district. The Nimitz High School Lady Cougars won bi district. They advanced to the Area round of the Class 6A State Basketball Tournament. The Davis High School Lady Falcons advanced to bi-district. This is the deepest a Nimitz boys’ team has advanced in the Class 6A basketball playoffs since 2003! Congratulations to the student-athletes and Cougars coaches and players Dominic Samuel, Eric Woods, Jaden Bergeron, and Ke’Lyn Washom. Ya’ll made it an exciting hoops season! And congratulations to the incredible Nimitz High School UIL inclusive basketball team for winning the Silver medal at Regionals! The team advanced to the state. This is our inaugural year to have Unified Basketball games that promote inclusion, teamwork, and sportsmanship among students with and without disabilities. Thank you to Nimitz coach Kendra Venzant and Julie Grutzmacher, the Adapted Physical Education Department lead and one of the game organizers. This is so incredible! All means all in Aldine! Before I close, please look for information regarding upcoming events, such as our Festival de Primavera, set for April 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. You’ll also soon be hearing that families can pre-register their young learners in Head Start, prekindergarten, and kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year. I urge families to visit AldineISD.org to pre-register their eligible children. Aldine offers many choices for eligible families, like our free, full-day programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. We have great neighborhood schools, Choice Schools with specialized programs, and schools that offer dual language instruction in English and Spanish. We know that kindergarten and first-grade readiness aren’t based on age but on a set of skills. Children start school with different language and literacy skills. Early childhood learning is the key to leveling the playing field and closing those gaps. With Aldine Pride, Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney Superintendent of Schools

PAUL SHANKLIN Vice President

Secretary

CONCEPTION ESPARZA

ROSE AVALOS

Assistant Secretary

Member

RANDY BATES

Member

DR. VIOLA M. GARCIA

Member

STEVE MEAD

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AISD NEWS

PREGAME

Welcome to the 2023-24 school year. I hope this letter reaches you all in good health and spirits. I am the Executive Director of Athletics here in Aldine ISD. I am extremely happy and proud to represent this great school district. My No. 1 goal as Executive Director of Athletics is to help our student-athletes become the best. Each campus is held to high expectations and standards. We are not here only to win games, but provide our student-athletes opportunities for a successful life. We have a structure in place that encourages success in the classroom, on the sport fields and in the community. We have assembled an outstanding coaching staff of men and women, who exemplify great teachers and role models. I want you to be involved with all of the programs within Aldine ISD. You have an open invitation to stop by our office to meet the staff and see why we are suited to provide your child with the very best opportunities. I am proud and honored to be associated with the great students, teachers, coaches and sponsors of Aldine ISD. We will continue to fulfill our mission and vision through the vehicle of Athletics. Let’s have a great year! Dre’ Thompson Dre’ Thompson Executive Director of Athletics Aldine ISD LETTER FROM THE A.D.

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ALDINE ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

ALDINEISD.ORG

ON THE COVER Photos By // Bradley Collier

SOCIAL AISD

Bringing the Smoke: Davis’ Diamond Bossier, Eisenhower’s Reggie Durden, Nimitz’ Alberto Cerino, MacArthur’s April Galicia and Aldine’s Victoria Ochoa are bringing the heat this spring.

@AldineISD /AldineSchoolDistrict aldineisd

@aldineschooldistrict Aldine ISD /AldineISD

SMOKE ALDINE ISD READY FOR ALL COMPETITION

BRINGING THE

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ALDINE SOFTBALL

Senior-Laden Aldine Expected to Compete in District Play MATTERS EXPERIENCE

Natalie Azimishooshtari

Emily Hiracheta

2024 Mustangs Softball

Veronica Calderon

CORNER

Sara Sanchez

I think that last year was about building a foundation. This year, we’re heavy on seniors, which gives us a good group from a leadership perspective. Our goal this season is to compete, and I believe that they’re prepared for every team we’ll play. “

Tatiana Barbosa

Veronica Cantu

PLAYERS WATCH TO

” ~Coach Leigha Doyle ALDINE SOFTBALL vype.com \\ SPRING 2024 \\

Tatiana Barbosa Emily Hiracheta Sara Sanchez

COACHES

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ALDINE ALDINE BASEBALL

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TOUR REVENGE

Toups, Aldine Baseball Aim to Prove Doubters Wrong

2024 Mustangs Baseball

We’ve been a staple in the playoff scene for multiple years under my leadership. So, we took our preseason ranking from Texas High School Baseball – which didn’t have us finishing in the top four of our district – as a level of disrespect. That’s going to be our motivation this year. We’re ready to show that we’re the best baseball team in this district, and that we can take that a step further in the playoffs. “ ” ~Coach Leonard Toups ALDINE BASEBALL COACHES ALDINE ISD \\ SPRING 2024 \\ vype.com

CORNER

Alexander Martinez

PLAYERS WATCH TO

Jansyel Otwell Orlando Reyes Jordan Toups

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ALDINE BASEBALL

Julio Gonzalez

Jordan Toups

Jansyel Otwell

Orlando Reyes

Manuel Leos

Felix Melendez

Raul Careaga

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feature SCRATCH ALDINE ALDINE GOLF Aldine Golf Built from the Ground Up FROM

Constantin Marin

Salatiel Trujillo

2024 Aldine Golf

We’ve become one of the most successful programs in the district, and I’m very proud of everybody. Funny enough, I’ve never had a kid that came into the program who had owned a set of golf clubs. Even as beginners, they all work hard and grind to get the results they do. It’s just one of those interesting dynamics that not many coaches get to experience. “ ” ~Coach Coby Rhoden ALDINE GOLF COACHES 6 \\ ALDINE ISD \\ SPRING 2024 \\ vype.com

CORNER

Ashley Contreras

PLAYERS WATCH TO Ashley Contreras Constantin Marin Victoria “Toya” Ochoa Salatiel Trujillo

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ALDINE GOLF CHASING Aldine’s Ochoa is Her Own Hype Machine

ANOTHER CROWN

\\ By Matthew Ogle

FOR MOST PREMIER GOLFERS, THEY’VE BEEN COMPETING SINCE CHILDHOOD. However, that isn’t the case for Aldine’s Victoria “Toya” Ochoa. Despite the prowess she has displayed on the course, Ochoa surprisingly began competing in the sport just a year ago. After dealing with an ongoing ACL injury from her days playing volleyball, she was ultimately led to the links. “I had to find a way to kill some time after the injury,” she said. “I didn’t want to just sit around on my butt. He (Coach Rhoden) and the team seemed pretty cool, so I figured I’d try it out just to mess around and goof off. “I’m usually pretty relaxed, however, I’m still very competitive. So, I got pretty good at it, and it worked out for me.” It would seem so, considering in just her first year, Ochoa would finish fourth overall in the district tournament. Her friendly demeanor isn’t limited to the golf course either. After all, she happened to be this year’s Homecoming Queen. “I’m not the shy type at all, I’m very loud,” Ochoa laughed. “The whole week of Homecoming, I was going up to everybody saying ‘vote for me, vote for me’. I’m also a trainer, so I was telling all the football guys the same thing. The whole experience afterwards was really cool, and we obviously had a good time.” Ochoa has already cemented her status as a do-it all student-athlete at Aldine. Given her background in the training program, her career choice shouldn’t come as a surprise once she graduates in the coming months. “I’m going to attend college to pursue a career in Kinesiology,” she said. “My experiences with injuries and the training program kind of inspired that. But even before then, I wanted to be a physical therapist. I’m fascinated by that career path.” She’s already acquired the Homecoming crown. All that’s left for her to achieve now is a district title on the course, prior to an inevitable run in the postseason. That would be the way to go out as an Aldine High Mustang.

Victoria Ochoa

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ALDINE ALDINE TRACK + FIELD 2024 Aldine Boys Track & Field MARKS

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ON YOUR

Aldine T&F Entering the District Conversation

In my first year as the coach, the main thing I’m hoping to establish is the commitment from all the kids, and the leadership it takes to step up. We’ve got to strive to get better everyday in order to compete against the tough competition in our district and area. “ COACHES

CORNER

Keishon Wiser

” ~Coach Walter Terry ALDINE BOYS TRACK & FIELD ALDINE ISD \\ SPRING 2024 \\ vype.com

Jose Barron

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ALDINE TRACK + FIELD

2024 Aldine Girls Track & Field

CORNER

From last year to this one, I’ve noticed an immense growth in their confidence levels. Some students were initially unsure about joining track. But, after teaching them all the phases of the sport and once they started to see their successes, the combined work ethic and mentality has improved. “ ” ~Coach Kerry Bowie ALDINE GIRLS TRACK & FIELD vype.com \\ SPRING 2024 \\

Tiffany Salazar

Porsha Daniels Ronnie Nolbert Tiffany Salazar Jeremiah Watson Keishon Wiser ATHLETES WATCH TO

COACHES

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AISD NEWS

FEATURE

NEW THORNE STADIUM CONSTRUCTION ON SCHEDULE TO BE COMPLETED BY JULY

Blake Ware is coming home. The MacArthur High School graduate was recently named head football coach and athletic coordinator at the school from where he graduated in 1989. Ware played tight end for former MacArthur head coach Bob Alpert. As a sophomore and junior, Ware and his teammates reached the quarterfinals. After graduating from Texas Southern University with a history degree, Ware went to work in the restaurant business where he met his wife Trina, a graduate of Eisenhower High School. He began coaching his brother’s little league foot ball teams and that’s where the coaching bug bit him. “I went and visited with coach Alpert and told him I wanted to become a coach,” Ware said. “He told me it would be tough, The construction of the new Thorne Stadium is on track to be completed by July, according to Chief Operations Officer Fred Washington. “The project is on schedule with a projected substantial completion in July so it will be ready for the start of the 2024 high school football season,” Washington said. “From an operations perspective, we are excited to have the Thorne project kick off the significant improvements that will take place across the district. We are confident Thorne Stadium will be a beautiful facil ity providing a first-class experience for our student-athletes, performing arts students and fans.” Dre Thompson, Executive Director of Athletics, said the district will host three scrimmages in the new Thorne Stadium prior to the start of the 2024 high school football season. The first weekend of the 2024 season will be the weekend of Aug. 29-31.

Once construction is completed, the mul tipurpose stadium will continue to host a variety of events every year. The stadium has been designed as a state-of-the-art facility that will enhance the student and community experience. It will have a new press box, new concession stands, new restrooms, a new football field, concrete bleachers and platforms, and a front en trance on the West Side of the stadium.

One of the unique features of the new Thorne Stadium will include customized LED lights on the West Side and East Side of the stadium that can be used to highlight the hosting team’s colors. The stadium will have a seating capacity of 10,000 with two tiers of seating. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Jan. 20, 2023.

BLAKE WARE RETURNS TO HIS ROOTS AS HEAD COACH AT MACARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL

but it’s something I wanted to do. I love it (coaching).” Twenty-eight years later, Ware is still loving coaching and is looking forward to making the Generals relevant again in football. MacArthur roots run deep in the Ware family. His mother and father are both MacArthur grads, and he has 15 other relatives who went to school there. Ware said he was thankful for the opportunity to return to his alma mater and looks forward to the challenge of turning the MacArthur football program around and he’s looking forward to that challenge. “I am,” when asked if he was excited about taking over the program he once played for. “We’re going to see if we can make a difference. This is a homecoming, for sure.”

Aldine ISD Executive Director of Athlet ics Dre Thompson said he was excited Ware is returning to the district where he was educated and competed in sports as a young man. “When you look at where we are with MacArthur football and the plan it’s going to need for Big Red, Coach Ware was the right choice,” Thompson said. “He has the experience and the skill set to make it happen.”

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DAVIS BASEBALL

YEAR ONE

Davis Baseball Undergoing Culture-Change

Sebastian Arguetas

Cesar Otero

Adan Ramirez

2024 Falcons Baseball

Based on my experience, I’m trying to establish a healthy, competitive nature in my first year with this group of guys. I want them to learn to compete, no matter if they’re up or down... and let the chips fall where they may. “ CORNER

Jacob Guerrero

PLAYERS WATCH TO Sebastian Argueta Jacob Guerrero Francisco Macias Jose Zuniga

” ~Coach DeCarlo Scott DAVIS BASEBALL vype.com \\ SPRING 2024 \\

COACHES

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ALDINE DAVIS SOFTBALL

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MENTAL GAME THE

Davis Softball is Back!

2024 Falcons Softball

Sarahy De Los Santos

Since last season, I think my girls’ softball IQ has definitely improved. They’ve become students of the game. They’ve found the game within the game, which I think is the most exciting part from a coaching standpoint. That’s what makes it fun – learning those life lessons out on the field. I cannot wait to see how our hard work pays off this season and beyond. “ ” ~Coach Miranda Grotenhuis DAVIS SOFTBALL COACHES ALDINE ISD \\ SPRING 2024 \\ vype.com

CORNER

Arianah Johnson

PLAYERS WATCH TO Zayda Dennis

Arianah Johnson Liliana Mendoza

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DAVIS SOFTBALL

Kassandra Jimenez

Laelund Glenn

Zayda Dennis

Liliana Mendoza

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ALDINE DAVIS TRACK + FIELD

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LIFTOFF READY FOR Davis Track is Going to Soar this Spring

Tyrick Oliver

Kentrell Bay

2024 Davis Boys Track & Field

In order to unleash the mental game of the sport, I try to get to know my athletes as people – building a relationship with them as an individual. That’s the best way to be able to reach a kid, when you’re trying to get them to run a 4x400 relay at the end of a meet and they’re dog-tired. But, you’ve got to get them to bring that dog out of them by also preparing them for the intensity that’s required in practice. “ ” ~Coach Nicholas Powell Sr. DAVIS BOYS TRACK & FIELD COACHES ALDINE ISD \\ SPRING 2024 \\ vype.com

Tre Richardson

CORNER Johnathan Gray

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DAVIS TRACK + FIELD

2024 Davis Girls Track & Field

Diana Reynaga

Victoria Moss

Adrien Clark

I think one of the most important aspects of our training is encouraging them to hold themselves accountable, putting in the work, and not taking any shortcuts. It’s going to be about hard work when it comes to track. We have one goal, which is making it to State and getting those PR’s without taking shortcuts. “ CORNER

PLAYERS WATCH TO Kentrell Bay Diamond Bossier Adrien Clark Johnathan Gray

Victoria Moss Tyrick Oliver Tre Richardson Ocean Scott

” ~Coach Tramisha McGrew DAVIS GIRLS TRACK & FIELD vype.com \\ SPRING 2024 \\

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VIBES POSITIVE ONLY

Bossier Walking the Walk

\\ By Matthew Ogle

Diamond Bossier

“I really surround myself with positive people – people that want to see me win,” she said. “There aren’t too many people like that around, which is why you need that select group who will back you up in order to help maintain your own positive mentality. “Being doubted isn’t something that necessarily makes me angry. It’s just a state of mind that I’ve had to overcome. I love to prove people wrong.” It’s all about the mental side of the sport for her, which she hopes will help her team thrive this Spring. “I hope that we’re able to keep the team drama-free this year,” she said. “That way, nothing can affect anybody during our races and events. I hope that we can stay focused, mentally and physically, during practices and meets. “For myself, I just hope that I don’t let anyone come and ruin my mentality that I have for this season. I want us to win, and that’s what we’ll do.” Bossier intends to head back east once she graduates, where she aims to attend her dream school of LSU. For the time being, when she isn’t concerning herself with her other passion of being a hairstylist, Bossier will ultimately look to continue proving the doubters wrong on the oval.

WITH A NAME LIKE DIAMOND BOSSIER, YOUR SHINE BETTER BE BRIGHT. The Louisiana-native wasted little time in acclimating herself to the Texas competition, after moving to Davis High a year ago. “It was kind of a big change for me,” she said. “Texas has better opportunities, and I had not been used to running against people at my own speed. So, it was competitive, but I got used to it and PR’d (achieved best personal record), which I’m proud of.” Bossier has already begun to make her mark in the state. After taking silver in the 200m dash (25.75s) at the 2023 district meet, she also placed fourth in the 100m dash (12.56s), and fifth in the Long Jump event (15-11), which has established the Davis junior as one of the top competitors in the district Funny enough, her journey started with something as simple as bragging rights among her siblings. “Ever since I was little, I’ve been running against my brothers,” said Bossier. “They’ve always thought they were faster than me, and we’d race every day. I still can’t be beat.” She still prides herself on that distinction, even though she is now teammates with her brother Treveon, among the rest of Davis’ talented roster. Bossier certainly has the confidence to back up her performances. However, it is often others who motivate her the most.

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DAVIS GOLF

STAY COURSE THE

Green Set on Continuing Culture of Davis Golf

2024 Davis Golf

We already had a culture of excellence in the program, so I’m just trying to keep that going as I begin my time here. Some of the other schools in the district have some really heavy hitters, so we’re just trying to get the guys’ team to really gel together. The girls team has some experience and the bar is set high for them. Overall, we’re getting stronger and that will be shown in the later holes. “ CORNER

Briana Flores

PLAYERS WATCH TO Danielle Brooks Kyra Brown

Briana Flores Diego Franco Johnathan Gray Juan Trevino

” ~Coach Kavin Green DAVIS GOLF

COACHES vype.com \\ SPRING 2024 \\

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AISD NEWS FEATURE THIRTY-FIVE ALDINE ISD STUDENT-ATHLETES EARN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS

During the month of February, Aldine ISD’s five high schools held signing ceremonies across the district. Thirty-five male and female stu dent-athletes received the chance to continue their academic and athletic careers by signing with a number of colleges and junior colleges from across Texas and the United States. Davis High School led the way with 12 student-athletes earning scholarships, while Nimitz High School was next with nine, MacArthur High School followed with eight signings, Eisenhower High School had four signings and Aldine High School had two signings. Signing from Aldine High School was football player Constantin Martin, who signed with Howard Payne University and soccer player Michelle Huerta, who signed with Paul Quinn College. Davis High School student-athletes who signed national letters of intent were volleyball player Laniyah Howard who signed with Howard University, cheer leader Lorin Stewart who signed with St. Edward’s, cheerleader Pariz Foun tain who signed with Abilene Christian University and football players Kamryn Jackson (Henderson State), Isaiah Guidry (Henderson State), Jamarcus Hopes (Cisco College), Tre’von Bossier (Navarro College), Tyrell Bryd (Kilgore College), Ira Anderson (Allen Hancock College), De’jon Barlow (Allen Han cock College) and Kentrell Bay (Allen Hancock College) and basketball player Deadric Fikes, who signed with Newman University. Signing from Eisenhower High School were cheer leader Sydney Page, who signed with Tulane University, athletic trainer Chelsea Mathis, who signed with North Carolina AT&T University and football players Ja’Corey Carter (Mid western State University) and Jarrell Jackson (McPherson University). Signing from MacArthur High School were soccer player Estrella Arriazo la, who signed with LSU Eunice and football players Tavion Atkinson (Trinity Valley College), Darrien Blackshire

Aldine High School football player Con stantin Martin signed with Howard Payne University.

Pictured are the eight Davis High School football players who recently signed national letters of intent.

Eisenhower football play JaCorey Carter recently signed a national letter of intent.

Eisenhower football player Jarrell Jack son recently signed a national letter of intent.

(Trinity Valley College), JayBee Jenkins (Kilgore College), Derrick Mc’Neil Jr. (Blinn Junior College), Ian Polk (Trinity Valley College), Yoshvanny Solache (Blinn Junior College) and Carlton Tobin (Blinn Junior College). Signing from Nimitz High School were volleyball player T’Asia Green (Wiley College), basketball player Kyndal Roberts (Lamar University) and football players Gavin Carey (Grambling State University), Caleb Roberts (Midwestern State University), Jacoby Burns (Kilgo re Junior College), James Martin (Cisco Pictured are the seven MacArthur High School football players who recently signed national letters of intent.

Pictured are the seven Nimitz High School football players who recently signed national letters of intent. College), Dominic Rue (Mid-American Nazarene College), Da’Shawn Robinson (Texas College) and golfer Micah Wil son (Prairie View A&M University). Other AISD student-athletes could be signing in the spring.

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FEATURE

EISENHOWER GOLF

Ike Golf Undergoes Culture Change HITTING LINKS THE

2024 Eagles Boys Golf

2024 Eagles Girls Golf

Carol Garcia

The culture I’m trying to bring is a love for the game of golf. I’m hoping to show the beauty of the game, along with the positivity that can come with it. There’s so much that this sport can offer them, and I want my team to be able to compete, but I also want them to go out and enjoy themselves. “ CORNER

Edgar Campos

PLAYERS WATCH TO Briseida Garcia

~Coach Brandon North EISENHOWER GOLF

Juan Herrera Yasuni Rivera Juan Zamora

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ALDINE EISENHOWER BASEBALL

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Barnes Takes Reins of Ike Baseball THE STANDARD UPHOLDING

Glenn Rico

2024 Eagles Baseball

COACHES

Kameron Gourly

The foundation I’m trying to build here is that of hard work, determination and being successful in anything we do. There is a standard here that we’re trying to uphold, and we’ll need to go 100-percent in doing so. “ ” ~Coach Tarryn Barnes EISENHOWER BASEBALL ALDINE ISD \\ SPRING 2024 \\ vype.com

CORNER

Alexander Arredondo

PLAYERS WATCH TO Alexander Arredondo Glenn Rico Nicholas Thomas

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EISENHOWER SOFTBALL

Ellis Looks to Returning Starters for Success BIRDS OF PREY

Citlalli Molina

2024 Eagles Softball

We’ve had a lot of buy-in this year. When I came here three seasons ago, this is the group that came in with me. So, I feel that there’s been a lot of growth that’s progressed with this team over time, and we’re hoping to show that on the field this spring. “ CORNER

Jacqueline Gonzalez

Laurynn LeBlanc

PLAYERS WATCH TO Etali Colbert Kayla Guevara Laurynn LeBlanc

” ~Coach Jocilyne Ellis EISENHOWER SOFTBALL

COACHES vype.com \\ SPRING 2024 \\

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ALDINE EISENHOWER TRACK + FIELD

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New Coach Dead Set on Keeping District Crown DURDEN DYNAMIC THE

2024 Eisenhower Boys Track & Field

2024 Eisenhower Girls Track & Field

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EISENHOWER TRACK + FIELD

Kendra Johnson

Phillips Finley

John Sanchez

Kalisea Johnson

CORNER

I’m very excited to be a part of this program, coming over from Booker T. Washington. This school has a lot of tradition. Even when I was younger, Ike always had athletes. Right now, they have even more. So, all we have to do now is put it together and have a great showing. “ ~Coach Reginald Durden EISENHOWER TRACK & FIELD

Keiora Gaines

ATHLETES WATCH TO Deven Austin

CeKia Dilworth Reggie Durden Keiora Gaines Warneisha Horn Preston Johnson

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ALDINE EISENHOWER TRACK + FIELD THE NEXGEN \\ By Matt Malatesta Durden Paving His Own Path with Father by His Side

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he also has goals he wants to achieve with Swoop Nation on the track. “I’ve run a 38 in the 300 hurdles and that was the goal. Now, I’m trying to go lower,” he said. “I also run the 100 hurdles, but I love the 4 x 400 relay. That’s my favorite. It’s the last race of the meet and all eyes are on you. I love to be in that position.” He hopes that all eyes will be on him as he embarks on a career in broadcast journalism at FAMU. “I’d love to be a sports analyst on television,” he said. “I feel like I have the knowledge of the game and the personality to do something like that.” His other business passion is opening a funeral home. “I also want to get my mortician’s license,” he said. “My grandmother passed away during COVID and I was up close and personal to the process. They showed so much love and hospitality and I knew that was something I wanted to do in the future. People die every day and I want to help them find their home.” For now, his home will be Tallahassee and all eyes will be on him as he embarks on his interesting path to future success.

REGGIE DURDEN ONCE PATROLLED THE SECONDARY AT SAM HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL IN HOUSTON BACK IN THE LATE 1990s BEFORE TAKING HIS TALENTS TO FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, WHERE HE STARRED FOR TWO SEASONS. THE HISD LEGEND IS NOW THE HEAD TRACK AND FIELD COACH AT EISENHOWER ALONG WITH BEING A FOOTBALL ASSISTANT UNDER COACH ODELL JAMES. Fast forward a generation and Eisenhower is led by another star defensive back and track and field specialist … Reginald “Reggie” Durden. “It’s great to have that one-on-one coaching in both sports by my Dad,” Durden said. “It’s really special, but what he stands on is that we separate our personal life and business … him being Dad and coach.” Upon graduation, Durden will take his talents to Tallahassee to Florida A&M, where he will run track and play football. “We still have a lot of connections to Tallahassee since when my Dad played there, so it was an easy choice,” he said. “I love it there and I’m excited for that ‘college experience’. I’m going to be really busy playing both sports, but I’m ready to make some noise. I have some goals I’m ready to achieve.” As Durden heads for the final curve of his high school career,

Reginald “Reggie” Durden

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FEATURE

AISD NEWS

MEMORIAL HERMANN HEALTH SYSTEM, AISD LAUNCH INNOVATIVE HEALTH CARE-FOCUSED HIGH SCHOOL

Memorial Hermann Health System and Aldine ISD have announced an unprecedented partnership to design a career-technical education (CTE) high school that will help prepare students for well-paying careers in health care and address local education and health care talent needs. The Health Education and Learning High School, or HEAL High School, will share a campus with Nimitz High School and will fully integrate health care career knowledge and job-training with a high-quality, well-rounded high school experience for students in the Houston area, graduating students directly into high-demand health care jobs with family-sustaining wages. The program, which will open in the fall of 2024 and be phased in over four academic years, will serve approximate ly 760 students at capacity. It is part of a first-of-its-kind $250 million initiative led by Bloomberg Philanthropies that is connecting health and education sys tems to create new CTE high schools in 10 urban and rural communities across the country. Supported by an initial $31 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthro pies to Memorial Hermann Foundation, Memorial Hermann and Aldine ISD will co-develop HEAL’s curriculum, which will offer robust academic program ming, specialized health care classes, work-based learning, and the opportu nity to earn industry-valued credentials and certifications along with traditional high school learning and diplomas. This initiative will also offer students an opportunity to gain direct work expe rience and access to rewarding jobs within Memorial Hermann immediately following graduation. “For too long, our education system has failed to prepare students for good jobs in high-growth industries,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg LP and 108th mayor of New York City. “By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, these specialized

health-care high schools will prepare students for careers with opportunities for growth and advancement. America needs more health care workers, and we need a stronger, larger middle-class –and this is a way to help accomplish both goals.” The state of Texas is currently experi encing shortages in nurses, primary care physicians, technicians, therapists and pharmacists. Many of these jobs pay family-sustaining wages, provide clear paths to economic mobility, and are resilient to automation or outsourcing. Further, some may not require a four year degree but offer a path to grow careers through continued education. “We are excited to partner with Aldine ISD to bring Houston a new career-technical education high school that, through rigorous classroom instruction and a hands-on learning approach, will help prepare students for well-paying careers in health care and address critical health care talent needs, as well as provide valuable educational opportunities for students throughout the region,” said David L. Callender, MD, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann. “Students are hungry for educational experiences today that feel relevant to what they will do tomorrow in their careers, many of them also wish to serve their community’s needs with purposeful work. This new high school model will ensure students in Aldine

ISD interested in health care careers can gain real experience while still learning the core foundational math, science, and literacy skills that we focus on during those formative secondary years,” said Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, Superintendent of Schools for Aldine ISD. “We hope to be a model for schools across the country that a holistic high school experience with fully integrated career-technical education is not just possible but profound for students and the entire community.” Bloomberg Philanthropies’ investment will support school start-up costs including personnel needs, classroom and lab renovations, and other work based learning requirements. HEAL will be specifically designed to provide traditional academic courses based on state graduation requirements, as well as specialized health care classes co taught by Memorial Hermann employ ees using the co-designed curricula. Students will also engage in immer sive work-based learning at Memorial Hermann facilities. In ninth and 10th grades, students will participate in job-shadowing and practice their skills in simulation labs; starting in 11th grade, students will have access to paid health care internships and professional men toring, among other work-based learning experiences. Well-rounded, co-curricular programs including but not limited to arts, physical education and affinity group activities will also be offered.

A COLLABORATION OF

A COLLABORATION OF

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ALDINE MACARTHUR SOFTBALL

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MACHINE BIG RED

Mac Softball Seeking the District Title

Zoey Martinez

2024 MacArthur Softball

COACHES

Melany Castellanos

The cornerstones of our culture are hard work and preparation. We have definitely taken the time to prepare this year, and I feel like the girls know the expectations. They are not afraid this season, and we’re going to really come after the opposition. “

Miranda Machado

CORNER

PLAYERS WATCH TO Melany Castellanos April Galicia Miranda Machado

” ~Coach Erika Scott MACARTHUR SOFTBALL ALDINE ISD \\ SPRING 2024 \\ vype.com

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FEATURE

MACARTHUR SOFTBALL

KEEP SMILING \\ By Matt Malatesta Big Mac Super Senior has Plan for Future

VYPE: What do you listen to before a big game? GALICIA: I listen to something to bring my mood down. It relaxes me and helps me focus. Something like Olivia Rodrigo. … VYPE: What is your biggest goal for this season? GALICIA: I want to win district and go a few rounds deep in the playoffs, but I also want to hit my first home run. That’s on my bucket list. … VYPE: What do you like to stream? GALICIA: I’m a big Youtube fan. I like Cody Ko and Danny Gonzalez. Stuff like that. … VYPE: When watching softball, who do you like to watch? GALICIA: I love Texas and Oklahoma. Both teams are so good and play an exciting brand of softball. … VYPE: Who is one of your top role models? GALICIA: Coach (Erika) Scott is such a hard worker but is as funny as she is hard working. She expects a lot because she knows how much talent we have. She wants to get it out of you. She is helping me so much get recruited and that means so much to me.

APRIL GALICIA’S FAN CLUB RUNS DEEP… WHETHER IT BE TWO OR FOUR-LEGGED. “I love softball and my teammates, who are my sisters, but I’m obsessed with my dogs,” she laughed. “I take them on walks to clear my head and cuddle with them at night. Astro and Luna fully love me … they are my best friends.” There is something to be said for girls and their pets, but she truly loves the game. “Softball is my thing and always has been,” she said. “Being a senior is bittersweet and I’m going to miss my team dearly. It’s a true sisterhood here, filled with great energy. The game has taught me so many lessons, from becoming a better pitcher to communicating with others. It has made me a leader and accountable to something bigger than myself.” Having a front-row seat for Galicia’s development has been coach Erika Scott. “I’m sad our time is winding down, but I can’t wait to see her go out into the world and be a shining star,” Scott said. “She is a true leader in the classroom and on the field.” As a student in the Top 20-percent in the Class of 2024, Galicia has a plan for her future, which is bright. “I want to play softball in college, and build a career in the field of dentistry,” she said. “I used to have braces growing up and now I love my smile. I want others to love their smile, too.” While we are all smiles, let’s get to know MacArthur’s ace on the mound.

April Galicia

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ALDINE MACARTHUR BASEBALL

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Big Mac Baseball is Reloaded This Spring CHAMBER ANOTHER ONE IN THE

Ramiro Encinia

2023-24 Generals Boys Basketball

Our culture is that of continuity. We tend to reload rather than rebuild with the kids who are coming in. After we have a few players graduate, we consistently have guys that step up into the roles we need from them. We always assume that we’re going to be in the playoffs, so a win for us would be to go deeper than before. “ ” ~Coach Ernest Gonzales MACARTHUR BASEBALL COACHES ALDINE ISD \\ SPRING 2024 \\ vype.com

CORNER

Waldo Narvaez

PLAYERS WATCH TO Alex De Leon Ramiro Encinia Diego Reyes

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MACARTHUR BASEBALL

Diego Reyes

Mauricio Carreon

Daniel Reyna

Alex DeLeon

Rodrigo Teran

Jai Cantu

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ALDINE MACARTHUR TRACK + FIELD

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Macarthur Primed to Command District on the Track REIGN MAKERS

Ray Romero

2024 MacArthur Boys Track & Field

COACHES

We’re just trying to build off what we did last year, after finishing second in district. I feel like if we can get a couple of guys in the finals with our sprints, and finish in the top three in our relays, we can take district. Our distance and field events are always on point. “ ” ~Coach Christopher Dykes MACARTHUR BOYS TRACK & FIELD ALDINE ISD \\ SPRING 2024 \\ vype.com

CORNER Refugio Sandoval

ATHLETES WATCH TO Tavion Atkinson Darrien Blackshire Joshua Calderon

Araby Garcia Robin Jenkins Kayla Jones

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