Special School Board Meeting

Updated: May 9, 2024

Iris Garcia
Special to LFN

With the end of the school year slowly approaching, Superintendent, Gonzalo Salazar and the Los Fresnos CISD Board of Trustees celebrated the successes of five student groups during the Special Called school board meeting on Monday, April 29th. Among those recognized were the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Los Fresnos High School music programs, and three sports programs, including the boys and girls track, golf teams, and tennis teams.

Directors of each of the student groups took the podium to introduce their students and give a brief summary of what their students achieved individually and collectively this school year. First up was the CTE director, Mr. Rolando Guerra who introduced the advisor of the Audio Visual, Mr. Ivan Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez talked about how the Graphic Design group recently competed at the 2024 Skills USA Texas State Conference. The students competed against a tough bracket of screen printers across the state. He went on to say how our Falcon students prevailed and even taught others new tricks. Mr. Hernandez added, “they really represented what it truly is to be a Falcon. I was very, very proud of all three of them. They did an amazing job, and I think they should get applauded for the job that they did.”

Next, Falcon Law advisor, Mr. Reyes, took the podium to share a little about how his group of remarkable students that qualified and excelled at the Texas Public Safety Association State Conference in Allen, TX. He said, “not only have [the students] represented our school with pride, but have also demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their respective category.”

To continue the student recognitions, LFHS director of music, Mr. Andy Salois, recognized some of the outstanding achievements of the band program and the talented musicians who make the program successful. Mr. Salois explained, “the Mighty Falcon Marching Band had an extremely successful Fall, one of the driving factors that has led the level of success or successes of our Spring programs. Winter guard, percussion ensemble, jazz bands, concerts, and sight-reading contests provide our students avenues for self-expression, useful growth, and the skill development needed to ensure a successful marching band season.” The Falcon Winter Guard, with only its second year of existence, has already made quite a name for itself, placing 1st at two of their regional competitions, and 6th place in their division at the state competition.

The Spring Percussion Ensemble was awarded 2nd place in Drumline competition and won 1st place in their division, on all three Spring competitions they participated in— they’re undefeated. Mr. Salois also shared, “this year, Jazz Band 3 won 2nd place in-class at the RGV Jazz Festival this past weekend, Jazz Band 2 also placed 2nd in-class at the Kingsville Jazz Festival and the RGV Jazz Festival, and they also won the outstanding trumpet section award. The Jazz Orchestra had another successful season, placing 4th at the Kingsville Jazz Festival, 2nd place in-class in-overall in the RGV Jazz Festival, and additionally they earned the outstanding saxophone section award. At the Longhorn Jazz Festival they received a much-coveted full standing ovation for their performance. Additionally, the Jazz Orchestra, has been invited to perform this summer at the Texas Band Masters Association Convention for an audience of band directors from around the state.”

Following were the recognitions of the track, golf, and tennis teams. Athletic Director, David Cantu, introduced the coaches to these teams. First was, Brent Blackman, Head Coach of the girls track & field. He introduced the athletes who were regional qualifiers in the distinctive track & field events. A highlight worth noting, was the 4×2 relay broke the district’s record set back in 1983 and the 4×1 relay also broke the school record this year. The boys track & field head coach, Neil Shuster, also introduced his regional qualifiers. He mentioned that the team had 27 varsity athletes, and 21 were underclassmen— a great deal to look forward to.

The golf team, led by Head Coach, Agapito Ortega, shared some of the accomplishments the team was able to achieve this year. He shared, “continuing the success they had last year, our boys golf team, this year, accumulated a total of five Top 5 finishes, and in doing so they earned a total of two 2nd place awards. The boys also set a brand-new record of 300, which is actually not an easy thing to do.” The lady’s gold team earned a total of 8 Top 5 finishes, which includes three 3rd place awards, one 2nd place, and an amazing 3 team victories. They are also the 2023-2024 District Champions, and have earned their seventh consecutive district title.

To conclude the district recognitions, was the Falcon tennis team, led by Head Coach, Jesus Gutierrez. Coach Gutierrez shared, “this year, our players have exemplified dedication, sportsmanship, and resilience on and off the court. Throughout countless hours of practice and unwavering determination, they have not only honed their skills, but have also formed a bond that embodies the spirit of teamwork. Our tennis team has triumphed in numerous competitions, showcasing their exceptional talents and commitment to excellence. During team tennis season, our team achieved post-season success by becoming Bi-District qualifiers two years in a row.” In individuals district tournament, 3 players advanced to compete in regionals.

In the words Mr. Stumbaugh, Principal of Los Fresnos High School, it has been a great school year at Los Fresnos HS, both academically and extra-curricularly.” Students and athletes alike represent our great school district well.