Jimmy Carter Early College High School students attended the UIL Student Activities Conference on Saturday at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, joining peers from across the region to prepare for this year’s academic competition season.
The conference is one of four free in-person UIL Student Activities Conferences scheduled across the state this fall to help students, coaches and academic coordinators gear up for the 2025 competition season. Sessions covered every UIL academic contest area, with both novice and advanced workshops led by UIL contest directors, college professors and experienced educators.
Carter was also represented at the presenter level, with teachers Ivan Silva and Luis Alaniz leading five sessions on UIL journalism. Their presentations focused on strategies for journalism events and supporting student success, reflecting Carter’s growing presence and achievements in UIL journalism.
“I’ve been doing journalism since I was a freshman, and this conference helped me get ready for the upcoming UIL year,” junior Luz Morado said. “Listening to Silva and Alaniz talk about tips and tricks for each event really opened my eyes once more and helped me get back into the rhythm of competing.”
Other students said the event provided practical feedback and insight for competing at higher levels.
“This opportunity has allowed me to acquire new skills, strategies and tactics,” sophomore Xcaret Rios said. “These will better prepare me for competition not only at the district level, but at regional and state levels.”