Made in SA – CAST STEM High School

For seniors at CAST STEM, this school year has had plenty of surprises. When the school announced earlier last year that the entire student body would be relocating to Palo Alto College, many students were afraid of the incoming change, but not the seniors. Now about to graduate, seniors Victor, Adrien, Ashley, and Einalei opened… Continue reading Made in SA – CAST STEM High School

Highlighting Storytelling at CAST Schools

In the early days of CAST Schools, we wanted our students to be connected to local artists and storytellers, and so we began a collaboration with tech leader Lorenzo Gomez III to put his business book, Cilantro Diaries, in the hands of our students. Among other lessons, the book stresses the importance of building a… Continue reading Highlighting Storytelling at CAST Schools

Wrapping Up an Eventful Year at CAST STEM

As schools across the CAST Network prepare for their end-of-year celebrations and incoming graduations, CAST STEM stands proud having completed another academic school year in two different locations. Earlier this past year, it was announced that CAST STEM would begin to move its student body to relocate at Palo Alto College. However, as the end… Continue reading Wrapping Up an Eventful Year at CAST STEM

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

All week I have been thinking about the teachers. I remember Claire Pelton, the English teacher who first told me I was a writer, and it has been a part of my identity ever since.    It is hard to single out just one teacher, as I am so fortunate to have had so many… Continue reading Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

CAST Tech’s Lisa Jones Named 2023-24 SAISD Teacher of the Year

On Thursday, SAISD celebrated its educators with its annual “Teacher of the Year” award ceremony. Friends, family and peers of teachers who had been nominated for the award gathered to cheer on their fellow educators. Among those nominated this year was CAST Tech’s Lisa Jones, who, earlier this year, was named CAST Tech’s 2023-24 Teacher… Continue reading CAST Tech’s Lisa Jones Named 2023-24 SAISD Teacher of the Year

Creating A Legacy through CAST Students

Last Wednesday, I, along with many industry partners, parents, and interested adults, gathered at CAST Tech High School to hear students present as part of a year-long “Legacy project.”   Students are asked to spend a year in teams exploring ways to make their school or community stronger to leave behind a Legacy. Most of… Continue reading Creating A Legacy through CAST Students

CAST Tech Seniors Showcase Legacy Projects

On Wednesday, CAST Tech Seniors had the opportunity to present their year-long legacy projects to their friends, classmates, and family. Students gathered in crowds to listen to how each group wanted to leave a legacy after graduating from CAST Tech. A few weeks ago, the seniors had a chance to reflect on their projects and… Continue reading CAST Tech Seniors Showcase Legacy Projects

CAST Announces New ‘College Assistance Program’

Last year, my husband, Mike Villarreal, and I created a small fund for a graduate of a CAST School who faced gaps in affording a 4-year college. Every year at CAST we hear stories of individual students who weren’t aware of hidden fees, such as for health care or books, or simply need a bit… Continue reading CAST Announces New ‘College Assistance Program’

Equipping Students for Both College and Career

Last Wednesday I was honored to join CAST STEM Principal Jacque Rodriguez, members of the Southwest ISD Board, Southwest ISD Superintendent Jeanette Ball, along with educators, parents, and importantly, top-ranking seniors from the three Southwest ISD high schools: Southwest High School, Southwest Legacy High School, and CAST STEM High School.   At the dinner honoring… Continue reading Equipping Students for Both College and Career

How CAST Lead Seniors Are Leading the Charge in Retail & Hospitality

This week at our nonprofit board meeting, we heard from 6 of our graduating seniors at CAST Lead High School. This school, with pathways in retail and hospitality management and e-commerce, opened in 2019 – the apex of the pandemic.    These young people remind me of the children’s book: The Little Engine that Could.… Continue reading How CAST Lead Seniors Are Leading the Charge in Retail & Hospitality