Precious Romero, 17, discovered Early College Opportunities (ECO) High School during a challenging period in her life.

At her previous school, Romero said, "I was getting into trouble and struggling with my classes. I’ve always been passionate about art, so when I learned about ECO and their programs, especially the chance to work on a car's exterior and make it look good, I was immediately interested.”

ECO empowers students to take charge of their professional paths early by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's competitive world. The school also offers a rigorous academic program that includes dual credit courses with Santa Fe Community College, the Institute of American Indian Arts, and San Juan College, allowing students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.

For Romero, her journey began with ECO’s Go-Kart/remote-controlled cars summer program, where she met Chris Coriz, an instructor in the automotive body program. He inspired her to pursue courses in automotive repair.

“Honestly, this is the best school I’ve ever attended, and I tell that to everyone new,” said Romero. “[ECO] has helped me through so much, and the teachers here are incredible. They connect with you on a personal level, make sure you’re passing your classes and that you’re learning every day. It’s been a great experience.”

While developing skills in a field traditionally dominated by males, Romero also gained self-confidence.

“I feel like I can do anything,” she said. “It makes me feel smart and helped me realize that not everything is just for guys. Girls can do whatever guys can do.”

Last spring, Romero took first place in the Skills USA state competition in auto body, repairing and refinishing. That qualified her to compete at the national level in June in Atlanta. She is the first female student that her instructor has taken to nationals.

Looking ahead, Romero will graduate from ECO this spring and plans to become a firefighter while working in collision repair on the side.

Precious Romero, in blue, works alongside classmates and teacher Chris Coriz during Early College Opportunities High School's Go-Kart summer program.

Precious Romero, vestida de azul, trabaja junto a sus compañeros de clase y al maestro Chris Coriz durante el programa de verano Go-Kart de Early College Opportunities High School.

La escuela secundaria Early College Opportunities abre caminos hacia el éxito

Precious Romero, de 17 años, descubrió la escuela secundaria Early College Opportunities (ECO) durante un período difícil de su vida.

En su escuela anterior, Romero dijo: "Me estaba metiendo en problemas y teniendo dificultades con mis clases. Siempre me ha apasionado el arte, así que cuando aprendí sobre ECO y sus programas, especialmente la oportunidad de trabajar en el exterior de un automóvil y hacer "Se ve bien, me interesé de inmediato".

ECO capacita a los estudiantes para que se hagan cargo de sus caminos profesionales desde el principio, equipándolos con las habilidades y conocimientos necesarios para prosperar en el mundo competitivo de hoy. La escuela también ofrece un programa académico riguroso que incluye cursos de crédito dual con Santa Fe Community College, el Institute of American Indian Arts y San Juan College, lo que permite a los estudiantes obtener créditos de escuela secundaria y universidad simultáneamente.

Para Romero, su viaje comenzó con el programa de verano Go-Kart/autos a control remoto de ECO, donde conoció a Chris Coriz, instructor en el programa de carrocería automotriz. Él la inspiró a seguir cursos de reparación de automóviles.

“Honestamente, esta es la mejor escuela a la que he asistido y se lo digo a todos los nuevos”, dijo Romero. “[ECO] me ha ayudado mucho y los profesores aquí son increíbles. Se conectan contigo a nivel personal, se aseguran de que apruebes tus clases y de que aprendas todos los días. Ha sido una gran experiencia”.

Mientras desarrollaba habilidades en un campo tradicionalmente dominado por hombres, Romero también ganó confianza en sí mismo.

“Siento que puedo hacer cualquier cosa”, dijo. “Me hace sentir inteligente y me ayudó a darme cuenta de que no todo es sólo para los chicos. Las chicas pueden hacer lo mismo que los chicos".

La primavera pasada, Romero obtuvo el primer lugar en la competencia estatal Skills USA en carrocería, reparación y acabado de automóviles. Eso la calificó para competir a nivel nacional en junio en Atlanta. Es la primera alumna que su instructor lleva a los nacionales.

De cara al futuro, Romero se graduará de ECO esta primavera y planea convertirse en bombero mientras trabaja en la reparación de colisiones laterales.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_2VtOL-B70 to go more in-depth into the Go Kart Program at Early College Opportunities High School, where students gain hands-on experience in mechanics, welding, maintenance and driving Go-Karts.

Mire el video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_2VtOL-B70 para profundizar más en el programa Go Kart en Early College Opportunities High School, donde los estudiantes obtienen experiencia práctica en mecánica y soldadura. , mantenimiento y conducción de Go-Karts.

Lynn Gardner Heffron sits in the audience as the votes are counted during the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, August 29th.

Lynn Gardner Heffron se sienta entre la audiencia mientras se cuentan los votos durante la reunión de la Junta de Educación el jueves 29 de agosto.

Lynn Gardner Heffron has been appointed by the Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) Board of Education to fill the District 5 position left vacant by Sascha Guinn Anderson, who resigned on July 25th. The Board voted unanimously to appoint Heffron, who is co-president of the American Association of University Women New Mexico.

“We are excited to welcome Lynn Gardner Heffron, who has extensive experience representing the Santa Fe community,” said SFPS Board President Roman “Tiger” Abeyta.

Heffon began her career as a secondary school teacher, then moved into the private sector working for NBC Universal and Lockheed. At NBC Universal she co-authored Diversity Primer, which is still an industry standard in the world of business. This led her to co-found and serve as chief executive officer of Diversity Spectrum, a Washington D.C.-based corporation that consults with business, education and nonprofit leaders around the world on diversity issues. 

Heffon has served as the president of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Santa Fe. Today, she is an adjunct professor and learning specialist at the Institute for American Indian Art (IAIA), in Santa Fe, as well as an AVID tutoring specialist for SFPS. 

She holds a master of business administration from Pepperdine University, a master’s degree from the Catholic University of America, a bachelor’s degree from Longwood University and a certificate in English as a second language from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

The District 5 Board member currently represents Nye Early Childhood Center, Kearny, Nava, Piñon and Salazar Elementary Schools, Milagro Middle School and Santa Fe High School. The district is bounded by I-25, Cerrillos Road, Rufina Street, Osage Avenue, Yucca Street and the Santa Fe River on Santa Fe's west side.

She assumed the District 5 position immediately upon the Board’s approval. A swearing-in ceremony for Heffron will be announced at a later date.

Board of Education names Lynn Gardner Heffron as new member

Lynn Gardner Heffron sits at her new seat on the dais during the Board of Education meeting on August 29th.

Lynn Gardner Heffron sentada en su nuevo asiento en el estrado durante la reunión de la Junta de Educación el 29 de agosto.

Lynn Gardner Heffron has been appointed by the Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) Board of Education to fill the District 5 position left vacant by Sascha Guinn Anderson, who resigned on July 25th. The Board voted unanimously to appoint Heffron, who is co-president of the American Association of University Women New Mexico.

“We are excited to welcome Lynn Gardner Heffron, who has extensive experience representing the Santa Fe community,” said SFPS Board President Roman “Tiger” Abeyta.

Heffon began her career as a secondary school teacher, then moved into the private sector working for NBC Universal and Lockheed. At NBC Universal she co-authored Diversity Primer, which is still an industry standard in the world of business. This led her to co-found and serve as chief executive officer of Diversity Spectrum, a Washington D.C.-based corporation that consults with business, education and nonprofit leaders around the world on diversity issues. 

Heffon has served as the president of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Santa Fe. Today, she is an adjunct professor and learning specialist at the Institute for American Indian Art (IAIA), in Santa Fe, as well as an AVID tutoring specialist for SFPS. 

She holds a master of business administration from Pepperdine University, a master’s degree from the Catholic University of America, a bachelor’s degree from Longwood University and a certificate in English as a second language from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

The District 5 Board member currently represents Nye Early Childhood Center, Kearny, Nava, Piñon and Salazar Elementary Schools, Milagro Middle School and Santa Fe High School. The district is bounded by I-25, Cerrillos Road, Rufina Street, Osage Avenue, Yucca Street and the Santa Fe River on Santa Fe's west side.

She assumed the District 5 position immediately upon the Board’s approval. A swearing-in ceremony for Heffron will be announced at a later date.

Athletes from Santa Fe High School shake hands with local law enforcement officers and military members during the celebration on Friday night.

Los atletas de Santa Fe High School estrechan la mano de agentes del orden locales y miembros militares durante la celebración del viernes por la noche.

Before last Friday's highly anticipated football game, athletes from Santa Fe High School (SFHS) and Capital High School (CHS) came together in a powerful display of gratitude and community spirit. The pre-game ceremony, named SFHS Heroes' Night, was dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who serve as law enforcement officers, first responders, healthcare professionals, military personnel, and veterans.

"This special pre-game tribute was more than just a ceremony; it was a powerful reminder to students of the importance of honoring those who dedicate their lives to the well-being of others.," said Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Athletics Kristy Janda-Wagner. "The evening served not only to recognize the invaluable contributions of these heroes but also to inspire the students and spectators alike to carry forward the principles of respect, gratitude, and community service."

Photos courtesy of the Santa Fe Police Department.

Cheerleaders from Capital High School shake the hands of law enforcement officers.

Porristas de Capital High School estrechan la mano de los agentes del orden.

Fútbol de Santa Fe y Capital homenajean a héroes locales

Football players from Capital High School shake hands with law enforcement officers as a sign of their appreciation for keeping the Santa Fe community safe.

Los jugadores de fútbol de Capital High School estrechan la mano de los agentes del orden en señal de agradecimiento por mantener segura a la comunidad de Santa Fe.

Antes del tan esperado partido de fútbol del viernes pasado, los atletas de Santa Fe High School y Capital High School se reunieron en una poderosa muestra de gratitud y espíritu comunitario. La ceremonia previa al juego estuvo dedicada a honrar a los valientes hombres y mujeres que sirven como agentes del orden, socorristas, profesionales de la salud, personal militar y veteranos.

"Este tributo especial previo al juego fue más que una simple ceremonia; fue un poderoso recordatorio para los estudiantes de la importancia de honrar a aquellos que dedican sus vidas al bienestar de los demás", dijo Kristy Janda-Wagner, superintendente adjunta de Operaciones y Atletismo. "La velada sirvió no sólo para reconocer las invaluables contribuciones de estos héroes, sino también para inspirar a los estudiantes y espectadores a llevar adelante los principios de respeto, gratitud y servicio comunitario".

Fotos cortesía del Departamento de Policía de Santa Fe.

SFPS será co-anfitriona de la Feria de Bienestar de la Primera Infancia

SFPS Sustainable te anima a Toss No Mas