Page 49 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2024 - Online Magazine

SENIOR 2 SENIOR

Article Submitted by
Jax & Presley Alford SLATON

Jax Alford attends Slaton High School where he participates in Varsity baseball and
track. He is a member of FCCLA and FCA, and he is a part of the Culinary Arts and Dual
credit programs. Jax was a nominee for the Homecoming Court in 2023. In his free time,
he enjoys drumming and hanging out with his friends and family.

Presley Alford is a senior at Slaton High School where she participates in Varsity basketball and track. She is a
member of the student council, FCA and FCCLA. She is the Vice President of the Slaton FFA chapter and participates
in stock shows where she shows goats. Presley was named Homecoming Queen of 2023. She enjoys spending time
with her family, friends, and her animals.

marked the beginning of our strong listening and offering advice on how don’t take, so take them.” This simple
relationship. Coach Martinez has to approach a variety of circumstances saying has encouraged me, both on
pushed me to my limits and made me in her students’ lives outshines most and off the court. Coach Villegas has
believe that I can do things I never other teachers we have known. Her been one of the biggest motivators
believed I could. These are only a optimistic confidence provides an in my life and has helped set me on
few of the ways Coach Martinez indisputable foundation for creating the path to success. Coach Villegas is
has inspired and connected with us positive connections with students, an integral part of not only our lives
as student-athletes, but they paint both in and outside the classroom. but also the lives of each student she
a picture of who he is and what he The heart of teaching radiates teaches.
represents. throughout her attitude toward her
students and education as a whole. Coach Martinez and Coach Villegas
Coach Villegas has dedicated her We know that she is the type of are distinguished teachers who
life to the growth of her students teacher that students can always rely continue to positively impact the lives
and their ability to achieve their on for guidance and advice. Coach of their students. The profession of
goals beyond high school. Not only Villegas tenaciously encourages teaching requires constant sacrifice
is Villegas an inspirational coach, students to reach their full potential in and dedication, to mentor students
but she is an essential member of life by exemplifying what it means to to accomplish their dreams through
our family. She has constantly set be a growth-minded leader. essential life skills. Both coaches are
aside time to help both of us grow as an inspiration to students like us who
students, athletes, and human beings Presley: Coach Villegas has taught look to strong leaders to model good
throughout our lives. me so many life lessons and made attitudes and actions in this world.
me into the young woman I am
Jax: While she has helped both my today. Whenever I struggle with self-
sister and me, Coach Villegas has confidence,
been the biggest help for me in she is always
deciding what to do with my future there to boost
and how to handle it. Without her my spirit
constant advice, I would never have and advise
taken advantage of enrolling in dual me on taking
credit courses or preparing for the advantage of
ACT. Despite my rising anxiety, all life has to
Coach Villegas was always by my offer. Coach
side, helping me get through it. Coach Villegas
Villegas’ positive and influential consistently
outlook on life is a firm foundation tells me in
for her teaching techniques and basketball,
aspirations that inspire my sister and “You miss all SISD Board of Trustees
me. Her commitment to continuously the shots you Carlos Bentancourt, President ~ Kara Newcomb, Vice President ~ Justin Martin, Secretary
Jaime Diaz ~ Irma Jaramillo ~ Gabriel Johnson ~ Greg Schilling
Shelli Crow, Superintendent

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