Points of Pride

Southwest ISD Newsletter

June 8, 2023

Welcome to Points of Pride, our weekly district e-newsletter featuring highlights from around Southwest Independent School District. If you have a story or highlight that you would like to submit, please complete the communications request form.

*This is the last issue of Points of Pride for the 2022-2023 school year. The newsletter will return when school begins in August. Have a great summer!

Southwest ISD Commemorates Graduating Class with Remarkable Achievements

Friday, June 2, was a special day for the Southwest ISD community as the Class of 2023 was celebrated during graduation ceremonies at the Alamodome.

CAST STEM High School held a ceremony for its second graduating class, marking another significant milestone since its establishment in 2016. One of the standout achievements of CAST STEM’s Class of 2023 is the amount of scholarships they earned. Their hard work and exceptional abilities secured a remarkable $600,000 in scholarships, opening doors to higher education and future opportunities. In addition to the impressive scholarship earnings, the graduates accumulated a staggering 1,477 hours in college credit.

As CAST STEM High School bids farewell to the Class of 2023, it stands proud, knowing that it has played a crucial role in shaping the future of these remarkable individuals. The graduating class leaves behind a legacy of excellence and serves as an inspiration to the underclassmen who will continue to carry the torch of academic achievement.

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Southwest High School proudly recognized the outstanding accomplishments of its Class of 2023, comprised of 541 remarkable graduates. Among their many accomplishments, the graduates have secured $8,100,000.00 in scholarships, a testament to their hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. Additionally, they have accumulated an impressive 2,200 college credit hours, showcasing their commitment to lifelong learning and pursuit of higher education. The class also has an impressive 314 industry certifications, demonstrating their readiness to enter the professional world. The Southwest High School graduating class of 2023 is poised to make a significant impact in their chosen fields and beyond, and their achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations.

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The Southwest Legacy High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 was a joyous occasion, honoring the achievements of 456 exceptional graduates. The class secured an impressive total of $6,774,979 in scholarships and accumulated 773 college credit hours. The achievements of the Southwest Legacy High School Class of 2023 have made a lasting impact that will inspire generations to come.

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"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."

Congratulations to all of our Southwest ISD Graduates, their families, and friends. You did it! Best wishes and good luck in your future endeavors. Use the following links to view and download some graduation photos.

CAST STEM Photos

SWHS Photos

SWLHS Photos

Graduation is the crossing of a threshold from years of hard work and dedication into a new beginning. As our Seniors prepared to take those final steps and cross the stage, they had an array of emotions and thoughts. Click on the videos below to hear what they had to say.

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Employee of the Month: Scott Murray

Let's applaud Mr. Scott Murray, Facility Operator at the Southwest Aquatic Center, for being recognized as the Employee of the Month. Superintendent Dr. Jeanette Ball surprised Scott with this honor, acknowledging his outstanding dedication to service.

Scott is known for his willingness to help others, whether they ask for it or not. He consistently arrives early in the morning to prepare the aquatic center, ensuring it is well-maintained for student use.

His nominators describe Scott as selfless, going above and beyond with a strong work ethic. His commitment to responsibility, dependability, and flexibility are among the reasons he was chosen as the May Employee of the Month.

We thank Scott for his devotion to Southwest ISD and for being an exceptional employee.

Bob Hope ES Teacher Honored as Finalist for Outstanding Teacher of the Year

Beyond her outstanding performance within the classroom, Coach Matthews has consistently displayed a deep passion for empowering youth. Her dedication to their growth, both academically and personally, has inspired students to reach new heights and embrace their potential. With her guidance, she has instilled a sense of confidence and resilience in her students that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

The impact of Coach Matthews extends far beyond the academic sphere. She is known for creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel heard, valued, and motivated to excel. Her teaching methods prioritize individualized attention, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to thrive. Her enthusiasm for learning is infectious, and her ability to connect with students on a personal level has left an indelible mark on their lives. Congratulations to Coach Matthews and thank you for all that you do!

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Beyond the Arches: Valentina Porras

On this week's Beyond the Arches, we look at Southwest Legacy Swim & Water Polo Senior Valentina Porras, a trailblazer for all of our aquatic athletics here at Southwest ISD. Valentina has been awarded a $200K scholarship to Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY.

Homegrown: Aaron Patiño.

We are proud of our SWISD graduates and want to share their accomplishments. ‘Homegrown,' is our weekly segment highlighting successful SW alumni who grew up in the SWISD community. We also examine how SWISD ignited their success, goals, and career. This week, we spoke with CAST STEM English Teacher, Aaron Patiño.

If you know of alumni that work in the SWISD district that you would like to recommend to participate in this segment, please email Dr. Sam Ruiz at sruiz9098@swisd.net.