
Do you know Mr. Jose “Richie” Benavides? GECHS Campus Spotlight: Mr. Benavides is a Digital Learning Specialist serving Garcia Early College, Memorial Middle School, Vidal M. Trevino, F. S. Lara, and Jose Valdez High School! Mr. Benavides is a proud graduate of Martin High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Continuing the journey of education, Mr. Benavides earned a Master's in School Administration from Texas A&M International University. With an impressive 25 years of service in LISD, Mr. Benavides brings a wealth of experience to the table. He spent a decade as a teacher at Christen Middle School before transitioning into instructional technology, where he has dedicated 15 years to enhancing learning through technology integration. The best part of his job? According to Mr. Benavides, it's the endless opportunities for learning and teaching, and the joy of helping others elevate their classroom experiences. Outside of work, Mr. Benavides finds utmost joy in spending quality time with his family, especially his 3 and 6-year-old children, making every moment filled with fun and laughter! #PhoenixPride


Congratulations to LISD’s Border Patrol January Youth of the Month Award recipients. They are Karina De La Cruz of Cigarroa High School, Jaxson Morin of Nixon High School, Fatima Gonzalez of Garcia Early College High School, and Trianna Garza of Martin High School.

Congratulations to LISD’s Border Patrol January Youth of the Month Award recipients. They are Karina De La Cruz of Cigarroa High School, Jaxson Morin of Nixon High School, Fatima Gonzalez of Garcia Early College High School, and Trianna Garza of Martin High School.

Do you know Mrs. Aemie Martinez?
GECHS Campus Spotlight: Mrs. Aemie Martinez is a dedicated Social Studies teacher who has made a significant impact at LISD over the past decade. A graduate of United High School and TAMIU, she joined the Phoenix family in 2021 and has since contributed to the school's academic community. Mrs. Martinez serves as one of the UIL Coordinators and also co-sponsors the National Honor Society and Senior Class, demonstrating her commitment to student success beyond the classroom. On her leisure time, she finds joy in creating lasting memories with her husband and five children. Her commitment to education and her vibrant personality make her an integral part LISD and Garcia Early College High School. #PhoenixPride

Congratulations to Alberto Vargas of Garcia Early College High School for being named LISD Student of the Month for January 2024


Hurry! Hurry! Don't forget to reserve your 2023-2024 Phoenix Yearbook. This Yearbook will include a mini-Yearbook Plus and Spotify Scan codes throughout the yearbook. HURRY, ACT NOW! No extra yearbooks will be order. Yearbooks are $85.00. See Flyer for more information.



Emily Garza was recognized as December Youth of the Month by the United States Border Patrol. She was accompanied by her parents and sister. #PhoenixPride
Mrs. Taboada, Principal
Ms. Alaniz, Counselor
Mrs. A. Martinez, Teacher






Emily Garza received acceptance letters from the University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University at College Station, the University of Houston, and Texas A&M at Kingsville. #PhoenixPride


Do you know Lizette Mendive?
GECHS Campus Spotlight: Mrs. Lizette Mendive, an English Language Arts teacher at GECHS. Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Mrs. Mendive has been helping students reach their full potential for the past 20 years at the elementary, high school, and college levels. She believes that being a teacher not only means teaching students about content skills but also inspiring them to become the best version of themselves. Her teaching motto is "Educating the mind, without educating the heart, is no education at all" by Aristotle. Mrs. Mendive says she is truly blessed to be a teacher at GECHS, where students are self-driven to accomplish great things. Teaching students who have decided to begin their college career early in life is a challenge that motivates me to keep evolving as an educator. By avoiding a stagnant teaching philosophy, she can better prepare her students for the collegiate and workforce demands. In her free time, Mrs. Mendive enjoys spending time with her family, watching foreign films, (while munching on goodies 🙂), and traveling the world. #PhoenixPride


Congratulations to the following student who placed at the 17th Annual Tech Expo:
Electronic Publication:
3rd Place
Citlali Longino
Jeffrey Rodriguez
Carlos Aguilar
Milca Martinez
Coding App:
3rd Place
Penelope Cerda
Roger Arriaga
Uriel Ancona
Osmar Ramos
Digital Artwork:
1st Place
Mia Cuevas
2nd Place
Anahi Estrada
#PhoenixPride






Get Paid to learn!
Upward Bound gives students a stipend based on attendance and grades!
Mark your calendar! You don't want to miss out!
You are cordially invited to attend our Parent Academy of Learning Session
Thursday, January 18, 2024
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
LISD Performing Arts Complex
Dr. A. Marcus Nelson Conference Center
2400 San Bernardo Ave.



Happy Birthday Mrs. Taboada! We wish you all the happiness and blessings on your special day.


Do you know Mrs. Karen Castro?
GECHS Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Karen Castro is the Parent and Family Engagement Liaison at Hector J. Garcia Early College High School. She graduated from United South High School. Mrs. Karen Castro been with LISD for about 7 years. She has worked as a Special Education Teacher Aide and as a Tutor for LISD before moving up to be a Parent & Family Engagement Liaison. Mrs. Castro says her favorite part about working with LISD is being able to help build and grow a connection between the District and the parents of our students. Mrs. Castro is proud to be part of the P.F.E. Team serving as one of four team leaders, as well as being part of the Garcia Early College High School Team. #PhoenixPride


Congratulations to Fatima Gonzalez for being named the U.S. Border Patrol "Youth of the Month" for January. #PhoenixPride


GECHS 11th grade students enjoyed learning about Yale University from Ricardo Ahumada De La Torre, a Laredoan who is sophomore there.






GECHS January School Calendar


Laredo ISD to resume classes Tuesday, January 9, 2024.


Do you know Mrs. Linda Agrahari?
GECHS Campus Spotlight: Mrs. Linda Agrahari’s role at Garcia ECHS is Dean of Instruction. She is a proud product of Laredo ISD, and is grateful for the opportunity to serve LISD students for the past 16 years. Mrs. Agrahari holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, both earned at TAMIU. As a first-generation graduate, she finds fulfillment in supporting and encouraging each student's educational journey, and helping bridge any gaps. She shares: “I believe in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for students. I look forward to a memorable year of learning, growth, and shared successes. I am thrilled to be an integral part of the Phoenix family”. #PhoenixPride


Happy New Year to all. We hope you enjoyed the holiday break with loved ones. Regular schedule resumes on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Please report to your Fall semester first block for new schedule and further instructions.


Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a great year ahead!
