Texas Border Business
Pharr, Texas – Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City of Pharr officials held a signing ceremony for Evelyn Rocha, a senior at PSJA North Early College High School. Much like a student signing a letter of intent to attend a university or play for a team, this ceremony signified Evelyn’s intent to work for the City of Pharr once she becomes eligible to do so in August, upon turning 18 and meeting eligibility requirements required of the position.
The City of Pharr Public Safety Communications Department has collaborated and partnered with the PSJA North Career and Technical Education (CTE) Telecommunications Program for over ten years. Through the partnership, students have the opportunity to learn about careers in Telecommunications as they intern and learn from employees at the City of Pharr Public Safety Communications Department. Evelyn has participated in the program throughout high school and has shown an interest in becoming a Telecommunications Officer.
“CTE partnerships are beneficial to cities, school districts, and as we can witness here today, to the students who participate in them,” said Dr. Daniel P. King, Superintendent of Schools for PSJA ISD. “These programs prepare students not only for jobs but for careers,” he added.
Also on hand to recognize the CTE partnership between the city, the school, and Evelyn was Julian Alvarez, The Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor. “I’m here to acknowledge that Pharr and the things you do here, the partnerships you foster, need to be replicated throughout our state,” exclaimed Alvarez. “CTE programs and partnerships expand economic and socioeconomic opportunities for our communities and our families,” he continued. “What you have been able to accomplish here today is proof that these experiences shape student’s lives and have a profound impact on their career pathways and opportunities,” he said. “Congratulations, Evelyn!”
Evelyn intends to balance a career as a Telecommunications Officer with the city’s Public Safety Communications Department and her academic studies as she pursues a college degree. Telecommunications Officers perform a variety of communications duties and are the first people who engage with the public in the protection of life and property within the Pharr Public Safety Communications service area and the daily operations of all agencies directly partnered with the Pharr Public Safety Communications Department.
“I want to thank Mayor Hernandez, the City of Pharr, City Officials, Dr. King, PSJA ISD, and the Pharr Communications Department for providing these CTE opportunities for students like myself and allowing us the opportunity to receive training and internship experiences that have a positive impact on our future and career pathways,” said Evelyn Rocha.
She will begin working for the city in August, once she turns 18 years old as required by the position.
“As a city, we value an individual’s work ethic and when someone as committed as Evelyn has demonstrated their desire, ability, and readiness to enter the workforce, thanks to the great education and training received through this partnership program, it is cause for celebration,” said Mayor Hernandez. “We have no doubt that she will be an outstanding employee, public servant, and dedicated Telecommunications Officer,” he continued. “I truly believe that CTE Programs such as the one we participate in with PSJA ISD have the power to impact student’s lives and careers and we will continue to work with our local educational partners to make more programs available to our students and community,” he added.
