Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
Three high school juniors from Vanguard Mozart Secondary Academy have made history at South Texas College (STC) by becoming the first dual credit students to serve as officers in the Student Government Association (SGA), marking a major milestone for dual credit representation and student leadership.
Samantha Gutierrez, Regina Garza and Camila Puente are paving the way for future generations of dual credit students by taking on leadership roles that were once exclusive to college-level students. These positions allow them to have a seat at the table by representing the voice, ideas and experiences of the growing dual credit population at STC.
Dual credit plays a significant role in STC’s mission to expand access to higher education with hundreds of high school students earning college credits through STC’s dual credit partnerships.
“Their involvement represents a meaningful step toward greater inclusion and collaboration between high school and college students, strengthening the bridge between the two communities and empowering and inspiring more voices in student leadership and advocacy now and in the future,” said Osiel Sanchez, STC academies and career technical coach. “They bring a unique perspective that has not been shared, but needs to be considered.”
For these students, stepping into SGA is not just an achievement, it is a statement about the potential and capability of dual credit students across the region.
Senator Gutierrez, who is pursuing an Associate of Science in Engineering, said joining SGA has been a unique and rewarding experience.
“It feels different to be in SGA as a high schooler,” she said. “We’re still in high school, but we’re also part of something bigger. Being in SGA has shown me that even as high school students we can make a difference and have our voices heard.”
Serving alongside her peers, Garza, a Business Administration student and Parliamentarian, said being part of the organization has opened her eyes to the importance of student leadership.
“It feels really exciting that we are the first high schoolers to be in SGA,” she said. “One of my goals as an officer is to make students aware that we can still help them, even though we are in high school. We bring a unique perspective that represents thousands of dual credit students.”
Garza added that this opportunity would not have been possible without the guidance of their instructors and mentors.
“Jose Pena, student activities specialist and Mr. Sanchez encouraged us to join and helped us figure out how to balance our schedules,” she said. “They really supported us through this process. It’s amazing to know that our mentors believe in us and see potential in what we can bring to the table. Their support motivates us to keep going and to represent dual credit students the best we can.”
Puente, also majoring in Business Administration and serving as the SGA historian, says the experience has helped her connect with more people and gain confidence as a leader.
“I think it is important for dual credit students to be a part of SGA because it allows us to interact with more people,” she said. “We’re learning how to lead, collaborate and represent our peers, all while still in high school. It is helping us grow both personally and academically.”
For all three students, being a part of SGA has expanded their understanding of leadership and community engagement. Their involvement is a reminder that student voices, regardless of age or grade level, all matter in shaping the college experience.
“We want dual credit students to know they belong here,” Garza said. “We might still be in high school, but we’re college students too. Our opinions and contributions make a difference.”
This historic election as SGA officers symbolizes STC’s continued commitment to inclusion and student success, providing every learner from high school to college level with opportunities to lead, connect and make an impact.
Information source: STC
