Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD students showcased their bilingual excellence at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Torneo de Ortografía held on Saturday, March 28, 2026. A group of 39 PSJA ISD students represented the district at the competition after placing in the Top 10 at the PSJA District Torneo.
PSJA ISD students competed against 350 students from across the region, with two students qualifying for the State Competition and others earning numerous awards.
““Our students demonstrated exceptional dedication and pride in their biliteracy skills through their participation in the Torneo de Ortografía,” said PSJA Dual Language Director Olivia Martinez. “We are incredibly proud of those who advanced to the state competition—this achievement reflects not only their hard work, but also the strong support of our teachers and families in fostering bilingual excellence. It also speaks to the power of bilingualism.”
Among the competition highlights, Mateo Salinas, a 5th grader from Chávez Elementary and Beleny Rodríguez, a 4th grader from Doedyns Elementary advanced to the State Torneo de Ortografía, which will be held on June 4, 2026, in El Paso, Texas. PSJA Chávez Elementary also brought home the Copa Rotante, a traveling first-place trophy, as well as a campus trophy.
Other recognitions include:
Primaria Division (Grades 2–3):
• Jimena Veliz, Chávez Elementary – 1st Place
Intermedia Division (Grades 4–5):
• Mateo Salinas, Chávez Elementary – 1st Place
• Beleny Rodríguez, Doedyns Elementary – 2nd Place
• Deilhy Lastra, Chávez Elementary – 3rd Place
Secundaria Division (Grades 6–8):
• Alessandra Hernández, Escalante Middle School – 4th Place
Preparatoria Division (Grades 9–12):
• Shaila López, PSJA Early College High School – 4th Place
Through PSJA ISD’s Dual Language Program, students receive academic instruction in English and Spanish from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The program is designed to help them develop stronger cognitive skills while mastering two languages.
To learn more about the PSJA Dual Language Program visit: www.psjaisd.us/duallanguage
