Students recognized for academic achievements, as educators celebrated for dedication and impact in the classroom.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Students and teachers at SST College Prep High School were recognized on Wednesday for their academic achievements and dedication during a special awards ceremony celebrating top students and Teacher of the Year honorees.
Among the students honored was Julio Martinez, who said being recognized alongside classmates and friends was both exciting and rewarding after years of hard work.
“I’m glad to be able to be with everyone here with my friends,” Martinez said. “It’s really nice to show them all my hard work has paid off.”
Martinez said he plans to attend Brown University after graduation, then pursue medical school and eventually become a trauma surgeon. He also hopes to work as an EMT while attending college.
“I think the value of hard work is what I hope to keep bringing with me,” Martinez said. “You have to put in the work and then obviously it’s going to pay off.”
Teachers were also honored during the ceremony, including SST College Prep High School ninth-grade English teacher Dr. Murray Bergman, who was recognized as Teacher of the Year.
“I’m really excited. It’s an honor to be recognized for the work that we do every day,” Bergman said. “I think every teacher is Teacher of the Year.”
Bergman, who has taught for 17 years, said passion for teaching is what helps students connect with learning.
“I think great teachers make every subject come alive for kids,” Bergman said. “Even if they don’t see themselves as writers or readers when they leave that class, they have become readers and writers in my class.”
Nueces County Court at Law No. 5 Judge Timothy McCoy also attended the event and praised both students and educators for their accomplishments.
“Well, they’re underappreciated,” McCoy said of teachers. “I love the School of Science and Technology. I love their curriculum, what they stand for.”
McCoy said strong academic performance can create more opportunities for students as they prepare for college and future careers.
“Good academics opens up so many doors,” McCoy said. “Having kids in the top 10 opens up more opportunities for college, for your future, everything.”