Abel Fonseca is a San Benito native and a longtime San Benito CISD ACE Program Site Coordinator at Miller Jordan Middle School and Collegiate Academy. He can be reached at afonseca@sbcisd.net.
El Sabor De San Benito is not just about food; it’s about heart, hard work, and community pride.
This year, students from the Texas ACE Afterschool Program at Miller Jordan Middle School (MJMS) are returning to the pits to showcase a talent that has taken the town by storm.
Last year marked their inaugural appearance at the event. What started as a simple opportunity to demonstrate student learning quickly turned into something unforgettable: a first-place victory for their signature sliders.
This year, the focus has shifted. Rather than competing for a trophy, the MJMS BBQ team has been invited to showcase their skills, proving they have truly mastered the craft of the grill.
“It felt good knowing that my team won first place last year,” said seventh grade student Joseph Gonzales. “We worked really hard.”
“We didn’t even know there was going to be a prize back then,” shared Abel Fonseca II, ACE Coordinator for Miller Jordan Middle School and Collegiate Academy Middle School. “We just wanted to show what our students could do.”
Building More Than Just A Menu
Since that victory, the program has grown into a cornerstone of campus pride. MJMS Principal Carlos Lainez has watched this evolution firsthand.
“Programs like our BBQ Team create a powerful sense of belonging for students who may not always find their place in traditional academics or athletics,” Principal Lainez shared. “It gives them a unique avenue to showcase their talents and take pride in something deeply rooted in our community culture.”
Led by instructor Jose Villarreal, an eighth grade math teacher, students are learning that the “low and slow” philosophy applies to more than just brisket. In his class, students apply math skills, follow precise measurements, and manage time under pressure.
“I would like people to understand that these students aren’t just learning how to cook; they’re learning patience, responsibility, and pride in their work,” Villarreal explained. “Barbecuing takes time, attention, and care—skills that translate to life lessons.”
From outdoor grilling to mastering air fryers, the students have experimented with everything from nilgai burgers and deer meat to street tacos. For Villarreal, the proudest moment of this journey happened at last year’s event when the students refused to take a break.
“The students were ‘in the zone.’ We asked them to take a break so they could sample the other foods—Starbucks was there, for crying out loud—and the students refused. They said, ‘We don’t need that stuff, sir; we’re good.’ That’s when I realized these students had truly fallen in love with the craft.”
A Bright Future for San Benito
That passion is shared by the students. Joseph Gonzales recalled the massive undertaking of preparing 1,000 hot dogs for the 2025 Autism Walk as a highlight of his year.
For the upcoming “Taste of San Benito,” he is most excited to serve the team’s signature banana pudding. Meanwhile, eighth grader Raul Martinez III appreciates the constant variety. “My favorite part is that we make new things every week,” Raul said, noting that he is currently perfecting his brisket beans.
This exploration is fueled by a vital partnership with Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program and Stephanie A. Bowman, the 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for Cameron County.
“The Prairie View 4-H Program invests in youth to empower them to explore their interests, develop responsibility, and grow into capable, caring leaders,” Bowman stated. “To see these students engaging in the community and showcasing their talent is inspiring!”
SBCISD Board Member Orlando “Papas” Lopez emphasized the importance of this community connection. “When our students represent SBCISD at events like Taste of San Benito, they showcase their talents, professionalism, and pride. Seeing students proudly wearing their San Benito colors while mastering a craft is a powerful reminder that our future is bright.”
A Vision of Purpose
For ACE Director Celia Bañuelos, the head of the after-school program, the success of the BBQ team represents the fulfillment of a long-term vision.
“Our vision has always been to create an environment where students can explore their interests and connect learning to real-world experiences,” Bañuelos said. “Through this program, students are exposed to opportunities they might not otherwise have. Those experiences help build confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, and encourage students to set higher goals for themselves.
Bañuelos noted that the program’s strength lies in its collaboration between students, mentors, and families. “It makes me proud seeing our students showcase their talents with confidence and a sense of purpose. It reminds me that our TX ACE program is not only making a difference in students’ lives today, but it is also preparing them for the future.”
The community won’t have to wait long to see the team in action. Following the showcase, the BBQ Team will be assisting Villarreal with a special lunch for MJMS teachers on Friday, May 8.
In San Benito, the pits are hot, the students are ready, and the potential goes far beyond the classroom. This time, the whole town will be watching.
El Sabor de San Benito, sponsored by the San Benito Chamber of Commerce, is being held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the ABC Events Center, 923 E. Stenger St, San Benito from 6-8 p.m. For ticket information, contact the San Benito Chamber of Commerce at (956) 626-2559.
