Special to the NEWS
South Texas Independent School District (STISD), which has a campus in San Benito, recently announced that five of its campuses were named Apple Distinguished Schools for the 2026-2029 program period.
Schools apply and are chosen for this distinction based on their dedication to ongoing innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and influence teaching and learning.
The campuses designated for this program term include South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg.
With these campuses added, all seven STISD schools are now included in the program, including STISD Virtual Academy (2023–2026) and STISD Preparatory Academy (2025–2028), according to a STISD press release.
Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., Ed.D., superintendent of schools at STISD, shared what this recognition means to the STISD community, saying, “It is an honor to be recognized alongside innovative educational institutions from around the world through the Apple Distinguished Schools program. We are proud of the work happening across our campuses to thoughtfully integrate technology into teaching and learning, and we are grateful for the opportunity to connect with fellow educators, learn from their work, and share the lessons that continue to strengthen the opportunities we provide our students.”
Apple Distinguished Schools serve as hubs of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals, according to the press statement.
In Apple Distinguished Schools, innovative leaders and their communities strive to inspire, imagine, and influence teaching and learning, and they have documented evidence of academic achievements, the statement reads.
The statement concludes by noting that schools around the world are using iPads and Macs to transform learning. As teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, they empower students to lead, learn, and thrive, to discover new opportunities, and to make their world a better place.
STISD also announced that it was recognized as a CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT).
This prestigious award recognizes districts across Texas that showcase exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to student success through high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
The CTE District of Distinction program, launched by CTAT, recognizes districts that excel in workforce readiness, foster innovation in CTE, and inspire others through their commitment to student achievement and community impact. Honored districts serve as models of excellence, showcasing best practices and driving progress in CTE across the state.
Superintendent Lara expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “Earning the title of CTE District of Distinction affirms South Texas ISD’s role as a pioneer in Career and Technical Education in our region. For decades, CTE has been at the heart of our district, and we have remained committed to ensuring those opportunities are available to every student. This recognition reflects the dedication of our educators and the strength of programs designed to equip students with real-world skills for a rapidly evolving workforce.”
The CTE District of Distinction program aims to recognize outstanding career and technical education programs across Texas.
Honored districts are chosen based on their ability to meet strict criteria, including innovative programming, industry-based certifications, alignment with workforce needs, and outstanding student outcomes.
As a CTE District of Distinction, STISD not only celebrates its achievements but also sets a benchmark for excellence in CTE across the state.
This designation creates new opportunities for collaboration with educational and workforce development leaders, furthering the district’s mission to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing economy.
STISD’s Career and Technical Education programs are rooted in innovation, workforce alignment, and a strong dedication to student success, according to a statement issued by the District.
For the 2025–2026 school year, STISD provides 21 Programs of Study within 10 Career Clusters, giving students a competitive advantage in high-demand fields.
Through over 115 industry partnerships district-wide, students gain valuable real-world experience while the district continues refining its programs to ensure classroom learning aligns with current workforce needs.
STISD also expands access through its CTE Half-Day Program. Designed for students with special needs, the program allows students to take most academic courses at their home high schools while attending an STISD campus for three CTE courses and one core academic class.
Like all STISD CTE pathways, the Half-Day Program emphasizes hands-on learning in authentic work environments, helping students develop technical expertise, confidence, and marketable workforce skills.
Additionally, through the STISD Tri-County Consortium, the district collaborates with school systems in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties to expand CTE opportunities for students across the region.
This announcement celebrates South Texas Independent School District’s recognition in the first year of CTAT’s CTE District of Distinction program.
STISD consists of four magnet high schools—South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg—as well as two middle schools—South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito—and one stand-alone virtual campus, South Texas ISD Virtual Academy, serving students in grades 6-12.
All campuses are tuition-free and serve students from Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. For more information, call 1-800-21STUDY or visit www.stisd.net.
For more information about the CTE District of Distinction program or to explore the application process for the 2025 award, visit CTAT’s website.