The La Joya Independent School District (LJISD) Board Meeting on December 4, 2024, celebrated the remarkable achievements of local student Gary Montelongo, a 9th grader at Thelma Arcelino Early College High School. The meeting featured a special recognition ceremony led by Brenda Garcia, Executive Director for Math and Science, and Tim Sears, an associate professor from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).

Montelongo was honored for his outstanding performance in the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, a prestigious national STEM competition. Competing against nearly 2,000 students from across the country, he was selected as one of the top 30 finalists and ultimately won the Broadcom Coding with Commitment Award, along with a $10,000 prize. His project focused on improving train safety through engineering models that analyze vibrations and weight distribution.

Sears highlighted Montelongo's dedication to science and his contributions to the community, noting that he is the first student from the Rio Grande Valley to achieve such recognition at the national level. The meeting also acknowledged the support of Montelongo's science teacher, M. Isabel Reyna, and his family for fostering his interest in STEM.

In addition to the accolades, the regional fair will provide banners to be displayed at Montelongo's schools, celebrating his achievements and inspiring future students. The recognition serves as a testament to the importance of STEM education and the potential of young innovators in the community.