UIL STATE CHAMPION!

Gift Owolabi Wins Ultimate Prize And Ends With A Perfect Season

Congratulations to Gift Owolabi who is officially the UIL State Champion in UIL Calculator Applications.  Gift competed against the best in the state at the UIL State Meet (May 3-5) and came away with the ultimate prize, the State Gold Medallion.  This is the ultimate accomplishment for a UIL competitor.   Approximately 900 competitors begin the UIL season in hopes of capturing the gold at state, but only the best will even reach the state competition. Moreover, Gift has done it in fine style, she has had the perfect season.  She won first place at all invitational meets, first place at UIL District (District Champion), first place at UIL Region (Regional Champion), and now first place at UIL State (State Champion).  “It has been a privilege to work with Gift,” said Mr. Daniel Valerio, Jr., UIL Coordinator and Calculator Applications coach.  “To see such dedication and drive is an inspiration not only for myself but for all that know this young lady,” added Mr. Valerio.

“Gift has definitely done something special.  Having a perfect season and capping it off with the state championship is something you don’t see often, if at all; but if you know Gift, you can see why she has accomplished so much” said Ruben Z. Escamilla, UIL Academic Director.   “In addition, knowing the passion and dedication of her coach, Mr. Valerio, makes me so proud that both Gift and Mr. Valerio are what is best of the Wildcat spirit and that of the UIL program,” added Escamilla.

Congratulations to Gift who has brought the ultimate prize in UIL competition home to Carrizo Springs and has made it known that our beloved Wildcat name, emblem and spirit are best in the state.  Thanks to Gift and Mr. Valerio for bringing such honor and pride to our school and community.  Gift is the daughter of Dr. Michael Owolabi and Mrs. Oluwakemi Owolabi—we thank them for encouraging their children to be a part of Wildcat UIL.

As the Wildcat UIL season officially comes to a close and on behalf of Gift, Mr. Valerio, our awesome Wildcat UIL team and coaches; Mr. Escamilla would like to thank all parents of our wonderful students who allow their wonderful and talented youngsters to participate in Wildcat UIL Academics, Speech, and One-Act Play at CSE, CSI, CSJH, and CSHS.  These young people are what is best in Carrizo Springs. They dedicate their time and effort to represent our school and community with honor and pride, often behind closed doors without the sound of applause.  However, the love, support, and encouragement from parents, student body, teachers, administrators, and community are very apparent—thanks to all who support the program.

 

In addition, a special thank goes to all the people behind the scenes who work closely with the UIL program and are a huge part of its success: Mrs. Michelle Gonzalez, CSHS Principal; Mrs. Maribel Guevara and Alejandro Chapa, Assistant Principals; Mrs. Maria Villarreal, CSJH Principal; Ms. Magda Mendiola, CSJH UIL Coordinator; Jose Talamantez, CSI Principal; Jeana Ayala and Linda Estrada, CSI UIL Coordinators; Mrs. Elisa Martinez, CSE Principal; Zina Cruz, CSE UIL Coordinator; Gene Gutierrez, Maintenance and Transportation Director, and his staff; Mr. Michael Uriegas, HR Director, and his staff; Mr. Jose Keubke, Finance Director, and his staff; Dr. Jesse Salazar, Superintendent of Schools and his staff, and our CSCISD Board of Trustees.  Special thanks to the following people for all their help and support: Anna Rocha-Diaz, Dora Garza, Julia Cruz, Ronnie Yandell, Chief Cortez, Lupita Vidaurri, Yolanda Nesmith, Sigifredo Sanchez, Elisa Hernandez, Esperanza Garcia, Frances Deming, Guadalupe Sanchez, Diana Chavarria, Elida Santoya, Karen Marroquin, Sandra Little, Jennifer Karnes, Marta Medina, Anthony Buentello, Mauro Galvan—thanks for going the extra mile to help our program and our great kids.  We would also like to thank two entities with whom we work closely: Botello’s Screen Printing and The Carrizo Springs Javelin—thank you for your help and support and for always helping with last minute items.  How ‘Bout That Awesome Wildcat State Championship Power!