LHS TAFE members advance to state competition

LISD

Lockhart’s Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) members attended the Area 3 competition with 30 high schools across central Texas in attendance on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, and competed in numerous education, training, and early learning competitions.

Lockhart had 21 student competitors, and 15 were called on stage as Area Winners, and will advance to compete at the TAFE State competition at Moody Gardens in Galveston in February 2025.

TAFE is a co-curricular statewide non-profit student organization created to allow young men and women an opportunity to explore the teaching profession. TAFE encourages students to learn about careers in education while promoting character, service, and leadership skills necessary for becoming effective educators.

Lockhart High School TAFE Area Winners and state qualifiers:

Coleta Smith, in Educational Leadership Fundamental Exam

Savannah Torres, in Educational Leadership Fundamental Exam

Janetzi Rodriguez, in Educational Leadership Fundamental Exam

Karla Cortez Lopez, in Educational Leadership Fundamental Exam

Addison DeLaCruz, in Educational Leadership Fundamental Exam

Leland Ramirez, in Educational Leadership Fundamental Exam

Coraline Chavarria, in Educational Leadership Fundamental Exam

Angel Davila, in Educational Leadership Fundamental Exam

Jacque Roe, in Educational Leadership Fundamental Exam

Mykayla Torres, in Educational Leadership Fundamental Exam

Team of Preston Crabill, Savannah Torres, Mykayla Torres, and Angel Davila in Outstanding Chapter

Janetzi Rodriguez, in Interactive Bulletin Board Elementary

Grace Juarez, in Interactive Bulletin Board Elementary

Team of Karla Cortez Lopez, Leslie Zavala, Addison DeLaCruz, and Joseph Sanchez, in Public Service Announcement

Jacque Roe, in Lesson Planning and Delivery Humanities

Jacque Roe, in Exploring Non-Core Teaching Careers

Team of Leland Ramirez and Danya Pineda Cantera, in Project Visualize Service

Team of Leslie Zavala and Coraline Chavarria, in Children’s Literature K-3 Spanish Edition

Lockhart High School TAFE Chapter had another huge win with junior Coleta Smith, who ran for Area 3 Officer. She created an inspiring campaign video that highlighted what makes her a leader, accompanied by a professional cover letter and resume.

After completing a 3-panel interview with TAFE State Directors and Teacher Leaders, Smith was elected as the 2025-2026 Area 3 TAFE 1st Vice-President. She currently represents 30 high schools across Central Texas and is honored to serve as an officer.

Lockhart TAFE’s last honor was the TAFE Area 3 Teacher Leader of the Year Award, to Lockhart Teacher Leader Amber Crabill. A quote from the nomination application said, “This teacher leader goes above and beyond to make every TAFE member feel valued. They push their students to reach their full potential. Much like an anchor, they remain steady and strong; guiding their students through life’s challenges and helping them navigate their education journeys with confidence and purpose.” 

Crabill will now join Teacher Leaders from 11 areas across Texas, and compete for TAFE State Teacher Leader of the Year in February, at the Teach Tomorrow Summit.

TAFE is under the guidance of 21st year Teacher Leader Crabill, with assistance from 6th year chaperone Jarin Pittman.