Today, Escalante Middle High School celebrated Veterans Day with a warm tribute to local veterans, hosting a coffee and pastry event to show appreciation for their service. Organized by the National Honors Society, under the guidance of Ms. Anna Atencio, the school’s counselor, the event highlighted the students' respect and admiration for the community’s veterans.

The ceremony began with the raising of the flag and a stirring rendition of the national anthem, followed by the Color Guard presenting the flag on stage. Pastor Jimmy led a thoughtful prayer, and student Miguel Martinez delivered a heartfelt welcome address, setting the tone for the morning.

Veterans and their families enjoyed refreshments, received door prizes, and were treated to touching poem recitations by various Honors Society members. This Veterans Day event reflected Escalante Middle High School’s commitment to honoring and remembering the sacrifices of those who served, creating a meaningful connection between the students and the local veteran community.

After Jacob Torres’ inspiring visit to Escalante Middle High School, students took his lessons to heart by creating an indoor greenhouse to grow pepper plants. The entire setup—complete with PVC framing, clear plastic sheeting, LED grow lights, and sensors—was generously provided by Torres himself.

The greenhouse allows students to monitor and gather data on temperature, humidity, and soil moisture, fostering hands-on STEM learning. Inspired by Torres' space experiments, they’re exploring optimal conditions for plant growth and connecting their findings to real-world agricultural innovation.

“This project is exciting,” one student shared. “We’re learning how to grow plants just like Mr. Torres did in space!”

The initiative not only honors Torres’ visit but also sparks curiosity and collaboration among students, bridging the gap between classroom learning and cutting-edge science.