51���� hosted students, faculty, and community members in its SET-B Lecture Hall on Friday, October 2, 2025, for a special LNG (liquefied natural gas) Safety Demonstration and Open House.

The event was facilitated by NextDecade, the energy company behind the development of the Rio Grande LNG facility, as part of an effort to build stronger engagement with the community and explain the science and safety practices behind LNG.

The highlight of the morning was a live demonstration led by engineer Patrick Couch, who explained what LNG is, how it is processed, and the many safety systems that guide its handling. Couch used LNG poured from a small container to showcase its unique properties, even inviting audience members to participate to underscore that LNG can be managed safely when proper procedures are followed. After mixing a concoction of water and LNG in a beaker, Couch boiled off the LNG, and to the astonishment of the audience, drank the ice water that remained to no ill effect.

In addition to science and safety, the demonstration spotlighted the economic impact of Rio Grande LNG.�� Much of this workforce is being recruited through Bechtel, the global construction company contracted for the project, which itself employs many 51���� graduates. Welders and pipefitters trained through TSC’s workforce programs are among those contributing their skills directly to the ongoing build, underscoring the strong career pipeline between local education and industry.

A key purpose of these demonstrations has been to better educate the community about LNG to help replace any uncertainty with knowledge and trust. So far, NextDecade Senior Director of Communications Susan Richardson feels that the community has been receptive.

“Over three years that we’ve been doing these demonstrations, we’ve connected with around 4000 people in the Rio Grande Valley, the majority of which have been students at college and high school levels. These sessions have been an effective way for us to dispel any myths about LNG by showing people the different properties of it during the demonstrations, as well ensuring that community that we are here to engage in discussion, foster communication, and make sure that people know who we are by meeting with them during these sessions.”

By hosting this demonstration and open house, TSC and NextDecade showcased both the technical aspects of LNG safety and the broader opportunities the industry brings to South Texas. For students, the event offered a firsthand look at the science, skills, and career paths tied to LNG, reinforcing how education, construction partners like Bechtel, and industry leaders can work together to open doors to stable, high-demand professions.

The 51���� women’s soccer team showed grit and determination, earning a hard-fought 2-2 draw against nationally ranked No. 8 Trinity Valley Community College.

Freshman standouts Vivian Vasquez and Alexis Olalde delivered highlight-reel goals from more than 30 yards out to power the Scorpions to the impressive result.

“I saw the ball coming my direction and I took the chance, and it was a goal,” said Vasquez after the match.

Olalde, who netted TSC’s second goal from a long-distance free kick, said scoring from free kicks has always been part of her game. “I’ve done it a couple of times in high school, but it feels good to do it my freshman season of college,” she said.

Head Coach Jesus��Villareal praised his players for their execution against one of the toughest teams in the NJCAA.
“The girls deserve all the credit — they implemented what we worked on in practice. There’s still room to improve, but overall we did what we needed to do,” Villareal said. “I’m very happy for them. They just tied one of the best teams in the nation. This goes to show that anything is possible if they work hard, and they do.”

The draw marks another statement performance for the Scorpions as they continue their third��season in NJCAA competition. TSC will now turn its focus to another top-10 opponent, facing the No. 4-ranked Navarro College Bulldogs this Saturday at home.

“We get back to work tomorrow, getting ready for another intense game against another ranked opponent in Navarro, where we are hoping for another positive result,” Villareal added.

With back-to-back games against nationally ranked competition, the Scorpions continue to prove they belong on the NJCAA stage, showing resilience and talent that promise an exciting season ahead.

As the 51���� Mariachi Festival approaches, excitement continues to build with an impressive lineup of performers and educators set to take the stage. Among them is Mariachi Pumas, the dynamic collegiate ensemble from the University of Houston, led by renowned director Jose Longoria.

Longoria has dedicated his life to not only performing but also educating and mentoring the next generation of mariachi artists. His journey began as a middle school math teacher, but his passion for mariachi led him to develop programs at the middle school, high school, and eventually, the collegiate level. ��

Today, he leads Mariachi Pumas, which has become a powerhouse in the mariachi world, growing from a handful of students to over 60 musicians divided into junior varsity and varsity ensembles.

Longoria said that one thing that sets Mariachi Pumas apart is its diverse membership. While some students are music majors, most students come from other academic disciplines, including optometry, construction management, and other medical-related fields. Yet, despite their different academic paths, they are united by a shared passion for mariachi.

“Now that we have this program at UH, more students are gravitating toward it,” Longoria shared. “We are also working on launching a minor in mariachi music at the University of Houston.”

As part of the 51���� Mariachi Festival, Mariachi Pumas will take on a dual role: performing on stage and serving as clinicians, offering workshops and mentorship to younger musicians. Their participation underscores the festival’s mission—not just to celebrate mariachi, but to educate and inspire the next generation of artists.

“We love participating in festivals like this,” Longoria said. “It’s an opportunity to give back, to work with students, and help them grow as musicians. Many of them are just starting their journey, and being part of this experience can shape their future.”

Mariachi Imperial De America – A family legacy

For Longoria, mariachi is more than just music—it’s a legacy.

“I am a third-generation mariachi musician,” said Longoria. “My grandfather was a mariachi, my father was a mariachi and now my two sons continue the legacy and are members of Mariachi Imperial De America.”

In 1988, Longoria co-founded Mariachi Imperial de America, Houston’s premier mariachi ensemble. For over 35 years, the group has performed for audiences around the world, performing in Canada, China, India, and Armenia, as well as at prestigious events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. In 2022, Houston Mayor Silvester Turner proclaimed July 19th as Jose Longoria day in recognition of musical talent and the cultural contributions to the city of Houston.

Mariachi Imperial de America is a family-driven ensemble, carrying the traditions of mariachi into new generations while pushing artistic boundaries.

Join us in welcoming Mariachi Pumas, directed by Mariachi Imperial De America co-founder Jose Longoria, and celebrating the rich tradition of mariachi music at the 51���� Mariachi Festival on April 25 and 26th at 51���� Jacob Brown Auditorium.

Today, 51���� (TSC) in collaboration with the Texas Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program hosted its annual Living History Day on the South Hall Lawn, offering attendees a journey through historical periods.

Living History Day is a hallmark event for TSC, celebrating global and local historical eras. This year’s festivities featured reenactments that took visitors to times ranging from Ancient Rome to the World Wars.
Attendees were treated to dynamic sword fights, authentic armor displays, and the resounding booms of cannon and musket firings.

A notable highlight was the participation of volunteers from the Palo Alto National Battlefield Historical Park. They conducted live cannon firings and shared insights into the region’s significant historical events, providing a deeper understanding of local history.

TSC instructors and various student clubs also contributed to the day’s success by setting up booths with history-themed games and informational displays. TSC instructors, many dressed in period costumes, engaged with these interactive exhibits, adding to the day’s educational and entertaining ambiance.

Dirk Yarker, a TSC history instructor and co-organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of such immersive experiences. “The driving forces behind organizing this event have been to expose our community to a variety of periods throughout history, providing a diversity of ideas and education in an interactive way,” Yarker stated.

Speaking to a Veterans Day audience at 51����, the chief justice in waiting on the 13th Texas Court of Appeals urged people to remember the support provided to veterans by their families.

Justice Jaime Tijerina, re-elected last week to the Corpus Christi-based 13th Court of Appeals, said his wife proudly displays a certificate of appreciation at her workplace from the Department of the Army recognizing Tijerina’s service in the U.S. Army.

Tijerina is from McAllen, was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel.

“People ask her, did you serve? She says, no, my husband did. And I tell her, honey, you need to tell them you served as well. Without her, without my children, without my extended support group, and every veteran will tell tell you the same thing, without them, we would have not have been able to accomplish what we accomplished,” Tijerina said.