PSJA ISD hosts Victory Celebration for It’s Time Texas Community Challenge

SAN JUAN- Pharr-San-Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) commemorated the achievements of the campus winners for the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge in a celebration held on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  

As part of the PSJA Family Health & Wellness initiative, PSJA ISD has participated in the annual It’s Time Texas Community Challenge sponsored by H-E-B. The 8-week competition (January 8-March 3, 2024) unites and mobilizes schools, businesses, organizations, community members, and community leaders toward the common goal of transforming their community’s health. 

Students and staff cheered on PSJA ISD for earning the top spot in the Large District category making it the sixth time the district has earned this honor. This year the district made history earning over 10 million points. 

The campuses were also met with roaring cheers as the top three spots in the district’s Healthy School Challenge were announced. The winners were as follows: 

Elementary 

1st - Aida Escobar Elementary (1,516,725 points) 

2nd - Cesar Chavez Elementary (1,082,000 points) 

3rd - Amanda Garza Peña Elementary (679,200 points) 

Middle School 

1st- Audie Murphy Middle School (1,239, 925 points) 

2nd - Austin Middle School (549,125 points) 

3rd- Liberty Middle School (465,150 points) 

High School 

1st- PSJA Collegiate Early College High School (533,075 points)   

2nd- PSJA T-STEM Early College High School (498,450 points) 

3rd- PSJA Early College High School (373,675 points)  

Dr. Alejandro Elias, Superintendent of PSJA, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the winning schools, acknowledging their dedication to promoting healthy habits within the district. He also extended gratitude to the School Board for their unwavering support towards the district’s initiatives. 

“Congratulations to everyone for making PSJA ISD a six-time winner of the Community Challenge this means we are taking steps in the right direction in prioritizing healthy habits,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. “PSJA administrators are working collaboratively to expand the options for students to continue to stay active.” 

For the sixth time, PSJA clinched first place in the large district category, a testament to the unwavering commitment of its students and staff towards healthy living and their diligence in logging of points for their healthy eating selections and exercise. 

Thania Parra, South Texas Regional Director of the It’s Time Texas, commended PSJA’s remarkable efforts in promoting health within the community. 

“You are amazing, and you all are health champions in your community,” said Thania Parra. “PSJA’s consecutive victories are a testament to their dedication, and the challenge serves as a fantastic way to kick-start the year.” 

It’s Time Texas, a statewide nonprofit organization, is dedicated to fostering collaboration among people, organizations, and communities to support health for all. The organization endeavors to mitigate the risk of preventable diseases while enhancing access to health for all Texans. 

For more information on the challenge and to learn more about PSJA ISD’s Health and Wellness Initiatives, visit www.psjaisd.us/challenge . 

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