The Dayton Chapter of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) participated in the Area 4 Conference and Competition on Friday, Nov. 15, at the University of Houston-Downtown. Representing Dayton High School, 24 students competed, with 15 earning spots at the state competition in February.
State qualifiers include:
- Mandie Najera – Exploring Administration Education Careers
- Jocelyn Renteria – Exploring Non-Core Education Careers
- Bertha Cisneros – Job Interview
- Abigail Lucio and Lilyana Lucio – Ethical Dilemma
- Christina Iturralde and Rylie Merryman – Interactive Bulletin Board: Elementary
- Viviana Martinez and Jazmin Vazquez – Interactive Bulletin Board: Middle School
- Kaylen Diehl and Ty Zeno – Project Visualize: Service
- Anthony Secundino and Tania Rodriguez – Project Visualize: Service
- Erika Herrera and Mandie Najera – Project Visualize: Appreciation
- Christina Iturralde – Education Leadership Foundation Test
- Yaydi Diaz – Education Leadership Foundation Test
- Tania Rodriguez – Education Leadership Foundation Test
A special recognition goes to Christina Iturralde, who was elected as Area 4 Historian for the 2025-2026 school year, marking a first for Dayton High School.
Additionally, Emma Fontenot, Alesandra Herrera, and Page-Brylee Williams assisted as chapter volunteers during the event, helping with various competitive activities.
Debra Stephenson, the chapter sponsor, shared her pride in the students, stating, “They worked incredibly hard and did an amazing job representing Dayton High School!”
