Dayton Independent School District has announced that Dayton High School senior Jimmy Rivera has been named the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) Region IV Outstanding Secondary (High School) Business Student for 2025. Rivera was recognized during the ACTE National Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee.
ACTE Region IV represents six states — Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma — making the honor especially prestigious. Each of ACTE’s five national regions selects only one high school student and one postsecondary student each year.
Rivera was one of only five high school students selected nationwide, placing him among the top Career and Technical Education students in the country.
Rivera attended the conference with Robin Chavez, Business Professionals of America advisor, and Dr. Joshua Putman, Dayton High School business teacher. His recognition further highlights the strength of Dayton ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs. The district was recently named a 2026 Career and Technical Education District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas, an ACTE affiliate.
An accomplished student leader, Rivera serves as president of Dayton High School’s BPA chapter and as BPA state parliamentarian. He has been an active member of the organization for four years. Rivera has also held leadership roles with the Texas Association of Future Educators, where he currently serves as vice president and recently qualified for the TAFE State Competition.
Rivera’s achievements reflect how Career and Technical Education prepares students for both college and career success. He has accepted a full-ride scholarship to Stanford University, where he plans to study economics beginning in the fall of 2026.
“Jimmy’s achievement reflects the high expectations, strong mentorship, and exceptional opportunities available to our students at Dayton ISD,” said Dr. Travis Young, superintendent of Dayton ISD. “We are incredibly proud of Jimmy and grateful for the dedicated educators who help prepare our students to excel at the highest levels—both in college and in their future careers.”