Progreso Cosmetology

Mr. Alaniz and Mrs. Garza,
I want to thank both of you for collaborating with our cosmetology program to help with hair and makeup. It truly meant so much to me and my students. Your partnership helped create exciting opportunities that made what we do even more fun, meaningful, and memorable for our students.

They always looked forward to seeing the sign up sheet come up in my room, I always had a long list of students that wanted to be a part of your events. Seeing the students come together, build connections, and enjoy the experience was something special.

It was an absolute pleasure working with you both, and I’m truly grateful for the support, teamwork, and kindness you brought to our program. Thank you for helping create experiences my students will always remember.

I will be forever grateful for helping me show my students that cosmetology is not always about working behind a chair but about finding amazing apportunities where they can put their skills to good use.

Thank you to all our guests that took time out of their busy schedules to come and motivate my students with their passion, awesome demos, their skills, and encouraging words.

Thank you!

My deepest condolences to his loved ones. There are many ways you can help, please find one that best suits you and help out.

Join us for a BBQ Chicken Plate Fundraiser in loving memory of Samuel “Sammy” Hernandez. Sammy was a kind, sweet, and respectful young man who touched the hearts of many in our community.
BBQ Chicken Plates will be available for $10 each.

📍 Location: Progreso Early College Parking Lot
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📅 Date: Thursday May 28, 2026

Thank you for supporting the Hernandez family and honoring Sammy’s memory through your kindness and generosity. ❤️

I was happy to see my cosmo students. Congratulations class of 2026.

Alvaro was my adopted cosmo student. He was very involved in my class. "Yo soy de cosmo miss!" Lol

We were at Valley View and they have pictures posted on their walls

Samantha: Ms Garcia! I just saw a picture of you down the hall!!
Me: What?! Let's go see, I need to get a picture of it.

I was so excited!!
She leads me to this!!!
HAHAHAHA!!! I couldn't stop laughing. She got me.

Good bye friends!
Working with my students has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Watching them grow, succeed, believe in themselves, and see how they would come in disliking cosmo and falling in love with it has meant more to me than words can express.

Thank you to the entire Progreso community for welcoming me with open arms and making me feel like family from the very beginning. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I was given, the chance to grow the cosmetology program, the approval to add the barber and lash extension licenses, and build something meaningful.

This was more than just a workplace to me. It was my home away from home and honestly I thought I had found my retirement plan. My heart wants to stay, but I had to make this tough decision because of my health. God knew I needed you so He allowed me the chance to be a part of Progreso even if for a short time.

I leave knowing I gave this program my all. I’ve had an absolute blast doing what I love most... teaching and sharing my passion for this industry. Thank you, Progreso, for trusting me, supporting me, and allowing me to be part of something so special.

I will miss you all more than you know.

Over my last few posts, I’ll be sharing memories and moments that left a lasting impression on my heart. And let’s not forget… together, we made history.

Go sign my yearbook!! Ms. Leal has it in room #101.

I introduced stateboard practice last year. This year I focused on written exam with minimal practical preparation. After she passed the written exam we locked in. The week I was hospitalized was the week to focus purely on practical because of her exam date. We were NOT going to let anything get in the way of our plans... not even surgery!

"Oiste Debra!"
(Debra is her mannequin that she always fought with)

Today we proudly celebrate an extraordinary young lady who has truly made history at Progreso Independent School District.

Being in the Top 10 is already an incredible accomplishment, but what makes Valerie's story even more inspiring is the growth, determination, and perseverance she has shown throughout the years. I have had the privilege of being her teacher for the past three years and I've watched her overcome social obstacles, gain confidence, and flourish into a responsible, determined, and focused young lady.

She brought me laughter every day, she always joked around with me and always kept me smiling, and yes, she owes me chicken wings. But beyond the jokes and memories, she consistently worked hard and pushed herself to be the very best version of herself. As our club’s treasurer, she always went above and beyond what was expected of her and represented our cosmetology program with pride.

Today, she has achieved something no one else at Progreso has done before. She passed both her written and practical exams and officially became the very first licensed cosmetologist in Progreso history. What an incredible milestone!

Valerie, you have set the standard, opened doors for future students, and secured your place in Progreso history forever. Watching your journey has been an absolute pleasure, and I could not be more proud of the young lady you have become.

Enjoy our trip down memory lane.

Congratulations to Progreso’s very first licensed cosmetologist — YOU DID IT!! 🎉💇‍♀️✨

This year 100% of my Cosmo students took their stateboard written exam. I had them commit to it by signing a contract at the beginning of the year. They gave it their all. They showed up. They didn't let fear, nerves, or worry stop them. What mattered to me the most was to see them follow through because we never give up.

A special shoutout to Jazlynne and Valerie for passing their exam. Woohoo!!! I knew you would ;)

Side note:
Jazlynne didn't want to go, she didn't think she was ready, I knew she was so I just looked at her and said "get in the bus". She passed!!

Valerie created so many ways to study alone or in a group to help her and her classmates. She was determined to make a difference. She passed!!
My class of 2026