Ector County ISD New 2026-27 School Year Begins-Adela & Gilbert Vasquez Middle School

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. For most ECISD Students, today, August 11th, was the first day of school. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas-West Ector County/August 11, 2026-Students from Pre-K 3 through sixth grade, along with ninth-grade students, began their first day of school. 

(Keeley Boyer, Superintendent of Schools-Ector County ISD/Odessa, Texas) 

“Kids are happy, kids are coming and smiling, but they’re sixth graders and sixth graders are nervous on the first day of school. But lots of happy kids today. Staff was also out here greeting kids and families. And so, it’s just a great day for our kids here at Vasquez.” 

The new Adela and Gilbert Vasquez Middle School in West Odessa has opened its doors to students living in West Ector County. The new campus provides students and families in the growing area with a modern educational facility designed to support learning and academic success. 

(Laura Echeveria, Mother who has a son that attends Vasquez Middle School-Resident of West Odessa in West Ector County) 

“Esta escuela es una bendición para todos los del West porque teníamos que viajar hasta la Héctor y aparte que ya estaba muy sobrepoblada esta escuela, pues ahora aquí nos queda bien cerquita, ya no tenemos que viajar hasta allá y los niños van a convivir con niños de su vecindario porque son los del área. Allá la Héctor Pues si van niños más de otros, de otros lugares.” 

The new middle school was named in honor of Adela and Gilbert Vasquez, who both attended schools in the Ector County ISD district before returning to the district as educators. Their dedication to education and service to the community is now being recognized through the school that bears their names. 

(Gilbert Vasquez, the husband of the Late Adela Vasquez-Middle School Named in honor of Adela and Gilbert Vasquez) 

“I feel very humbled and very honored. And I’m going to speak on behalf of Adela, who’s up in heaven. Um, I never would have thought that this day would come, that she and I would have been honored by the educational community of Odessa, Texas. Ector County Independent School District to name a facility after her and myself. Um, I’ve been told by some people that they did it because of the seventy-nine years of combined service that we gave to students and staff in Ector County ISD. But the feelings that I’m feeling in my heart right now is just just humbled and honored.” 

Representatives of the Ector County ISD School Board and Odessa City Councilman At-Large Craig Stoker were at Adela and Gilbert Vasquez Middle School to welcome and greet students on their first day of school. 

(Tammy Hawkins, School Board Representative-Ector County ISD/Odessa, Texas) 

“The teamwork that we have with now with the county. And, you know, Craig Stoker came today from the city. So, we are blessed that the entire community has been a part of this project because, you know, our future is sitting in these classrooms. And so, we’re honored to be a part of this.” 

Adela and Gilbert Vasquez Middle School will have about 75 teachers and 90 staff. Middle school expects around 1100 students.  

(Raquel Rodriguez, Principal, Adela and Gilbert Vazquez Middle School-Ector County ISD) 

“The classrooms are huge. They are very big. They are very spacious. Um, they’re off in their own section, which makes a lot of sense. The bathrooms are very central to each grade level hub. Um, there’s a teacher’s workroom at every grade level hub. Teachers have access to the printer. They have access to the bathroom. They have access to anything that they need. Work wise is right there for them in each grade level hub. You’ll also find the counselor for the grade level, the AP for the grade level, and the attendance clerk. So everybody is very, um, very easily accessible by the grade level.” 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB Media Communications Digital News.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for  watching. 

 

Odessa Police Department’s 7th Annual Back To School Block Party at the Ector County Coliseum

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The Odessa Police Department held their 7th Annual Back to School Block Party at the Ector County Coliseum. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 10, 2026-Local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community vendors came together to provide school supplies, giveaways, and other goodies to families as they prepare for the first day of school. The event gave families an opportunity to get much-needed school supplies while enjoying a fun community gathering before the new school year begins. 

(Officer Destiny Jones, Community Relations Officer-Odessa Police Department/Odessa, Texas) 

“So, our main goal for this entire event is to really relieve that financial burden from parents having to buy school supplies and also set the kids up for success. So, they’re prepared and have what they need. So, they just have to worry about learning. They don’t have to worry about anything else. Um, and then secondly, we also have this so we can build relationships with the community. So, we can build that trust, um, with the kiddos and also have a little one last little fun event before they have to go back to school.” 

The Odessa Police Department provided 500 backpacks, while the Ector County Sheriff’s Office contributed another 300 backpacks, all filled with school supplies to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year. 

(Elina Woods, Grandmother-Attendee/Odessa PD Annual Back to School Block Party) 

“This is a very important and, um, to have this type of events, uh, with all the community coming together, the churches, uh, the police department, the fire department, all the, the military, the swap canines. And, um, I’m very grateful. Even, uh, one of the ladies prayed over me and, uh, over the, uh, for, for my family and the children.” 

Sewell Family of Companies was the title sponsor of the 7th Annual Odessa Polce Department’s Back to School Block Party, as well as providing all the raffle prizes that were given away during the event. 

(Officer Destiny Jones, Community Relations Officer-Odessa Police Department/Odessa, Texas) 

“So, Ford family of companies sponsored this entire event. They are a sole sponsor for this event, as we really want to thank them for everything that they’ve done. They’ve provided everything here, the raffle prizes that you see, the school supplies, backpacks, this, this wouldn’t be we wouldn’t be able to do this without their support.” 

The Back-to-School Block Party featured various Law Enforcement vehicles and Canine demonstrations and Odessa Fire Rescue giveaways. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Odessa Chamber of Commerce Along with Chevron Host 12th Annual New Teacher Welcome

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The Odessa Chamber of Commerce hosted the 12th Annual ECISD New Teacher Welcome and Reception. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 9, 2026-As the first day of school fast approaches, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce held its 12th Annual New Teacher Welcome at the MCM Grande Hotel and Fundome. 

Chamber-member vendors welcomed new Ector County ISD teachers by providing goodie bags and information about services available throughout the community. Representatives from financial institutions, healthcare providers, retail businesses, and entertainment companies were on hand to introduce teachers to local resources and businesses. 

The annual event gives new teachers an opportunity to connect with the Odessa community as they prepare for the upcoming school year. 

(Renee Earls, CEO/President-Odessa Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“So, we have new teachers coming from across the world, across the United States. We have new teachers who are coming from parts of Texas or even the Odessa area, regardless of where they’re coming from. We want them to know that they’re appreciated. They’re valued. If they are moving here from another community, they need to know what dentists they’re going to use, what doctor, what bank, what insurance company. All of our members here have different resources for these new teachers. And they’re not only walking away with a bag full of goodies, but also some contacts for any of those services they may need.” 

Ector County ISD welcomes teachers from across the country and around the world who bring their knowledge, experience, and diverse perspectives to the classroom. These educators play an important role in helping ECISD students succeed while making a lasting difference in their academic careers. 

(Keeley Boyer, Superintendent of Schools-Ector County ISD/Odessa, Texas) 

“We have around seventy international teachers. The majority of our international teachers do come from Spain, but we also get quite a few teachers from the Philippines and we get some from Africa. And so, we do have a wide variety, um, in terms of where our teachers come from, from other countries.” 

Several international teachers have applied for a special program that allows educators from other countries to come to Odessa for one year and teach students in Ector County ISD. The program gives ECISD an opportunity to welcome experienced educators from around the world while providing students with exposure to different cultures and perspectives. 

(International Educators) 

“It’s very exciting. Yeah. We are honored to be here to impact positively in the lives of the kids.” 

(International Educators) 

“I came here with the program. With the assistant program, uh, with my boyfriend. So, he’s Spanish, and we got the program and me, I came because I’m. I got the nationality of America. So, I came with him. We didn’t choose Odessa. We didn’t really, we didn’t really care where in the United States. When they told us Odessa, we didn’t know the the city. But we are really grateful to have the opportunity to know Texas and to know the city.” 

Diego Romero, originally from Madrid, Spain, will be teaching at Pease Elementary School. Romero chose Ector County ISD in part because he wanted to be close to his sister, who has been teaching with ECISD for the past 10 years. 

(Diego Romero, From Madrid, Spain-Pease Elementary/ECISD) 

“Mi hermana vino como yo hace diez años como profesora internacional y después de esos cinco años consiguió cambiar su visado y ser profesora certificada en Texas y está en PISA Elementary School y mi hermana siempre me me me dijo que tomara esta oportunidad, que viniera para aquí para vivir la experiencia con mi familia y con mis hijas y por eso decidí aplicar para Texas y en Odessa. Yo quería venir aquí.” 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Ector County Republican Women Kick Off the Inaugural PATRIOT CAMP

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The Ector County Republican Women kicked off the Inaugural Patriot Camp. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 3, 2026-In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Ector County Republican Women held its inaugural Patriot Camp for school-age children. The educational event took place in the community room at the 87th Street Apartments. Children who attended the camp participated in interactive activities designed to teach them about the importance of voting and civic engagement. 

(Donna Kelm, Party Chair-Ector County Republican Party/Odessa, Texas) 

“These little kids don’t understand. You know, they do do know we have a president, but they don’t really understand the dynamics of voting. But if you ask them, do you like Whataburger, French fries or McDonald’s French fries? Then you get to find out what the you know, they understand what voting is all about. And then as they go through school, they will learn more about voting, but it just builds them up for the importance of voting for president. Local city, city council, county commissioners, and all the way up to state.” 

Former Ector County Judge Debi Hays presented an abbreviated, kid-participatory historical presentation about the Boston Tea Party. The interactive activity introduced the children to an important chapter in American history. 

(Debi Hays, Board Chair-Ector County Republican Women-” Patriot Camp”) 

“This idea was kind of introduced at a convention, and the idea of putting together Patriot camps. And so, there are other communities across the state that they’ve been doing this for several years. And it was laid upon my heart that this is an event and a camp for patriots, for volunteers to be able to learn some of our history. And while during that period, I served as your county judge, then I went off to serve to help the West Odessa citizens get water and my life got busy, but God continued to lay it on my heart. And so this year, I was so excited to try to put it together for our kids, for your kids, so that they would learn about the flag and the freedoms that your dads, your brothers and your grandfathers and before them have fought for. So, it’s been my privilege to be able to put this camp together today for your community.” 

The PATRIOT CAMP educated children about the creation of the American flag, including the story of Betsy Ross and the significance of the 13 original colonies. The historical presentation was led by members of the Ector County Republican Women. 

The second Annual Patriot Camp will be scheduled for the summer of 2027. Visit the Ector County Republican Women on Facebook and other social media for updates and upcoming community events . For DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Raza Style Ministry’s Annual Hygiene Drive Benefiting Harmony Home in Odessa

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Odessa, Texas/August 2, 2026-Raza Style Motorcycle Ministry, along with Harmony Home, held a Hygiene Drive on Saturday, August 1st, at the Market Street location at 42nd Street. Danny Barrera has the story. 

The motorcycle ministry distributed a list of needed hygiene items to shoppers, encouraging the community to donate and support children and families served by Harmony Home. Raza Style Motorcycle Ministry members also brought out their motorcycles, giving attendees an up-close look at the bikes and their impressive, high-powered engines. 

(Robert Ceniceros, Founder and President- Raza Style Motorcycle Ministries) 

(Tim Garza aka “TURTLE”, Disciple-Raza Style Motorcycle Ministries) 

“And my name is Robert Ceniceros, president and founder of Rochester Motorcycle Ministry. And I’m going to let turtle my one of my disciples to, uh, to tell you exactly what’s going on right here. Good morning. Odessa, Texas. My name is Tim Garza. I’m with motorcycle ministry, and we’re out here partnering with Harmony home, the Children’s Advocacy Center. Uh, these are the people who come together to give abused children a safe place to do their interview in a comfortable environment. We’re out here doing a hygiene drive for them. Uh, for all the children, the families of all those associated with Harmony home. Uh, just to raise some hygiene items and other necessities for these children. And as you can see, we got the bikes out here. We got our brothers and sisters in Christ out here, and we’re just out here trying to do a good thing. And all proceeds are going for the kids.” 

Raza Style Motorcycle Ministry recognized the growing need for hygiene products for children and families served by Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center. Through its community hygiene drive, the ministry is helping provide essential personal care items to support children and families during difficult times. 

(Loralinda Cruz, Program Director-Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center/Odessa, Texas) 

“Some of the families that walk through our doors are in desperate need of some of these items. So, this helps us make sure that we are able to provide those to them at any time that they are walking through our doors.” 

Raza Style Motorcycle Ministry also provides QR codes for those who would like to make a monetary donation instead of purchasing hygiene products. This gives community members another option to help stock the hygiene closet at Harmony Home and provide much-needed supplies to children and families receiving services. 

(Tim Garza aka “TURTLE”, Disciple-Raza Style Motorcycle Ministries) 

“So, we do have QR codes set up. Uh, these QR codes are associated with motorcycle ministry. We are a five hundred and one C three non-profit organization. All funds that go to that are paid virtually with these QR codes. These funds will be used to make a hygiene purchase by us and donate it to Harmony home.” 

Raza Style Motorcycle Ministry is one of the most recognized independent nonprofit organizations in the community. The ministry continues to support other nonprofit agencies while bringing people together and making a positive impact throughout the community. 

(Loralinda Cruz, Program Director-Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center/Odessa, Texas) 

“Raza Style and Harmony home has been partnering up for the past four years. Not only do we do the hygiene drive, but we also do a food drive. The food drive is usually closer to the end of the year around Thanksgiving. Um, and so we are helping each other, um, make sure that we are serving our families.” 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

 

Skip navigation Search or ask a question Create 9+ Avatar image The 4th Annual Professional Women Relaxation Conference-Odessa Marriot Hotel and Conference Center

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor- DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Odessa, Texas/August 1, 2026-This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The PWRC recently held its fourth annual women relaxation conference in Odessa. Vanessa Lujan has the story. 

(Vanessa Lujan, AiReporter-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

(Vanessa Lujan, AiReporter-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Thank you, David. We’re having a great time at the annual Professional Women’s Relaxation Conference. Listening to the awesome speakers and visiting the wonderful vendors. 

The Odessa Marriott Hotel and Conference Center hosted the fourth annual Professional Women’s Relaxation Conference. The PWRC event featured discussions by experts on various topics on women’s health that focus on nutrition and relaxation. The annual event kicked off Friday evening prior to Saturday’s conference with fellowship and networking. 

(Dr. Deitrick Gorman, Founder and Organizer-Professional Women Relaxation Conference) 

“Stress can actually show up similarly in men and women, but then it can also show up differently in men and women. So, for example, women typically have the role of caregiver mommy taking care of the family where the the man has typically the role of, you know, being the strong one and having to keep things together or whatnot. But the bottom line is, is if you aren’t able to manage what you perceive as a stressor, it will wear down your, your body, it’ll wear down your mental, it’ll wear down how your relationships are, how you actually perceive yourself, your self-esteem. And then of course, the way you function in your workplace. So, either if you’re a man or a woman learning how to better manage your life stressors, coming to conferences like this, we do have men who attend as well.” 

The Professional Women’s Relaxation Conference provided inspirational and motivational resources, along with interactive individual and group activities designed to improve the quality of life for women. The conference also focused on empowering women with tools and strategies to better manage the stresses of home, work, and finances. 

(Daisy Morales, Attendee/Visitor- Professional Women Relaxation Conference) 

“After this, I hope to come away with a better understanding of myself. I plan to get more resilience after this, after seeing all these other powerful women kind of putting themselves out there and sharing their vulnerable stories, and it makes me feel like I’m going to leave here being a better woman and a better person than I can be than I was yesterday.” 

(Vanessa Lujan, AiReporter-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

The Professional Women’s Relaxation Conference was very inspirational and informative and a great way to network. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, I’m Vanessa Lujan. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor- DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching.