Commerce CCMR

08/08/2026

All US students are eligible 📚

08/08/2026

08/01/2026

07/28/2026

Our own Matthew Brewer presented at the ETAMU Dual Credit Professional Development day today! He knocked it out of the park!

Thank you, Matt, for sharing your expertise!

06/26/2026

Today we board the plane and head back to good ol' Texas! 🤠✈️ While we've loved every minute of this incredible experience, we've definitely missed our people and are ready to have our boots back on Texas soil.

This morning we had the honor of attending a Marine Corps Graduation. It was an absolutely beautiful ceremony. We especially enjoyed the Marine Corps Band, the precision of the drill movements, and the parade across the front of the stands. Hearing the families cheer as their loved ones officially became Marines was unforgettable.
The most touching moment came when the new Marines were dismissed and sprinted across the parade deck to embrace their families. There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. It was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices these young men and women—and their families—make in service to our country.

Before heading home, we also shared one last breakfast with our Marine escorts. The memories we've made with these outstanding Marines will stay with us for a lifetime, as will the friendships we've built with our fellow Texas educators.

Thank you to the United States Marine Corps for an unforgettable week, for your hospitality, and for giving us a firsthand look at the values of honor, courage, and commitment that define every Marine.

And finally... Bus #1 will forever be the BEST bus! 🚌❤️

06/26/2026

Today started with an early breakfast and a trip to Camp Pendleton, where we had the incredible privilege of witnessing an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Ceremony.

Watching recruits officially become Marines was one of the most emotional experiences I've ever had. Words simply cannot describe what it felt like to watch these young men and women who had just completed the 54-hour Crucible. We were emotional as they lined up, and even more so as we watched each of them receive their black Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.

They were dirty, exhausted, sore, shaking, and hungry—but the pride radiating from them was unmistakable. You could feel it from the bleachers. When the newly earned Marines stood together and sang at the end of the ceremony, I don't think there was a dry eye anywhere around us. It was truly a monumental moment.

After the ceremony, we attended a briefing while the new Marines cleaned up. We later met them in the chow hall for what is known as the Warrior's Breakfast. We received our meals first and spread throughout the dining facility, waiting for the Marines to come in.

They filled their trays to overflowing, greeted their new leaders by rank for the very first time, and then sat down to eat.
Watching their poise, discipline, and respect was inspiring. But once they sat down, it was obvious just how hungry they were. They didn't eat with polished manners—they ate like people who had absolutely earned every bite. They shoveled food in as quickly as they could, yet still paused between mouthfuls to politely answer our questions. And honestly? That made the moment even more meaningful. These young Marines had worked unbelievably hard for that Warrior's Breakfast. They earned every carb on those plates—and then some.
Being invited to witness such a personal milestone was an incredible honor. Their overwhelming sense of accomplishment is something that simply cannot be put into words.

This afternoon, we visited the weapons range and had the opportunity to fire M16s. It was an exciting experience and something we had looked forward to all week. But as memorable as it was, nothing could compare to the morning we spent with America's newest Marines.

You'll notice there are no photos from the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Ceremony. That was intentional. We wanted to be fully present and respectful of the significance of that moment and of the families who were unable to witness their loved ones becoming Marines. Some moments are simply meant to be experienced, not photographed.

We do, however, have plenty of photos from the rest of today's adventures to share!

06/25/2026

Today we witnessed an Eagle Globe and Anchor Ceremony. Nothing could compare. We all shed a few tears. Then we enjoyed the Warriors Breakfast with the new Marines. This interview was from today. Foshee is our recruiter that we are assigned to. We will share more about this later, but for now, enjoy this video.

06/25/2026

🌴✈️ Marine Corps Educator Camp – Update! 🇺🇸

Today our Commerce High School representatives—Scaff, Strain, and Tinerella—had another incredible day learning about life in the Marine Corps!

Our morning took us to Miramar, where we got an up-close look at the specialized fire trucks used on the flight line and one of the largest helicopters in the Marine Corps fleet. The crews were outstanding, taking time to answer every question we could throw at them and sharing their expertise with us.
Lunch was served in the chow hall, where we had the opportunity to meet the Marine Corps mascot, Lance Corporal Bruno! 🐾

After lunch, we met several brand-new Marines and heard their personal stories. It was a powerful and emotional experience. A few tears were shed as these young men and women spoke about discovering a sense of purpose, belonging, and camaraderie through the Marine Corps—things that had been missing from their lives before enlisting.

The afternoon was packed with action as we watched a water survival demonstration at the pool and then headed to the rappel towers. We were fully geared up and ready to take the leap ourselves, but unfortunately the ambulance had to leave the area, and the activity was canceled for safety reasons.

We wrapped up the day with dinner at Pacific Beach and a walk along the shoreline. There’s nothing quite like putting your feet in the Pacific Ocean after a long day—although we can all agree the water was a little colder than expected! 🌊❄️

Another memorable day filled with learning, inspiration, and experiences we won’t soon forget. Stay tuned for more adventures from Marine Corps Educator Camp!

06/24/2026

Mrs. Scaff, Mrs. Strain, and Ms. Tinerella continued their adventures today at Marine Corps Educators Camp!

Today, we got a condensed version of a recruit's first days at boot camp—and it was intense! Our morning started at the famous "Yellow Feet," where we raced off the bus and scrambled to find our place in formation while drill instructors enthusiastically encouraged us to move faster. Let's just say there was a bit of confusion, and we quickly learned the importance of teamwork as we relied on those around us to help us figure things out.

Next came one of the most emotional moments of the day: the phone call home. We were handed a script, instructed to read it, and then immediately hang up—no waiting for a response. It gave us just a glimpse of what recruits experience when they leave for training. Mrs. Scaff may or may not have shed a few tears during this part of the day.

After that, it was time for Combat Fitness Training! We pushed ourselves outside our comfort zones as we carried 30-pound ammo cans, low crawled, knee crawled, sprinted, and even threw a practice gr***de. It was challenging, exhausting, and eye-opening.

After CFT, we enjoyed lunch while members of the Marine Corps Band performed for us. Their talent and professionalism were incredible to witness and added a special touch to the day.

Next, we observed and participated in Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training and watched an impressive demonstration by the PMO K-9 unit. Seeing the discipline, teamwork, and skill required in both programs gave us an even deeper appreciation for the training Marines undergo.

We ended the evening at the beach, taking in a beautiful San Diego sunset. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we watched sea lions, pelicans, and seagulls frolic in the waves—a peaceful ending to a day filled with challenge and growth.
Overall, it was a great day of pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones, learning more about the experiences of Marine recruits, and gaining a deeper respect for the dedication and resilience required to earn the title of Marine.

06/22/2026

🇺🇸✨ This week’s focus: Military!

Commerce High School is taking off ✈️ for sunny San Diego 🌴🌊 as Mrs. Scaff, Mrs. Strain, and Ms. Tinerella head to Marine Corps Educators Camp!

We’ll be sharing our adventures, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything we learn along the way. While we’re a little nervous about what the week has in store, we’re even more excited for this amazing opportunity!

Follow along as we trade East Texas for palm trees, make new connections, and experience a week we won’t soon forget! 🇺🇸⚓☀️