09/28/2026
❤️🤍 MEET OUR CARDINAL OF THE MONTH 🤍❤️
We are excited to recognize Mr. Jesus Ortega, M.Ed. as our first Cardinal of the Month of the 2026–2027 school year! 🎉
Mr. Ortega has been a part of the Harlingen High School family since 2000, dedicating an incredible 26 years to educating and encouraging our Cardinals. As a Mathematics Adjunct Professor, he teaches Dual Enrollment Pre-Calculus and Calculus, AP Calculus, and Math TSIA2 Preparation. For Mr. Ortega, one of the best parts of teaching is watching a challenging concept finally click for a student, that “I get it!” moment is something he says never gets old.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Ortega enjoys learning from others and hearing their experiences and perspectives. And here’s something his students may not know, he earned his black belt in karate by the age of 20! 🥋 The discipline, perseverance, and focus he learned through martial arts are lessons he has carried with him throughout his life.
A few more things that make Mr. Ortega, Mr. Ortega, he loves Mexican food, enjoys a meal at Las Vegas Restaurant, will choose a good glass of tea over coffee any day, and would happily hop on a plane tomorrow to explore somewhere in the United States he has never visited before. But what can make his day better faster than anything else? Simply spending quality time with his family and friends.
After 26 years of teaching, Mr. Ortega also has some pretty great advice for our students: work hard, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, believe in yourself, appreciate your family, and don’t be in such a hurry to grow up that you miss the life you’re living today.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Jesus Ortega and thanking him for the many years he has poured into our students and our HHS community. We are proud to celebrate him as our Cardinal of the Month! 🎉
