On June 17, 2025, Skate Club created history when Mayor Paulette Guajardo declared the day as “W.B. Ray High School Skate Club Day.” As the district’s first-ever skateboarding club, its members are already putting ambitious plans into motion.
Sponsored this year by Woodshop teacher Ron Mendeleski, the Skate Club meets Tuesdays and Thursdays after school to practice, hang out, and build community around a shared love of skating. Skating together informally for years, their new goal is to build the group into a real organization, driven by student input.
Senior Club President Silvia Martinez tells members, “To get better, it’s always about progress and doing something cool.” She also adds that when people join, “they want to learn a new skill and find a place outside of home to clear their minds and work towards their interests.”
For Senior Vice President Jason Rijos, the club is “really just like a little getaway.” He says being in the Skate Club gives members “an opportunity to escape reality and release their stress.” Rijos adds that they sought to create a supportive environment after facing stigma.
“Before we became a group, we were looked down upon, so we wanted to foster a community where members could feel comfortable and accepted,” he shares. “It’s a very social group to be in, and the connections made within it are really strong, which continue to grow our tight-knit community. ”
With around 20 active members, Skate Club has many exciting plans in motion. Their current primary project to build a skating ramp was recently completed, and they plan to host a public event to celebrate, including selling custom shirts, stickers, and hats, with the ramp set up in the alleyway. A date for the event is to be announced soon.
“We promised the Mayor to kick off Corpus Christi’s first-ever skate club with a public event,” states Timothy Akers, a faculty member who has been involved with the club.
The club’s efforts are also supported by Adam Rios, the owner of a local skate company. Rios played a crucial role in helping the group by creating liability waivers, sponsoring the club, and creating shirts and boards for the members.
Looking ahead, the Skate Club also plans to organize more fundraisers, design custom skateboards, and establish a mentorship program for seniors to mentor younger skaters.
(Sarveen Vatankhah)
