schools
Harlingen kids make smash burgers, walking tacos during summer vacation
By Travis M. Whitehead at MyRGV
· June 19, 2026
· 2 min read
Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) culinary arts program students at Gutierrez Middle School cook smash burgers Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald)
HARLINGEN — The gloved hands sliced through tomatoes and gathered chopped lettuce into small ...
Key takeaway (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald) HARLINGEN — The gloved hands sliced through tomatoes and gathered chopped lettuce into small mounds on a white cutting board.
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District's culinary arts program at Gutierrez Middle School is giving students a unique opportunity to develop practical skills during their summer break. As part of the Texas ACE program, students are learning to prepare a variety of dishes, including smash burgers and walking tacos. This hands-on experience is not only teaching them about cooking techniques, but also about food safety and presentation. For students like 12-year-old Anakin Castillo, who has already tried his hand at cooking breakfast items at home, this program is a chance to explore new recipes and ingredients. The program's focus on culinary arts also highlights the importance of vocational training in local schools, providing students with alternative paths to success. As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow and develop its food scene, programs like this one can help foster a new generation of chefs and restaurateurs in the area.
About this story
Original reporting by MyRGV . The Brownsville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit MyRGV . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: MyRGV ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) culinary arts program students at Gutierrez Middle School cook smash burgers Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald)
HARLINGEN — The gloved hands sliced through tomatoes and gathered chopped lettuce into small ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by MyRGV and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Travis M. Whitehead at MyRGV. To learn more about how The Brownsville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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