TEMBA Gazette, Running Commentary, December 3, 2010

(photo courtesy of the Austin Chronicle)

I was up bright and early this morning to attend a student recognition ceremony at Kealing Middle School.  You may recall that Kealing is the school you all so generously supported during the TEMBA school supply drive earlier this fall. 

Named after Hightower Theodore Kealing, a 19^th century African-American educator, the east Austin school is a wonderfully diverse community with motivated students and a committed faculty.  At the same time, it faces many of the same challenges as other urban public schools. 

Kealing’s mission of “one school, multiple programs, success for all” is a fitting rallying cry given the students’ varying needs, abilities and goals.  Today’s ceremony that celebrated academic achievement and improvement is just one example of the school’s commitment to this purpose. 

The highlight of today’s program was the recognition of three students who submitted winning entries for a recent essay competition sponsored by the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin.  Competing against students from the entire Austin Independent School District, the Kealing students tackled such weighty and topical issues as healthcare, neighborhood crime and current challenges faced by immigrant students.  The latter essay topic was, in fact, selected as the winner of the entire district-wide competition.

In recognition of these achievements, the worthy students were presented with backpacks full of supplies donated by you.  The smiles, handshakes and gestures of appreciation from both students and proud parents said it all.  This recognition meant a great deal to them and I was honored to represent the program and each of you at this important event.

At a time when high school dropout rates in Texas hover around 30%, it’s amazing what gestures like this can do for a student’s determination, self-esteem and future success.  As I prepared to leave the school, one of the students asked me if I would tell everyone thank you.  He was obviously touched by your generosity and support.

So, on behalf of these deserving students, thank you!  Thank you to the Graduate Business Council for championing this cause.  Thank you to Mark Patton for leading this important initiative.  And thank you to all for supporting an effort that will encourage these students to continue their educational pursuits and dreams.  What a great way to start the day!