FRANK TEjEDA ACADEMY CELEBRATES

Week of May 30, 2016
Frank Tejeda Academy
celebrates graduates
IN THIS ISSUE...
HISD honors fallen heroes
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HISD celebrates Fitness Fiesta
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Frank Tejeda Academy presented its
largest graduating class ever on June 2. A
total of 195 graduates took center stage as
they celebrated their big accomplishment.
For many of these graduates, earning a
diploma has a very special meaning. Frank
Tejeda Academy is known as the land of
second chances, and that’s exactly what
these graduates got.
Dressed in cap and gown, Michelle
Sanchez shared her own life story and
reflected on the struggles she faced
before reaching this milestone. She spoke
about the hardships she faced growing up
in an impoverished home, getting bullied
in middle school, dropping out of high
school, her mother getting incarcerated,
contemplating suicide and finally seeing
the light at the end of the tunnel.
She broke into tears when she thanked the
staff at Frank Tejeda for helping her find
her path toward graduation.
Her peers cheered loud as Michelle’s story
resonated with many of them.
HISD students win awards
The Harlandale ISD Board of Trustees,
Superintendent Rey Madrigal and Cabinet
members were on hand to congratulate
the graduates.
“It’s been a long road, and for some of you
a very difficult struggle, and to make it to
this day is definitely a big accomplishment
for each and every one of you, but you
can be very proud of yourself because
you made it,” Board of Trustees President
Erma Casarez said.
The Boggess Center was filled with excited
family members and friends who beamed
with pride when their graduate was called.
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HISD alumni give back
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This week in Harlandale...
Congratulations Frank Tejeda Academy
Class of 2016! Harlandale ISD is proud of
you. We wish you luck as you start the
next chapter in your life.
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HISD honors fallen heroes
As part of a long-standing tradition, the Harlandale ISD
community honored the 95 heroes whose names are
engraved on the Harlandale Memorial Monument.
This year’s Memorial Day Ceremony began with a welcome
from McCollum HS JROTC senior Nina Parker, followed by
a prayer from Harlandale HS 1967 graduate Brother Alex
Alvarez. The McCollum HS JROTC Color Guard presented
the colors and the Harlandale HS Choir sang the national
anthem.
Superintendent Rey Madrigal, School Board Member
Ricardo Moreno and McCollum JROTC Instructor Sergeant
Major Tyrone D. Wright each shared heartfelt remarks about
the momentous occasion.
All 95 servicemen and women whose names are inscribed
on the memorial were once Harlandale ISD students.
A bell was rang after each name was read aloud and those
in attendance stood in silence as they remembered the
individuals in our community who protected our nation.
Ceremonial Taps were played by McCollum HS trumpet
players Ray Cantu and Edward Cantu before the traditional
laying of the wreaths in front of the Harlandale Memorial
Monument, which was built in 1971 in honor of former
Harlandale ISD students who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“The service members we honor today came from all walks of
life, but they shared similar core values,” Wright said. “They
possessed personal courage, pride, loyalty, determination,
selfless service, dedication to duty and integrity – all the
qualities needed to serve a cause greater than one’s self.”
HISD celebrates Fitness Fiesta
The Harlandale ISD community gathered at Bellaire
Elementary to take part in the district’s first annual Fitness
Fiesta event on May 28.
The event featured a 3K Fun Run/Walk, Zumba, cardio
kickboxing and giveaways from Academy.
Other fun activities included inflatables for the kids, healthy
snacks, fitness demonstrations and basketball shoot outs.
Harlandale ISD principals, teachers, coaches, parents and
students cheered each other on throughout their 3K journey
and were excited to see each other cross the finish line.
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R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to HISD
Harlandale ISD fifth grade students competed in a
contest about respect and the top three winners won
money for themselves, their school and a charity of
their choice.
Gabrielle won $100 for herself, $500 for Gilbert
Elementary and $500 for the American Cancer
Society. As a cancer survivor, Gabrielle has a special
place in her heart for the American Cancer Society.
The contest was sponsored by Tom Rhodes Law For third place winner Delilah Sotello from Carroll
Firm and it asked students to illustrate what respect Bell Elementary, respect means being helpful, caring
means to them through a statement and a drawing. and nice to others.
For first place winner Christopher Flores from
Columbia Heights Elementary, respect means being
kind to everyone regardless of what they look like
and being polite to those who are sick.
Christopher won $100 for himself, Columbia Heights
received $1,000 and St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital will receive $1,000 on his behalf.
Second place winner Gabrielle Hernandez from
Gilbert Elementary said, “Respect is important
because by showing it you can make someone’s day
and make somebody happy. It would make such a
difference in our home, community and our world.”
“Without respect you can’t make any friends, so
always be respectful,” Delilah said. “If someone
is feeling down or hurt cheer them up with a little
comment, it will make their day brighter, and most of
all respect your family, because sometimes you can
lose family too, so be respectful and make others
smile.”
Delilah received a $100 check, her school received
$350 and The Salvation Army will receive $350 on
her behalf.
Congratulations to all three winners! Harlandale ISD
is proud of you.
Kingsborough MS Art Club shows kindness to grandparents
Raising a grandchild can be hard on grandparents,
which is why Kingsborough MS students decided to
dedicate their last community service project to these
heroes.
“This is a lesson the art club members learn by being
givers and sharing what they have earned,” Amende
added. “We all worked very hard to raise funds this
school year and enjoy giving back to the community.”
“It takes love, time, and commitment, and often
money to do this job of love,” said Ms. Alma Amende,
Kingsborough MS Art Club sponsor.
After raising money year round by selling candy and
engaging in other fundraisers, the art club presented
KMS grandparents who are parents for a second time
with grocery gift cards to HEB.
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HISD alumni give back to graduate
The South San Antonio Aggies organization awarded
Harlandale High School senior Amber Ramos with
a $1,000 scholarship to Texas A&M- College Station
during the final week of the 2015-2016 school year.
We thank the South San Antonio Aggies organization
for their continued support to Harlandale ISD!
Amber will graduate in the top ten percent of her
graduating class and will be joining the corps next fall
at Texas A&M-College Station.
South San Antonio Aggies awards scholarships
to Harlandale HS seniors every school year. The
organization is made up of Harlandale alumni who
went on to graduate from Texas A&M-College Station.
MHS senior selected for All Star Game
Congratulations to McCollum senior Ralph Ramirez for
being selected to play in the Texas High School Baseball
Coaches Association (THSBCA) All Star Game on June
18 in Round Rock, Texas.
Ralph will join seniors from all across Texas to display
his talents and baseball skills one last time at the high
school level before beginning his collegiate career at
Grambling State University. The McCollum senior was a
four year letterman and earned many accolades along
the way, including first team all-district and several
state recognitions as well.
The All Star Game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start on
June 18 at Dell Diamond Ballpark in Round Rock, Texas.
This week in Harlandale...
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This week in Harlandale continued...
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