MISSION, TEXAS (April 30, 2024) - Mission CISD held its annual migrant banquet April 18, 2024, recognizing the achievements of migrant students who have completed their high school education and are advancing to higher education and careers.
The event recognizes the resilience and dedication of students who balance their studies with seasonal work.
Mission CISD currently serves 246 students district-wide through its Migrant Education Program (MEP). According to the district’s migrant webpage, MEP is a program that provides the necessary supplemental support to satisfy the academic needs of those who qualify as migratory children under federal law.
The program offers educational services based on individual needs, such as academic tutoring, school supplies, and community referrals.
Among the students honored was Daniel Hernandez a senior at Mission Collegiate High School who graduates this May with his high school diploma and an associate degree in interdisciplinary studies from South Texas College (STC) through dual enrollment program.
Hernandez, who was awarded a $32,000 scholarship to attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), plans to study civil engineering.
"I am very grateful for the Mission CISD migrant program, which has helped me navigate the challenges of higher education” Hernandez said. “Thank you to my migrant teacher at Veterans Memorial High Schoo, Mr. Luis Garcia, for everything you've done."
LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES
Many migrant students start earning their own paychecks as early as 16-years-old. Moises Sanchez, senior at Mission High School says that although he appreciated the opportunity to earn money, the work was not easy.
“I remember mornings wearing trash bags to protect myself from getting soaked with water, and the itchy skin caused by pollinating the fields,” Sanchez said. “Though it was hard work, I knew it was necessary to support my family. I am very grateful for all the opportunities and the help that was always present when I needed it."
Moises also discussed opportunities and resources MEP provided him such as visiting universities like Notre Dame and Ohio State.
“All of this happened because they (MEP) opened up their hearts to help those who worked in migrant labor,” Moises said.
Kendra Rodriguez, a senior from Veterans Memorial High School ranked in the top 5 percent of her class, spoke about the challenges she faced with her family being on the constant move to California and having to care for her siblings while her parents went out to work all day under the hot sun.
"I am honored to shed light on a program close to my heart, the migrant program within Mission CISD,” Rodriguez said. “This program has significantly impacted many individuals, including myself, providing essential support and guidance.”
Superintendent of Schools at Mission CISD, Dr. Carol G. Perez, shared her personal journey from a migrant student to achieving a doctorate and becoming a superintendent.
“We understand the struggles that our migrant students go through. Often these students start late in the school year and leave early because of their work up north,” Perez said. “They must make up for that learning loss every year and they do. I know the challenges of being a migrant student myself and that is why these students are truly remarkable and we wish them all the best!”
For more information on Mission CISD’s Migrant Education Program, you can visit their webpage here, or call 956-323-5559.