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| Hard-Working HISD Students Rewarded for Reaching Graduation |
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September 08, 2009
In 2004, 50 high-risk HISD students took a pledge, promising Houston Mayor Bill White that they’d graduate from high school. Next week, those students will be rewarded for keeping that promise and taking a big step toward creating a better life for themselves and their families.
Hashoo Foundation USA in conjunction with HISD, Expectation Graduation and the City of Houston Digital Inclusion WeCan program will recognize the achievements of 50 students who signed the “YES, Mayor White I Will Complete High School” Commitment Card in 2004, and have fulfilled their commitment to graduate from high school in 2009.
A press conference celebrating the students and their accomplishments was held TODAY, September 8, at 11:00 a.m. at Sterling High School (11625 Martindale, 77048). Participants will include Houston Mayor Bill White, HISD Interim Chief Academic Officer Thelma Garza, and Hashoo Foundation Founder Sadruddin Hashwani.
Cristal Montañéz Baylor, Executive Director Hashoo Foundation USA, explained that the students will receive an “Expectation Graduation Room” package which includes the following gently used and new items which promote a positive learning environment,: a refurbished computer, desk, desk lamp and chair; a twin size bed, pillows, two sets of sheets, a blanket, a mattress pad, a dust ruffle and comforter; a night stand and chest of drawers; a Good Bear of the World (GBW), a Tsunamikas Doll and T-shirt . The award package aims to serve as a visual representation of the students’ success, and to support the families’ involvement in their students’ education and reinforce the students’ commitment to growing academically and socially.
The Expectation Graduation Room Pilot Project is also a “Commitment to Action” of the 2009 Clinton Global Initiative Education Portfolio.
The Expectation Graduation Room pilot project is made possible thanks to the passion and collaboration of the following local organizations, working together to recognize students’ success and provide encouragement and opportunities for a better future: Tech Corps Texas, University of St. Thomas MicroCredit Program (UST MCP), ORR Textiles Company, Ramada Inn (Will Clayton Parkway), Star Furniture, Wal-Mart, Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC), The Divas, Leela Krishnamurthy & friends, and Montañéz Baylor Foundation. Students’ families will be connected to the resources and services available to them through United Way THRIVE, Furniture Bank, Dress for Success and ACCION Texas to ensure these students and their families have all the support they need to realize their full potential. The Expectation Graduation Room pilot project aims to connect students’ families to the resources available to them through these community organizations.
One such opportunity exists with the University of St. Thomas MicroCredit Program, whose students have committed to raising the necessary funds to offer a low-interest micro-credit loan to one of the 50 graduating students to support his/her education expenses at a community college in the Houston area.
The Hashoo Foundation USA, which previously has concentrated on programs in Pakistan, presented $25,000 in October to Mayor Bill White's Expectation Graduation Program. Under the program, the City of Houston and Houston Independent School District provide campaigns to get students to return to school and support to keep them there.
The Houston Independent School District is the largest school district in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States with 295 schools and more than 200,000 students. The 301-square-mile district is one of the largest employers in the Houston metropolitan area with nearly 30,000 employees. As a result of tremendous academic gains in recent years, a record 200 HISD schools achieved Texas’ top ratings of Exemplary or Recognized in 2009.
For more information, visit the HISD Web site at www.houstonisd.org. |
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