The Migrant Department hosted their Mission Exemplary Migrant Senior Banquet on April 19, 2018. A total of 35 migrant seniors from Mission High School, Veterans Memorial High School, and Mission Collegiate were honored at this event. Opening for the ceremony was conducted by Cynthia Iris Gonzalez, Migrant Counselor.
Ms. Cris Valdez, Interim Superintendent, welcomed the students, parents, and district personnel to the event on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the district. She also wished them well as they continue their new journey after graduation.
“I wasn’t a migrant student but my parents did grow up working in the fields and I learned my work ethic from them,” said Ms. Valdez. “Graduates, congratulations! The work ethic that you have inside of you will allow you to do great things.”
Mrs. Arminda Ramirez, Migrant Coordinator, introduced the guest speaker, Mrs. Graciela Avila, who spoke to the audience about her life as a migrant farm worker. Her parents along with their children knew that in the month of April was when they migrated to Minnesota. As soon as she and her siblings graduated from high school, they were given two choices, either to go to school or continue working in the fields. Six out of seven siblings pursued and completed some form of higher education.
“Even though those moments we lived were hard and difficult, those same moments brought us unity, joy, faith and love; and we will never regret having lived them,” said Mrs. Graciela Avila.
The evening wrapped up with students from the three high schools speaking on their reflections of gratitude. A special thank you to all the students that participated in the program; Melissa Rangel (MHS) for the invocation. Paola Herevia (VMHS), Jorge Becerra (VMHS), Clarissa Janelle Garza (MHS), and Juan Briceño (MCHS) for reflections of gratitude. Kysela Garcia (MHS) and Nancy Olvera (MHS) for conducting the benediction.