Laura Bush Visits Cristo Rey Jesuit Houston

Thursday, March 11, 2010

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cristo Rey Jesuit welcomed former first lady Laura Bush to its campus for an in-depth look into the newest and most innovative educational model in Houston targeting economically disadvantaged students. Fr. TJ Martinez, SJ, President of Cristo Rey Jesuit, toured with Mrs. Bush while describing the school’s unique curriculum that includes a Corporate Work-Study Program in which students spend one day a week working at a corporation in the city.

“No matter what career you chose to pursue, you will not waste your talents and education if you use them in service to others”

“The great privilege of having Mrs. Bush on our campus reflects the crucial significance of our program,” said Fr. Martinez. “We are taking kids from very difficult circumstances and teaching them that college is no longer a dream—but a reality. Mrs. Bush has and continues to be an untiring advocate for education, especially for those trapped in cycles of poverty.”

Mrs. Bush participated in a classroom project with Cristo Rey Jesuit students. The assignment was to envision what their Facebook profile would look like in 25 years. Students were to include what their interests may be, what famous people would have inspired them, and 4 to 5 friends they would still be in contact with. Each student shared their Facebook profile with the rest of the class and was encouraged to write on each other’s Facebook walls a message for them to discover in 25 years.

One student, Timothy Macalino, had created a picture of himself as the U.S. President. Mrs. Bush took his page and shared with the room the significance of Cristo Rey Jesuit inspiring its students to reach for the stars. Mrs. Bush then wrote down her hopes and dreams for Cristo Rey Jesuit over the next 25 years. The student projects, as well as Mrs. Bush’s remarks will be put into a time capsule to be opened in 25 years.

Mrs. Bush and Fr. Martinez then led a roundtable discussion in the school’s library where students were encouraged to share their experiences in the workplace. They discussed how it felt to be benefactors of their own college preparatory education and how the Corporate Work-Study Program is not only a means for paying tuition, but is also preparing them for life beyond college.

At the end of her visit, Mrs. Bush gave a keynote address to a crowd of more than 400 Cristo Rey Jesuit students, parents, staff, supporters, and Corporate Work-Study sponsors. She spoke of the exceedingly high dropout rates in Texas and the proven success of the Cristo Rey Jesuit model.

“These students are learning values that will guide them in the years ahead—respect, perseverance and integrity,” said Mrs. Bush. “Most importantly, they are learning who they are and who they can be.”

She then went on to give advice to the inaugural freshman class of 77 students.

“No matter what career you chose to pursue, you will not waste your talents and education if you use them in service to others,” said Mrs. Bush. She mentioned several different ways people could embrace their community, from serving their country to becoming a teacher.

“Believe in yourselves. If you study and work hard, there is no limit to what you can achieve.”

Mrs. Bush concluded her speech by describing the significance of the Cristo Rey Jesuit school colors –orange and yellow.

“They are the colors of the sunrise and they represent the dawn—a bright future ahead for each Cristo Rey student. I encourage each student to embrace the opportunity they have been given through this school.”

ABOUT CRISTO REY JESUIT

Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory High School opened its doors in August 2009 with a freshman class of over 80 young men and women. Sponsored by the New Orleans Province Jesuits, Cristo Rey Jesuit offers a rigorous college preparatory education available to students from low-income families in the Houston area. A unique Corporate Work-Study Program places students in Houston businesses and nonprofits where they earn up to 70 percent of the cost of their education. For more information visit: www.cristoreyjesuit.org

ABOUT THE CRISTO REY NETWORK

Cristo Rey Network schools provide a Catholic, college prep education to low-income youth in urban communities. In 2008-2009, 22 schools serve more than 5,300 students. Ninety-five percent of Cristo Rey students are racial minorities: 34 percent are African American and 55 percent are Latino. The schools educate students of all faiths and cultures; last year 37 percent of Cristo Rey students were not Catholic. Ninety-nine percent of the Network’s 2008 graduates were accepted in a two or four year college and, through their work-study jobs, students earned more than $27,000 toward their tuition. For more information visit: www.cristoreynetwork.org

Susan Branda Martin
Director of Communications
Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston
6700 Mt. Carmel Street
Houston, Texas 77087
832-794-9662
[e-mail]

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