Today was the first day for the children to return to the Rufino Mendoza Sr. Elementary School.
I am excited that this is my 20th year volunteering as the school sponsor. This is a record in the Fort Worth Independent School District for a one-person or small company.
I brought muffins for the staff and teachers and will cater other events and help out in any way I can this year.
I enjoyed meeting the wonderful new principal (pictured here). She went out of her way by decorating the school entrance with a red carpet and each classroom door like the entrance to a movie set. Her students must have felt like celebrities.
I spoke briefly to several classes and urged the children to learn as much as they could this year and they all said they would.
It was fun saying hello to old teacher friends who have taught there for years, especially the physical education coach. We work together to help the students walk and run. I especially enjoy mentoring these kids as I am a marathon runner and exercise every day. Our first race is in October for the Cowtown Marathon’s C.A.L.F. Run which I have supported for many years. The coach was excited to share this news with me.
The school counselor asked me to speak at Career Day in October and of course I agreed. I have spoken at every one since I started this wonderful project.
The school opened its doors in 1910 and was one of the first schools in Fort Worth. It has been educating students in the historic North Side for 112 years and is an important part of the community. I have met students years later who remember me and it is rewarding to see how successful they are.
I want to wish all of our Fort Worth area students best wishes for a happy and healthy school year.
These children are our future. I believe that we in the community must support them and help them achieve their dreams.