[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRINIDAD ``TRINI'' GARZA EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

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                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2021

  Mr. VEASEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Trini 
Garza Early College High School for becoming a 2021 National Blue 
Ribbon Awardee.
  Trini Garza Early College High School is a public school located in 
the southwest quadrant of the Dallas Independent School District, the 
second largest urban school district in Texas. The school opened in 
2006 and works in collaboration with Mountain View College to provide a 
partnership that ensures the goal of college success is attained. Garza 
ECHS students attend both high school and on-site college classes in 
order to graduate with their high school diploma and associate degree. 
Most of the students are the first in their family to attend college in 
an area where about only 10 percent of the population has a college 
degree.
  The high school's namesake is well-known Dallas civic leader and 
businessman, Trinidad ``Trini'' Garza. Mr. Garza is known as an 
advocate for progress for the Hispanic community as early as 1969 when 
he helped organize the city's first Mexican American Leadership 
Conference. Mr. Garza has also been a strong advocate and supporter of 
education. Elected as the first Hispanic member of the board of 
trustees in 1969, Mr. Garza was then appointed Deputy Regional Director 
of the U.S. Department of Education in President Clinton's 
Administration. Throughout his life, Mr. Garza has served his community 
through involvement in numerous civic organizations. In 2010, the Early 
College High School at Mountain View College was named after Mr. Garza.
  Every year, the U.S. Department of Education recognizes hundreds of 
public and private schools across the country for their commitment to 
educational excellence and their ability to overcome outstanding odds 
to properly educate their students. These schools receive the National 
Blue Ribbon of Distinction, an award reserved for schools that boast 
students who meet and maintain high educational goals. The Blue Ribbon 
Award celebrates the idea that all students, regardless of background, 
ability or location, deserve an excellent education.
  The culture of Trini Garza Early College High School provides a place 
where students, parents, and faculty become life-long learners. There 
is no punishment for taking risks, no systemic anxiety about failure. 
Students are encouraged to advocate for their own learning, and 
teachers tailor student experiences based on individualized needs so 
that all are successful in whatever endeavor they choose.
  Trini Garza Early College High School's commitment to excellence has 
exceeded expectations on the state accountability systems attaining ALL 
seven distinctions listed in Academic Achievement: Reading/Language 
Arts; Mathematics; Science; Social Studies; Top 25 percent Student 
Progress; Top 25 percent Closing Performance Gaps; and Post-secondary 
Readiness. The philosophy ``All Children Can Learn'' is ingrained in 
every aspect of this school. It is an honor to celebrate them for this 
historic achievement and their lifelong impact on the Dallas community.

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