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| Parents Step Ahead Ambassadors in Washington, D.C. |
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With 25 percent of children under 10 being Latino today, the Latino community plays a vital role in the growth of the nation. During the month of February, four teachers, whom were selected as Ambassadors for Parents Step Ahead in December of 2010, were brought to Washington D.C. for a week-long, professional, development program designed to enhance curricular and learn innovative ways to inspire students. Sponsored by American Airlines, LATINA Style Magazine, and Hyatt hotels, Parent’s Step Ahead, a Dallas-based nonprofit organization, celebrated the accomplishments of teachers who are working to ensure that their students have the educational opportunities they deserve.
Teachers met with Juan Sepulveda, director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, attended a meeting at the National Education Agency (NEA), participated in the LATINA Style 50 conference, and were honored by Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) with a certificate of Congressional recognition.
The four teacher Ambassadors selected during the organization’s annual “Parent of the Year” gala in December were: Michelle Hornbuckle, Jack E. Singley Academy, Irving ISD; Tanya Jones, Thomas Haley Elementary, Irving ISD; San Juanita Nekunazarazad, W.C. Daugherty Elementary, Garland ISD; Penan Stewart, Urban Park Elementary, Dallas ISD.
“The recognition that we received from everyone we encountered was breathtaking,” said Tanya B. Jones, principal of Thomas Haley Elementary. “I really cannot describe the feeling in words. I now have personal contacts for people who are involved in national education reform. This is the greatest gift any school administrator could ask for.”
Parents Step Ahead and American Airlines plan to continue their partnership to award another trip during the organization’s December 2011 gala. “American Airlines is excited to partner with Parents Step Ahead on an important initiative that awarded these teachers with round-trip airfare for making a positive impact on the North Texas community,” said Juan Rios, manager of Hispanic Markets for American Airlines. “We have been a constant supporter of Parents Step Ahead and their effort to bring together schools, teachers, and parents in order to make the community
a stronger place for our children.”
 (L-R) Susie Garcia (PSA Board Member), Michelle Hornbuckle, San Juanita Nekunazarazad, Valerie Reyes, Penan Stewart, Tanya Jones, and Lupita Colmenero. |
 (L-R) Michelle Hornbuckle, San Juanita Nekunazarazad, Tanya Jones, and Penan Stewart at Lincoln Memorial. |
 (L-R) NEA Employee, San Juanita Nekunazarazad, Penan Stewart, Rita Jaramillo (NEA), Michelle Hornbuckle, NEA Employee, Tanya Jones, Susie Garcia (PSA Board Member), and Lupita Colmenero. |
 (L-R) Penan Stewart, Lupita Colmenero (PSA founder/Chair), Bill Marriott, Tanya Jones, San Juanita Nekunazarazad, and Michelle Hornbuckle during LATINA Style 50 Awards Conference. |
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