Mathis ISD Honors Volunteers at Dinner April 23

4/28/2009

Mathis ISD held its annual dinner on Thursday evening, April 23 to honor all the volunteers who are parents, community members, local business owners, and members of municipal and civic organizations who contribute funds, and over 20,000 hours of their time to Mathis ISD activities. The theme of the evening was “Hands That Serve Hearts That Care”.

All one hundred seventy dinner guests were on their feet as Dr. Maria Rodriguez-Casas, superintendent, asked guests to stand who had contributed help in classrooms; contributed help in fundraising; contributed help at athletic events, UIL contests, band, and extracurricular events. Dr. Rodriguez-Casas introduced the Board of School Trustee members beginning with John Galvan who has over 20 years of service on the Board, and many hours of service to Mathis ISD.

Carlos Valdez, Nueces County District Attorney, was the keynote speaker. Audience members may not have initially identified Carolos Valdez by name, but all recognized him when he arrived; he is often seen on the local television news programs. He described his upbringing in a barrio in Corpus Christi that worked against his becoming a lawyer. He said he that always wanted to be a lawyer, despite the naysayers who said he could not become one. He decided that the only person blocking his successful study to become a lawyer was himself. The message he delivered to the audience was that one makes decisions constantly to either act as a “stepping stone” for oneself, and for others, or one can be “stumbling block” to one’s own progress and to the progress of one’s family and community. Mr. Valdez’ message resonated with the audience; a number of people had their photograph taken with him.

The new Mathis ISD Athletic Director, Paul Kilby, was introduced to the audience by Dr. Rodriguez-Casas. Mr. Kilby spoke of his first two weeks in Mathis as being a time of delight with the quality of the students he met at Mathis ISD.

Mariachi Espuelas, a Corpus Christi-based group, played while guests ate dinner.

Dr. Maria Rodriguez-Casas, Superintendent of Schools, thanks District Attorney Carols Valdez for speaking at the Mathis ISD Volunteer Dinner on Thursday evening, April 23.