Mathis ISD Recognized at San Patricio County EDC Dinner

10/12/2009

Mathis ISD School Board President Scott Mengers and Superintendent of Schools Maria Rodriguez-Casas led a group of administrators and students to the San Patricio County Economic Development Corporation dinner in Aransas Pass on Thursday, October 8.

Tony Bonilla, Chairman of the Port of Corpus Christi Commission, gave the keynote speech; one his main points was that many people attending the EDC dinner had visited China and that the Coastal Bend regional business and development leaders recognize the importance of China as a global market partner. He suggested that student exchange programs be set up with Chinese institutions.

Following his talk Josephine Miller, Executive Director of EDC, asked Mathis ISD members to stand for introductions. Mrs. Miller introduced Mr. Mengers, Dr. Rodriguez-Casas, Daniel Ceballos, Delma R. Flores, Shemon Bailey, and two MHSIS Seniors, Abbigail Garcia and David Perez. Mrs. Miller said that Mathis High School for International Studies was in its third year of operation, and in its third year of teaching Chinese.

After the dinner a number of attendees visited with Mathis ISD administrators to extend their congratulations on the MHSIS program, and they talked with Abbigail Garcia and David Perez to learn about their language study at MHSIS, the international aspects of the MHSIS program, and what they planned to study in college. Abbigail Garcia said, “It was a interesting to talk with people who say I am doing the right thing to study Chinese”. David Perez said that he thought the evening “was very enjoyable. I met so many people with whom I would like to have further conversations.”