Success stories!
by LeeAnn Wehr
Castaway Kids
Almost 3 years ago I became a bilingual school contact at CBTIS (Centro de Bachillerato Tecnologico Industrial y de Servicios), one of the high schools in Guaymas. I began that sojourn with 5 lovely, enthusiastic, shy girls. Due to the success of the Castaway Kids Adelante Estudiante scholarship program, that number has expanded to 20 at CBTIS, and over 100 scholarship students in our program!! As a school contact, I work with a wonderful social worker, the students, their families, and their sponsors. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the students on shopping trips (one with 15 students buying shoes, shirts, pants…interesting and fun!); at gatherings to discuss their grades and responsibilities; on “fun” days (at the Paradiso and the Delfinario); trips to Dairy Queen and for pizza; at the Engish classes I’ve organized on Saturdays; and other times of celebration and/or necessity. I’ve heard stories about families, problems, joys, frustrations, and successes! This “job” holds amazing opportunities. I’ve also learned a lot about the school system, the culture, compassion, and experienced the satisfaction of offering hope and support to a group of wonderful young people, many of whom would not be in high school without the support of YOU, their generous sponsors. At CBTIS, tuition is currently $1200 pesos a semester, uniforms around $500+ a semester, shoes $300 a semester, and some school supplies we provide at $300. In US dollars, that amounts to approximately $400 a year. Students also have to provide for their bus transportation, which I understand now will be free next year! The students are required to do a lot of work on the internet now, so that means Cyber cafe expenses as well. All of these expenses cut a big hole in the meager budgets of many families.
This week I had the wonderful opportunity to CELEBRATE!! Four of my “children” will graduate on July 7th, Jesus Daniel Soto Escobedo (grade average of 9.5), Genesis Gisselle Benitez Nieblas (average 9.8), Laura Cristina Tum Caudillo (average 9.6), Yesenia Ekatherine Sosa Aguilar (average 9.6, brought up from 8.3!!). I wanted to do something special for them, and a local business owner has offered a special gift to the Adelante Estudiante program. Magua Celis, owner of Piccolo Restaurant, wants to feed 4 of our students a month. I got to be the first to bring students for a fabulous meal.
On June 13th, Magua, the perfect hostess, greeted us with a big smile and welcome. She provided incredible food (Daniel ate every spec of his lasagna). Actually, we all left VERY satisfied after dining in a great atmosphere, with impeccable service, and lots of exceptional food. I don’t think they had been in such a restaurant before, as they watched very closely as I served myself an appetizer and then salad. They were careful about which piece of silverware to use, and very respectful and grateful. Remember how excited and perhaps frightened you were to be facing going off to college? Yes, they’re ALL planning on attending university!!! This is only possible thanks to the help and support of the Adelante Estudiante program. We talked about dreams, plans, expenses, travel, work, not having babies. We’re working with these students and their very generous sponsors to make this happen. We met with Tammi Miller and Alison Boyle (treasury department) first to set up plans for paying tuitions.
Jesus Daniel will attend ITESCA in Obregon to earn an Engineering Degree in Software programing. Genesis will attend UNISON in Hermosillo for an Engineering degree, Laura will attend ITG in Guaymas for an Engineering degree in Administration, and Yesenia wants to go to TecMilenio in Hermosillo for a Licencida in International Business.
Myself and the students wish to thank Magua for her wonderful hospitality, generosity and fabulous food! I encourage other school contacts and sponsors to take advantage of this opportunity for special occasions. I also encourage everyone to support Magua at Piccolo as well.
And last but not least, we want to thank the sponsors who make this possible!!
Until next time….and have a great summer.
