Nixon High School student selected to Congressional Page Program
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Aug 29, 2009, 0 Comments
Courtesy Richard Treviño,
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that Raquel Cruz, Nixon High School Junior, has been selected to participate in the United States House of Representatives Congressional Page Program. Cruz will be among 65 students selected nationwide to participate in the prestigious program.
Cruz will be leaving this Sunday to Washington D.C., to participate in the program through January. As a Page, Raquel will live and study in Washington D.C.. She will provide administrative support to the House of Representatives in a variety of capacities and will be working closely with Congressman Henry Cuellar. Cruz will also attend the House Page School, at the Library of Congress, where she will continue taking classes that apply toward her high school credits needed for graduation. When the opportunity for a page became available this year, Congressman Cuellar contacted LISD Superintendent Marcus Nelson, who in turn contacted Nixon High.
We have the perfect person, stated Lupita Cortez, Nixon High School Principal. Cortez, along with Nixon High School Counselor Maria Luisa Fernandez, encouraged Cruz to pursue this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I am honored to have nominated Raquel at the recommendation of her school to participate in this year’s page program. While reviewing her application, I knew right away that she was the perfect match for the program,” said Congressman Cuellar. “During these next five months, she will gain a better understanding of how the federal government works.”
When informed of her selection by Mrs. Cortez, Raquel with tears of joy gave her a huge big hug. “I forgot she was my principal,” stated Cruz. “We were both so excited about the news.”
Raquel is looking forward to an incredible semester of learning, as well as months of outstanding and breath-taking experiences. “I anticipate developing amazing memories that I will cherish for years to come,” said Raquel. “I appreciate and thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for allowing me to take part in this life-learning experience. This is definitely the most prestigious opportunity ever granted to me.”
Cruz is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alejandro Cruz. Her academic achievements include National Honor Society and A-B honor roll. Cruz’s extra-curricular activities include Softball, Cross Country, Track, Volleyball, Student Council, Junior Class, and W-Bar.
Raquel also expressed her appreciation to Javier Santos and the Fernando Salinas Charitable Trust for their generosity in funding her trip to Washington D.C.
Participating students must be juniors in high school and be at least 16 years old on the day the page term begins. The students must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or 85 in the major subject during their 9th and 10th grades and must have also submitted three letters of recommendation.
