Trinidad ``trini'' Garza Early College High School

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Mr. VEASEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Trini Garza Early College High School for becoming a 2021 National Blue Ribbon Awardee.

Trini Garza Early College High School is a public school located in the southwest quadrant of the Dallas Independent School District, the second largest urban school district in Texas. The school opened in 2006 and works in collaboration with Mountain View College to provide a partnership that ensures the goal of college success is attained. Garza ECHS students attend both high school and on-site college classes in order to graduate with their high school diploma and associate degree. Most of the students are the first in their family to attend college in an area where about only 10 percent of the population has a college degree.

The high school's namesake is well-known Dallas civic leader and businessman, Trinidad ``Trini'' Garza. Mr. Garza is known as an advocate for progress for the Hispanic community as early as 1969 when he helped organize the city's first Mexican American Leadership Conference. Mr. Garza has also been a strong advocate and supporter of education. Elected as the first Hispanic member of the board of trustees in 1969, Mr. Garza was then appointed Deputy Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Education in President Clinton's Administration. Throughout his life, Mr. Garza has served his community through involvement in numerous civic organizations. In 2010, the Early College High School at Mountain View College was named after Mr. Garza.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education recognizes hundreds of public and private schools across the country for their commitment to educational excellence and their ability to overcome outstanding odds to properly educate their students. These schools receive the National Blue Ribbon of Distinction, an award reserved for schools that boast students who meet and maintain high educational goals. The Blue Ribbon Award celebrates the idea that all students, regardless of background, ability or location, deserve an excellent education.

The culture of Trini Garza Early College High School provides a place where students, parents, and faculty become life-long learners. There is no punishment for taking risks, no systemic anxiety about failure. Students are encouraged to advocate for their own learning, and teachers tailor student experiences based on individualized needs so that all are successful in whatever endeavor they choose.

Trini Garza Early College High School's commitment to excellence has exceeded expectations on the state accountability systems attaining ALL seven distinctions listed in Academic Achievement: Reading/Language Arts; Mathematics; Science; Social Studies; Top 25 percent Student Progress; Top 25 percent Closing Performance Gaps; and Post-secondary Readiness. The philosophy ``All Children Can Learn'' is ingrained in every aspect of this school. It is an honor to celebrate them for this historic achievement and their lifelong impact on the Dallas community.

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