Posted by on May 13, 2014
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Finding a Love for the Violin

Finding a Love for the Violin
Posted by on May 13, 2014
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Isay Medrano is the most talented violinist in the Mendez Middle School Orchestra.

He practices at home for hours every day. In school, he and his classmates are preparing for the University Interscholastic League orchestra competition.

Nearly 95% of students at Mendez qualify for free or reduced lunch and most orchestra students can’t afford private lessons or their own instruments. Instead, they rely on their orchestra conductor, Jeffrey Hall.

Struggling to Attend School

Struggling to Attend School
Posted by on May 13, 2014
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At Mendez Middle School, a rainy day can cause the school to see a drop in attendance. But Isay misses school because of other issues: his mother and brother have  various health issues, a lack of transportation and an unemployed parent. Isay’s mom, Estela, has lost her job multiple times. Even when he’s absent, he finds time to practice and teaches himself new music.

Practice Pays Off

Practice Pays Off
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One incentive for Isay to attend school is the University Interscholastic League. Teacher Jeffrey Hall has a strict attendance policy for after-school practice. The competition includes a performance by the students and a sight reading portion. This year, the students carry home a trophy for the third year in a row, but they are hard on themselves–and their teacher–for not getting a perfect score.

Moving Forward, But Remembering the Past

Moving Forward, But Remembering the Past
Posted by on May 13, 2014
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Next year, Isay heads to McCallum High School, the arts magnet school in Austin. He’s excited to play with new musicians, but worries he won’t be as talented as the others. His mother is proud, but she worries once he leaves the neighborhood he’ll become ashamed of where he grew up. Isay’s teacher, Jeffrey Hall, says one thing is clear: Isay won’t be able to miss as many school days and still keep up with the rigorous music program at McCallum.

This Boxer Teaches Discipline

This Boxer Teaches Discipline
Posted by on May 13, 2014
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Casey Ramos grew up in Dove Springs and was raised to love boxing. He eventually became a professional boxer, but he spent some time at Mendez Middle School teaching students how to box–and keep them off the streets–through an after school program. When Ramos left to go back to college and pursue his professional boxing career, his brother took over as head coach. They say boxing teaches discipline and focus which many students in the neighborhood need, while also providing positive male role models. Full Story Part 1. Full Story Part 2.

This Librarian Tells Students to Demand an Education

This Librarian Tells Students to Demand an Education
Posted by on May 12, 2014
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Ivan Cervantes has been the librarian at Mendez Middle School for a decade. His library has become a safe haven for students in the morning where they can read, use the computer or play chess. Cervantes tells students to demand an education and believes books are a way to teach students about the world beyond Dove Springs and help them deal with issues at home and school. Full Story.