Reprint from the Progress Times - May 2, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

La Joya ISD holds first annual telethon

 

By Ricky Reynoso

The La Joya Independent School District (LJISD) board room looks different today. What is normally a room reserved for people giving speeches regarding attendance zones is, for today, mostly empty. The large TV screen that normally shows pictures of construction projects is playing clips of high school football games and one-act plays. Instead of board members sitting behind a large desk, there are high school students answering phones. The district is holding its first annual Merit Scholarship Telethon. The purpose of the telethon, according to La Joya High School Scholarship Specialist Deborah Zamora, is to raise money for upcoming graduates who are facing the prospect of paying for college.

"It's a merit based scholarship," says Zamora. "We had around 200 students apply and the hope is that we raise enough money so that everybody gets a little something."

Working as emcee for the telethon is Erika Gonzalez of Fox 2 XRIO. Every half hour Gonzalez goes live on La Joya's Channel 17 with interviews and requests for donations. Gonzalez says that she became involved after she received a call from Zamora.

"She said 'we would love for you to come out and help us because this is our first telethon'," says Gonzalez. "It's mine too, so let’s help each other out and see what we can do for these students."

One such interviewee is Dr. Alda T. Benavides, superintendent of schools. "Every donation improves the quality of life of these students, and that's the goal here at La Joya ISD," says Benavides. "We're asking for donations. Any donation would be good, because it could translate into one student being helped with buying books, or tuition. This will help improve their quality of life, and this is a good way to get started."

One such student is Ernesto Acosta, a senior at La Joya Senior High School. He has recently been accepted into Michigan State University. He says that through applying for various scholarships, his first year of school is pretty much paid for. He also said that there are over 35 former La Joya students currently attending the college.

"It's cool that there are people from the Valley over there," says Acosta. "I feel a little better knowing that there are other people that know where I'm coming from and can help me."

Selene Ramirez, a junior, is helping out because she is a member of BESTT (Bridging the Educational Scene for Teachers for Tomorrow) and plans on being in the program next year. She says that the BESTT program, of which all of the student volunteers are a part of, is helping her get college credit early.

"I'm planning on going to Pan Am and majoring in Elementary Education," says Ramirez. "I think after that I'll hopefully get my masters in counseling."

During a lull in phone calls, Acosta fiddles with his cell phone. A moment later, loud tejano music blares from his phone's speaker.

"We need some music to dance to," says Acosta as he swivels in his chair.

As the afternoon wears on, the phones ring sporadically. The telethon has raised just over $700, well short of the $10,000 goal that was set. Academic Director Rosalinda Garcia says that the district will accept donations until May 10.

"If anyone wants to donate, they can come to the La Joya High School in person or send a check," says Garcia. "Really, anything that you can donate will go a long way to help."

The address for La Joya High School is 604 North Coyote Boulevard, La Joya, Texas 78560. For more information, call 580-5100.