 South
Houston Intermediate School eighth grader Jesus Rodriguez can now
add Junior Optimist to his list of achievements as he was recently
named as the school’s first optimist honoree for this school year.
Optimist Clubs throughout the world conduct service projects aimed
at helping the youth. Intermediate and high school students
throughout Pasadena ISD are recognized each month as optimists of
the month. Student members participate in community service projects
as well as create projects based on community needs. The program was
implemented last year at South Houston.
“Jesus was chosen as this month’s Junior Optimist because of his
positive attitude, good sportsmanship and for always trying hard,”
said South Houston’s peer facilitator Gail Ward.
Rodriguez, a fullback and tight end for the school’s “A” football
team, a school band member and a member of the Optimist Club, said
he is happy to represent his school as a Junior Optimist.
“It feels great,” Rodriguez said. “I feel privileged because the
teachers nominated me, and it makes me proud to know they think so
highly of me.”
Rodriguez serves as a teacher’s aide on campus whenever he is
needed. When he completes his homework after school, Rodriguez said
he enjoys playing basketball, swimming, hanging out with friends and
helping out around the house.
Ward said Rodriguez serves as a role model to his peers because he
helps encourage other students to keep their grades up.
“I would like to help other South Houston Intermediate students
understand how important their grades are and to try hard no matter
what,” Rodriguez said. “This program is really good for us because
it gives us something to work for.”
Ward said the program was started on the campus to involve its
students in the community.
“This program is good for our students because it helps them serve
the community by having toy drives, canned food drives, tree
planting events and more,” she said. “Our students need to be
recognized for their good citizenship, and we want to show them
their hard work does and will pay off. Being selected as an optimist
is just another motivator for our students to set goals and
accomplish them.”
Rodriguez hopes to attend the University of Houston after he
graduates from high school in Pasadena ISD. His dream is to be a
professional football player when he grows up because he said it
makes him feel good when he plays.
“Jesus is very deserving of this recognition,” Ward said. “Not only
is he a diligent student, but he is a very kind, courteous and
responsible individual. We look forward to seeing his continued
success.” |
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