Alumni Focus: Bike MS - Valero 2012 Alamo Ride to the River

This week's inspiration is a personal one because it has inspired me! 

I have two former students Celeste Garza and Kandice Melchor who road this weekend in the Bike MS: Valero 2012 Alamo Ride to the River. The ride is very much like the MS 150 that goes from Houston to Austin. 

Celeste and Kandice met with me this summer and explained that they wanted to ride in my name for Bike MS. They were inspired to do something positive (and get in great shape at the same time!). At the time I was having a pretty great summer and feeling well. But, this weekend has probably been the hardest I have had since sometime early last spring. My MS has been really raging and spiking on me. 

Seeing the news that they had both finished today really picked up my spirits! They are awesome.

Alumni Focus - The Academies

What a pair! Eagles taking flight.

As a teacher, this is what it is all about. Seeing former students 'living the life' in college. Melanie is at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Pablo is at the Naval Academy. 

Melanie was one of my advisory students for 2 years and Pablo was in Pre-AP World History with me during his sophomore year. Both also has Mrs. Duez. We are so lucky to teach such great students and help them along their path. Very proud of them both!

Pablo is the punter for the Navy football squad. Pablo appeared in the Showtime Documentary "A Game of Honor" last year. It is quite a documentary and really gives someone a sense of what it would be like to attend any of the academies. He was recently named the FBS College Football Special Teams Player of the Week nationwide. 

A sophomore from Humble, Texas, Beltran was an effective field position weapon in Navy’s 12-0 setback versus visiting San Jose State.  Beltran punted five times for a 49.2 yard average, with a game-long effort of 57 yards.  Three consecutive second-quarter kicks traveled 57, 55 and 53 yards, helping the Midshipmen remain within three points of the Spartans at the halftime intermission.

Melanie is a cheerleader at Air Force. She was an outstanding student at Atascocita High and was well rewarded with amazing opportunities at the Air Force Academy. She was one of the first two AHS students to attend Air Force. Only 1 in 100 students who are nominated actually are selected. She received a Presidential nomination.

Melanie is the fourth from the left. Interestingly enough, she did not cheer at AHS. Just goes to show you, college opens new doors and opportunities in life.