AUSTIN, TexasTwo exceptional high school students who have overcome extraordinary obstacles trying to get an education will be recognized Monday (March 4) as the 2002 Migrant Students of the Year during a special ceremony at The University of Texas at Austin.
The award winners were chosen from among 1,000 migrant students from throughout Texas involved in a special distance learning program to help students who must miss several weeks of school in late spring and early fall to go with their parents to work in agricultural fields and other seasonal jobs far from home.
Austin Mayor Gus Garcia will be the keynote speaker during the 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Migrant Student Recognition Ceremony and Luncheon in the Burnt Orange Room of the Frank C. Erwin Center, just south of The University of Texas at Austin main campus.
The University of Texas at Austin offers the migrant study courses through high schools in Texas and in cooperation with the Texas Education Agency. The program offers course study guides and textbooks in print and computer-based formats. The newest method of getting these materials to students is an Internet course that can help students receive high school credit.
School districts represented by the 175 migrant students attending the program include Booker, Brownsville, Clint, Corpus Christi, Denton, Donna, Fredericksburg, Goose Creek, Gruver, La Joya, McAllen, Plains, San Antonio, Santa Rosa and South San Antonio.
Before the luncheon, students will meet with representatives from The University of Texas at Austin’s Office of Admissions and Office of Student Financial Aid. Former migrant students who are not attending college will talk to the high school students about the greater opportunities that will be available in life by pursuing a college education.
