Two SMHS Class of 2017 Top Scholars Are Graduates of the Newcomer Program

“I am constantly impressed and proud of Luis and Jesus. They are proof that education truly offers the opportunity to achieve your dreams and goals,” Wolpman said.

Jesus Hernandez and Luis Trejo moved to the United States during their 9^th grade school year and entered San Marcos High School through the Newcomer program.

Now less than four years later, to say they have adjusted would be an understatement, for both young men have earned places in the top ten percent of the 2017 graduating class of San Marcos High School.

They credit the teaching systems in place at the high school and their dedicated teachers for their success.

As non-English speakers, Hernandez and Trejo began in the Newcomer program.

Passing the required End of Course exams and STAAR tests can be challenging for many students, but add to the mix that one must learn a new language concurrently with regular school work. 

For many English language learners, passing the required English exams is daunting.

The Newcomer program is designed to address those specific needs, as it’s a support system to help keep students from falling behind in their school work because of a language barrier.

Kari Nelson is one of the Newcomer English teachers who worked with Hernandez and Trejo until the young men were able to be integrated into regular English classes.

Nelson said that students are taught language skills that help them thrive in their studies and become more secure about transitioning to other classes.

Now Nelson proudly adds that her two former students “are an asset to their families and our school and our community.”

In due time, Hernandez and Trejo became a part of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at San Marcos High School.

There was some initial reluctance on their parts, for they had graduated from the Newcomer academy two years earlier, and AVID meant new challenges and commitment.

AVID is a college-readiness program that accelerates student learning and provides motivation for achievement.

An academic elective, the program holds students accountable to high standards and provides academic and social support—primarily to the least served students in the academic middle, and thereby helps close achievement gaps.

Trejo said he initially was afraid to join AVID, but he wanted the opportunity to go to college and knew that he needed the resources the program could provide.

He recently went with a group of AVID students to visit Texas A&M University-College Station, and now he wants to go there to earn a degree in Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine to achieve his dream of being a Veterinarian.

Hernandez says that AVID helped him learn how to better interact with other students, and the program offered tutorials. As a result, he feels more confident now.

His interests lie in the medical field, and while at SMHS he has studied anatomy and physiology, child development, and medical terminology. In spring 2016, he was named Outstanding Student in Anatomy and Physiology.

He has been accepted for admission by both the University of Texas-San Antonio and Texas State University-San Marcos. He wants to study Biology, and eventually earn a Doctorate in Dentistry.

“I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to support and work with these young men as their AVID Elective teacher,” AVID coordinator Beth Wolpman said. “As students, Jesus and Luis each worked diligently to do his best work in every class taken at San Marcos High School.”

“The result of their individual efforts, with the support of their teachers and families, is that both Jesus and Luis earned a place in the top ten percent of the Class of 2017,” Wolpman said. “With a mere three and a half years speaking English and being at SMHS, each is reaping the rewards of their hard work. Now, they are dealing with which university to attend in Texas. I am constantly impressed and proud of Luis and Jesus. They are proof that education truly offers the opportunity to achieve your dreams and goals.”

Both young men report that they were conscientious students even before they came to the U.S.

Hernandez said that tests that he took in 2010-2011 resulted in his earning the highest score in the region, and he earned a top ten highest score in his state during the same time period.

He is now a member of the Key Club and the National Honor Society at SMHS.

Trejo also has been consistently on the A/B Honor Roll and has a 3.996 GPA. He earned his OSHA certification, while begin an active FFA member and learning construction skills alongside his father.

Both young men have been active in community service, working with the Hays County Food Bank as volunteers in the warehouse and food distribution activities. 

Trejo is a former member of the SMHS power lifting team, enjoys playing the accordion, and has a fondness for animals—especially horses. Hernandez admits to being competitive, and says that “learning is his love.”

That is perhaps the thing that these two outstanding young men have most in common: an obvious love for learning.

San Marcos CISD is grateful that our teachers and programs have been there all along their high school career path to nurture and support their love for learning and to help them achieve their goals.