Texas Border Business
AUSTIN — Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Awards, yesterday announced that Edinburg High School National Honor Society, of Edinburg, has received the Governor’s Service-Learning Champion Award. This award recognizes institutions of learning, including K-12 public and charter schools, community colleges, and universities, that utilize service as a key component of their academic curriculum. Service-Learning Champions go above and beyond to develop the next generation of civic-minded, socially engaged Texans.
“At its core, the Edinburg High School Chapter of the National Honor Society embodies the four pillars of the NHS including: service, character, leadership, and scholarship,” said Kendra De La Garza, advisor for the Edinburg High School National Honor Society and teacher. “The students in this organization surpass all expectations, as they dedicate themselves to making a true difference in their community. It is our mission to make the world a better place one act of service at a time.”
The Edinburg High School Chapter of the National Honor Society has been a major asset in helping the South Texas Literacy Coalition with community outreach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group was instrumental in setting up and preparing for drive-by distributions and handed out more than 10,000 free books to students whose families are financially challenged. In addition, they have developed literacy activities, presented bilingual online book readings, and are presently hosting a virtual book club with the goal of helping students develop a love for reading and writing. Many of the members also serve with South Texas Literacy Coalition as interns, helping to manage the office and organize literacy resources. In addition to these efforts, the members of the Edinburg Chapter of the National Honor Society assist other nonprofits in the South Texas Region, including the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Ronald McDonald House, Greater Gold Foundation, Capable Kids Foundation, and Kiwanis International.
The Service-Learning Champion Award is a part of the 38th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards, presented in conjunction with OneStar Foundation, honor the exemplary service of individuals and organizations that have made a significant and measurable contribution to Texas communities in the past year.
“Gov. Greg Abbott and I have been so inspired by the generosity and selfless dedication demonstrated by volunteers across this great state over the past year,” said Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “As we strive toward stronger Texas communities, we are reminded that the true power of the Lone Star State is found in people coming together to support one another. We are thrilled to recognize the Texan spirit of service exemplified by this year’s 11 outstanding awardees.”
Awardees were selected for engaging in volunteer service that effectively addresses a critical need, makes a sustained positive impact on the community, and inspires others to get involved in their cause or community.
“All of this year’s awardees have exhibited an enduring commitment to service in even the most extraordinary circumstances,” said Chris Bugbee, OneStar President & CEO. “They have persevered in spite of—or perhaps because of—the COVID-19 pandemic and have risen to the challenge of meeting this year’s exceptional community needs. We are grateful to these incredible awardees for making a difference in the lives of so many Texans.”
Edinburg High School National Honor Society will be honored alongside other Governor’s Volunteer Awardees Nov. 3 during an online awards ceremony hosted by Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott.
