Hundreds of PSJA ISD students learn from Veterans at first-ever Vessel Project event
Texas Border Business
PHARR – Over 300 students in Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) got to hear personal stories and experiences from Veterans during the district’s first “Vessel Project: Lunch With A Veteran” event held Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, at the Pharr Events Center.
Held in partnership with PSJA ISD, City of Pharr, and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, the Vessel Project aimed to pair high school students with Veterans from across different military branches in the Rio Grande Valley and allowed them to hear about the sacrifices they made to defend our country.
As part of the lunch, students taking Dual Credit US History courses from PSJA Early College HS, PSJA North Early College HS, PSJA Memorial Early College HS, and PSJA Southwest Early College HS had the opportunity to interview and interact with dozens of Veterans.
“It means a lot to be able to speak to them about their experience,” said Evelyn Esparza, a senior at PSJA North ECHS. “Learning about these sacrifices is important. Thank you to all of them for what they have done for our country.”
For US Navy Veteran Robert Wilczynski, knowing that students are getting these enriching experiences and are interested in learning from individuals who served in the armed forces makes him happy.
“I am honored to be here and know that students are learning about veterans,” said Wilczynski who served in the US Navy from 1981-1986. “Students asked me a lot of insightful questions about my experiences and I got to share some of my stories with them.”
Officials during the event included PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo, PSJA School Board Members Victor Perez and Carlos Villegas, Jr., Texas Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Texas State Representative Armando Martinez, Texas State Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr., and Judge Nereida Lopez-Singleterry, to name a few.
“This is an important event because it allows us to learn the stories of our Veterans,” said Senator Lucio during his remarks. “Veterans epitomize what it means to be an American. Thank you to our Veterans for the sacrifices you have made and everyone for honoring them.”
PSJA Superintendent Dr. Arredondo also expressed his gratitude to our nation’s heroes during the event.
“We are free because of the many sacrifices and courage from the brave,” said Dr. Arredondo. “Thank you to all the brave individuals who served and fought for our country. It is our privilege to honor you.”
 got to hear personal stories and experiences from Veterans during the district’s first “Vessel Project: Lunch With A Veteran” event held Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, at the Pharr Events Center.){kind=link}