Socorro High School students are getting a jump start on their future careers as educators.  The chapter of the Texas Association of Future Educators at Socorro received several honors at the annual convention in Frisco, Texas.  In addition, the chapter was elected to serve as state historian for the organization.

Led by sponsors Marie Cox and Melissa Haggerty, the 30-member chapter met with students from across the state to learn about different projects and take in leadership workshops.  At the two-day conference, the Socorro chapter received a blue ribbon for the scrapbook contest and for its service project, “Operation Christmas Child.” For this project, students fill shoe boxes with different items and send them to children in need.  The chapter was also presented another project “Count on Character”, a children’s book written and illustrated by Perla Soriano and Marilu Castellano. Two members also competed in the Speech competition.  Brenda Pimentel and Monica Arrago placed 1st and 2nd during the regional contest.  Socorro senior Pimental was ranked 3rd out of 20 participants.

“This was first year competing. I had a huge knot in my stomach. I didn’t think I would get anything at all,” said Pimentel who hopes to become a special education teacher.  “This is a great leadership opportunity and it really leads you into a teaching career.”  Pimentel is currently getting field experience working as an intern at Campestre Elementary.

Fellow TAFE member Alejandra Lopez agrees and added “being a member in TAFE also helps you break out of your shell. You make new friends and helps with your communications skills.”

“This definitely builds leadership and communication skills,” said Cox who also leads the Academy of Careers in Education at Socorro High School. “We get students involved by tutoring elementary students and many of them volunteers at the elementary schools during their intersession.”

T.A.F.E. is a statewide non-profit (501 c3) student organization led by dynamic and passionate teachers/sponsors. The organization was created in 1984 so that the best high school students in Texas would have the opportunity to learn how and where teachers receive their training, the cost, scholarships available, number of years required, certification requirements, and standards.