Spc. Rafael Hernando III Middle School hosted a surprise celebration to honor seventh-grader Jesus Robledo, who won the Read 180 national award for significant improvements in reading.
Robledo was one of 49 students nationwide and one of three from the Socorro Independent School District to receive this award for his outstanding academic achievement and growth in reading. The other SISD recipients of the award were Ari Chavez, who attended SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle School and is now a student at Ernesto Serna Fine Arts Academy, and Zoey Mota, an eighth grader at Socorro Middle School.
“I was surprised because this has never happened to me,” said a beaming Robledo, who entered the classroom to cheers and applause from classmates, teachers, and family on April 24.
“I feel happy about it. I feel proud of myself,” Robledo added.
Presented by HMH, an adaptive learning company, the 180 awards honor students and educators who have demonstrated growth, leadership, and perseverance through their use of Read 180 and Math 180, HMH’s intensive intervention solutions.
The 180 Awards recipients are nominated by fellow educators, coaches, intervention specialists, parents, and school leaders from across the country. The Read 180 awards spotlight students who have overcome personal and academic challenges to make remarkable gains. Additionally, awards are presented to educators involved in the Read 180 program, as well as to both educators and students who excel in the Math 180 program.
Robledo was nominated by his teacher, Brenda Rios, who said Robledo has worked hard to improve his reading skills and has advanced several reading levels since starting the program.
“You’re a leader in here, and you’ve shown that despite obstacles, you can still be successful and have a positive attitude,” Rios said during the event.
HMH representative Nancy Gomez acknowledged Rios for her successful work with the students. Gomez also encouraged Robledo’s classmates to continue participating in the program to enhance their reading skills.
“Keep working hard, and this could be you next year because your district works really hard, your teacher works really hard, and that’s how Jesus was able to accomplish this because of the hard work they do, the hard work you do and the support behind it,” Gomez said.
Robledo said he enjoys reading comics and adventure stories. He said Read 180 helped him improve his reading by assisting him with understanding some difficult words and better comprehending the texts he read.
“There's segments in the program that help me study the word and the definition, spell it and all that,” Robledo said.
Robledo’s mom, Emma Soto, hugged and congratulated her son when he walked into the classroom. She said she was grateful to the teachers and the school for supporting her son and helping him become a better student.
“I’m happy and very emotional for what my child has accomplished,” Soto said in Spanish. “I’m also very proud. I’m grateful to the school and teachers for the support they’ve given my son to help him move forward. This accomplishment is going to be an unforgettable experience, and I hope this is the first of many accomplishments that God has in store for him.”