Valley View High School Celebrates First Graduates with Minor in Spanish from UTSA
HIDALGO, Texas – History has been made at Valley View High School as the first cohort of students graduated with not only a high school diploma but also a Minor in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). This milestone not only highlights the school’s commitment to bilingual education but also exemplifies the growing partnership between local high schools and universities.
A New Academic Pathway for Students
Valley View, one of Hidalgo County’s smaller school districts, previously collaborated with institutions like UT-Pan American and UT-Rio Grande Valley. However, the current focus on empowering students proficient in Spanish is spearheaded by UTSA. Glenn Martinez, the dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts at UTSA, expressed immense pride in this achievement. “We’re so very happy to celebrate this first group of eight students graduating with a Minor in Spanish,” he shared.
Martinez emphasized that dual credit programs serve a purpose beyond academic credits: they foster relationships and create a sense of identity with the university. “We want these students to feel like they’re Road Runners from 10th grade all the way through graduate school,” he added. This approach encourages students to envision a future at the university, complete with dorm life and participation in campus activities.
Building a Legacy Through Relationships
The connection between Valley View and UTSA evolved through personal relationships, particularly that of Martinez and Spanish teacher David de Leon at Valley View. Martinez previously initiated this program during his tenure at UTPA before his stints at Ohio State University and his eventual return to UTSA.
David de Leon plays a pivotal role in this journey, personally awarding the Seal of Biliteracy certificates to the graduating students: Mia N. Cruz, Learsey A. Escamilla, Pedro Espinoza, Sugey N. Gonzalez De La Llave, Sadrach Mancha, Orlando Martinez Cabriales, Nicole Montoya, and Jesus A. Treviño.
Confidence Through Bilingual Education
Martinez confidently asserted that the Valley View graduates would excel at UTSA and beyond. “These students are outstanding. They shine first in Spanish, and then in everything else,” he noted. Alumni of this program have already found success in various fields, including biology education, medical school, and engineering at prestigious universities such as Harvard and Penn State.
“What this program gives the students is a sense of confidence and self-worth, allowing them not just to attend a four-year university but to persist and pursue higher levels of education,” Martinez stated. This assessment speaks volumes about the program’s impact on students’ lives and futures.
The Future of Bilingual Education
Martinez pointed to some compelling demographic trends, predicting that the United States will be the largest Spanish-speaking country by 2050. He underscored the nationwide demand for Spanish-speaking professionals, highlighting the roles of teachers, lawyers, and medical professionals.
Looking ahead, Martinez expressed a desire to extend the Spanish Minor program to more schools across the Valley and South Texas. He envisions identifying students’ strengths in various domains—be it music, mathematics, or science—and nurturing that talent into greater confidence.
Insights from Luisa Saenz
Luisa Saenz, an advisor on the Spanish Minor program, has been instrumental from its inception. She credits much of its success to David de Leon’s dedication and vision. Through her ongoing involvement and close collaboration with Valley View, Saenz continues to advocate for bilingual education, further establishing its importance in today’s educational landscape.
Concluding Thoughts
The graduation of these eight students marks a significant achievement for Valley View High School and highlights the potential of bilingual education in transforming lives. As partnerships deepen between educational institutions, opportunities for students will continue to expand, setting a precedent for future initiatives grounded in empowerment and inclusivity.
For more insight into similar programs, visit links about bilingual education and dual credit programs.
