Former Governor of Virginia, and current Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine visited Cristo Rey Jesuit on March 25th, and participated in a student round table discussion with Reverend TJ Martinez, SJ, President of Cristo Rey Jesuit on the school's innovative educational model which includes a mandatory work-study program. A product of a Jesuit college prep education, Kaine began his career in public service when he took a year off from law school to volunteer with Jesuit missionaries in Honduras. He recognizes the value of a Jesuit education and is especially interested in learning more about the dreams and expectations of our students at Cristo Rey Jesuit -- the only college prep school in Houston that exclusively serves students from economically-disadvantaged families.

During the discussion, the students shared with Kaine their experiences working in corporate offices throughout the city of Houston. In return for working one day per week, students are paid entry-level salaries that cover more than 70 percent of their tuition Kaine then talked about his missionary work in Honduras, working as a principal at a vocational school that taught skilled labor to teenagers. He believed that although the concept was similar, Cristo Rey Jesuit students are earning invaluable experiences in corporate America that will prepare them to be future leaders.

"You can be a mayor. I was a mayor. You can be a governor. You can be anything you want."

Kaine went on to ask each student what they wanted to do when they graduated college. The answers ranged from an early childhood education specialist to a lawyer, an engineer and a computer software developer. Kaine praised the students for their hard work and encouraged them to "never give up."

Fr. Martinez said that Gov. Kaine's message to the students rings true to the mission of Cristo Rey Jesuit.

"Having someone of Governor Kaine's stature visit the school, with his own experience of a Jesuit education, highlights just how powerful our educational model is and the positive impact it is already having on our great students and Houston's future," said Fr. Martinez.