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.

Cristo Rey Jesuit welcomed former first lady Laura Bush to its campus for an in-depth look into the newest and most innovative educational model in Houston targeting economically disadvantaged students. Fr. TJ Martinez, SJ, President of Cristo Rey Jesuit, toured with Mrs. Bush while describing the school's unique curriculum that includes a Corporate Work-Study Program in which students spend one day a week working at a corporation in the city.

"The great privilege of having Mrs. Bush on our campus reflects the crucial significance of our program," said Fr. Martinez. " We are taking kids from very difficult circumstances and teaching them that college is no longer a dream—but a reality. Mrs. Bush has and continues to be an untiring advocate for education, especially for those trapped in cycles of poverty."

Mrs. Bush participated in a classroom project with Cristo Rey Jesuit students. The assignment was to envision what their Facebook profile would look like in 25 years. Students were to include what their interests may be, what famous people would have inspired them, and 4 to 5 friends they would still be in contact with. Each student shared their Facebook profile with the rest of the class and was encouraged to write on each other's Facebook walls a message for them to discover in 25 years.

One student, Timothy Macalino, had created a picture of himself as the U.S. President. Mrs. Bush took his page and shared with the room the significance of Cristo Rey Jesuit inspiring its students to reach for the stars. Mrs. Bush then wrote down her hopes and dreams for Cristo Rey Jesuit over the next 25 years. The student projects, as well as Mrs. Bush's remarks will be put into a time capsule to be opened in 25 years.

Mrs. Bush and Fr. Martinez then led a roundtable discussion in the school's library where students were encouraged to share their experiences in the workplace. They discussed how it felt to be benefactors of their own college preparatory education and how the Corporate Work-Study Program is not only a means for paying tuition, but is also preparing them for life beyond college.
At the end of her visit, Mrs. Bush gave a keynote address to a crowd of more than 400 Cristo Rey Jesuit students, parents, staff, supporters, and Corporate Work-Study sponsors. She spoke of the exceedingly high dropout rates in Texas and the proven success of the Cristo Rey Jesuit model.

"These students are learning values that will guide them in the years ahead—respect, perseverance and integrity," said Mrs. Bush. "Most importantly, they are learning who they are and who they can be."  She then went on to give advice to the inaugural freshman class of 77 students.

"No matter what career you chose to pursue, you will not waste your talents and education if you use them in service to others," said Mrs. Bush. She mentioned several different ways people could embrace their community, from serving their country to becoming a teacher.  "Believe in yourselves. If you study and work hard, there is no limit to what you can achieve."

Mrs. Bush concluded her speech by describing the significance of the Cristo Rey Jesuit school colors –orange and yellow.
"They are the colors of the sunrise and they represent the dawn—a bright future ahead for each Cristo Rey student. I encourage each student to embrace the opportunity they have been given through this school."