Mi Escuelita Graduate Takes the Next Big Step
When Brenda Peña first entered Mi Escuelita Preschool nearly fifteen years ago, she spoke little to no English at all. When she left preschool and entered kindergarten at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School, Brenda was already reading at a fourth grade level in English.
"Brenda knows more English now than Spanish," Elizabeth Peña, Brenda's proud mother, said. "I really think it was her time here at Mi Escuelita that helped her in public school. Children need a foundation in English to be successful and Mi Escuelita provided that to Brenda"
Brenda is now a graduating senior at Dr. John D. Horn High School in Mesquite where she is in the honor society and on the principal's honor roll. She will graduate in May 2009 and plans to attend college to become a teacher.
"Mi Escuelita really helped me to break out of my shell when I was a little girl," said Brenda. "The teachers there really tried to make me feel more comfortable with my English and they still ask my mom about me."
Brenda's mother says that even though today Brenda is outspoken and very social, she was shy as a young child but that all changed with one fateful event.
"I remember Ms. Bernal, Brenda's teacher here at Mi Escuelita, put her in a starring role in a class play and after that, Brenda's self esteem rose higher and higher," explain Elizabeth
Now, as she takes AP Math and English classes on top of extracurricular activities such as cheerleading, Brenda can hardly be considered shy. She is a shining example of a successful Mi Escuelita alumni.
"Mi Escuelita really changed my life and any success I have in the future will be because my parents cared enough about my education to send me there," says Brenda.
