Several years ago, the SocorroSchool in Juarez, Mexico was housed in a broken down school bus where students waited eagerly in line to receive donated pencils.   Socorro students had no library, no playground, and little chance to go to school beyond the sixth grade.  Today, thanks to the students and families of White Rock Elementary, the Socorro students have a much brighter future. 

Since 2005, White Rock Elementary students have volunteered for Read for Need, a reading incentive program that raises money for the SocorroSchool.  The concept is simple.  Students ask sponsors to make donations for every book or chapter they read during the month of April.  And then they read, and they read, and they read more.

White Rock Elementary students read over 6,500 books and chapters for Read for Need.   Over 20 students read over 100 books and chapters: Michael Dorsey, Jake Faulk, Nathan Price, Daniel Price, Jack Webster, Ricky Estrada, Sam Brokaw, Shayla Carter, Angel Gutierrez, Katie Hageman, Alexa Blomberg, Gabe Olivo, Ian Barry, Abbi Parker, Mason Graham, Anna Ruiz Currin, Madeleine Ash, Caleb Parker, Camille Dries, Hiram Olivo, Tita Peterson, Joshua Belew, and Hannah Barry. 

To celebrate their success, White Rock Elementary students presented a check to Senor Ruben Alguin, SocorroSchool principal on May 9th.  The donation of over $15,500 will provide scholarships for 78 students to receive one year of education in junior high.   Top fundraisers in each grade include:   Nova Tremoni, Sam Brokaw, Marshall Fairbanks, Ian Barry, Emma Dohnalik, Tita Peterson, Courtney MacDonald and Reina Olivo.   Amazingly, Kara Wright and Joshua Belew each raised over $1000 as the top fundraisers for the school.   

The Read for Need program is a win-win situation for all.  White Rock Elementary teachers and parents are pleased their students are reading.  Socorro students are given the opportunity to stay in school beyond the sixth grade.  And the program teaches students in Dallas and Mexico the value of education and the joy of helping others.

Article submitted by Tina Hageman, WRE Parent and Chair of PTA Multicultural Committee.

Photos submitted by Ethan Fuerst, WRE 4th Grade Student