Video shows how EMERGE program is helping HISD students to aim high

Earlier this year, we introduced you to Edgar Avina, a graduating senior from the DeBakey High School for Health Professions.

Now, we’ve caught up with him at his new school: Yale University. Edgar, who received a full scholarship to Yale, is one of 64 HISD graduates beginning college at a top tier university this semester as part of the district’s EMERGE program. EMERGE aims to take students, particularly those from low-income households, to new heights by preparing them to receive scholarships and acceptance to the nation’s top college and universities.

Watch the video below and ride along with Edgar as he journeys from his mobile home to his former high school across town—and then almost 2,000 miles away to Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut— and be inspired by his drive and determination to succeed.

[su_vimeo url=”http://vimeo.com/106301142″ width=”600″ height=”400″ responsive=”no”]

11 thoughts on “Video shows how EMERGE program is helping HISD students to aim high”

Karen Grays October 2, 2014 at 11:09 am

This is an amazing story for an even more amazing student. Thank you to the teachers who nurtured his aspirations; and a huge congratulations and good luck to Edgar for a job very well done. This will not be the last that we hear of the greater accomplishments to come. HISD is doing great things!!

Carmen Rogina October 2, 2014 at 12:29 pm

BRAVO ! Adelante Edgar ! Thank you to both teachers that reached out and gave their extra effort.

Mary Trevino October 2, 2014 at 12:50 pm

This is such a huge accomplishment for this student. Congratulations on your new journey Edgar!
I’m an HISD employee, and it feels good to know that I work with such an awesome team!
#TEAM HISD

Susan Ovren October 2, 2014 at 1:32 pm

This wonderful, inspiring story and video should be shared with every HS freshman. Believe in yourself, study hard, and the future is open to your dreams. Congratulations on your success, Edgar. Your teachers and program support are truly amazing.

Aldo Molina October 2, 2014 at 2:14 pm

Edgar,
Congratulations on your great accomplishment, I could not help getting emotional with your story because what I see happening to you is what I want to see with so many more bright students that we have here at HISD. You were very lucky to have received the support from great educators who helped you advance. But, nothing would have been possible if you did not have the determination to complete what you set up your mind to do.

So go ahead and shine and that will make us all proud to be working for a GREAT district.
Aldo Molina

Daniela Lopez October 4, 2014 at 1:15 am

I feel so honored to know him! What a wonderful human being, he’s not just intelligent but also incredibly kind. Way to go Edgar! I’m so glad you were an intern at Yale FSI this year!
#IAmEmerge

Allison Groce October 4, 2014 at 2:51 pm

Thank you Rick Cruz for starting such an amazing program! To think, this was just a “project” a few years ago and now you’re changing kids’ lives forever. I am proud to know you and see your vision come to fruition.