Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo

Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo has been named “Educator of the Year” for 2016 by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 402. The assistant superintendent of HISD’s Family and Community Engagement Department will be formally recognized during the council’s annual scholarship gala on Feb. 17.

“I am humbled by this honor from LULAC Council 402, a group that has been distinguished by its historic service to our community and its commitment to education,” said Dr. Arredondo. “I am also quite humbled to have been included on this list. Past honorees are all life-long educators who deeply value parents and caregivers. They not only welcome them to be part of their child’s education, but view it as a privilege and the highest honor to provide a high-quality education to all students. They also understand that despite the gains that we’ve made, too many children are not achieving their maximum potential, and it is our duty as a whole community to alter those conditions, using every possible opportunity we have from cradle to career.”

Past HISD-affiliated recipients of the Educator of the Year award include: Principal Herlinda A. Garcia (2015), J.P. Henderson Elementary; Principal Adriana A. Castro (2014), Moreno Elementary; Principal Christopher Carnes (2013), Herrera Elementary; and Richard Barajas (2012), former HISD administrator.

LULAC 402, dubbed “The Education Council,” is a thriving organization that has grown to include prominent Latino and Hispanic business people who contribute generously to the scholarship fund. To date, the council has awarded more than $500,000 to deserving students. Council 402’s mission is to advance the economic condition, education, political influence, health, housing, and civil rights of the Latino population of the greater Houston metropolitan area.

Founded in 1929, LULAC is the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the U.S. and was organized to help its members create and develop opportunities for Hispanics.