Seeded in the heart of the west side of San Antonio, is Lanier High School, where 99% of the enrolled are of Latino descent. My first ever visit to the School, was an eye-opener and a heartfelt learning experience.

Mr. Orlando Lizcano, who happens to be Melanie’s daddy, greeted us with “Welcome Home.” Initially, I assumed he was making reference to our Oaxaca return trip. He explained that this was the “House”, Home to the teaching staff and students of the Career Technology Department. Mr. Lizcano for 19 years has directed the department of 15 programs such as Automotive, Criminal Justice and Building Traits. However, his students are aware that his position extends to surrogate Father. Here, Mr. Lizcano and his staff implement basic life skills into the curriculum.

When a Lanier High School student enrolls in one of the programs, they receive lessons on mannerism, table etiquettes, appropriate dress, communication skills and how hickeys are negative connotations. Girls are given special instruction on how to be “young ladies.” By the end of the year, the students have made a visible change.

Ms. Tamara Ford a retired San Antonio Police officer instructs the Criminal Justice curriculum. The no nonsense, shoot from the hip style she projects works. When a student arrives late to class, pushups are required. She said, “Nobody is going to baby you.”

Ms. Ford applies inventive techniques to reaching the students, many who are classified at risk. First there must be an understanding of the Hispanic cultural, recognize academic potential and the social and psychological mindsets of the young students. Most importantly, she plants in their minds: be determined to succeed and it is ok to set goals.

Mr. Mike Lizcano, yes he is the son of Mr. Orlando Lizcano, oversees the Building Traits curriculum. He enlightened us with a technique he uses to “get to know the student.” On the first day of class, the lights will be turned off and the students are to close their eyes and meditate on the positives and then the negatives of their lives. Mr. Lizcano then asks them to write them down. Sadly, many have unthinkable events to share with him, but he believes it is imperative to understand their positions. Many of the students come to school and use it as a dumping ground, for their troubles. Many do not come from a “Leave it to Beaver” home environment. When one student is in need, the group comes together in a round table discussion. The kids respond and rise up to the occasion-for they are “family.”

The fastest way to make me cry, is to witness someone else tear up. Mr. Mike Lizcano is a big guy with a heart to match. He discussed the difference between Mexican National and Mexican American students enrolled at Lanier and stressed the importance to appreciate the different cultures. When Mr. Lizcano shared the story of one of his former Mexican National students, Beto, is when my eyes reacted. The young man was required to return to Mexico and go to work. Even though Beto did not want to, he wished he could have stayed to finish his education. Unfortunately, Mr. Lizcano received word that Beto lost his life working in an unstable Mexican mining shaft.

Lanier High School is not immune to District politics, the Career Technology Department had been treated like the “step-child.” Mr. Orlando Lizcano has a budget of $11,000.00 for the 15 different programs with lots of restrictions attached. As Mr. Lizcano said, “Do the math.”

The teaching staff treated our hungry group to some really good breakfast tacos and choice of drinks-Muchas gracias. Especially for your time and for sharing how your successful programs are working and making a positive difference.

Our next stop sent the hurried group around the corner and down the street to 1426 El Paso Street the head quarters to the American Indians in Texas Spanish Colonial Missions, where the Rites of Passage Program operates. In the small colorful transformed home to office we found Ms. Diana Morales who shared with us what the Passage Program is about.

The Program targets males 12-21 who are fathers or at risk of becoming fathers. The mission is to provide them with a model on accepting the responsibilities of man-hood; many have no father figure in their lives.

The program encourages discovering and preserving the young men’s indigenous past and implements native arts and crafts such as creating dream catchers and by using sticks and yarn to create eyes of God. The finished art resembles a colorful patterned square.

Ms. Morales said that a big part of their services include counseling that is available at no cost. Under project base learning, to help satisfy their emotional need.

I was happy to hear that a service such as this exists. So many times babies having babies often result in child abuse and worse, death.