SAISD SPOTLIGHT: Lanier High School student Margaret Garcia’s inspirational story
October is Texas Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month. One of the purposes is to raise awareness about the abilities and value of individuals with disabilities.
Lanier High School student Margaret Garcia is a living embodiment of that spirit. The sophomore keeps proving that despite physical challenges, you can still soar high if you do not give up. Last spring, Garcia qualified for the UIL Class 5A State Track and Field Meet and finished sixth place in the wheelchair shot put event. Garcia’s freshman year featured her winning the gold medal at both the district and area meets. Garcia captured the bronze medal at the regional meet.
“I have a confident circle of friends that didn’t see me like others saw me,” Garcia said. “They didn’t see me like a little girl in a wheelchair. They saw me as an equal. And they really pushed me. My goal is to be in the top three at state.”
And her advice to others in her situation?
“Do not listen to what people say you cannot do. Just keep going and go for it,” Garcia said.
*Call us to arrange an interview with Margaret Garcia or Lanier head track coach Kimberly Lara to hear more about this incredible student who refuses to quit chasing her dreams.
Calendar items
Oct. 20 (Mon) – SAISD Board Meeting
5:30 p.m., SAISD Board Room, 514 W. Quincy St., 78212 or online
Link: https://www.saisd.net/page/dis-board-videos
The SAISD Board of Trustees will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at the central administrative office.
Oct 22 (Wed) – SAISD Police Chief Johnny Reyes, Jr. Town Hall Meeting
6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Brackenridge High School, 400 Eagleland Drive, 78210
The community is invited to a town hall meeting with SAISD Police Chief Johnny Reyes, Jr. and his Command Staff. This will be an open forum where the public can discuss important issues and ask questions, along with sharing any thoughts or concerns.
Oct 23 (Thurs) – Woodlawn Academy Trunk or Treat
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Woodlawn Academy, 1717 W. Magnolia Ave., 78201
The public is invited to the annual Woodlawn Academy Trunk or Treat. This event benefits all Woodlawn Academy athletic programs through the booster club. FREE admission gets you into a fun-filled time featuring concession snacks, face paintings, games and activities for the kids. Come in costume for trick or treating action from all the decorated trunks at the show.
Oct 23 (Thurs) – Fenwick Academy Fall Fest
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Fenwick Academy, 1930 Waverly Ave., 78228
The Fenwick Academy Fall Fest is a fun and festive event open to the community. Guests will get to enjoy delicious foods including chicken on a stick, hot dogs, raspas and other fiesta foods. The good times shared go a long way to bridge and foster connections between our students, families, community members and staff.
Oct 25 (Sat) – Douglass Elementary Neighborhood Meeting
9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Douglass Elementary, 318 Martin Luther King Drive, 78203
The public is invited to a neighborhood meeting at Douglass Elementary to discuss the site’s future use. The purpose of this meeting is to give the community the chance to tour the facility, listen to presentations by organizations interested in repurposing the facility, and to give feedback on potential repurposing.
Oct 25 (Sat) – Lamar Elementary Neighborhood Meeting
1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Lamar Elementary, 201 Parland Place, 78209
The public is invited to a neighborhood meeting at Lamar Elementary to discuss the site’s future use. The purpose of this meeting is to give the community the chance to tour the facility, listen to presentations by organizations interested in repurposing the facility, and to give feedback on potential repurposing.