HARLINGEN, Texas – On May 30, 2017, the Edna Tamayo House was visited by Becky Lee Meza, who portrayed young Selena Quintanilla in the 1997 movie Selena. Meza told her life story and shared how she pulled herself out of poverty, being a victim of bullying as a teen, and turning to drugs and away from her family to cope with these problems. Meza shared with the boys how finding a spiritual solution, helping others, and turning her back on negative influences in her life helped her change and become the successful person she is today. She was very inspirational, positive and uplifting. The boys where excited to have a star come and talk with them and were very respectful and attentive while she gave her talk.
Dozens of young people are graduating at TJJD’s Lone Star high schools this spring – and two will receive a special recognition for having earned a “distinguished” academic diploma. Giddings State School spring 2019 graduation in April. All the TJJD graduates can rejoice in their accomplishments. Many of these youth were able to turn-around what had been a spotty or interrupted school record, fill in the gaps, and secure either their high school diploma or graduate equivalency certificate. Others were doing well in their home high school and simply crossed the finish line at TJJD. The two graduates receiving the special honor this graduation season attained a Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Texas Foundation High School program by completing advanced courses that exceeded those required for a high school diploma. These two young men, one at the McLennan County State Correctional Facility and the other at the Evins Juvenile Correctional Center sho...
