State Senator Eddie Lucio and United States Congressman Ruben Hinojosa recently received Leadership in Advocacy Awards from the Rio Grande Valley Down Syndrome Association. Jessy Gonzalez was honored as the RGVDSA Educator of the Year.
Rivas Elementary (Donna ISD) and IDEA Weslaco were also recognized as 2015 Educational Champions of Advocacy.
The selected individuals were recognized for their outstanding service for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the Rio Grande Valley.
Congressman Hinojosa supported the federal ABLE Act, which will help individuals with disabilities save money for housing, transportation and medical expenses. Senator Lucio was instrumental in passing three key pieces of legislation that benefit individuals with Down syndrome: the Texas ABLE Act, the Down Syndrome Information Act, and cameras in classrooms.
Jessy Gonzalez is a wonderful special educator in PSJA ISD.
The two schools were recognized for their efforts to build awareness and inclusion for students with Down syndrome.
Legislative award winners and our Educator of the Year received plaques at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Awareness Walk in October. School award recipients received books about Down syndrome for their school libraries and a $50 gift card for their special education programs
