Give me five

BY PATRICIA LOPEZ

FAMILY & MWR SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICE

Greetings from Fort Bliss MWR Child and Youth Services School Liaison Office!

For the past several years, the High Five Recognition event has invited hundreds of students from El Paso area and Gadsden Independent School Districts (ISD) to be acknowledged for their academic achievements and for their selfless efforts. The intent of the annual event is to provide an experience that leaves students with a better understanding of how important it is to do well in school and understand the value of their hard work and dedication.

Elementary and Middle School campuses select military and civilian students to participate based on criteria including most academically improved, leaders and helpers, best attendance, most AR books read, most volunteer hours, etc. This event boosts student self-esteem, encourages excellence in the classroom, and promotes positive role modeling round the campus.

In an effort to adhere to CDC, local, and state guidelines for social distancing during COVID-19, the High Five Recognition event has been postponed until 2022. However, this year we find it especially important to acknowledge all students. The Fort Bliss MWR team is proud of every student for demonstrating exceptional resiliency and dedication throughout the 2020-21 school year. For many students this year was particularly difficult; it presented unfamiliar challenges along with being away from your peers and teachers. Every student made sure they were in class on time, dedicated countless hours to virtual instruction, and turned in their homework in a timely manner. The work you have done through these trying times and the effort each of you made to be present in every virtual class is commendable. Your perseverance shows how important education is to you. Fort Bliss Leadership and Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment and 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division came together to create a very special video message to acknowledge every student’s dedication, hard work and individual successes. Keep up the great work, have a safe summer, and we look forward to seeing you in the 2021scan with phone to view video. 22 school year.