Fort Worth's top students got a major shoutout from Mayor Mattie Parker on Thursday, as 168 deserving seniors received the Mayor’s Achievement Award for their impressive strides in career readiness. This marks the third year Parker has brought bright young minds into the spotlight at the annual “Where Achievement Begins: Mayor’s Celebration for Workforce-Ready Graduates” event. Recognized for more than just their academic feats, these students emerged with professional certificates, internship experience, and unmatched readiness for the workforce.
The cream of the crop hailed from a dozen school districts including Burleson ISD, Birdville ISD, and Castleberry ISD, among others, each district selected its standout students for this prestigious honor. According to the City of Fort Worth, the Mayor underscored the city's goldmine of "exceptional students with limitless potential," and commended their early focus on career paths. Mayor Parker didn't miss the chance to point out how vital these educational opportunities are, not just for the students, but for the Fort Worth community at large.
In a panel conversation moderated by NBC-5’s Deborah Ferguson, Parker sat down with honorees like Rolando Jaramillo from Fort Worth ISD and T3 scholar alum Lizbeth Moldanado. The chat, held during the ceremony, delved into the life-changing impact these programs have on students. Ferguson's conversation with these young minds shone a light on their journey through Fort Worth's educational pathways, capturing stories of personal triumph and ambition.
Behind the scenes, the Mayor’s Council on Education & Workforce has been hard at work since 2022, shaping the educational landscape to better fit the needs of Fort Worth's industries. Parker spoke at length about this ongoing effort during the event, hinting at a future where the city's business needs align seamlessly with the talents fostered in its schools. And to cap off an evening of accolades, every student left with a Mayor’s Achievement Award medal and a surprise gift – a Bluetooth Party Speaker courtesy of Walmart, Sam's Club, and Fort Worth Education Partnership, which is all about providing quality education for the city's youth.
As grads mixed and mingled, a familiar face, Cowtown mascot Molly, was spotted amongst the crowd, cheering on the workforce-ready graduates. The seniors’ dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, with Mayor Parker and the city standing firmly behind these rising stars, ready to take on the world beyond the classroom walls. For Parker, and Fort Worth, it's clear that investing in the youth is more than just a celebration, it's paving the way for a brighter future.
