There is a group of students at Miller Jordan Middle School (MJMS) that is known to “enhance” life on campus. They volunteer of their time on campus and throughout the community. They feed the hungry, help the elderly, and brighten the days of the homeless. They are the proud and dynamic members of the MJMS PALS (Peers Accepting Leadership Skills) student organization.
Throughout the school year, PALS members decorate bulletin boards in the main hallway of their campus, collect and recycle aluminum cans to raise money for their community service projects, promote Red Ribbon Week activities, host Veterans Day celebrations, and collect 700 canned food items for La Posada Providencia, a local shelter for poor immigrants, asylees, and asylum-seekers.
MJMS seventh grader Aracely Rodriguez is celebrating her second year in PALS. She equates PALS with being responsible and helping those in need. “Participating with PALS has helped me realize that it is good to help others. I’ve learned how to be responsible and resourceful, to be compassionate and kind to others, and not to be selfish. I’ve also learn to appreciate what I have,” says Rodriguez.
Rodriguez strongly encourages other students to participate with PALS, mainly because they would be doing many great things for the community of San Benito and neighboring cities.
According to MJMS Principal Mary Alice Leal, “PALS members greatly enhance life at MJMS! They remind the entire campus of the importance of community service and of how meaningful volunteer opportunities can be.”
“These students are learning first hand how incredibly satisfying it can be to serve others, and I am very proud of their efforts,” Leal adds.
MJMS eighth grader Adam Cavazos is now in his third year with PALS. When asked what he’s learned in PALS, Cavazos proudly responds, “I have learned the importance of having respect for others and for who they are. I’ve also learned that helping the elderly or the homeless makes me feel important and needed. At one time, these individuals cared for us and taught us responsibility. In return, I’ll try my best to help them.”
Cavazos credits PALS with encouraging him to do good deeds, such as caring for others and taking responsibility for things in his life. “If I could pick a club to join, first I would choose PALS. It’s a fun, caring, and loving organization,” he adds.
PALS members and alumni remain active through high school and beyond.
MJMS Assistant Principal’s secretary and PALS sponsor Otila Silva credits the student organization with her daughters’ successes. “Both my daughters, now age 27 and 17, have always had a powerful and positive attitude. PALS has been a major key in their successes! Many times they have said to me, ‘Mom, it is because of PALS and what we were involved in, that I am what I am today and will continue to be and share with others,’” says Silva.
PALS alumnus and current San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy teacher and coach Gustavo González, Jr. explains, “PALS meant a lot to me. It taught me how to be a positive role model throughout the school, school district, and community.”
González adds, “PALS instilled in me skills that I use today as a teacher. I strive to be a positive role model to the students, empowering them to seek the many great opportunities when it comes to pursuing a post-secondary education.“
MJMS Social Studies teacher and PALS sponsor Mary Lou Garcia is a driving force behind the successful student organization. “What can I say? I love working with this organization. I have done it for the last 10- plus years. Students learn about giving, sharing, and above all, compassion,” explains Garcia.
“I know this organization makes a difference to the students. Former members are now lawyers, engineers, doctors, teachers, Border Patrol agents, Customs officers, and parent volunteers. When we see each other, they remember PALS!”
Garcia commends PALS “lifelong alumni” with continuing to help those less fortunate and for often calling her to offer assistance via monetary donations or by volunteering.
This semester, PALS members will continue their community service projects, including baking Valentine’s Day cookies for the Ronald McDonald House and continuing to collect aluminum cans.
