GenTX Day Observed Friday

TYLER – Tyler ISD schools, city leaders, and local businesses come together to celebrate GenTX Day, an event recognizing the graduating class of 2012 and their plans for the future. To join in this effort, community members were asked to wear their favorite college t-shirt Friday. According to materials from the city and TISD, Mayor Barbara Bass declared May 4 as GenTX Day with an official proclamation encouraging the community to show its support for the students of Generation TX. Tom Mullins, President/CEO of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and Tyler Economic Development Council; Dr. Randy Reid, Superintendent, Tyler ISD; Dr. Mike Metke, President, Tyler Junior College; and Jesse Acosta, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment, University of Texas at Tyler spoke during the ceremony.

Robert E. Lee High School lined its inner courtyard with college signs to show how many choices are available to students. The school also invited community members to have lunch on campus with a student ambassador serving as their host, giving the community member an opportunity to share his or her college experience with the student. Senior pictures scrolled in the Robert E. Lee cafeterias and library throughout the day.

At John Tyler High School, seniors participated in a signing day event during their lunch period where they announced which college they plan to attend. A table was also set up in the cafeteria for students in all grade levels to gather information about various universities.

Generation TX is an initiative of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to support the creation of a college-going and career-ready culture across the state. Organizers say the Generation TX movement helps students overcome the obstacles that stand between them and higher education, and seeks to empower those students with guidance, information, and inspiration to create a new future for themselves, their families, and all Texans.