Ferris 8th grade student takes part in virtual congressional briefing

FERRIS – Ferris 8th grade student Sabino Garcia-Palafox took part last week in a virtual congressional briefing as part of the national education nonprofit called Project Tomorrow.

The aim was for Project Tomorrow to share the latest research findings on the long-term impact of the pandemic and how it is shifting the future of education for both teachers and students.

Garcia-Palafox’s school principal Ray Blanco said, “Sabino was selected to represent Ferris Junior High and the state of Texas on a congressional panel for technology use in the classroom.”

The principal commented that when he heard of the need for a junior high student from Texas for the panel, he immediately thought of Sabino.

“Sabino is the ‘voice of Ferris Junior High’ on the morning announcements every day, and on the multiple podcasts he records in his digital communications class with Ms. Tarver,” Blanco said. “Sabino also volunteers his time to show other students in the district how to produce podcasts, and walks them through the process. We couldn’t be prouder of his voice representing how students in Ferris ISD use technology in the classroom.”

The annual “Speak Up” results are informed by input from nearly 75,000 K–12 students, teachers, parents, and administrators. It featured keynote speaker Kristina Ishmael, Deputy Director of the Office of Ed Tech, U.S. Department of Education. 

Students from Santee, CA; San Marcos, CA; and Lincoln, AL also participated.

“This was my first time being a panelist and the experience was amazing,” Sabino concluded. “I am glad that my opinions were heard by many and will impact the use of technology in education. It would be great if I could do something like this again. I would not be able to be a part the panel if it were not for my principal, Mr. Blanco because he recommended me for the panel. As well as my Comm Arts Teacher, Ms. Tarver because she helped me set up for the meeting and the use of her classroom.”