George Washington Middle School marks 30 years in Laredo

May 17-George Washington Middle School celebrated its 30th anniversary this past week with a series of activities featuring Judge Beckie Palomo as the guest speaker.

In the presence of administrators from the United Independent School District, former teachers, alumni, current students and staff, Principal David Guzman provided a brief summary of what was happening in the world the year the school first opened.

"In 1995 - 96, the world witnessed Bill Clinton serving as President of the United States, the introduction of the Internet, the launch of the Sony PlayStation and Windows 95 - and, thank goodness, Michael Jordan's return to basketball after playing baseball," he said. "Also in 1995 - 96, right here in Laredo, Texas, UISD opened George Washington Middle School, home of the mighty Bobcats!"

He then noted that the school's first principal was Mary Molina and proceeded to list the principals who had led the school over its 30-year history, concluding with himself as the current principal.

Guzman said he was hired as an assistant principal at George Washington Middle School in 2003, where he remained until 2011, when he was promoted to United High School as an assistant principal and served there for 13 years.

In 2024, Guzman was appointed principal of George Washington Middle School.

"It has felt like coming home after being away at college for a long time," he said. "And I couldn't, I wouldn't want to be, anywhere else. It is a dream come true to come back here. I love my job, I love my students, and we are excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of George Washington Middle School."

He stated that nearly 20,000 students have passed through the school's doors, and he expressed his gratitude to the administration, staff, teachers, parents, students and the community at large for their support of Washington Middle.

"I am excited for the future," he said. "I know the future holds great things, such as further growth, as new neighborhoods open up and new teachers arrive - and, in general, there will be even more greatness coming to Washington Middle."

Dr. Gerardo Cruz, UISD superintendent of schools, told students there will come a moment, as they journey toward college, when they will look back and say that their time as students at George Washington Middle School was truly a great experience.

"When you reach my age, you'll say, 'Man, I wish I were back in school - no worries, no bills to pay,'" he said. "Along the path of your educational journey, you are building great memories."

He then recognized the hard work and dedication of the students, as well as the former teachers, administrators and staff members of George Washington Middle School.

"We must understand the past to ensure the present endures," he said. "And I truly feel that George Washington Middle School will continue to thrive, maintaining its great spirit and achieving great success through all of our students."

Palomo remarked that she was present that day not as a judge presiding over a case, but as a friend, a deeply invested community partner and a witness to 30 years of success at George Washington Middle School.

"I've been invited to speak and share my wisdom here at Washington Middle many times: for Career Days, the '8th Grader of the Month' ceremonies, 'Courts in Schools' sessions and various community events," she said. "And I've learned that middle schoolers ask the toughest questions."

"At one Career Day, a student asked me, 'Judge, do you really have a wooden gavel? And can I use it to get out of taking my math test?'" she said. "I had to tell him that while my gavel is very powerful, it doesn't quite have the jurisdiction to overrule algebra.

"But seriously, I have a confession to make. Every time I walk through these doors I'm the one who ends up learning something new. Whether it was bringing the judicial system to a room full of inquisitive sixth graders or bringing the courtroom to this gymnasium for eighth graders to see, the verdict has always been clear: This school is a gem in our community and this celebration today won't be the last."

She said the mission and vision of George Washington Middle School are more than just words on the screen on the UISD website.

"They are in the heart of a 30-year-old promise. That promise was to prioritize character, tolerance and respect alongside academics," she said. "Today, as committed stakeholders, you continue to uphold that vision. Not just by keeping our students safe, but by challenging them to meet the highest standards of excellence."

She said that sadly, in her own work, she sees what happens when those values are missing.

"Here at Washington Middle, I see them in action. I see staff, parents and students working to create a culture where everyone belongs," she said. "You are sparking an enthusiasm for learning that doesn't end when the final bell rings or when you graduate into high school. It's an enthusiasm that I can see staying with you for a lifetime."

She said that as a judge, she looks for evidence, and the evidence of this school's success is everywhere, and she thanked the teachers, staff and administrators for being the heartbeat of the institution.

"You are the ones who arrive early and leave late. You are the mentors who see the potential in a student long before they see it themselves. You don't just teach curriculum. You model the tolerance and respect that define this school," she said. "On behalf of the entire community, we owe you a debt of gratitude for the 30 years of lives you have shaped here."

She told the students that when she visits this school, she doesn't see students and desks, but future engineers, future doctors and educators.

"As I look at you, I don't just see students, I see reflections of my own story," she said. "I had big dreams, dreams that felt almost too heavy for a girl from the barrio to carry. I dreamed of becoming a lawyer and seeking justice. But those dreams often came with a sense of fear.

"Whenever I felt that mode of doubt in my belly, I leaned on my mother's wisdom. As you look beyond middle school and toward the bright future of college, I want to leave you with the same words that gave me wings: 'Vuela mija, vuela tan alto como puedas! Fly baby, fly as high as you can!'"

The program ended with the presentation of the Bobcat Legacy Awards and an anniversary performances by the United High School Larriettes.

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