Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep hosted its fourth annual CEO Breakfast on Monday, March 1, 2022 at the Arts District Mansion. Brian Melton, Cristo Rey Dallas’ interim president, and board chair Scott Moore were joined by 160 attendees at the annual celebration of Corporate Work Study Partner executives.
As guests were seated CRD student Leilany Garcia gave the invocation, followed by Melton, who welcomed attendees and thanked them for their support of the college preparatory school, an innovative high school located in Pleasant Grove that offers students from households of low to moderate income a rigorous private college prep education paired with a valuable work study program.
Moore followed to honor former Cristo Rey Dallas board member and respected Dallas leader, the late Bill Miller.
In his remarks he said, “Bill’s altruistic ways were not only evident with those that were closest to him but also extended to everything he was involved in. He was a respected leader in the Dallas business community and was certainly a significant pillar for Cristo Rey Dallas, especially with the Corporate Work Study Program. His involvement as a member of the board, jobs committee and donor made the difference in Cristo Rey having such a strong beginning.”
A video salute to Miller included interviews with former HMS colleague Bill Lucia, former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, and his family, including wife Tricia, son Joshua and daughter Abby. Following, the aforementioned family members accepted the recognition award dedicated to him.
Moore continued by announcing the inaugural recipients of the Bill Miller Corporate Leadership Award, given to corporate partners who have shown great commitment to Cristo Rey’s mission.
He said, “The support we have received from Dallas businesses and their leaders has helped the Corporate Work Study Program at Cristo Rey Dallas become the only school in the network that has all students placed in paid or funded jobs.”
AmerisourceBergen, HKS and UT Southwestern were each highlighted in a video, followed by an award presentation.
Cristo Rey Dallas board member Pat Cox then took the stage to introduce the inaugural Supervisor of the Year Award, which honors a corporate partner supervisor who has gone a step further in supporting the Corporate Work Study Program, and who has been a true mentor for CRD students. After a video highlighting what makes her stand out recipient, Michelle Miller, head of field research and data intelligence at CBRE, received this year’s Supervisor of the Year Award.
Natasha Baer from job partner Thomas Title & Escrow and Deloache Capital, presented the final award, the Student Grit Award. The annual Grit Awardis presented to a student who exemplifies the spirit of Cristo Rey through perseverance in the workplace, classroom and beyond. The student award recipient will also receive a $2,500 scholarship to the college of their choice.
Before presenting the award to this year’s recipient Alexis Matehuala, Baer said, “Alexis, since you started working for us, we have been very impressed by your performance. One thing we can all agree on is that you are a strong player and have lots of determination to accomplish whatever is in front of you, and always with a smile.”
Matehuala expressed his sincere appreciation for being selected as this year’s Grit Award winner and for the college scholarship. In his speech he thanked his world history teacher Mr. Woodward along with his family and friends for supporting him.
In closing, Cox echoed his gratitude for all in attendance, including current Corporate Work Study partners, sponsors, the Miller family and all of the 2022 award recipients for their ongoing support of Cristo Rey Dallas.
As guests departed, they were gifted a Cristo Rey Dallas coffee tumbler.
About Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep
Located in Pleasant Grove, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep provides economically challenged students of all faiths with a college preparatory education enabling them to become men and women of purpose and service. Through a rigorous curriculum, integrated with a hands-on professional work experience, students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life. For more information, visit cristoreydallas.org.