Community Column: Building relationships with our community

As a community college, Palo Alto College understands the needs of the students we support each day.

Like many in our Palo Alto College family, I started my educational journey as a community college student, and my classmates included my two older sisters, my father, and even my grandfather. We were truly a multigenerational community college family.

I’ve seen firsthand the importance of supporting students of all ages. It goes beyond the classroom, beginning at home, to make sure our families have the support and guidance needed to navigate through the educational pipeline.

Family involvement helps strengthen the ties and is essential to students' education. Research has shown that students whose parents are involved in their education are more likely to adapt well to school, perform better in the classroom, continue their education beyond high school, and have a strong sense of self. With similar goals, our families, schools, and community partners can create a thriving South Side community with an educated, responsible workforce.

Building relationships and engaging with our community is a top priority for Palo Alto College. On Saturday, April 13, we will host Eggstravaganza, a free egg hunt for children ages 12 and younger. With support from partners such as the City of San Antonio, Community First Health Plan, Eva's Heroes, HEB, McLemore, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, United Healthcare, Univision, and VIA Metropolitan Transit, children and their families — grandparents, too — will be able to enjoy a day of fun and entertainment including a petting zoo, inflatable games, train rides, face painting, and free Easter baskets during the egg hunt (while supplies last).

Families will enjoy special appearances from H-E-Buddy, our very own Primo the Palomino, and the San Antonio Missions Ballapeno. And, children will be able to find special Golden Eggs with prizes including a free week of summer camp and free swim lessons. To register for Eggstravaganza, visit litpliant.net/pac/eggstravaganza.

As we move forward on this journey together, Palo Alto College is here to support our community in whatever way we can. Our community's support helped build Palo Alto College 35 years ago, and we want to continue to change lives in south San Antonio for years to come.

This column by Dr. Robert Garza, president of Palo Alto College, was originally published in the San Antonio Express-News' Southside Reporter and mysanantonio.com.