This was the last summer.
The last time an Arlington ISD bus picked up Blanton students at the school to take them to Tarrant County College’s College for Kids summer program.
For 15 years, First Christian Church has paid for Blanton students to go to the camp each summer. Nearly 750 Blanton kids have gone, part of the church’s deep commitment and partnership to the Blanton community.
Though Blanton Elementary closed at the end of last school year in May, the impact First Christian Church has left will continue for generations.
“The generosity and commitment of First Christian Church have become an important part of Blanton’s legacy,” said Blanton’s last principal Migdalia Castillo. “Their partnership has enriched the lives of countless students by giving them opportunities to explore new interests, build confidence, and create lasting memories. The impact of those experiences extends far beyond a single summer.”
This year, 51 Blanton students, equipped with backpacks from the church, attended the three-week enrichment program at TCC and discovered that college could be in their future.
“Our church loved meeting the students and parents and hearing their stories of how this program affected their lives,” said Betty Thomas of First Christian Church, who led the College for Kids partnership from the beginning. “One parent even enrolled in college after seeing their child in this program. Several who are now in college came back to tell us their stories. Our church believes in the importance of education and experiences like this program to inspire bigger dreams for the future.”
Thomas and her church poured into Blanton for two decades, beginning with helping with supplies, uniforms, PTA suppers, coats, PTA events like carnivals, and more. In 2010, Thomas helped launch the College for Kids initiative.
“Our congregation’s identity statement is ‘Center in Christ and formed in relationships,’” said First Christian Church Senior Minister Rev. Bill Jeffreys. “At the heart of the partnership between Blanton Elementary, AISD, TCC, and First Christian Church has been a desire to serve our neighbors and to be in relationship. The relationships formed and strengthened between congregation members, these partner organizations, and these families has been one of the greatest blessings the past twenty years.”
It’s been a great blessing for Blanton, too.
“They gave our students experiences that inspired them, broadened their horizons, and created memories they will carry with them for years to come,” Castillo said. “On behalf of the entire Blanton community, thank you, First Christian Church, for investing in our children and helping shape a legacy of opportunity, hope, and compassion.”