Cervantes teaches students the value of hard work
For Gunn Junior High and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy eighth grade math teacher Jorge Cervantes, it was just another Wednesday.
That is, until Hugo, the Reliant Energy armadillo strolled into his classroom, followed by cheers, cameras and Dallas Cowboys legend Everson Walls.
“It was a big surprise,” Cervantes said. “I was doing my thing with my students and next thing I know there’s 10 or 20 people rushing into my room.”
Honored as the Reliant Class Acts Teacher of the Month for September, Cervantes is the 10th educator in Arlington ISD to receive the award.
The initiative, sponsored by Reliant Energy and the Dallas Cowboys, aims to celebrate and support teachers who go above and beyond in shaping the future of young minds.
“I’m honored,” Cervantes said. “It means a lot to be recognized for the hard work that we do.”
As a track, soccer and basketball coach, his influence extends beyond the classroom.
“Off and on the field, I instill into my kids that it’s good to work hard,” he said. “I expect them to do that day in and day out.”
Walls presented Cervantes with a personalized Cowboys jersey, a football signed by him and a large check for $4,000.
“It’s going to go back into the classroom,” Cervantes said. “The reality is sometimes teachers have to use their own money to buy things for the classroom, so it’s going to be a big help for my students and my math department as well.”
To Gunn principal Dr. Matt Varnell, Cervantes is a champion at the school.
“Teachers work so hard, and Jorge is one of the best of the best,” Varnell said.
In his sixth year of teaching at Gunn, Cervantes’ dedication to his students continues to grow each and every year.
“I can count on him every time without fail to do the right thing and to do what’s best for kids,” Varnell said. “The thing that amazes me is not only does he do exceptional work, he puts his kids before his own interests and he does it with an amazing amount of humility.”
That’s what you call a class act!