Border Patrol to Host R.E.A.L. Graduation in Starr County

Rio Grande City, Texas - The U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector will hold a graduation ceremony for its Rewarding Education, Attitude and Leadership Mission at 6:00 p.m. on October 6, at the Starr County Courthouse Annex.

The R.E.A.L. Mission was implemented in the Rio Grande Valley to address at-risk youths and find alternatives for them, in lieu of being expelled, transferred or fined. It is a community partnership to mentor and guide students in making the right choices in life. During the course of the six-week mentoring program, the teens received presentations on substance abuse, anger management, and on furthering their education. The program also allowed the students to participate in activities promoting leadership skills, community service and teamwork.

This is the first R.E.A.L. Mission class to graduate from the Starr County area and the teens who attended were referred by the Tri-county Juvenile Probation Department. Three previous classes were completed earlier this year in Hidalgo County and a fifth class is currently under way in Cameron County.

"R.E.A.L. Mission classes up to this point have been very successful and we've seen a lot of positive changes in the lives of the teens who have completed the program," Chief Patrol Agent Rosendo Hinojosa said. "These young students must realize there are consequences to their bad choices and this program sheds light on those consequences. The program also reinforces the concept that if they make good choices, such as attend school and do well, there is a lifetime of opportunities waiting for them."

If you have any questions, please contact the RGV Sector Border Patrol Office of Public Affairs at (956) 289-5976.