La Joya, Texas – La Joya ISD is proud to announce that Maria Del Rosario Gazca, a dedicated parent from Palmview High School, has been named the GEAR UP Family Leader of the Year by the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP).
Representing Region One GEAR UP and La Joya ISD, Gazca was honored at the NCCEP/GEAR UP National Conference held in San Francisco, California, for her unwavering commitment to GEAR UP’s mission of increasing college access and success for students across the nation.
Chosen from a pool of nominees nationwide, Gazca’s story stood out for its resilience, growth, and inspiration.
After leaving high school when she was 16, she earned her GED believing higher education and professional growth were never meant for her. However, that changed when her son, sophomore Rosvelt Ortiz, became involved with Region One ESC’s GEAR UP initiative.
“I saw how GEAR UP offered him support, resources and hope,” recalls Gazca. “Then, something more powerful happened – those opportunities were extended to me.”
Through her involvement in GEAR UP family workshops, Gazca earned a cake decorating certification and became a Region One ESC-certified Temporary Teacher. Today, she proudly serves as a substitute teacher at Palmview High School.
“La Joya ISD celebrates Ms. Gazca and her incredible achievement,” said Dr. Marcey Sorensen, Superintendent of Schools at La Joya ISD. “She embodies the transformative power of community, family engagement and second chances.”
Gazca credits GEAR UP for helping her reclaim her sense of purpose.
“For many years, my life was at pause,” Gazca said. “When the Region One GEAR UP team invited me to participate, they hit a button that unpaused my life. Because of them, I have the motivation to pursue more.”
La Joya ISD congratulates Gazca and thanks Region One ESC and NCCEP for recognizing the vital role families play in shaping student success.
###