Tutoring is a tradition for Granger High’s Latinos in Action (LIA) program, providing extra help to elementary school students in the Granger area who need it. The program runs from October through March on Mondays and Tuesdays. Teachers and schools appreciate the support from LIA, as it helps younger students find more joy in learning. LIA tutors often become more than just helpers — they build bonds with the students they meet, making them feel excited and motivated to learn.
Angel Veleta (12) has been tutoring since his sophomore year. He says he enjoys working with the kids and has seen how students, initially reserved or difficult, grow comfortable over time. “I feel like I’ve made a great impact with these students,” Veleta said. “Last year, I helped students who wouldn’t do their work improve to getting A’s and B’s.” He still treasures the letters his students wrote for him, and he misses the kids he worked with last year.
Nathan Black, the LIA teacher, says he believes tutoring has a powerful impact. He says the program has helped improve literacy rates and student motivation, keeping students engaged in their classwork. “I can see it in my students that they get attached to the younger students, and I’ve seen how excited the kids get each week when their buddy arrives to help them,” Black said. He says that teachers often show their gratitude with pictures and thank-you letters to LIA tutors.
David Fuentes (12) valued his time as a tutor. “Last year, I made amazing bonds with the students. They didn’t know how to read, and I wasn’t proficient either, but we learned together. They helped me, and I helped them. I miss them, and I’m excited to do it again this year!” he said.
Jackelin Martinez Gomez (12) says her favorite part of tutoring is getting to know the students personally. She recalls being nervous at first and unsure of how the students would respond, but says tutoring became very enjoyable once she got to know them. Now she’s in her fourth year of tutoring. “The students get so excited when I come in ready to tutor, and the teachers are so thankful every time. Tutoring is what I look forward to every time I sign up for this class,” she said.
Gerardo Marquez Martinez (12), who has tutored for two years, says he saw his students make significant progress. “I went from helping kids who couldn’t read to seeing them read books on their own,” he said. Marquez Martinez remembers one student in particular: Alex. “I still remember his name. He was such a cool student, and I miss going every week to help him learn.”
Tutoring is a regular activity for students in LIA. It offers a rewarding experience with benefits for both the tutors and the students. Tutors earn service hours and a good grade in the class, while elementary students receive valuable support with reading, homework, and other schoolwork. Elementary students can look forward to seeing their LIA buddy for an hour each week, helping them feel confident in their studies. Students interested in joining LIA and giving back to the community can talk to a counselor about joining the class.
