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August 15, 2007—Houston-based Mustang Engineering presented Watkins Middle School with a $10,000 check on Tuesday as part of its Founders’ Legacy school adoption for the 2007-2008 school year. Mustang is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and developed the Founders’ Legacy in honor of the company’s three founders— Paul Redmon, Bill Higgs and Felix Covington. The focus of the Legacy is about giving back to the community, and Watkins was chosen as the first Founders’ Legacy Partner. Covington was on hand for the presentation and matched the gift with an additional $10,000 donation.

“Statistics show that ninth grade is the drop-out point, and we want to make a difference in kids’ lives at a pivotal time,” said Steve Knowles, Mustang president. “Middle school is when students begin to define not only their sense of self, but also their vision of the future, and, in a broad sense their career path.”

In addition to the monetary donation, Mustang employees will get involved personally throughout the school year to help Watkins students and teachers in face-to-face volunteer efforts. 

José Martinez, incoming principal at Watkins, said he was excited when Pam Scott of the Partners in Education department told him about the adoption.

“After the initial hooping and hollering, I was very grateful for the opportunity to work with a company like Mustang Engineering,” Martinez said. “We did a little more research on them as well. They have core values like people helping people, teamwork and getting the job done. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to work with a company like that.”

Martinez said the majority of the money Watkins receives will be used to purchase more technology, including calculators, smart boards, overhead view screens and overhead teacher timers.

“Whether it’s money or supplies to help out teachers, at the end of the day the adoption will help out the students,” he said. “We’re very grateful for the money, but the fact they will have people coming from Mustang to work with our kids is going to be tremendous for our kids to see those types of successful role models.”

Watkins Middle School principal José Martinez accepts a $10,000 check from Mustang Engineering founder Felix Covington as Mustang representative Don Leinweber, left, looks on. Mustang is adopting Watkins for the 2007-2008 school year.

Martinez’s surprised reaction came after receiving a second $10,000 check from Covington, in addition to the $10,000 sponsorship Mustang is already giving Watkins Middle School as part of their school adoption.

Representatives from CFISD, Watkins Middle School and Mustang Engineering celebrated their partnership on Tuesday at Watkins.

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