LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Carmen Garza was nominated by her colleague, Nora Galvan.

Mrs. Garza has been the librarian at PSJA Memorial Early College High School for a number of years. In the library and on campus, she has developed an excellent method to assist students with research.  Mrs. Garza is very involved with helping the students do their Capstone Project.  This is a research project that all seniors must work on for college entrance.  She oversees her students' progress by equipping them with resources and providing guidance with research skills. Students at PSJA Memorial ECHS present their research project to a committee of judges who give students feedback and encouragement.  

Mrs. Garza creates a positive school atmosphere by having an incredible book club called the GROWL Reading Book Club.  Her club is highly appreciated by not only her students, but by authors who visit.  She takes the club to a higher level by having book club members run a library café.  Students learn business skills by running the café during lunch hours and any time they are available. Other students love to be at the library. They visit the library for various reasons such as reading, research, chilling out with a latte, etc.

"For as long as I can remember, Mrs. Garza has developed good community connections," said Galvan. "One group that has pretty much adopted her library and who donates books and funds to the library is a neighboring Winter Texan RV park, The Yellow Rose of Texas. These winter visitors hold fundraisers for the library and students.  What an amazing gesture, no doubt due to Mrs. Garza's connection to these wonderful group of tourists."

As a professional, Mrs. Garza keeps up with the latest technology trends and with new library standards. Mrs. Garza is Google Level 1 Certified. She is respected by not only her students and parents, but by her colleagues and community.

"Mrs. Garza is well deserving of such an honor at a national level," said Galvan.