Cristo Rey Jesuit welcomed former First Lady Laura Bush to its campus for an in-depth look at the newest and most innovative educational model in Houston targeting economically disadvantaged students. Fr. TJ Martinez, SJ, President of Cristo Rey Jesuit, toured with Bush while describing the school's unique curriculum.

Bush participated in a classroom project with Cristo Rey Jesuit students. The assignment was to envision what their Facebook profile would look like in 25 years. Students were to include what their interests may be, what famous people would have inspired them and four to five friends they would still be in contact with. Each student shared his or her Facebook profile with the rest of the class and was encouraged to write on each other's Facebook walls a message for them to discover in 25 years.

One student, Timothy Macalino, had created a picture of himself as the U.S. President. Bush took his page and shared with the room the significance of Cristo Rey Jesuit inspiring its students to reach for the stars. Bush then wrote down her hopes and dreams for Cristo Rey Jesuit over the next 25 years. The student projects, as well as Bush's remarks will be put into a time capsule to be opened in 25 years.

At the end of her visit, Bush addressed more than 400 Cristo Rey Jesuit students, parents, staff, supporters and Corporate Work-Study sponsors. She spoke of the exceedingly high dropout rates in Texas and the proven success of the Cristo Rey Jesuit model.

"These students are learning values that will guide them in the years ahead — respect, perseverance and integrity," said Bush. "Most importantly, they are learning who they are and who they can be."