The United ISD Cherish Center celebrated its 15-year anniversary with a special Open House and Rock the Spectrum event, bringing together district administration, students, parents, job site partners, and community members to include law enforcement and city representatives.

“This milestone really speaks to the impact this program has had on our students and families,” said Rebecca Coss-Morales, Associate Superintendent of District Admin. & Student Services. “When you visit the campus, you can see the growth in our students. Some of them are students I had on my campus several years ago. I see them today and they are confident, independent, and really take pride in what they are learning. That’s what makes this place so special.”

For 15 years, the Cherish Center has served as a place of growth, and opportunity for students across United ISD.

“The Cherish Center is an amazing place. There are so many good things that happen here, and we truly see lives transformed,” said Claudia Dovalina Guzman, UISD Executive Director of Special Education. “We see students when they first come in, they’re a little shy or a little unsure of themselves… and after they’ve been here, even for a couple of months, you already see the transformation.”

During the event, guests toured the facility and experienced firsthand the wide range of services and programs offered. Students and teachers welcomed visitors into their classrooms, sharing daily activities and demonstrating the skills they are developing.

The celebration also highlighted the strong partnerships that help make the Cherish Center successful.

“We have several of our community partners here. We have retail, some of our hotel and hospitality, so our students get to benefit from them and collaborate,” shared Andrea Sanchez, Special Education Administrator at the UISD Cherish Center. Sanchez also added that through these collaborations students gain real-world experience and learning skills that they can apply in different work environments.

During the event, students took center stage as they proudly showcased their talents and entrepreneurial skills. From handcrafted jewelry and floral arrangements to business cards and keychains, students not only displayed their work but also practiced customer service and business skills by selling their products to attendees.

“You can see their confidence grow,” added Dovalina Guzman. “They become more engaged with their peers and teachers, and by the time they leave us, they are young leaders ready to go out into the community.”

Celebrating 15 years of the Cherish Center reflects United ISD’s continued commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for all students. By focusing on each student’s strengths and preparing them for life beyond the classroom, the Cherish Center continues to make a lasting impact on each and every student.