KINGSVILLE, Texas — The coronavirus pandemic has affected many essential workers who put their best foot forward in helping our community manage the pressure. This also includes educators who guide young minds into bigger and better things.
Over in Kleberg County, workers with Kingsville ISD got the opportunity to receive their first dose of the Moderna vaccine. The distribution began at 10:30 a.m. at H.M. King High School. Just over 90 workers, including cafeteria workers, administrators and teachers, got their first dose within the district.
H.M. King High School teacher Victoria Longoria says at first she was a little nervous to begin in-person instruction during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It was scary because this is an illness that no one knows anything about really and even to this point you know a year in,” said Longoria.
Victoria Longoria says she was excited to get vaccinated because this will not only help protect her students, but also her young daughter from getting sick.
“For me getting the vaccination is my way of ensuring that health-wise I am keeping those kids safe and it’s the least I can do as an educator,” said Longoria.
Our KRIS 6 news team spoke to Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid.
“I think the most dangerous place to be right now is in a classroom full of children,” said Kleberg County Judge Madrid.
We asked the judge how Kleberg Co. was able to administer a vaccine distribution. Madrid says the assistance of State Representative J.M. Lozano and the governors made this distribution possible.
“But you know what, it was time the people spoke out in this community and we listened. We got to get our educators, our school staff taken care of...it’s time we got to get it done today,” said Judge Madrid.
The vaccine was available for staff within KISD across all campuses. Kingsville Superintendent Dr. Cissy Reynolds Perez says keeping teachers healthy is crucial.
“Before we start good quality instruction, our teachers need to be relieved with some of the stress that they have which during this pandemic, there’s so many unprecedented things they have to do,” said Kingsville ISD Superintendent Dr. Cissy Reynolds Perez.