Mesquite Social Services has announced the Mesquite Independent School District is the winner of the  2008 WISE Community Impact Award.   It  will be presented to MISD at the annual WISE Luncheon and Style Show on April 23, 2008.    The Community Impact Award is an award presented to a local company, agency or group that has demonstrated exemplary service, commitment and dedication to the local community.    It is not an annual award, but only presented when a company, group or individual shows great impact on the community.

MISD has grown over the past several years into one of the largest school districts in the metroplex.   Each school day, the district welcomes more than 35,000 students through the doors of its 45 campuses, including 31 elementary schools, eight middle schools, five high schools, and the Mesquite Academy. Mesquite ISD has a record of steady, marked improvement and a continual quest for excellence. MISD is home to two nationally recognized Blue Ribbon Schools selected and honored by the U.S. Department of Education.  In a time when there is apathy in many communities, MISD really has a heart for Mesquite.  They work closely with many partners in the Mesquite community, including the city, Chamber of Commerce and civic groups and share employee talent, facilities and more with the entire community.  

For many years, MISD has participated in food drives and other efforts for Mesquite Social Services.   However, over the past 2 years, MISD substantially increased their assistance to MSS.   MISD challenges each school to host contests or use other means to raise funds for the Holiday Cheer Program for MSS.   Many families in the MSS service area do not have funds to have a nice Christmas for the family and children in these families have grown accustomed to Santa not stopping at their house.  With MISD’s help, the children of clients at MSS now have a magical Christmas each year.    Not only do they assist in the efforts to raise funds, many students volunteer their time to sort and bag toys for the families at a time when families are busy getting ready for their own Christmas. There is no doubt that without MISD help, many children in the service area would sadly face a Christmas without Santa!