Wilson County News - Home, Health, and Family - ‘Don’t ever give up!’ Former at-risk student joins police force

WCN/N. KILBEY-SMITH • Reprints at wilsoncountynews.com East Central Independent School District Police Chief George Dranowsky swears in East Central High School graduate Liz Martinez (center) as a new district police officer Oct. 15, in the presence of Liz’s former teacher and inspiration, Susan Beatty.

Wilson County News
October 27, 2009
2 comments

EAST CENTRAL -- A few words, a shining badge, and Liz Martinez officially joined the East Central Independent School District’s (ISD) police force Oct. 15, as the audience erupted in cheers and loud applause.

The road that brought her to that moment, however, took Liz years to travel. The child of a single parent, she almost dropped out of high school. Thanks to her own determination, her mother’s help, and the steadfast support of one of her teachers, Liz’s story is one of triumph.

She shared her story with an audience of educators, family members, friends, and fellow police officers. Many were in attendance not for the scheduled board of trustees meeting that evening, but to cheer on Liz as she achieved her goal.

This is the story Liz shared -- one she hopes will inspire others to never give up and to persist in pursuing their goals. It was read by Dr. Patti Birney, East Central ISD’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, as East Central Police Chief George Dranowsky prepared to swear in his newest officer.

“My mom was a single parent, trying to do her best to raise me and my four brothers by herself,” Liz wrote. “My two older brothers dropped out of school to help my mom out. One of my younger brothers also dropped out of high school and later went to get his GED.

“I was determined to graduate from high school, and when I arrived at the [East Central] high school as a freshman, I met Susan Beatty, who was my humanities teacher for social studies. She was supposed to be my social studies teacher and ended up being my ‘lifesaver.’

“I left to go to school at Highlands and I didn’t like it there, so I dropped out of school for a semester. It was like my protest to come back to East Central, because this is where I wanted to be and my mom wasn’t going to let me drop out of school.

“In spring of 1998, I entered into the learning academy as a student and graduated in May 1999 with my class. I went off to work in a restaurant, and came back to East Central in July 2000 to work for the learning academy. I wanted to be like Mrs. Beatty; I wanted to help other kids like me that are labeled ‘at risk’ to graduate and achieve their goals. I have now been in the district for nine years.

“I attended Palo Alto College in spring 2001 to get my educational aide certification and associate degree. While I was earning my associate degree, I took ‘Intro to Criminal Justice’; one of our assignments was to sign up for Citizens on Patrol with the San Antonio Police Department and ride along with an officer. This sparked my interest in being a police officer.

“As a single parent of a 3-year-old little girl, I had to decide what to do and I knew it was going to be hard to go back to college with a child and working a full-time job. Thanks to my mom, who takes care of my daughter, I was able to sign up to attend the basic peace officer course at San Antonio College in January 2008.

“I struggled through the tough times and, if were not for my mom and Mrs. Beatty, I might not have made it.

“I took my TCLEOSE [Texas peace-officer certification] test in January 2009. I failed the test my first time, but I didn’t give up. Like always, I had too many people that I couldn’t let down by giving up, so I went back and passed the test.

“My life’s motto is, ‘Don’t ever give up! You can do whatever you want as long as you are the one that wants it!’” Liz concluded.

Susan Beatty stood beside Liz as she was sworn in Oct. 15, continuing to cheer on her student who had come so far.

Your Opinions and Comments

SMCB La Vernia October 27 at 1:19pm	Report Abuse What a wonderful story! Congratulations!

Vincent Bosquez Palo Alto College October 27 at 12:14pm	Report Abuse Congratulations, Officer Martinez! On behalf of Palo Alto College, we applaud your success and send our best wishes for a wonderful and safe career in law enforcement.