Austin, TX—This morning, Austin ISD student leaders welcome Antonio Garza, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico, to Pickle Elementary School to discuss international relations, as well as his childhood and career.

Who: Antonio Garza joins Pickle elementary students, including David Lopez and Marlen Rogel, fifth graders who serve as president and vice president of the student council, and Joanna Ritchie, Amanique Stanton and Jessica Urias, second through fourth graders.

What: Pickle student assembly, featuring a conversation with former Ambassador Garza and a choral performance of “Feliz Navidad” directed by Mary Karah, music teacher.

When:  10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20

Where: Pickle Elementary School, gym, 1101 Wheatley Ave.

Background: This year, the Pickle school community established its first student council. Claudio Cruz, an AISD parent support specialist, worked with students to organize Garza’s visit as an opportunity for the young leaders to learn about civic issues and engagement—both nationally and internationally. Pickle is a Title I school, where more than 90 percent of students are Hispanic.