Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

When Emanuel Galdino arrived with his family from Ethiopia during the final two weeks of sixth grade at Spring Forest Middle School in 2016, he did not know how to read or speak English, or understand the American culture. 

As part of Spring Branch ISD’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program, he was helped tremendously by teachers at the school when he began seventh grade. He especially credits Carol Salva and Katherine Dierschke for their care and attention to his growth and adjustment.

At the end of seventh grade he had made great strides, but he was still not comfortable speaking much English. He was encouraged to join the Family Point Resources (FPR) Speed running club to have more interaction with English speakers.

Finding common ground through training and competing with peers was a catalyst for Galdino’s English-speaking improvements. He also joined the Spring Forest Middle School Track team. 

He is now a junior at Stratford High School and has excelled in Cross Country and Track, coached by Shawn Siemers.

“Emanuel has an unbelievable work ethic,” Siemers said. “He completes every rep, every mile at exactly the right pace in every single workout.  He leads by example, and also encourages his teammates to match his effort level in practice and in a race.”

In the past year, Galdino has medaled in several events at the district, regional and state levels, including a third-place finish in the 1600-meter race at the UIL 6-A State Track meet.  Here is a list of his 2020-2021 accomplishments:

Cross Country 
1st place District 17-6A, 1st place Region 3-6A, 31st place UIL 6A State

Track
District 17-6A meet: 3200m (1st place), 800m (1st place), 1600m (1st place)
Region 3-6A meet: 3200m (1st place), 800m (2nd place), 1600m (3rd place)
UIL 6A State meet: 3200m (4th place), 1600m (3rd place)

When asked what it takes to be an excellent runner, Galdino laughed and said, “Lots of practice, don’t have negative thoughts, and don’t quit.”

This “don’t quit” mindset was recognized earlier this year by several news organizations when Galdino won a Cross Country race wearing just one shoe after it was accidently dislodged from his foot by another runner (see photo above!). He completed running more than 2.5 miles over rocks and uneven ground and won the 3.1-mile race with a time of 15 minutes, seven seconds.

“He refuses to lose,” Siemers said. “He is one of the most competitive athletes I’ve ever coached.”

Galdino plans to continue running cross country and track during his senior year at Stratford High School. He hopes for an athletic scholarship to go to college. 

And if there is a career that involves running, that’s where Galdino hopes to land. 

 

Submitted by Becky Wuerth, SBISD Communications
becky.wuerth@springbranchisd.com