September 11, 2019 830 PM
MARFA – The Blackwell School Alliance has seen some changes to the board of directors the past few months. Longtime Director Jessi Silva resigned from the board a few months ago though she remains a supporter of the alliance. President Gretel Enck remarked, “Jessi brought a lot of insight and compassion to her work at the Blackwell School. I’m grateful for the perspective she shared with me during our years working together.”
In May, Mike Wallens came on board, first to fill in for Silva and then as a permanent member of the board of directors. Wallens is the vicar at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Marfa and has spent a good part of his career working with youth in schools and at-risk youth in detention and other settings. He brings a commitment to social justice, a love of the borderlands and fresh ideas. His first project is working with volunteer Carolyn Pfeiffer to partner with Marfa ISD on a project to bring current students into the Blackwell School to learn about this history.
In August, local photojournalist Sarah M. Vasquez joined the board of directors. Vasquez has worked for a number of years with The Big Bend Sentinel. In addition, she writes articles for statewide magazines, and has published photos in the New York Times. She has made a home in Marfa. Having grown up in East Austin, she is particularly sensitive to the changes going on in Marfa and in honoring our Blackwell School alumni. Sarah will be taking over our social media presence: our website, Facebook and Instagram.
The Blackwell School Alliance Board of Directors meets monthly at the Blackwell School often on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Guests are welcome. If you would like to attend a meeting or learn more about the Alliance’s work, please call Gretel Enck at 432.295.3359.
