Proud Irving ISD graduate Natalie Zuniga grew up in the district – attending Barton Elementary School, Crockett Middle School and Singley Academy. As a PreK student, Zuniga only spoke Spanish, and it wasn’t until third grade that she began speaking English fluently – something she heavily credits to the district’s Bilingual, ESL (English As A Second Language) and Language Services program. Soon after, she discovered a love for reading and began using books as an outlet.
One of her greatest joys is being an aunt, and in 2024, she combined that passion with her love for reading to establish Auntie’s Book Bank, a nonprofit organization focused on literacy equity and giving back to the community. Recently, Zuniga returned to Barton Elementary School to donate 100 books to students, encouraging them to embrace their bilingualism as a superpower. Her journey is a powerful testament to the value of bilingual education and the impact of giving back.
To learn more about Irving ISD Bilingual, ESL (English As A Second Language) and Language Services, visit IrvingISD.net/LanguageServices.
