Round Rock ISD is pleased to announce that it has received a generous donation of the Carlin Memorial Park from El Amistad of Round Rock and the Carlin family in memory of David and Mary Carlin. The park, located near the Families in Transition Resource Center at 1311 Round Rock Avenue is a community space to be enjoyed by students, staff, and families.
“We are grateful for the generosity of El Amistad and the Carlin family for the donation of the Carlin Memorial Park,” said Hafedh Azaiez, Superintendent of Schools for Round Rock ISD. “This is an incredible gift that will be used by students, staff and families for years to come. It is a wonderful tribute to David and Mary Carlin.
David was born on October 11, 1943, in Round Rock, Texas, to parents David and Cuca Carlin. He graduated from Round Rock High School in 1962 and then attended St. Edward’s University. After graduation, he became the first Hispanic teacher in Round Rock ISD teaching 6th grade at Berkman Elementary. His teaching career continued at Round Rock High School where he taught World Geography. He earned a Master’s in History and his teaching certificate from The University of Texas at Austin. He was selected as Teacher of the Year in 1971 and 1974. In 1976 he earned a Master’s in Education with a focus in school administration from Southwest Texas University. In 1978 he became an assistant principal at Round Rock High School. In 1995 David was named the Assistant Principal of the Year in the state of Texas. In 1999 David retired from Round Rock ISD after a successful career in educational leadership and teaching. David touched many students’ lives and motivated them to be successful in school. David did not stay retired for long.
David’s wife Mary Castillo Carlin, was born May 28, 1942, in Carson City, Michigan. She was one of 14 children born to Luz and Francisca Castillo.
Mary was proud of her humble beginnings as a daughter of migrant workers. Mary graduated from Round Rock High School in 1960. In 1967 Mary’s sister, Olivia Castillo-Lopez, established one of the first businesses owned by a Hispanic female in Round Rock – Olivia’s Salon. Mary went to beauty school and then helped Olivia operate the salon for many years. In 2014, Mary took over ownership of the Round Rock salon and served her many clients until she retired in 2021.
The Carlin Memorial Park is located beside the Families in Transition Resource Center which celebrated its grand opening in conjunction with the park dedication. Families in Transition program provides needed resources to families dealing with homelessness and foster care. The program is supported by many community partners.
The Resource Center is a distribution hub for 56 Families in Transition campus contacts and is a safe space for students and families to get assistance with basic needs such as food and clothing.
The center has a wide array of services for families including providing quilts, airbeds, clothing, backpacks, and 24/7 virtual tutoring support through Varsity Tutors.
The Resource Center distributes over 600 hygiene kits and hundreds of bags of groceries per month.
In addition, students receive academic support and students who are graduating receive college/career planning assistance, as well as help completing financial aid applications.
To learn more about the Families in Transition program or to donate online, please visit the Families in Transition website or contact Desiree Viramontes, Families in Transition Coordinator, District Homeless/Foster Care Liaison.
