RG Herald

Grulla High's Hector Villarreal Named First Team All-State Player

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:30:00 PST

Grulla High School’s Hector “Tiger” Villarreal has been selected as Class 32-3A All-State High School Football Player. Villarreal is currently a senior who has recently concluded his remarkable football career at Grulla High School. During this season, Hector’s defensive statistics were simply implausible! Standing at 5’8 and weighing 140 lbs., Villarreal led the Gators with 135 tackles, 95 solo tackles, 8 interceptions (one for a touchdown), 6 Quarterback sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 3 recovered fumbles. His remarkable performance assisted the Gators to a heaping 7-4 record and the program’s first playoff appearance. Along with partaking in the remarkable Gator first ever playoff appearance, Hector was named District 32-3A Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a 1st Team All-District selection as a junior in 2010. Villarreal is not only an outstanding team player; he is also a dedicated and committed student who is self-disciplined and driven. Hector aspires to graduate in May and pursue his post-secondary education at Lindenwood University. We would like to congratulate Hector and his Football Coach Abel Gonzalez III for an awesome football season! Go Gators Go!

You can now subscribe to this

Blog on your Amazon Kindle.

Grulla Coach Abel Gonzalez III Named All-Valley Coach of the Year

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:52:33 PST

Grulla High School’s Head Football Coach Abel Gonzalez III has always possessed the passion for football. He is also no stranger to accolades. He is a 1999 graduate from Rio Grande City High School where he was named All Valley Offensive Player of the Year after quarterbacking the RGC Rattlers to a 7-6 mark including a third-round 5A playoff run. He went on to attend Texas A & M Kingsville where he also set several passing marks. Surpassing minimal expectations and seeking higher aspirations, Gonzalez played for the RGV Dorados arena league team before pursuing his lifelong goal-coaching and molding young players. He began his coaching career in the PSJA School District in 2004 before heading down west to his hometown of Rio Grande City and taking on a coaching position as the offensive coordinator at his alma mater, Rio Grande City High School in 2006. With the opening of a new high school in the R.G.C.C.I.S.D., it was only befitting to designate Gonzalez as the head football coach at the newly established Grulla High School in 2010.

Gonzalez began his second year at Grulla High School as Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach in August 2011 and early in the school year he was faced with challenges and adversity. The unexpected and sudden deaths of his father Abel Gonzalez, Jr. and Gator Football player Adrian Peña were considered severe woes. Despite these unfortunate chains of events, his commitment to the football program, his players, and colleagues proved to be a stellar one. Gonzalez is not only persistent on the field; he motivates and encourages his players to be respectful, courteous, and responsible students. He continually reminds them that they represent a fine football program and community that represent unity, commitment, and excellence. Through all the trials and tribulations the Gator Football family faced in the fall of 2011, Coach Gonzalez was the rock who kept the team together and led them to their first ever playoff appearance. He chooses to lead and be the person others chose to follow. He provides inspiration, high expectations, and always provides positive examples. He established a structured and compassionate environment that proved to create a team of champions, which eventually earned him the title of All Valley Coach of the Year.

The ever humble Gonzalez continues to credit his football players and coaching staff for the recognition he has received. Their combined efforts were instrumental in taking the Gator Football Team to such great heights!

You can now subscribe to this

Blog on your Amazon Kindle.

RGC FFA Volunteer at Relay For Life Event

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:30:00 PST

The Rio Grande City FFA members and RGC FFA parents under the supervision of Mrs. Randy Lee Martin volunteered their time for the Annual Relay for Life sponsored by the American Cancer Society held at the Joe R. Sanchez stadium. The Relay for Life helps to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for breast cancer. Picture from Left to Right Standing Araceli Lopez, Mario Medrano, Devin Saenz, Billy Ryan Melton, Dario Leal, Eli Lopez, Mrs. Randy Martin, Justin Cody Salinas, Beto Garza Jr., Jason Gorena, Garrett Gonzalez, Jimmy Garza, Cody Lee Lara. Kneeling from Left to Right Nemisis Reyes, Cory McKee, Sarah Salmon, Dayna Gonzalez, Holly Garcia, Hilary Garcia, Amberly Solis, and Gloria Vargas.

RGC High Students Observe Red Ribbon Week

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:30:02 PST

"Rio Grande City High School hosted a Grand Student assembly to kick off National Red Ribbon Week Campaign in October. The student body was addressed by our Honorable County Judge, Eloy Vera, who gave an excellent first-hand account of the dangers and risks involving substance abuse and living on the Texas border. He told a vivid story of growing up in South Texas with the same pressures and risks of falling prey to drugs and drug dealing, yet chose education as a key to success. He motivated the students to be the next leaders of tomorrow and to be confident that eduction would pave their way to long-term success in life. Other events followed throughout the week to promote healthy-living, such as law enforcement presentations, educational videos, lunch with Mr. Ciggy and a parade & bonfire. All efforts were coordinated by Counselor, Jessica Vera-Rios, LPC and events were carried out by Kids Against Drugs (KADs). A special thanks goes out to Judge Eloy Vera, USBP, Tri-County CSCD, Sheriff's office, RGCPD, BRBHC, STCADA, DEA, RGCCISD PD, J.P. Pinky Cruz, Baldemar Garza and Chuy Alvarez. Together, we are making a difference! " Persons in Picture from left to right: Mr. Adolfo Pena, Principal; Jessica Vera-Rios, LPC, Edgar Luna, Judge Eloy Vera, Justin Guerra, Gisi Avila, Kendra Saenz and Jasmine Pruneda. (kneeling):Rios and Erika Serna.

Local College Honored for Increasing Graduation Rate

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:30:00 PST

During the fall 2011 semester, South Texas College was one of only four community colleges from across the state to receive special recognition from the Texas Association of Business. The award was presented in Austin to applaud the college's efforts to increase its graduation rate, as well as help students progress through the higher education system in a timely manner.

“We hear a lot about the colleges that aren’t pushing students to succeed, pushing them to get a degree,” said Texas Association of Business President and CEO Bill Hammond. “STC is one of four community colleges that are getting it right. Each of the honorees has shown significant improvement in the number of students completing degree plans and improvements in student achievement.”

STC was honored in the very large community college category, along with Howard Community College in the small category, Paris Junior College in the medium category, and Blinn College in the large category. TAB asked The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to use its outcome-based model, called Momentum Points, to measure the relative improvement of all community colleges on metrics such as developmental education completion, transfers, credit accumulation and certificate and degree completion between fiscal years 2007 and 2010. These are areas TAB believes are critical for producing better results. Based on these measures, STC stood out from its peers in the state.

“At only 18 years old STC has grown from just 1,000 students its first year to serving more than 31,000 students, and with that enrollment comes great responsibility,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, STC president. “We believe in access and for this reason have a strong commitment to students enrolling with the college, but we also want to ensure our students are leaving our halls with value and that value comes from earning a certificate or degree. Knowledge is power, but it is much more powerful when backed by an earned degree. With STC, students are receiving a quality education.”

From 2008 to 2010, the college has seen an increase of 85 percent in students earning a degree or certificate, an increase of 20 percent in the number of students transferring to a four-year university or college and an increase of 60 percent in the number of students who earn at least 30 credit hours from the college. Most recently, more than 3,200 students earned a bachelor's, associate or certificate from the college in May 2011

“We are tackling major issues head on, including college readiness, persistence in higher education, and completion by design,” Juan E. Mejia, STC vice president for academic affairs. “We are working with our K to 12 partners to begin preparing students for college starting in kindergarten, so that they will know that they will be attending college and performing well through the system.”

As graduation rates have increased at STC, the percentage of students taking some developmental courses at the college has decreased from 62 percent of the student population to just 40 percent. During the same 2008 to 2010 time period, the percentage of students passing a college-level math course at the college increased by more than 700 percent.

“To be competitive and be ready for the jobs of the 21st century Texas must be ready to train the next generation of workers, that’s why our community colleges are so valuable,” said Hammond. “These are the examples. These colleges show that change can be made, and outcomes for both students and employers can be improved.”

Founded in 1922, The Texas Association of Business is a broad-based, bipartisan organization representing more than 3,000 small and large Texas employers and 200 chambers of commerce. For more information about the organization visit www.txbiz.org.

For additional information about South Texas College visit www.southtexascollege.edu or call 956-872-8311.

Photo caption:
STC Division Dean of Business and Technology Mario Reyna, STC President Shirley A. Reed and STC Vice President for Academic Affairs Juan E. Mejia with the college’s award from the Texas Association of Business.

VMS Students Produce Math Themed Video

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 07:00:04 PST

VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL - Several Veterans Middle School 7th graders from Mrs. Christina M. Chapa’s Math class are participating in the Math Counts “Reel Math Challenge”. These students created and starred in their own math video. This free online competition encourages student innovation. The 7th graders from VMS worked on this video project for two months before submitting it for competition. In order for VMS to go to the next round, their video must be viewed, voted for, and ranked in the top 20 most popular videos. Our community can support the VMS Reel Math Challenge Video by going to http://video.reelmath.org/home.aspx and look for the VMS Math video under the tab “New Videos” or search by problem 26. On the right side of the video, click on the “like” button. Voting ends on February 1, 2012 and you can vote once a day. Please support our students! Pictured above are 7th Grade Math students who created this video: Gabby Pena, Alexa Posas, Kiara Benavidez, and Dayla Trillayes.

Guillen Encourages Holiday Fireworks Safety

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:00:02 PST

AUSTIN — With the holiday season in full swing, State Representative Ryan Guillen (D-Starr County) today reminded South Texans of the importance of fireworks safety during this time of year. Lighting fireworks can be a fun activity for families and friends to take part in during the winter holidays, but with that fun comes responsibility and necessary safety precautions.

"The National Council on Fireworks Safety states that you should only buy consumer fireworks from a licensed store or stand and never buy fireworks from an individual’s house or from someone on the street," said Rep. Guillen. "Also, it's crucial that all firework activities be done under close adult supervision in safe areas away from dry grass and buildings."

You can help ensure a safe holiday fireworks experience for you, your family, and neighbors this year by following these tips:

Never experiment with homemade or altered fireworks.
Always use fireworks outdoors.
Keep a bucket of water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby.
Light one firework at a time and then move back quickly after lighting it.
Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never point or throw fireworks at people or animals.

VMS Holds Successful Toy Drive

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:00:05 PST

VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Students at Veterans Middle School donated over 1000 toys for the annual Toy for Rio Kids Drive that was sponsored by the Rio Grande City Police Department. Student Council members and sponsors from VMS spearheaded this charitable service project so that needy children from our community could have a new toy on Christmas morning. Pictured above are some of the VMS Student Council members, Mrs. Maricela O. Garcia (VMS Principal), Ms. San Juanita Olivarez (Student Council Sponsor) and officers from the RGC Police Department.

RGC FFA Team Advances at University Competition

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:00:10 PST

The Rio Grande City FFA Leadership Development Event Junior Skill team advanced to the Area 10 competition held at Texas A&M University Kingsville on November 21st, 2011. The team competed against teams that are from San Antonio to the Rio Grande Valley. The team placed 8th place overall in their event. Pictured from left to right Mrs. Randy Lee Martin - RGC FFA Advisor, Justin Cody Salinas, Beto Garza Jr, and Christian Olivarez.

Roma Students Design Ornament Displayed at State Capitol

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:27:45 PST

AUSTIN — Last week, State Representative Ryan Guillen, D-Starr County, presented the House District 31 ornament designed by members of the Roma High School Art Club to be displayed on the Lone Star Celebration Christmas Tree in the House Chamber at the Texas State Capitol.

Back in November, art teacher Monica Gillette and Roma High School Art Club members Hector Ochoa, Jessica Moreno, Michelle Garcia, Alexia Barrera, Vivian Cortez, were asked to decorate the District 31 ornament in a way that showcases the unique character of the district.

"Mrs. Gillette and her students truly went above and beyond in designing this year's ornament," said Rep. Guillen. "It's a very impressive display of art that effectively captures the spirit of our region's growing birding industry."

The ornament represents Falcon Lake on the Rio Grande River, which stretches and connects the border counties of District 31, Starr, Zapata, and Webb. Roma is home to one of South Texas's many birding centers, where visitors can view the diverse migratory birds of the area. The ornament features an ebony tree and a collection of the district’s most popular birds, including the Green Jay, Scarlet Tanager, Great Egret, Cardinal and the Audubon's Oriole.

Since 2009, members of the Texas House have had the opportunity to create a tangible symbol of the invincible character and charm of their district with the House Ornament Project. The ornaments will hang proudly on a Texas-sized tree through January 6, 2012, and the story of each ornament will be displayed in an album so that visitors to the Chamber may learn each ornament's story. Last year, nearly 100 members contributed ornaments.

GRSE Students Spread Holiday Cheer to Needy Families

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:17:28 PST

Safety Patrols at General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary had a toy, clothes and food drive in order to spread some holiday cheer to less-fortunate families. Every item collected was donated to the Starr County Community Closet which serves families in need. We greatly appreciate parents, students and staff’s donations.

Local Rep. Urges Moves that Could Make Insurance Companies "Provide Rebates"

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:59:24 PST

AUSTIN — State Representative Ryan Guillen (D-Starr County), joined by 30 other Texas House Democrats, urged Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman to withdraw an effort that would cost Texas policy holders an estimated $260 million.

TDI recently submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USHSS) to delay implementation of the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rule. The MLR rule is a provision of the Affordable Healthcare Act that would require insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of policy premium dollars on actual medical expenses, rather than in-house overhead, marketing, advertising, or bonuses. Under the MLR, if insurers fail to comply with these standards, they must provide rebates to policyholders. In Texas, rebates would amount to approximately $350 for each policy holder.

"I see no reason why the State of Texas would want to delay a measure that would save our citizens money. After a session in which the legislative majority slashed funding for essential public health services, South Texans need all the help they can get to cover their medical expenses," stated Rep. Guillen. "I greatly encourage South Texans to contact TDI Commissioner Kitzman, at (512) 463-6464, and persuade her to withdraw her application to delay the MLR rule."

To date, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has denied MLR rule delay applications from Indiana and Louisiana.

Vaccination Required for Most New College Students

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:00:07 PST

Students who will be new to South Texas College in the spring 2012 semester can get a jump on preparations for the semester by doing one simple thing – ensuring they have gotten a Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination.

A new Texas law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2012 that requires all incoming college freshmen to have an initial Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination or booster dose. It is important to note there are several exceptions including students who were enrolled in the college in the fall semester and are returning for the spring, students 30 years of age or older at the start of the spring semester, students enrolled in only online courses or continuing education courses, or students enrolled in dual enrollment courses held off the college’s campuses.

“All incoming freshmen, transfer students and returning students who did not attend STC in the fall 2011 semester will be required to show proof of immunization against bacterial meningitis,” explained Kim McKay, interim dean of enrollment services.”

For those impacted by the law, STC will accept three forms of evidence of vaccination including an official immunization record, an official school vaccination record or a signature or stamp of a physician or health official showing the month, day and year the vaccination or booster was administered. Records should be submitted to the college’s Admissions Office.

“Bacterial Meningitis is a very serious, sometimes fatal, disease that is easily spread on college campuses and we are trying to take all of the proper precautions to protect the health and well-being of our students,” explained McKay. “Students will need to provide proof of immunization by Friday, Jan. 27, 2012.”

For more information about the state law, STC’s policy or where to obtain a vaccination, visit http://vaccinate.southtexascollege.edu/ or call 956-872-8311.

South Texas Lyric Opera annual performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” Dec. 11

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:03 PST

South Texas Lyric Opera, the Rio Grande Valley’s premier opera company and sponsored in part by South Texas College, celebrates the holiday season with its sixth annual performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”

Fully staged with a live orchestra, the story centers on Amahl, who is a poor, crippled shepherd boy living with his widowed mother. They encounter the three kings destined to visit the newborn Christ and through the course of the tale, the young boy is cured of his lameness because of his selflessness.

At one hour in length and performed in English, the performance takes place on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 at 3 p.m. at the Rio Grande City High School Paco Zarate Fine Arts Auditorium located at 144 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City.

“This is a story appealing to children of all ages, with magical themes and glorious music,” said Dr. Mazias de Oliviera, founder and artistic director of STLO. “It was written specifically for young imaginations that can easily relate to a child with a head full of dreams. This is a great event for the entire family with uplifting themes of hope, which is particularly important in this day and age.”

General admission tickets are $20 and tickets for students and senior citizens are $10. For more information or to reserve tickets call 956-735-4242 or 956-263-1573.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

UTPA to Host Christmas Concert Dec. 18

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:00:10 PST

The University of Texas-Pan American invites the public to ring in the holiday season with the pageantry and beauty of the Mariachi tradition.

The University's Department of Music presents the award-winning UTPA Mariachi Aztlán in Mariachi Christmas Concerts, Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium. The concerts will also feature performances by the Luz de Luna Folkloric Dance Ensemble and McAllen High School's Mariachi Oro.

Come and enjoy the beauty and exuberance of Mexican folk music as the Mariachi Aztlán celebrates the festive customs associated with a Mexican Christmas celebration.

Since 1989, the UTPA Mariachi Aztlán has traveled throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada as ambassadors representing the beauty of Hispanic music and cultural traditions, and creating a bridge of cultural understanding between the two countries. This year, the Mariachi Aztlán won first place for the second consecutive year at the Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque and were invited to perform at the Hollywood Bowl, selected from professionals groups across the nation. Last year, the group also performed for President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., and with the Houston Grand Opera in the premiere of the world's first Mariachi opera.

The UTPA Mariachi program was founded by Dr. Dahlia Guerra, dean of UT Pan American's College of Arts and Humanities, and is directed by Francisco Loera, a faculty member of UTPA's Department of Modern Languages and Literature.

Tickets for either concert are $5 at the door. If special assistance or accommodations are necessary please call Voice TDD (956) 665-3471 three days in advance.

For more information, call (956) 665-3471.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

FEMA Visits Local College

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:55:36 PST

“Disaster” is a word not lightly used and certainly not a situation anyone hopes to face. However, Valley residents can rest assured that graduates from South Texas College’s Emergency Medical Technology Program will be well prepared to face a major disaster head on should one occur in the region.

Recently STC hosted FEMA at its Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City, where students learned from top-level federal trainers about health care management of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive events. The course was offered to the college and its students free of charge as part of an effort to ensure national disaster preparedness on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center and the Texas A&M University System.

“This is awareness training and meant to make responders as prepared as possible,” said Ernie Witener, FEMA training specialist. “With these agents we are discussing, time is essential and makes the difference between life and death. It all boils down to better protecting the public and that’s why we are here working with these students.”

Over the course of two days, 130 STC EMT students attended intensive seminars and hands-on workshops simulating disaster scenarios. In the classroom seminars students learned about the chemistry and reaction of a variety of agents, and how to respond. In the hands-on sessions, students were broken into groups to work on simulated patients to apply the strategies learned in the classroom.

“As instructors, we are always learning about new techniques and issues facing the EMT community, but the professionals that trained our students during these two days were top-level with knowledge of the most innovative strategies out there and that’s why this is so exciting – we can truly say our STC EMT students are on the cutting edge of the field,” said Dr. Roberto Gonzalez, chair of STC’s EMT Program.

Students earned 16 continuing education credit hours for participation in the training. They learned how to address environmental factors, protective issues for emergency personnel and the public, basic decontamination considerations, transportation procedures and patient treatment using the RAPID Care concept.

“The training was great because you never know what you will encounter in the field,” said STC EMT Program student Kat Cavazos. “We have to be prepared for the worst. This is about as real as it gets and its very exciting for me because I think I will be better prepared than others because of this training. It gives me the confidence to be a team leader and take the lead in the field.”

For more information about STC’ Emergency Medical Technology Program call 956-872-3166 or 956-872-3178.

Photo caption:
STC EMT students work on a dummy simulating a chemical reaction in a disaster scenario.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

Local College Presents Winter Wonderland Art Walk on Dec. 1

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:00:01 PST

Chestnuts won’t be roasting on an open fire, but free food, music and art displays are a great way to kick off the holiday season with South Texas College’s second annual Winter Wonderland Art Walk on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event takes place at the college’s Pecan Campus Courtyard located at 3201 West Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

The STC Winter Wonderland Art Walk is a self-guided tour of art displays and demonstrations in cooking and ceramics, as well as live musical performances. Guests can start their tour at any location and proceed at their own pace.

“If you enjoy great art, great music and great food, then this event is for you,” said Mike Shannon, STC interim associate dean of student life. “This is a terrific way to kick off the holiday season. We hope community members will bring the entire family to enjoy this free event.”

The event is sponsored by the college’s Visual Arts and Music Department, Culinary Arts Department and Student Life Department. For more information call 956-872-3535 or 956-872-2503.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

H-E-B to Host 8th Annual Feast of Sharing

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:51:20 PST

RIO GRANDE CITY— Rio Grande City citizens have been cordially invited to celebrate a local holiday tradition during the 8th annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing Dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at Fort Ringgold Elementary.

H-E-B and a team of dedicated volunteers are preparing to fill the plates of 2,500 guests with a delicious meal consisting of succulent turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing with gravy, vegetables and, of course, pumpkin pie. Just like Mom used to make.

“Friends, family and great food are what bring people together for the holidays,” said Danny Flores, H-E-B public affairs manager. “We are looking forward to treating Rio Grande City residents to a day filled with good food and fun. So make sure to bring not only your appetite, but a neighbor, too.”

Guests also will enjoy musical entertainment and interactive activities for kids, as well as meet with nonprofit organizations offering free services in the community.

The H-E-B Feast of Sharing Dinner in Rio Grande City is one of 30 dinners that H-E-B will host throughout November and December. These special dinners are part of the company’s nationally recognized Food Bank Assistance Program, which works year-round to combat hunger in Texas and Mexico.

In addition, H-E-B will distribute 2,500 children’s books as part of its Read 3 Campaign, an early childhood literacy initiative launched in September 2011. The campaign’s mission is to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of reading to children a minimum of three times per week and to provide families with the tools and resources they need to prepare their children for school.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

Grant to Help Repair Homes of Farm Workers In South Texas

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:00:00 PST

(Rio Grande City)—Motivation, Education and Training, Inc. (MET) has received a $50,000 grant from the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) to provide home repairs for low-income farm workers in South Texas. Accepting the check on behalf of MET was Carmen Gonzalez, Vice President of the Board for MET and Hilda Escobar, Secretary of the Board for MET. The grant was presented by Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen and David Long, President of the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation.

“The home repairs that MET provides are critical to the well-being of many farm worker families,” said State Representative Ryan Guillen (Starr County). “This grant eases the financial burden associated with such repairs and improves the quality of life of these families."

MET received one of six grants awarded this year by TSAHC as part of its Texas Foundations Fund program. The grant will be used to perform critical repairs to eight farm worker-owned homes in Willacy, Starr, Zavala, Maverick, and Dimmitt Counties. In addition, three of the eight households that will be assisted with this award have a family member who has a disability.

“Our home repair program provides a huge benefit to the seasonal farm worker families in South Texas,” said Carmen Gonzalez, Vice President of the Board for MET. “These families consistently live below the poverty level, and providing them with home repairs at no cost really contributes to their financial stability. The grant from TSAHC will help us continue to fulfill the housing and financial needs of our community.”

"We are impressed with the success that MET has had with their home repair program,” said David Long, President of the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation. “We are excited to support their efforts with a Texas Foundations Fund award that will expand the quality services they provide."

MET will leverage its Texas Foundation Fund award with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. The additional funding provided by the Texas Foundations Fund award will allow MET to repair more homes and address serious housing defects which require significant resources.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

Local College Students Perform Broadway Play

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:00:03 PST

What a better way to celebrate the holidays than with a reminder of how much we love to go to parties? That is unless you are a character in Neil Simon’s play, “Rumors.” South Texas College’s Theatre Department will kick off the winter holidays with Simon’s successful Broadway show, which runs from Dec. 1 to 3, 2011 at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. The “party” will be held at STC’s Pecan Campus Cooper Center for Communication Arts located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen.

Directed by STC Theatre Department Technical Director Jason Lee Huerta, “Rumors” revolves around the tale of four couples. They are all at the townhouse of a deputy New York City mayor and the mayor’s wife for the celebration of the couple’s tenth wedding anniversary. However, the party never begins because the host has shot himself in the head and his wife is missing. His lawyer’s cover up gets progressively more difficult to sustain as the other guests arrive and nobody can remember who has been told what about whom. Doors slam and hilarity abounds as the couples get more and more crazed.
Tickets are $5 for STC students, faculty and staff members, senior citizens, and members of the military. General admission is $10. The Sunday matinee production will be interpreted in American Sign Language by student interns from STC’s Interpreter Training Program.

For additional information about the show or for group rates call 956-872-2639 or e-mail jrodriguez@southtexascollege.edu.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

Roma H.S. Students Visit Texas Capitol

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:00:00 PST

AUSTIN --- On Friday, Nov. 18, State Representative Ryan Guillen (D-Starr County) provided an in-depth walk-through of the state legislative process to more than 80 high school students from South and East Texas. The students traveled to the Texas Capitol from high schools in Duval, Starr, Zapata, Webb, Wood, and Harrison Counties to take part in the 8th annual Student Legislative Session.

The event, founded by State Reps. Ryan Guillen (District 31) and Bryan Hughes (District 5), provided the students with detailed insight on how the legislative process happens and the common duties of state lawmakers.

"It's always gratifying for me to share with students how our state legislature operates," said Rep. Guillen. "I hope this experience will encourage our students to become more involved in their communities, state, and nation."

During the event, the students had the opportunity to listen to the inspiring and informative words of Texas House Parliamentarian Chris Griesel, Texas House Committee Coordinator Stacey Nicchio, and Rich Parsons, Communications Director for Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade.

In addition, the students, along with their sponsors, had the chance to take an official tour of the Capitol and participate in a comprehensive mock legislative debate in the Texas House Chamber while sitting in the actual seats of Texas House members. The bills discussed ranged from the topics of public education to healthcare to transportation.

"I hope that the knowledge our students learned inspires them to continue to apply themselves in college and beyond," said Rep. Guillen.

(Roma High School - from left to right: teacher Edgar Castellano; future legislators Jesus De La O, Robert Meza, Dulce Maria Gonzalez; and teacher Chastity Cervantes)

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

RMS Students Prepare for SAT's

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:49:49 PST

Ringgold Middle School SAT Preparation classes for students participating in the Duke TIP- Talent Search for 7th grade students is underway. This identified group of students will be taking the SAT exam in January 2012. Currently, after school sessions, both in English Language Arts and Mathematics are available to help students prepare to take this college entrance exam. Ringgold Middle applauds the achievement and potential of all students participating in the Duke TIP for the 2011-2012 school year. For more questions on Duke TIP (Talent Search), you may also visit: http://www.tip.duke.edu/. For additional information about our program, please contact Mrs. Patricia O. Soto, Ringgold Middle School Dean of Instruction at 716-6851. For information on the SAT test for Duke TIP participants, please contact Mr. Felix Garza, RMS counselor, at 716-6886.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

Grulla Elem. Joins 'Relay for Life'

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 07:00:00 PST

Grulla Elementary students and staff members participated in the Rio Grande City Relay For Life an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The school won First Place in the Spirit Stick Contest and First Place in the Car Decorating Contest. The Dazzlers Dance Team and Stars Cheerleaders participated in performing for the audience. We would like to thank everyone that participated.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

Local Educator Awarded 'Light Keeper' Award

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 07:00:10 PST

On October 14th, a counseling staff development was hosted at General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary where the counselors selected Mr. Ricardo Garcia-Special Education Resource Teacher-to receive the “Light Keeper” award. This award is given to a teacher that has impacted and lit the way for a child. We would like to applaud Mr. Ricardo Garcia’s dedication and commitment to our students and our school.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.

General Ricardo Sanchez Elem. Hosts Bus Safety Activities

rgherald@gmail.com (rgHerald.com) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:00:02 PST

General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary students participated in a bus safety presentation on Oct. 19, 2011. The Rio Grande City CISD bus drivers discussed safety rules, emergency exits and evacuations in case of an emergency. Students viewed an educational video which served to raise awareness and reinforce the importance of following bus safety rules. Ongoing trainings, videos and bus safety tips are implemented constantly during the year to improve students’ safety. General Ricardo Sanchez students and staff acknowledged bus drivers’ commitment and dedication in ensuring our students’ safety to and from school.

Check out the Border Perspective Audio Podcast featuring

Local Stories, News, and Interviews.