Friday, May 22, 2015
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Pioneer High’s Nora Monie S BEST IN STATE By Luciano Guerra
tate championships are hard to come by. They’re the ultimate prize for every high school athlete across the Lone Star State, but only a select few ever get to experience the feeling of having that highly sought after gold medal draped around their necks while standing atop the center platform of the medals podium. Pioneer High’s Nora Monie joined that exclusive club just one week ago as she became the first female athlete from a Sharyland ISD school to claim a University Interscholastic League State Championship and as she
joined powerlifter and fellow Lady Diamondback Alexandra Winfree as the only two state champions in Pioneer High School history. And she did so by throwing the discus 141 feet 8 inches at the UIL State Track and Field Championship Meet held at the University of Texas at Austin last week. “Nora is one of those athletes that coaches dream of having,” Sharyland ISD Athletic Director Richard Thompson said. “She’s competed for either Sharyland High or Pioneer High for four years and she’s excelled each year. She has now reached the pinnacle by earning a state championship.” “It was on her last throw
in the pouring rain that she made her gold medal winning throw and that was probably as impressive as anything,” Thompson added. Monie, whose fourth throw of 133 feet 3 inches had her in second place as she prepared to make her sixth and final throw, knew that she had a gold medal-winning throw in her. Her personal record this season was 144 feet, so despite the pouring rain, lightning delays and the pain in her left ankle from an injury she sus-
tained just days earlier, she was determined to make her final throw count. “Since the very first throw Coach (Larry) Howell and I were saying that all I needed to do was to improve an inch or an inch-and-a-half every throw,” Monie said. “I actually did that because I got better with each throw. Then on my next to last throw I felt it pop, or explode, off my hand so I knew it was a good throw but it went wide
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‘READ TO LEAD’ The Catholic War Veterans Post 1065 plays “Taps” for a Veterans Day ceremony in 2014. Progress Times file photo
Memorial Day services planned across area
By Lea Victoria Juarez glorify war.” Gonzalez joined the milirmy veteran Lupe tary after college and served Gonzalez said he has from 1968-1970. He was in two birthdays – his artillery and did most of his actual day of birth and the fighting at night. During the day he returned from Viet- day, his unit prepared to fight nam. He doesn’t celebrate in the evening, sleep depripublicly but he does make vation occurred as a result. sure to go to church and pray He waited 40 years to visfor those who fought along- it Veteran’s Affairs, where he side him. was diagnosed as a disabled “I do remember all the veteran due to Tinnitus and people who did not return. posttraumatic stress disorder. I pray for them and for all The 71-year-old said he those that did get back,” is just thankful veterans are Gonzalez said. “I was one of respected today because that the lucky ones.” was not the case when he left The principal of Our Lady the military in 1970. Gonof Guadalupe is the keynote zalez recalled being told to speaker for the A.C.E. Club put on civilian clothes if he of Mission Memorial Day wanted to remain safe, and program. One of the points he remembers people saying he said he always tries to crude things or spitting on make when speaking about veterans at airports. the military is that soldiers “Now you get a sense of don’t like war. self worth and a sense of ap“Soldiers are not the ones preciation,” Gonzalez said. who make wars, but they’re “Memorial Day is to honor called upon to defend their those who died serving in the country in the time of need,” U.S. military, those who died Gonzalez said. “There’s a for their country.” big difference between those See MEMORIAL DAY 11A that served and those that
MCISD holds literacy rally A
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By Lea Victoria Juarez
ictional characters lined the bleachers of Tom Landry Stadium on Tuesday for Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s inaugural summer reading kick-off. Students, teachers, staff and administrators donned the attire of their favorite book characters. From the Mad Hatter to the Three Little Pigs, children’s book personalities mingled with one another throughout the morning. More than 7,700 of MCISD’s elementary students attended the reading rally and went home with two books. Superintendent Ricardo Lopez said the importance of the rally is to get the students excited about summer reading. According to research, students lose a por-
tion of their education skill set during the summer. In order to battle what is known as the summer slide, Mission school district is promoting summer reading. “We’re trying to build personal libraries at home,” Lopez said. “But we can’t just hand them the books, we’ve got to do something to get them pumped and let them know how important this is.” Each student went home with two grade-appropriate books, in addition to a third book that was already given to them – “The World According to Humphrey.” While at the assembly, Patricia O’Caña-Olivarez, attorney and school board president, read “Sara Rose, Kid Lawyer” to the stadium while dressed in her judicial robe. A number of city repre-
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TOP: Mission CISD holds their inaugural Reading Rally to inspire elementary students to read in the summer. ABOVE: More than 7,700 elementary students gather at Tom Landry Stadium, dressed as their favorite book character for the summer reading kickoff.
“One book can be the fundamental thing that can help change our lives.” – Chris Valdez
INSIDE
MCISD administrator gets shot at superintendent
INDEX
Hourly employees awarded at MCISD
Taft Independent School District has hired a Mission Consolidated ISD administrator as Taft’s next superintendent.
For 15 years, Anita Gonzalez has been working for Mission CISD, and on May 15 she was formally recognized for her services.
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Entertainment | pg. 2A
Lifestyle | pg. 6A
Opinion | pg. 4A
Sports | pg. 8A
In today’s edition
Inside today’s Progress Times is this year’s Campus Chronicle, focusing on La Joya Independent School District.
Obituaries | pg. 9A
Classifieds | pg. 11A
entertainment Quinta Mazatlan announces summer camps for kids
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he folks at Quinta Mazatlan believe that outdoor play and exploration is critical to kids’ growth and development so they will be hosting summer camps for children ages six to 12. The camps are half a day from 8:30 to 11:30, Tuesday to Friday. All the age groups receive a lunch and all art materials and tools needed for the camp. Quinta Mazatlan is nestled in a Tamaulipan Thorn Forest just a block south from LaPlaza Mall in McAllen. The camps seek to foster an appreciation for and love of nature by inviting campers to explore the world around them through hands-on, outdoor and experiential learning. The youngest campers, age six to eight, can choose from four camps or attend them all. Close Encounters of the Animal Kind will be held
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June 9-12, Outdoor Adventure will be June 23-26, Camp “Unless” based on the Lorax Story from July 14-17, and Dinosaur Camp is July 28-31. Older campers, age nine to12, can also choose from four camps or attend them all. Survivor Skills Camp will be
IMAS welcomes back Takeda Biennial
he International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is welcoming once again The Fourth Mexican Shinzaburo Takeda Biennial of Printmaking from April 30 to August 30, 2015. Members of the museum and visitors are invited to join IMAS on Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an opening reception. The Fourth Mexican Shinzaburo Takeda Biennial of Printmaking consists of 325 graphic artists from all over Mexico, 470 entries (48 works selected), six winners - including the Takeda Award, the UABJO Award, and the Kirk and Jeri Clark Award - and six special mentions. Also taking part was guest country of honor Belgium, being represented in the form of 10 pieces from the personal collection of Professor Willem Elias. Takeda’s Biennial consolidates the efforts made in the
past nine years, positioning itself as one of the major Biennials of Graphic Arts of Mexico and Latin America, for its contribution to the dissemination, teaching, learning and enrichment of printmaking in the art world. On display are prints that were culled from the selected works and invited country of honor. Now in its fourth installment, the Biennial was created in 2008 through the efforts of a group of artists from Oaxaca lead by Japanese printmaker and Maestro Shinzaburo Takeda in order to create a forum that would foster the creation of new artistic works that showcase the traditional techniques of printmaking. The Biennial has brought a new energy to Mexican art and life, especially to the city of Oaxaca, which is a Mecca for this art
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held June 16-19, From Dinosaurs to Bird-A-Soars will be July 7-10, Art of Nature from July 21-24, and Science Fair Camp is August 4-7. To register your child online, visit https://webtrac. mcallen.net. Should you need assistance, call 681-3333.
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Walk-in registrations are welcome at Quinta Mazatlan and all the City of McAllen Community Centers at Lark, Las Palmas and PalmView. For more information on camps and other summer programs, visit www.quintamazatlan. com.
EWBC free last Saturday of month
he Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center (EWBC) invites the community to join in on the fun during the phenomenal monthly Spectacular Saturdays. Doors are open to the public free of charge on the last Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy several different crafts, activities, and games. During Spectacular Saturday’s children can also read a book at the mini children’s library or color a favorite animal at the centers coloring table. Families can also enjoy a guided bird or butterfly walk through the grounds with the EWBC interpretive naturalist. New at the EWBC, Junior Ranger Field Packs. Families are invited to visit and rent a pack to use on the grounds. If you love exploring nature with hands-on experiences and helpful tools, then this
field pack is for you. They contain fun tools that will help you discover new and different things about wildlife and plants you’ll see on the grounds. Junior Ranger Field Packs include items such as binoculars, magnifiers, animal and plant field guides, scavenger hunt sheets for the little ones, dip nets and a collecting tray, and a journal to write in for the family to keep. The packs are available throughout the week during regular business hours. Rentals are free; however, a picture ID is required for the loan. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. adjacent to Edinburg Municipal Park. For more information on these free family fun opportunities or other EWBC programs, call (956)381-9922 or visit www.edinburgwbc. org.
May 22, 2015
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Coming Attractions
May 22 Pepe Aguilar will perform at the State Farm Arena at 8 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www. statefarmarena.com. The Spazmatics, the Ultimate New Waves 80s Show, will perform at the Boggus Ford Events Center. Reserved tables, 10 seats to a table, are $32. Standing and general admission tickets are $22. For more information or tickets, visit www.pharrevents.com/events/. Tickets go on sale for Tracey Lawrence concert at Las Palmas Race Park on June 27. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.laspalmasracepark. com/events/. May 23 Costello will be live at Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island at 11 p.m. Costello is an original Texas Country music group from McAllen that embrace their South Texas roots and sound. They have toured with Wynonna Judd, Toby Keith, Los Lonely Boys, Eil Young Band, Pat Green, Randy Rogers Band, Josh Abbott Band, and other country superstars. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.rgvevents.com. May 24 Latino Live productions present Zumba Fest McAllen 2015 with Beto Perez, Zumba creator, at the McAllen Convention Center. Doors will open at 1 p.m., show starts at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $67, VIP are $150. For more information, visit www.zumbafestmcallen.com or call 956-578-7021. May 27 The Upper Valley Art League will have a new art group using a fully clothed model. The group is open to all mediums for artists to practice drawing, painting and sculptures. The group will meet on Wednesdays, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the UVAL Art Link Annex shop area. This is free to members. For more information call 583-2787 and ask about the Model Inspired Art Session. Class will continue as long as models are available and there is an interest. May 29 Graceland Ninjaz will be live at Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island at 11 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.rgvevents.com. June 3 Live Nationa’s “The Noise” Present In This Moment at the Boggus Ford Events Center in Pharr. General admis-
sion is $24. For more information or tickets, visit www.pharrevents.com/events/. June 5 Ministry with My Life with Thrill Kill Kult and The Hunger will perform at the Boggus Ford Events Center in Pharr. Tickets are $39.50. For more information or tickets, visit www.pharrevents.com/ events/. June 6 Romeo Santos will perform at the State Farm Arena at 9 p.m., doors open at 8 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.statefarmarena. com. June 10 Chris Brown will perform at the State Farm Arena at 7 p.m., doors will open at 6 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.statefarmarena.com. June 12 McAllen Convention Center will present the South Texas Fighting Championships MMA Cage Fights. Fighters include Fabian Saldivar versus Josh Montalvo, Andoni Sorando versus Sam Guardiola, Saul Elizondo verus Ricardo Palacios and Guilherme Farias de Costa. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or call 292-5669 or 414-8698. June 19 Yuri will perform at the State Farm Arena at 8 p.m., doors will open at 7 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.statefarmarena.com. June 20 17th Annual Home Buyer’s Fair will take place at the McAllen Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event connects potential homebuyers with the resources they need to achieve their dream of becoming a homeowner. There will be 18 free seminars and more such as exhibitors, furniture and appliance giveaways, and door prizes. For more information, call 681-3800. Weekly · Catholic War Veterans Post #1065 in Mission invites the public to their “Get Away Thursday Dance” held every Thursday evening, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. It is located at 500 W. Business 83. Music by the Electro Band provides country western, Tejano, the Oldies, cumbias and more. No cover charge. Call 583-5961 or email Doodrey@netzero.com for more information. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.
May 22, 2015
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Hourly employees awarded at MCISD
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By Lea Victoria Juarez or 15 years, Anita Gonzalez has been working for Mission CISD, and on May 15 she was formally recognized for her services. The district held a Staff Member of the Year luncheon to honor hourly employees, and each campus and building nominated someone for the award. The district-wide staff member of the year went to Gonzalez from Waitz Elementary. Gonzalez hesitated when her name was called at the luncheon. Her principal, Ruby Rodriguez, nudged her forward so she could accept the award. Still, Gonzalez slowly made her way to the front of the room where she was handed a bouquet of roses and a glass, star-shaped trophy. “I was in shock. I really thought that this other lady was going to get it. Then they said my name and Mrs. Rodriguez said ‘Anita, you won,’” she said with a gig-
gle. “It never clicked that it was me. I told my motherin-law that I feel like Miss America.” Gonzalez works as a community liaison for Waitz. She calls parents and makes home visits to keep track of student attendance. Although the basis of her job is handling attendance, she goes above and beyond the duty. The Mission-native recalled a time when she gave a student her own shoes because the student’s pair was torn and her peers were making fun of her. “I said, ‘Oh no, mama, they’re not going to laugh at you,” Gonzalez said. “I thought, what if that was me or my son? So I gave them to her.” In a separate occurrence, she made a home visit and found that a boy wasn’t going to attend school because his shoes were wet and couldn’t afford another pair. Gonzalez took the student to Walmart and bought him a
pair of shoes and socks so it wouldn’t keep him from his classes. Rodriguez explained that the community liaison will often relay information about the home life that the school didn’t previously know. Because of Gonzalez, this helps the principal gauge how they can better a student’s education. “Community liaisons also play a key role in dropout recovery efforts that go on every fall,” said Craig Verley, the MCISD spokesman. “They play a major role in helping identify students in need and getting them in touch with services that would be available to assist them within the district or in many cases outside the district.” Gonzalez also works at the Disney store in the McAllen mall. Scheduling rarely conflicts, but she said she prefers having two jobs. Since she and her husband got married, the 48-year-old has held two jobs because
Anita Gonzalez is awarded Staff Member of the Year for Mission CISD. Gonzalez is a community liaison at Waitz Elementary. Progress Times photo by Lea Victoria Juarez
MCISD trustee pleads not guilty to theft, forgery charges
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By Julie Silva rma Patricia "Patty" Rivera (Bazaldua), vice president of the Mission CISD school board, plead not guilty Wednesday morning to two counts of theft and one count each of forgery and fraudulent use of identification. Mission police first arrested Rivera in September, after her then-in laws filed complaints against her in June and July. Rivera’s sister-in-law first met with Mission police investigators in June and stated an insurance agent approached her in April 2012 and asked her to verify a signature on an application for a $5,000 loan on her policy, according to a probable cause statement. Michelle Bazaldua Peugh said she didn't know anything about it, and the agent came to her workplace to show her the application. According to her affidavit, Peugh recognized the handwriting and suspected Rivera, but Peugh didn't do anything because the money was not paid out
Patricia “Patty” Rivera (Balzadua)
to anyone. Then, in May of this year, Peugh received a call from her mother, about a $5,000 loan in August 2012, Peugh stated in her affidavit. Peugh’s mom called the insurance company, requested a copy of the application and found someone forged her and her husband’s names, the affidavit states. The check had been mailed to Peugh’s parents’ address, and Peugh said Rivera lived next door at the time and always got
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Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago This Week
Mission grads shared $90,000 in scholarships Forty-six members of the 1985 graduating class of Mission High School shared scholarships totaling $90,000. Big winners included Lori Burt, class valedictorian, who received the Pollard Simmons Scholarship of $3,400 a year for four years to Southern Methodist University, plus a full tuition scholarship by the Members of Independent Colleges and University of Texas, and a tuition scholarship at any state-supported university for being valedictorian. La Joya Board picked Salinas to replace Goodwin In a special called meeting of the La Joya board of trustees, J.D. Salinas, who had been serving as acting principal of the Nellie B. Schunior Junior High in La Joya, was named official principal of the school. Salinas had been serving as principal since March, when the president of the board of trustees, Amancio Chapa Jr., sent a formal letter to principal Floy Goodwin, stating that she was to be dismissed. Dr. Mims was honored A resolution honoring Dr. Charles H. Mims as the 1985 “Friend of Education” was presented by Yvonne Garcia, honor graduate, and Superintendent Kenneth White. Mims was honored for his 45 years of service to the community and his 12 years on the Mission school board.
she prefers to remain busy. “There’s no limitation with her. She just keeps going and going and going just like that Energizer Bunny,” Rodriguez said. “She has two jobs, but she maintains the energy level. I don’t know how she does it.”
Part of the staff member of the year prize was a $250 gift card. Gonzalez said her husband, who is head custodian at Veterans Memorial High School, wants to make sure she uses that money for herself. “My mom and my dad
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always taught me, ‘If they need help, you help them,’” Gonzalez said. “My husband always tells me, ‘You always think of others but you never think about you.’ And it’s OK because I don’t need anything. As long as everybody’s happy, I’m happy.”
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opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
USTIN — June 1 is the last day of the 84th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature. From now until then is all the time that remains for the House and Senate to decide if they’re going to agree on a 2016-2017 state budget. Both chambers could be ordered to meet around the clock until an agreed-upon budget is passed, if House Speaker Joe Straus and/or Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick deem it necessary or worthwhile. Any proposed agreement would originate in a House Bill 1 conference committee composed of five House members and five Senate members. House members are: Appropriations Committee Chair John Otto, R-Dayton and Vice Chair Sylvester Turner, D-Houston; Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin; Sarah Davis, R-Houston; and Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock. Senate members are: Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound; Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Joan Huffman, R-Houston; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown. As reported repeatedly since March, the main obstacle toward agreement on a budget is the two bodies’ disagreement over how to cut state taxes. The Senate voted to cut ad valorem taxes while the House voted to cut the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 5.95 percent. Both bodies want to cut the business franchise tax, which would please Gov. Greg Abbott, who made that task one of several stated priorities for the Legislature to accomplish. If the Legislature is unable to adopt budget in the regular session, the governor may call a special session.
Governor signs 29 bills Even though the Legislature has not achieved its required, primary task — final passage of a state budget — one House bill and 28 Senate bills, as of May 15, had managed to survive the bicameral squeeze chute and earn the governor’s signature. That lone House bill was HB 181 by primary author Rep. Cecil Bell, R-Magnolia, and joint author Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth. The bill, which took effect May 13, intends to reduce printing costs and the cost of correcting errors on individualized high school diplomas. Here are three of this session’s 28 successful Senate bills, beginning with SB 125 by Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, and sponsored in the House by Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Houston. The legislation, effective Sept. 1, amends the Family Code to require the Department of Family and Protective Services to conduct a developmentally appropriate assessment 45 days after a child enters conservatorship. The assessment must include a screening for trauma and interviews with individuals who have knowledge of the child’s needs. SB 293 by Senate Finance Chair Nelson and sponsored in the House by Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs. The legislation, which took effect April 8, amends state statutes to expand the definition of “site selection organization” for purposes of selecting a site in Texas for certain events that are eligible to receive funding from the major events trust fund, to include ESPN or an affiliate, NASCAR and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. SB 835 by Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano, addresses those
who make fraudulent claims of military service. The legislation, effective Sept. 1, amends the Penal Code to increase the penalty for the offense of fraudulent or fictitious military record from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both. School finance bill fizzles Bill movement deadlines hit the Legislature last week. For example, during House floor debates on May 14, House Education Committee Chair Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, pulled down his school finance reform bill when it became clear that opposition to it would drag on long enough to prevent consideration of a mountain of other bills. “Like many of you — I have other bills on this calendar — bills that are important. We could kill all day with this bill, easily,” Aycock said. In its 24 pages, HB 1759 addresses a range of issues, with language amending laws governing equalization of wealth level of school districts, taxation and funding formulas, transportation allotments, academic acceptability standards and consequences, and more. Deciding such high stakes issues defaults to the courts when the Legislature does not act on them. A case brought by some 600 Texas school districts alleging unfairness in the state’s law funding public education was decided in the school districts’ favor by a Travis County state district court last August. The State of Texas appealed the ruling to the Texas Supreme Court. The case is pending.
May 22, 2015
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Texas Legislature passes Hidalgo County Healthcare District legislation with taxpayer protections
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USTIN – This week, House Bill 1596 authored by State Rep. Bobby Guerra and sponsored by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa overwhelmingly passed the Texas Legislature and is headed to the governor for final approval. HB 1596 is legislation that amends current law to provide safeguards and protections for local taxpayers if a Hidalgo County Healthcare District is created in the future with voter approval. Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement: “I am pleased with the passage of HB 1596 by the Texas Legislature which will protect our Hidalgo County taxpayers if they choose to create a healthcare district in the future. Significant changes were made to current statute in response to feedback received from voters, elected officials, and community leaders. The name was changed to “Hidalgo County Healthcare District” to allow for a more comprehensive approach to
the system we hope to implement that will serve both insured and uninsured residents. The following are the key changes to the Healthcare District legislation: • The tax rate is now capped at 25 cents per $100 valuation • The budget must be approved by the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court to ensure proper oversight • All residence homestead exemptions will be provided. This includes an exemption for elderly and disabled residents as well as a total exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans and their surviving spouse • All rollback tax provisions apply • If the Healthcare District is created in the future with voter approval, HB 1596 states that the county shall reduce their tax rate accordingly. This is a shift in money from the county to the healthcare district that multiplies our resources. Revenue raised from a healthcare district lets us take advantage of
a federal program allowing us to receive federal matching money at a three to one investment that creates millions of extra dollars the county was not eligible for previously. The Hidalgo County Healthcare District is critical for our families in the Rio Grande Valley to cover our community’s healthcare needs for both the insured and uninsured, to provide resources to support a medical school, and to decrease the tax burden on our county taxpayers. Our healthcare providers provide millions of dollars in care to people who can’t afford it ever year, forcing them to pass the bill onto county taxpayers or to people with insurance through higher fees and premiums. This investment would bring millions of dollars into our local economy, create thousands of new jobs, produce an educated and healthy workforce, and a healthier Hidalgo County for all of our families and children.”
Attorney General Paxton calls for increased oversight of Obama Administration in executive amnesty case
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USTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a response to the Obama Administration’s April 30 and May 7 advisories, which confirm the unwieldiness of the President’s illegal amnesty plan. The Texas-led, bipartisan coalition of 26 states continues to hold the Obama Administration accountable for its misrepresentations to a federal district court and its admitted violation of a court order in prematurely implementing executive amnesty. In the filing with the federal district court, the states argued for increased oversight of the administration’s compliance with the court’s injunction, and for the opportunity to look into whether the
defendants should be sanctioned for their misrepresentations to the court. “Not even the Obama Administration has a full grasp of the complicated bureaucracy that defines the president’s illegal amnesty plan,” Paxton said. “The newly-revealed admission that even more expanded work permits were granted to 2,000 illegal immigrants raises serious questions about the Obama Administration’s reliability moving forward. Increased oversight is needed to hold the federal government accountable for its apparent inability to report accurate information to the court.” The district judge has already granted Texas’ request to compel the federal
government to produce documents revealing who was involved in its misrepresentations over the issuance of expanded work permits. The Obama Administration, however, withheld virtually all of those documents from the states. Since then, the federal government has admitted to violating the district court’s order against implementing expanded executive amnesty, admitting to the judge that 2,000 more individuals were prematurely granted expanded work permits. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas granted a preliminary injunction on Feb. 16, halting the president’s November 2014 executive action on immigration from taking effect.
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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2015
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2015 Mission Publishing Company, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.
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Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor. Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.
May 22, 2015
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MCISD administrator named Attorneys release applications Taft ISD superintendent finalist for Agua SUD positions T A By Julie Silva
By Julie Silva
aft Independent School District has hired a Mission Consolidated ISD administrator as Taft’s next superintendent. Joe Lopez, executive director of MCISD’s state and federal programs, was announced as the lone finalist for Taft superintendent May 2. Taft’s board of trustees will take a final vote May 26, and he plans to start May 27. Lopez replaces Chad Kelly, who has helmed the district since 2007, but was hired on as the superintendent of Jacksonville ISD, in east Texas, in March. An assistant superintendent at Taft ISD has served as interim since Kelly’s departure. “They have been very successful in the education of their students,” Lopez said. They believe in a strong parental involvement program, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes for students, and I can see myself working very closely to continue to enhance and support their vision, their values and their beliefs.” Lopez has known he wanted to be a superintendent since his early days as a teacher. He wanted to have a greater impact on his students and the district as a whole. He moved up as a literature teacher at Alief ISD to become an assistant principal within the district. Then, he moved to Veterans Memorial High School in Mission in 2005 to take the
ttorneys with Agua Special Utility District released applications last week of all candidates for executive director and community outreach coordinator positions that were filled earlier this month. Julio Cerda, former Mission city manager and consultant engineer for the city of Peñitas, was hired at a salary of $100,000 over concerns of potential conflicts of interest over Cerda’s role with the district and his role as an engineer for the city of Peñitas. The district’s board also hired Oscar “Coach” Salinas, a La Joya Independent School District trustee, at a $55,000 salary over protests that his elected office gives him authority over four of Agua SUD’s board members who are also employees of the school district. Both listed Hidalgo County Pct. 3 Commissioner Joe Flores as a reference. There were three applicants for executive director, including Cerda, who has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He left the City of Mission in March 2013 to start his own company, South Texas Infrastructure. Cerda began his career in 1998 as an engineer assistant at the Texas Department of Transportation. He’s worked as an engineer for the city of Harlingen and assistant engineer for Cameron County. Under references, Cerda listed Flores, former La Joya ISD trustee Joe Aguilar and Justice of the Peace Marcos Ochoa, who is also a former Peñitas city manager. The other two applicants were Chris Garcia and Juan G. Ortiz. Ortiz has served as city manager of Donna, Elsa, Peñitas and Elsa. He currently is the purchasing director of Nuestra Clinica del Valle. In his application, Ortiz emphasized he’s worked on loans and grants for water
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post of assistant principal. He said he’s had the full support of Mission CISD’s superintendent, administrators and board members during his time with the district. Lopez served as principal of Arturo Cantu Elementary and Mission High School before he was promoted to his current position of executive director. He also this year was one of 15 assistant superintendents and administrators from across the nation to participate in the Superintendent Leadership Academy through the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. “I’m grateful for all the staff members, students and parents that I’ve had the pleasure of working with here in Mission,” Lopez said. “I know that I take with me beautiful memories and ex-
periences that I know will help guide me.” Taft ISD, Lopez said, has the same down-home values and beliefs as Mission CISD, though on a smaller scale. He felt a strong connection to the to district’s board of trustees and thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to move into the superintendent field. Taft ISD Board President Herman Rodriguez said he and other board members were impressed with Lopez’s answers throughout the interview process. They were looking for someone who would fit into the community, had a smalltown mentality and understood the cultural aspects of a predominantly Hispanic community. Board members believe Lopez fits that bill. “He will hit the ground running,” Rodriguez said. “We’re anxiously awaiting for him to get hired here.”
Civil suit filed against La Joya ISD after sex assault case
By Julie Silva
he parents of a sixthgrade student sexually assaulted at La Joya ISD’s Treviño Middle School have filed a civil lawsuit against the district in federal court. Jesus Peña, once the band director at the school, was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault in March 2013 and sentenced to seven years in prison. The abuse began during the 2011-2012 academic year. Because the student is a juvenile, the lawsuit refers to her as Sarah Doe. She was 12 years old at the time of the assault. It is also the policy of Progress Times not to identify victims of sexual assault. The lawsuit, filed in April, states that employees with the school district had the authority to take “action to end Peña’s discrimination of Sarah Doe had actual knowledge of, but were deliberately indifferent toward, such discrimination and failed to bring it to an end.” Representatives of La Joya Independent School District had no comment on the pending lawsuit, but Police Chief Raul Gonzalez emphasized that all teachers in the district are informed about and warned against inappropriate
relationships with students during orientation at the beginning of each school year. “Whenever this happens, they’re isolated incidents and not a reflection of all of our great teachers,” Gonzalez said. “We do encourage them to build relationships with students, but we don’t condone that type of behavior.” The lawsuit states during the 2011-2012 school year, Peña’s supervisor, then the head band director, was aware of Peña’s inappropriate behavior with Sarah Doe. It also states a custodian saw Peña hugging and kissing the girl on school campus and reported it to school administrator. However, Peña was pro-
moted from assistant band director to band director during the 2012-2013 academic year, according to the lawsuit. In late September or early October 2012, the lawsuit states Peña told the girl school administrators were aware of the inappropriate relationship. After that, she confided in one of her teachers, the lawsuit states. But it wasn’t until over the Thanksgiving holidays when the girl told her parents about the relationship that the school’s administrators were confronted, according to the lawsuit. Peña was arrested Nov. 29 and later pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child.
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and sewer projects in nearby cities. Ortiz has a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in business administration. His references were Ramon Rosales Jr., general manager of the Military Highway Water Supply Corporation; Rick Morales, former mayor of Donna; George Lazaro, local engineer. Garcia is the water treatment plant operator for reverse Osmosis Desalination Facility of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board. He has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. He did not submit references. Meanwhile, Salinas, the board’s choice for community outreach coordinator, was one of five applicants. The board interviewed three of them: Salinas, Crystal Olvera and Iris Reyes. Salinas currently is the surplus and inventory specialist in the Hidalgo County Purchasing Department. He’s also worked as a storm water inspector and environmental compliance inspector. From 1990 to 2010, Salinas was a radio and television producer for La Joya ISD. He also served four years as a city commissioner for Sullivan City. He has an associate degree in communications from South Texas College and certificate in environmental compliance for stormwater, air and ground water. Other than Flores, Salinas listed Eli Ramos, Hidalgo County environmental health division manager, and Mary Belem Leal, an administrator at La Joya ISD. Olvera currently works as a regional development coordinator for Good Samaritan Community Services, where she does marketing for the nonprofit since February. She’s also worked as a communication specialist for
United Blood Services and a reporter for The Monitor. Olvera’s application states a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from the University of Texas-Austin is in progress. Her references include Steven Sinclair, retired from the Valley Morning Star, Brandon Garcia, a graphic designer at The Del Rio Agency; Yvette Mora, of United Blood Services. Reyes is a research assistant with the University of Texas at Houston-Brownsville regional campus. She has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and psychology and states she is working toward a master’s degree in health promotion and community health sciences. Among her accomplishments, Reyes lists she was a Gates Millennium Scholar, an international magazine author and editor of an English as a Second Language magazine. Reyes’ references included Ann Millard, an associate professor at University of Texas-Pan American; Isidore Flores, managing director of the International Valley Health Institute; Sandra San Miguel. Agua SUD board members opted not to interview Maxine Perez, currently a program specialist for Alzheimer’s Association, and Raymond Garza, who has worked in human resources for agencies in Corpus Christi, Laredo and Austin.
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lifestyle Mission Heroes inducts Mission’s finest
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ission Heroes, an organization developed to help local firefighters and policemen in need, inducted three of its longtime members as honorary members for life recently. Retired City of Mission Police Chief Leo Longoria, Retired Fire Chief Ricardo Saldana and Founding Member Dell Fankhouser were inducted as life members during a special ceremony and meeting in March. As members for life, the three men can give their opinions at meetings, be advisors to the board of directors. Mission Heroes, Inc. was developed in 2005 as a result of the September 11, 2001 tragic events which brought hardship to the surviving families of the bravest peace officers and firefighters of New York. The organization was created by Mason members to help provide quick relief to the families of peace officers and firefighter in the event of serious injury, illness or fatality. Mission Heroes provides this help to local peace officers and firefighters. Mission Fire Chief Rene Lopez Jr. said the organization has been able to help
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two firefighters who were battling cancer and three policemen who had injuries or serious illness. “Whatever is asked of the family” we try to give, said Lopez. “We know our own. We know who needs help,” added Lopez saying they have that personal connection with their fire and police families. Lopez said these three men were there when the organization was founded and should be a part of it still. “They have gained a permanent seat.”
The organization also helped out Brooks County firefighter when they needed assistance. Mission Heroes has also assisted organizations such as Wounded Warrior and the Lions Club. We want to be a more helping charity, to help more benevolent, said Lopez, adding they need to change their mission statement to reflect such, but for now, they just help those in the Mission community.
The ceremony was made possible and implemented by Omar Saenz and Steve Austin under the direction of President Dr. Armando Ocana, Vice President Joe Aguilar and Secretary Fire Chief Rene Lopez Jr. The board of directors also includes Mission City Manager Martin Garza, Mission Police Chief Roberto Dominguez, Ruben Sanchez, Juan Cantu, and Tony Garza.
opportunity to enjoy the nation's cultural heritage and learn more about their new communities after a military move. The complete list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. “Parents of young children tell us that they go together to museums to learn new things and have family time together,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “Blue Star Museums helps them do both, by helping military families learn about the 3 cultural resources in their communities, and offering a fun, high-quality experience that’s budget friendly as well
as family friendly. We’re proud to help connect museums to military communities nationwide.” “Blue Star Museums has grown into a nationally recognized program that service members and their families look forward to each year,” said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet. “It helps bring our local military and civilian communities together, and offers families fun and enriching activities in their home towns. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers.”
The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and up to five family members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included
Standing, left to right: Martin Garza, Joe Aguilar, Omar Saenz, Steve Austin. Sitting: Roberto Domiguez, Leo Longoria, Dell Fankhauser, Dr. Armando Ocana, Rene Lopez, Jr.
IMAS to participate in Blue Star Museums
nternational Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) has announced the launch of Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2015. Leadership support has been provided by the MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The program also provides families an
Free Society News Announcements
See BLUE STAR 7A
May 22, 2015
page 6A
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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Events Calendar
May 23 - If you like solving puzzles or mysteries and your curious about animals and the tracks they leave behind then Animal Tracks Detectives is perfect for you. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center invites you to visit on Saturday, May 23, from 2 – 4 p.m. for a fun-filled, clue-finding program. Fee for this program is $3 for adults, $2 for senior citizens, students, and children, and ages 5 and under free. To insure you’re included call ahead to register. May 25 – A Memorial Day event and Silent March of Veterans will be held at 8:45 a.m. in front of the San Benito City Hall, 485 N. Sam Houston. Veterans and survivors carrying photos of deceased veterans are invited to marsh silently down Sam Houston Blvd to Veterans War Memorial Site for a ceremony at 9 a.m. June June 9 – Quinta Mazatlan will hold a Close Encounters of the Animal Kind Camp for children ages six to eight. Participants will have the chance to experience close encounters with wild creatures from reptiles, to insects, to fish and birds. The camp runs June 9 through June 12 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and costs $50 for residents, $60 for non-residents. Call 681-3370 for more information. June 16 – Quinta Mazatlan will hold a Survivor Skills Camp for children ages nin to 12. The camp will run through June 19 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn how to survive outdoors by building a primitive hut, using a bow and arrow, exploring for geocaches, learning animal tracks, finding safe food in the natural forest and more. The camp costs $50 for residents, $60 for non-residents. Call 681-3370 for more information. June 27 – The Mission High School Class of 1980 will celebrate their 35th Class Reunion from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Mission Community Center with a dance and dinner. The “Let the Good Times Roll” evening of music and food will be highlighted with Class of ’80 memorabilia. For more information, contact Alice Chapa Gonzalez at 225-3652, Irma Flores Lopez at 789-9429 or Tito Garza at 607-7796.
Weekly
Thursday Thursday Evening Explorations at Quinta Mazatlan will feature a different class each week from 7 to 8 p.m. Take the family for an evening of entertainment and education. Fee is $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors. Call 681-3370 for more information. Saturday Youth Nature Photo Workshops will be held every Saturday in June and July. The workshops will be conducted with professional wildlife photographer Ruth Hoyt. Workshops will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for six to 12 year olds and 2 to 4 p.m. for 13 to 18 year olds. Fee is $5 per person, per workshop. Call 681-3370 for more information. To see the complete Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com.
Quinceanera, engagement, wedding, milestone anniversary* and milestone birthday** announcements are run FREE of charge in the Progress Times. The quinceanera, wedding, anniversary and birthday announcements should be submitted no later than two months after the event date. Engagement announcements must be submitted no later than three weeks prior to the wedding date. Quinceanera and milestone birthday photos are upper body, single column of the individual only; no group shots. Engagement, wedding and anniversary photos of the couple are run two columns in size. For questions or to obtain the appropriate form to submit with a photo, send an email to communitynews@progresstimes.net, call the Progress Times at 585-4893. Please include a contact name and phone number for all inquiries.
May 22, 2015
page 7A
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Pearson CEO visits La Joya ISD T I he chief executive officer of Pearson – the largest educational company and book publisher in the world – John Fallon, recently visited Juarez-Lincoln High School to get to know the roots of that community. Pearson is not only the world’s leading learning company housed in more than 80 countries, but has also been providing the Texas state exams since the 1980s. Fallon’s dedication to creating a company that helps people learn in all stages of life (and of all types of backgrounds) led him to Juarez-Lincoln HS for the opportunity to interact with parents, students, and staff. The group of students candidly spoke to Fallon about personal challenges they have faced and expressed a sincere yearning to get ahead – both in their education and in life. They described skills they’ve developed along the way and touched on those they’ve yet to acquire as they take the next steps towards attending college. The parents in the audience also shared their anecdotes on raising families while working and the struggle to stress the importance of an education on
DEA Public Schools will be participating in the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program. As participants, IDEA will provide free, nutritious meals for all children 18 years and younger during the summer at select campuses. The Seamless Summer Option was created to ensure that children in low-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vaca-
their children – even while they themselves have little or none. Parents told stories of the trials and victories they’ve experienced with their children, and how in the end education is the key to a better future. “Education has changed my life. And it is important to work hard and to learn how to learn … that knowledge, grit, and resilience are what get you far in life,” Fallon said. The meet and greet served as a learning experience for the corporate giant and was an awe-inspiring encounter for everyone else
in the room. “This gathering was powerful, emotional, touching, and overwhelming,” said Eduardo Alaniz, principal of Juarez-Lincoln High School. “I feel it’s important for our kids to know that people do care and are interested in hearing what they have to say. And to have someone like Mr. Fallon listen to their battles and real-life experiences, is truly humbling.” The dialogue will aid Pearson’s venture into digital learning and will help measure how Pearson products and services impact learning as a whole.
Chief appraiser answers questions regarding hike in property appraisals
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IMAS from pg 2A
form. A city of over 300,000 inhabitants, Oaxaca has an incredible print scene lead by a rare mix of young and old talent. General admission is free for IMAS members; $7 for adults; $5 for seniors or students with ID; $4 for children ages four to 12. For more information, call (956) 682-0123 or visit www.imasonline.org.
BLUE STAR from pg 6A
in this free admission program. This year, more than 2,000 museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative. Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and dozens of children’s museums. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. To find other participating museums and plan your trip, visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. All summer long, Blue Star Museums will share stories through social media.
tions, when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast. No form of identification is required. Participating campuses include IDEA Donna, IDEA Quest, IDEA Frontier, IDEA Mission, IDEA San Benito, IDEA San Juan Academy, IDEA San Juan College Prep, IDEA Alamo, IDEA Pharr, IDEA Edinburg, IDEA Weslaco, IDEA McAllen, IDEA Brownsville, IDEA Weslaco Pike, IDEA Carver, IDEA Wal-
zem, and IDEA Allan. Campuses will serve breakfast and lunch starting Monday, June 1, through Friday, July 10, from 7 to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., respectively. To learn more, visit www.ideapublicschools.org or call IDEA’s Child Nutrition Department at 956-3778236. For a meal site near you, visit www.summerfood.org, call 211, or text FOODTX to 877-877.
John Fallon, chief executive officer of Pearson, the largest educational company and book publisher in the world, speaks to a student at Juarez-Lincoln High School.
Chief Appraiser Rolando Garza addresses the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court at its Tuesday meeting. Courtesy photo
he chief appraiser for the Hidalgo County Appraisal District went before the court to explain the recent controversy over the increase in appraisal values to Hidalgo County homes and property. From the onset, County Judge Ramon Garcia and Chief Appraiser Rolando Garza made it clear that the Appraisal District is not affiliated with the county or a department within Hidalgo County, but is its own entity overseen
IDEA Public Schools participates in summer feeding program
by Texas Comptroller. None of the local taxing entities, including Hidalgo County, have jurisdiction over appraisals. In April, about 158,000 appraisal notices were sent to 45 percent of Hidalgo County residents. Garza says of the 94 employees in his office, 45 of them are appraisers and each year they physically inspect about a third of the properties in the county. The rest of the properties are appraised according to section 23.01 of the Property Tax Code. Garza explained the process his office takes to evaluate property is complicat-
ed. There are three methods appraisers use: the market, income approach, and cost approach, what it would cost to rebuild a home. When reviewing properties, appraisers look at a number of criteria including data of verified sales of properties, building permits, mapping changes and surveys, and aerial photography. They also evaluate recent sales of nearby homes and take into account the current market value of homes for sale. Residents have until June 1 to file their protest in person or online. Garza encour-
See APPRAISALS 11A
City of Peñitas Swearing In ABOVE: Peñitas Mayor Rigo Lopez is sworn into office by former mayor Marcos Ochoa after the May 9 city election. BELOW: Pictured is the full Peñitas City Commission. From left to right are Commissioner J.R. Flores, Commissioner Alex Guajardo, Mayor Rigo Lopez, Commissioner Ramiro Loya and Commissioner Armin Garza.. Courtesy photos
May 22, 2015
page 8A
Palmview Lobos to face top ranked Alexander
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By Luciano Guerra he Palmview Lobos have had a great baseball season. As they prepare for their upcoming third round playoff series, their record is 21-4-1. Against their District 306A opponents, the Lobos won 11 out of 12 games with their only loss coming against the McAllen High Bulldogs in the regular season finale and long after they had clinched the district title. In the bi-district round of playoffs the Lobos took two out of three games from Laredo United South to advance into the area round where they swept the Weslaco Panthers in two games. Palmview has won 17 of their last 19 games. As great a season as Palmview has had the Laredo Alexander Bulldogs have had an even better one. They’ve won 25 of their 27 games and they swept through their District 29-6A schedule with a 15-0 record. In postseason play, the Bulldogs defeated the Nikki Rowe Warriors 12-1 in the bi-district round and took two out of three from the Edinburg North Cougars in the area round. Alexander has been so impressive all season long that they are currently atop the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association’s poll as the No. 1 6A team in the state. While district records, overall records and polls are all well and good when it comes to deciding if one team is better than the other, the best way to resolve this question is on the field. And that is what the Lobos and the Bulldogs will be doing this weekend as they go head-tohead against each other in the
regional quarterfinal round of the state playoffs for the second year in a row. “I’m not going to take anything away from Alexander,” said Palmview head coach Manuel “Ricky” Garcia. “They’re one heck of a team and that’s why they’re ranked No. 1 in the state. They’re a top-notch ball club with a great coach, but I honestly believe that we can play ball with anybody. If I didn’t believe that, then I shouldn’t be coaching.” “As a coaching staff we spoke to our kids yesterday and we told them that this is what you want,” added Garcia. “You want to challenge yourself against the best to see where you’re at. If we want to consider ourselves one of the best teams in the Valley then we have to beat the best in the state.” Garcia, who was vying for a one game winner-take-all playoff against Alexander, went with a best-of-three series instead because the Bulldogs’ coach offered to let him name the site of all three games if he would agree to the best-of-three format. The only caveat being that the site could not be in La Joya. “My first thought was that he was thinking that we played in La Joya,” explained Big 7 Schools' Area Round Baseball Playoffs Match-ups: Sharyland vs Calallen Game #1 - Friday May 15, 7 p.m. at Sharyland Game #2 - Saturday May 16, 5 p.m. at Calallen Game #3 (if necessary) – 30 minutes after completion of Game #2 Veterans Memorial vs Gregory Portland Game #1 - Thursday May 14, 7 p.m. at Gregory Portland Game #2 - Saturday May 16, 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Game #3 (if necessary) - 30 minutes after completion of Game #2 Palmview vs Weslaco Game #1 - Thursday May 14, 7:30 p.m. at LJISD Baseball Complex Game #2 - Friday May 15, 7:30 p.m. at Weslaco Game #3 (if necessary) - Saturday May 16, 2 p.m. at Weslaco
Palmview center fielder Carlos Puente slides safely into second base as the Weslaco shortstop applies a late tag during the fifth inning of the Lobos’ 3 - 2 Area Round playoff win over the Panthers Saturday. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
Garcia. “But that is not our home field. So while I wanted to play just one game I was willing to go best-of-three if we could play the games at the La Joya ISD baseball complex. After talking it over with Coach Garza (LJISD
Athletic Director Victor Garza) I approached Coach Garcia of the Bulldogs about playing the series in La Joya. He wasn’t keen on that idea but once he understood that it is not our home field he agreed.”
Last year Alexander defeated Palmview in their onegame Regional Quarterfinal round playoff by a score of 1-0. That brought an end to the Lobos’ historic season as bi-district and area round champions. If the Lobos are
going to make history again this year they will have to get past the Bulldogs and advance into the regional semifinal round where they will be playing the winner of San Antonio Reagan and Smithson Valley series.
Patriots to battle Gladiators at UTPA
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By Luciano Guerra he 2015 Veterans Memorial Patriots’ baseball team is making history. First they claimed the sport’s first bi-district championship in school history, defeating Mercedes two games to none. Then they claimed the first area championship in school history by taking two out of three games from Gregory Portland last weekend. Now the Patriots are poised to add yet another page to the Veterans Memorial High history book, but they will have to get past the Roma Gladiators in the Regional Quarterfinals this weekend. Having already defeated Roma twice this year in the only two times they met in addition to the fact that the Gladiators finished their District 31-5A schedule in fourth place with a 6-6 record while the Patriots were district co-champions, might make you think that the Patriots might as well go ahead and make space for yet another championship trophy in their trophy case. However, that is not at all how the Patriots’ players are looking at their third round adversaries. Case in point, Veterans Memorial two-time, firstteam all-state third baseman and pitcher Edward Pena, who is now in his senior season, is not about to look past any playoff opponent. “The fact that we’ve beaten them twice does give us confidence because we know that we can beat them but they’re a good team,” Pena said. “Defensively, they’re
strong and solid and they pitch well too. Both times we played them the games were close so they’ve played us tough before and I’m sure that they’ll do that again here in the playoffs.” While the Patriots have had to win two best-of-three series to advance into the third round of the playoffs, the Gladiators have only had to win two games to advance. They defeated Brownsville Porter 4-2 in the bi-district round and Medina Valley 6-2 in the area round. Pena’s younger brother William, who is one of eight sophomores on the Patriots roster that is made up exclusively of seniors and sophomores, shared what he believes it will take for Veterans Memorial to get past Roma this weekend. “We will have to play with
See PATRIOTS 10A
Veterans Memorial first baseman William Pena gets the barrel of the bat on the ball as he executes a near perfect swing during the Patriots’ 4 - 3 Area Round playoff win over the Gregory Portland Wildcats Saturday. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
Parras Signs with Salem International Adela Parras, Veterans Memorial High School senior, on May 8 signed a letter of intent for an academic and volleyball scholarship with Salem International University in West Virginia. The four-year volleyball letterman was named to the All-District Team in her junior and senior years and to the All-Star Team this year. Pictured in the front row with Adela are her parents, Jose “Chema” Parras and Iliana Parras. Back row, left to right, are: Angelina Garcia, VMHS principal; Dr. Mona Parras, grandmother; Diana Lerma, VMHS volleyball coach; James Rogers, Salem International lead assistant coach and David Gilpin, VMHS athletic coordinator.
May 22, 2015
obituaries
Charles Edward ‘C.E.’ Davidson ISSION - Charles Edward ‘C.E.’ Davidson, 88, passed away on May 12, 2015, after a valiant battle with cancer. Charles was born to the late Charles Marvin and Rebecca Davidson on November 5, 1926, at the family home in Warsaw, Missouri. He will be remembered for the 35 years he spent as the accountant and production manager for the Shary-Shivers Estate orchards and his many years of service on the Sharyland School Board, President of the RGV Horticultural Society, as a member of the Board of the Texas Citrus Mutual, on the Board of Directors for Water District #7, and a longtime board member and Sunday School Superintendent at the First Church of the Nazarene in McAllen. Davidson graduated from McHi in 1944 and from the McAllen Business College upon his return from the service. After high school, Charles went to Moore Field, just north of Mission, and enlisted in the Air Force cadet program. He was inducted into the Army Air Force in 1945 and sent to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio; basic training followed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls. He then went to Champaign, Illinois, for machinist training and was shipped to Okinawa as a machinist before being discharged in December of 1946. He is survived by his sisters, Mildred Ryan and Lucille Tripp; brother, Bob Davidson; his children, Charles Edward ‘Dave’ Davidson Jr., Charla Sue Kulcak, Marianne Powell, and Richard Marvin Davidson; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen; brothers, Glen and Gilbert Davidson; sisters, Illene Cave, Pauline Townsend, Emma Jean, and Earline Davidson; grandson, Kristopher Ryan Powell; son-in-law, Rick Lee Powell; and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Ter-
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ry-Davidson. A graveside service was held Saturday, May 16 at Valley Memorial Gardens. Pastor Jessica Causey-Korenek officiated the service. Rogelio ‘Kelly’ Ramirez ISSION - Rogelio ‘Kelly’ Ramirez, 67, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. He was born in McAllen on October 20, 1947. He was preceded in death by his father, Adalberto Ramirez Jr. He is survived by his mother, Maria Del Carmen Ramirez; his brother, Adalberto Ramirez III; children, Rogelio Emilio Ramirez II, Emma Reneé Kinder; and two grandchildren. A funeral Mass was held Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission, Texas. Interment followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission.
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Notices
Juana G. Baez ALTON - Juanita Baez, 96, died Monday, May 18, 2015, at Arbor View Nursing Home in Edinburg. Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Cremation service followed. Daniel Campbell MISSION - Daniel Campbell, 90, died Sunday, May 17, 2015. Juan P. Casillas MISSION - Juan P. Casillas, 83, died Friday, May 15, 2015 at University Hospital in San Antonio. Chapel services for Juan P. Casillas were held Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Valeria Cruz MISSION – A funeral mass for Valeria Cruz was held Monday, May 18, 2015, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in McAllen. Cremation followed. Juan Duenas LA VICTORIA/ ALTO BONITO - Funeral services
IDEA Public Schools ranked among best in nation
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n its annual rankings of America’s top high schools, U.S. News & World Report and The Washington Post ranked IDEA Public Schools among the very best schools in the nation. This week, U.S. News & World Report announced in its Best High Schools Rankings - 2015 that the six IDEA College Prep high schools eligible for this year’s rankings are among the top 500 high schools nationwide (and in the top 60 in Texas): IDEA Donna – 41st (seventh in Texas), IDEA Frontier – 46th (eighth in Texas), IDEA San Juan – 107th (19th in Texas), IDEA Quest – 112th (20th in Texas), IDEA Mission – 150th (27th in Texas), and IDEA San Benito – 481st (57th in Texas). U.S. News & World Report analyzed more than 19,750 public high schools
across the country in order to determine its best high schools list. Specifically, the analysis evaluated how well schools serve all their students and produce measurable academic outcomes across a range of performance indicators. The data reviewed included reading and math proficiency, academic achievement of disadvantaged students (black , Hispanic, and low-income), and Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate testing. The same six IDEA high schools received gold medals in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Gold medals are given to the top 500 schools (top 3 percent) in the nation based on highest college readiness. “We are thrilled to see that the nation at large knows what’s happening here in the Rio Grande Valley – our schools are thriv-
ing, and our students deserve the recognition that this brings to them,” said JoAnn Gama, IDEA Public Schools co-founder, president, and superintendent. “This tremendous recognition is a testament to the hard work that our teachers, staff, students, and parents do on a daily basis. They know firsthand that they are a part of the very best schools in the country, because they make it so.” In The Washington Post’s latest rankings of America’s Most Challenging High Schools, all seven of IDEA’s eligible College Prep high schools were ranked in the top 200 high schools nationwide and in the top 50 in Texas: IDEA Frontier – 22nd (eighth in Texas), IDEA Quest – 53rd (18th in Texas) IDEA Mission – 57th (19th in Texas), IDEA Donna – 67th (23rd in Texas), IDEA San Benito –
for Juan Duenas were held Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Hernandez Funeral Chapel of Peace. Burial followed at Saenz Cemetery in La Victoria. Carol L. Garcia MISSION - Carol L. Garcia, 68, died on Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Lifecare Hospital in McAllen. Maria Dolores Garcia MISSION - Maria Dolores Garcia, 80, died Friday, May 16, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center. Cremation for Maria Dolores Garcia was held Monday, May 18, 2015, at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna. Roberto Carlos Silva Gonzalez MISSION - Roberto Carlos Silva Gonzalez, 33, died Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Laredo Medical Center. Funeral services for Carlos Gonzalez were held Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Oralia Pacheco PALMVIEW - Funeral
services for Oralia Pacheco were held Friday, May 15, 2015, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Robert Pecina MISSION - Robert Pecina, 83, died Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Hilario Posada ALTO BONITO/LA GRULLA - Funeral services for Hilario Posada were held Friday, May 15, 2015, at Holy Family Church in La Grulla. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission. Estanislao Ramos PENITAS - Funeral services for Estanislao Ramos were held Friday, May 15, 2015, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Edinburg. Burial followed at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna. Antonio Raya ALTON - Antonio Raya, 87, died Friday, May 15, 2015, Life Care Hospital in McAllen. Adriana Rincon MISSION - Adriana Rincon, 37, died Monday, May 11, 2015, at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston.
A funeral mass for Adriana Rincon was held Saturday, May 16, 2015 at San Cristobal Magallanes Church in Mission. Burial followed at Roselawn Cemetery in McAllen. Emily Stephanie Rivera PENITAS - Graveside services for Emily Stephanie Rivera were held Monday, May 18, 2015 at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview. Rafael Sanchez Jr. MISSION – A funeral Mass for Rafael Sanchez Jr. was held Friday, May 15, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hidalgo. Burial followed at Hidalgo City Cemetery. Roel Villarreal ALTON – A funeral mass for Roel Villarreal was held Friday, May 15, 2015, at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Mary Weaver MISSION - Mary Weaver, 87, died Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission.
ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 4501 N. McColl. - McAllen CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 29th & Dove - McAllen 618-0884 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 1 Mi. N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1300 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665
NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. Mission • 735-2569
ROAD TO SALVATION ASSEMBLY OF GOD 239 W. 2nd St. - La Joya 1312 Oblate • 585-3261
OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223
SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH
3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5
OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno 279-4159
SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002
IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688
OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission • 279-4159
ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325
IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623
IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332
OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193
ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005
IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst
PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy. 585-3203
SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078
FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 4122 N. Conway • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008
IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898
PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711
LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 St. Marie. • 585-8651
MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683
PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307
NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 585-4122
RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838
NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. 3 Mile Line • 585-0146
Mission • 580-4551
ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701
TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway • 581-4981 or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya THE DOOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
810 E. Veterans & La Homa Suite F.
Palmview Crossing Plaza 212-1594/424-1984
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3701W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 WEST MISSION LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP Pleasant Valley Ranch 7320 W. Exp. 83 • Mission 583-7667 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200
MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA
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915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433
KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA
ATTORNEYS AT LAW DAVID H. GUERRA NEAL KING (retired) DARRELL DAVIS ESMERALDA GARCIA (retired) 301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622
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IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618
104th (33rd in Texas), IDEA San Juan – 163rd (41st in Texas), and IDEA Alamo – 182nd (44th in Texas). In addition, all seven of IDEA’s high schools were ranked in the top 1 percent nationally, according to The Washington Post’s index, which reflects a simple ratio: the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school in 2014, divided by the number of graduates that year. The Washington Post index considers college test participation a better measure of school success than test scores, which largely reflect parental income, according to the publication. “We are pleased to see our schools ranked not only among the very best by U.S. News & World Report, but also as the most challenging in the nation, as identified by The Washington Post,” said Tom Torkelson, founder and CEO of IDEA Public Schools. “Our job is to challenge students—creatively, critically, and consistently. This focused and sustained rigor is how we prepare them for success in college. When families choose to send their children to IDEA Public Schools, they can trust that we provide the best education possible—for free, as it should be.”
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May 22, 2015
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Mission Collegiate High School has first students earn college certifications
T
he number of Mission Consolidated Independent School District students earning the right to participate in graduation ceremonies at South Texas College has increased quite a bit this year. This year, Mission Collegiate High School will have 60 of its juniors walk at the STC ceremonies, after earning their certifications as multimedia specialists. These juniors will be the school’s first to earn this honor. The campus currently serves students in grades 9-11, and will expand into grades 9-12 next school year, when many of these students
may also earn associate degrees from STC. The students from MCHS who are the first to earn the right to participate in STC graduation ceremonies are: Jesus Alvarez, Leonardo Anguiano, Francisco Aniceto, Karlee Brooks, Estefani Chavez, Ashley Chavez, Alexa Colunga, Esmeralda Conde, Hunter De La Garza, Jose De Leon, Enrique Elizondo, Josephine Espino, John Espinoza, Jose Espinoza, Adrian Fraide, Adan Gallardo, Juan Gamez, Andrea Garcia, Jasmine Garcia, Glo-
See MCHS 11A
RIVERA
the mail. In the probable cause statement, the investigator states he found Rivera deposited a $5,000 check made out to Maribel Bazaldua in August 2012. A separate probable cause statement signed Sept. 16, accuses Rivera of obtaining a credit card using information for Mario Bazaldua Sr.
PATRIOTS
the same enthusiasm we had against Mercedes and Gregory Portland to beat Roma,” the younger Pena said. “We know that we can’t take them lightly. They’ve gotten as far as they have in the playoffs for a reason.” “They’re going to come into this series hyped up just as we are, so we have to approach them like any other team,” added Pena. “The fact that we’re going to be playing the entire series at UTPA has me and some of my teammates that I’ve talk-
In July, he received a collection notice notifying him of an outstanding balance for an account he never authorized. A few days after making his first complaint to police, Mario Bazaldua Sr. provided a sworn statement that Rivera sold him an annuity with Woodmen of the World, and he had deposited $15,000. Several times, he told police, ed to about that excited. I’ve never played in a stadium like that.” As a senior and a team captain, the elder Pena has taken his role of being a team leader seriously. When asked what advice he would like to give the younger players on the team, and in particular his brother, he said, “I would tell them to work hard because you don’t know when your last shot is going to be. When I was a freshman the seniors on the team had made the playoffs the previ-
Rivera had him sign paperwork, telling him they were standard forms to keep his policy active, but he couldn’t read them because he cannot read English. Mario Bazaldua Sr. told police there were two withdrawals from his annuity without his permission. Investigators found two checks made out to Mario Bazaldua ous two years but that year they did not make it. So, just because we’ve been having some success here that doesn’t mean that you can stop working hard because you never know when your last shot at making the playoffs or when your last shot at playing a game is going to be.” Conversely, as one of the younger players on the team, William shared what he would like to say to the seniors. “I would tell them that
from pg 3A
Sr. and deposited in Rivera’s account, one for $3,320 and a second for $3,279. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for June 12 and a trial was set for June 15. If convicted, Bazaldua faces two to 10 years in prison on the two theft charges and 180 days to two years in prison for the forger and fraudulent identification charges. from pg 8A
we’re going to miss them a lot. They’re a great group of players and I would tell them how much I appreciate all they’ve done to help us younger players out with everything we’ve done. They’ve guided us through everything and that’s helped a lot.” Edward and William Pena are the sons of Horacio and Sandy Pena of Mission. Edward has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at UTRGV where he will begin attending classes in the fall.
May 22, 2015
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UVAL holding Children’s Summer Art Classes
T
he Upper Valley Art League will host Childern’s Summer Art Classes with a session beginning June 2 for children ages six to 12 years-old. Students will engage their imaginations through visual art activities, explore ideas, learn arts vocabulary, and experiment with a variety of arts media. They will learn how to create artworks inspired of such artists as Leonardo
APPRAISALS
ages residents to do their research. If contesting their appraised values, they should bring information on what surrounding property is valued at and how much homes have sold for recently. Res-
READ TO LEAD
sentatives spoke to the crowd about the importance of reading and how it will help their future. “Events like this have always been important, but we’ve never come together and as a district and done anything so big,” said Ruby Rodriguez, Waitz Elementary School principal. “Maybe we’ve done little things on our campus, but never so massive. This is important so everyone knows that we’re all in this together.” The literacy rate in the Rio Grande Valley ranks among the lowest in Texas. According to the most recent study by the National Center for Educational Statistics, 50 percent of adults in Hidalgo are illiterate. “Reading is fundamental. With books you can learn so much,” said Chris Valdez,
Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Calder, Pollock, Magritte, Picasso, Kahlo, Nevelson, Klee, Warhol, Renoir, Mondrian, Modigliani, Sam Francis, Frank Stella and many more. Children who participate in classes will gain self-esteem and a feeling of accomplishment, as well as the satisfaction of completing an original project. The student explores a wide array of drawing and painting me-
diums such as pastels, watercolors, markers and acrylics. The Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 2 through June 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. Cost is $85 per student. Classes are limited to 12 students. Interested parties may call Veronica at 458-1081 or Maxilou at 655-3153. Upper Valley Art League is located at 921 E. 12th Street in Mission.
idents can visit the County Clerk's website to research surrounding properties. If residents would like to protest their recent property appraisal they may do so at the Appraisal District office
located at 4405 S. Professional Dr. in Edinburg. The telephone number is (956) 381-8466 or (956) 565-2461. Residents may also visit the Appraisal District web site at: www.hidalgoad.org.
assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “So let’s all unite to change the worlds, like one book with Ramona Quimby did for me. One book can be the fundamental thing that can help change our lives.” At the end of the event, staff members from each school participated in the Books Come Alive Parade. Each school competed for a monetary prize for the campus library budget. In first was Waitz Elementary, which received $5,000. In second place was Escobar/Rios Elementary, which received $3,000. Third place was Salinas Elementary, which received $1,000. The Waitz library, formerly the cafeteria, is the largest elementary library in the district. The original cafeteria didn’t meet requirements,
from pg 7A
from pg 1A
so another was built, and the space became the new library. Although the area is large, it needs some sprucing up, according to Rodriguez. The principal said she plans to invest the prize money into shelving and Spanish books for the students. The Champion of Book Reading award went to Cavazos Elementary for reading more than 60,000 books. They were awarded a customary book display known as the Big Book Trophy, which was crafted by the maintenance department. The trophy will be a traveling prize for the elementary school whose students read the most books through the online and Accelerated Reading programs. “In Mission, we read to lead,” Lopez said. “The foundation is literacy. This is just the way to celebrate it.”
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ria Garza, Leonel Garza, Alyssa Garza, Dayana Garza, Esperanza Garza, Juan Gonzalez, Cosmo Gonzalez, Mayshelly Gonzalez, Jennifer Gracia, Adrian Guerra, Miriam Guerrero, Rodolfo Gutierrez, Roberto Gutierrez, Paola Hernandez, Alejandra Jimnenez, Gerardo Lopez,
Jonathan Lopez, Leonardo Maldonado, Alexandra Martinez, Jose Mendez, Gavino Mendoza, Paola Mercado, Yesica Moreno, Martha Nava, Desteny Ochoa, Lorena Ojeda, Braulio Padron, Jesus Parra, Noel Perez, Janelly Perez, Alexis Perez, Ricardo Sanchez, Martha Sanchez, Bryan Santos, Jaileen Silerio, Estefania
Torres, Zully Trevino, Rose Urive, Christian Valencia, Odalys Venegas, Kimberly Yanez. This year, Mission CISD will have approximately 165 high school students participating in graduation ceremonies at STC after earning various profession certifications and degrees.
left and I fouled. That left me with just one throw left but I wasn’t worried because I knew that no matter what happened God had my back. “All week Coach Howell had been telling me to cheat a little bit when I got into the ring,” Monie added. “By that, he meant that I should bring God into the ring with me so there would be two people in there at the same time, which is illegal, and that’s his form of cheating.” Once she made her final throw, Monie did not need to wait for its distance to appear on the board. “I knew where the lines were and during the competition everyone was between the 120 foot and the 140 foot
lines,” Monie said. “Once my final throw landed, I saw it fall past the 140 foot line so I just jumped because I knew that it was the best throw of the day. I felt awesome.” While the discus has been her strongest event for most of her track and field career, Monie is also one of the top shot putters in the state. The fact that she not only qualified for the state meet in the shot put but earned her way onto the podium as well is proof of that. As the bronze medal winner in the shot put, Monie was the only 5A girls thrower at last week’s state meet that medaled in both events. That made Coach Sandra Guerrero, her four-year track
and field coach at Sharyland High and at Pioneer, extremely proud. “Words can’t even express how proud I am of Nora,” Guerrero said. “She’s come a long way over the past four years, and it was always her goal to win state. She even joined powerlifting this year in hopes of winning state but she placed fourth. She was disappointed but I told her not to worry about it because in her sport she would be state champ.” Monie has already signed a letter of intent to attend school at and throw for the University of Houston where she plans to major in kinesiology.
eran Cemetery - 11 a.m. Flags will be provided for the plots that do not already have flags. Catholic War Veterans Post 1056 The CWV will also hold services on Memorial Day at various cemeteries. The schedule is Laurel Cemetery at 8 a.m., Mass at CWV Post 1065 at 9 a.m., San Jose/ Catholic Cemetery (Mission) at 10 a.m., Peñitas Cemetery at 10:30 a.m., San Jose Cemetery (Abram) at 11 a.m., and Leo Peña Placita Park at 6
p.m. There will be a 21-gun salute at each cemetery and at Leo Peña Placita Park. RGV State Veterans Cemetery For the last nine years, the RGV State Veterans Cemetery has hosted a service to memorialize deceased veterans from all branches. The service begins at 8:30 a.m. and will be conducted by the VFW Post 8788 of McAllen. The cemetery is located at 2520 South Inspiration Road in Mission.
MCHS from pg 10A
MONIE
MEMORIAL DAY
The program for A.C.E Club of Mission will start at 6 p.m. at Leo Peña Placita Park on Memorial Day, May 25. American Legion Post 93 The American Legion Post 93 will hold programs throughout Monday, May 25. There will be a prayer, 21-gun salute and playing of “Taps” at each gathering. The post will host ceremonies at Laurel Hill - 8:30 a.m., San Jose Cemetery - 9 a.m., Catholic Cemetery - 9:15 a.m., Granjeño - 10 a.m., and Rio Grande Valley State Vet-
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Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Order by phone 585-4893 with a major credit card. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Oracion Al Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo, tu que me aclaras todo, que iluminas todos los caminos para que yo alcance mi ideal, tu que me das el don divino de perdonar y olvidar el mal que me hacen y que en todos los instantes de mi vida estas conmigo, yo quiero en este corto dialogo agradecerte por todo y confirmar una vez mas que nunca quiero separarme de ti por mayor que sea la ilusion material. Deseo estar contigo y todos mis seres queridos en la gracia perpetua. Gracias por tu misericordia para conmigo y los mios. La persona debera rezar esta oracion 3 dias sequidos sin decir el pedido. dentro de tres dias sera alcanzada la gracia por mas deficil que sea. (Publicar en cuanto se recibia la gracia). Agradece gracia alcanzada. T.R.
CONSTABLE’S SALE The State of Texas County of Hidalgo Notice is Hereby Given that by virtue of a certain Writ of Execution issued out of the HONORABLE 80TH DISTRICT COURT OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, on the 11TH of MARCH 2015, for the sum of $4,137.42 with interest thereon at the rate of 7% per annum from the 8th of DECEMBER 2005 and cost of suit, under a judgment in favor of CREDIGY RECEIABLES INC. in a certain cause in said court, No. 2005-18395 And styled CREDIGY RECEIABLES INC. Vs. MYRTHALA R. GARCIA And placed in my hands for service for service on 22nd of APRIL 2015, I, Lazaro Gallardo Jr., as Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 23rd of APRIL 2015, levy on certain real estate in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit THE SOUTH ½ OF LOT TWENTY-THREE (23), BLOCK TWENTY-FIVE (25), TEXAN GARDENS SUBDIVISION, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 8, PAGE 57, MAP RECORDS, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS. THAT BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO MYRTHALA R. GARCIA AND MARINA E. GARCIA-RAMOS BY WARRANTY DEED WITH VENDORS LIEN DATED AUGUST 14, 2003 AND RECORDED UNDER FILE NO. 2003-01242084 IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF REAL PROEPRTY IN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS ., And levied upon as property of MYRTHALA R. GARCIA and that on the first Tuesday in JUNE 2015, the same being the 2nd day of said month, at the court house door of Hidalgo County, TEXAS in the City of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (sale starts at 10:00 a.m.) by virtue of said levy and said writ of execution, I will sell said above described real estate at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said MYRTHALA R. GARCIA and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English language, once a week for three consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in The PROGRESS TIMES a newspaper published in Hidalgo County. Witness my hand, this 4th day of MAY 2015 By: ________________________________ Lazaro Gallardo, Jr. Deputy Ruben Salinas, Jr. Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas
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May 22, 2015
Recognizing excellence in education
PROGRESS TIMES
Palmview graduates to be presented
T
he commencement exercise for Palmview High School is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at 11 a.m. at State Farm Arena. There are 445 seniors in the Palmview High School class of 2015. Of those, 79 will graduate under the Distinguished Achievement Plan. Palmview High School will be graduating 144 Texas Scholars and 94 under the RGV Lead program. Palmview’s JROTC cadets will present the colors and senior choir member Jose Angel Macias will sing the National Anthem. Third-ranked student Giovanni Perez will give the welcome, and Principal Yvonne Ayala will introduce guests. Emmanuel Garcia will give the salutatory address, followed by the valedictory address from Daniel Galvan. Ayala and La Joya Independent School District Superintendent Alda T. Benavides will certify the graduates, and Board President Johnn Valente Alaniz will award
La Joya High Coyotes graduation is June 2
T
he commencement exercise for the Coyote Class of 2015 will be held on Tuesday, June 2, at 8 a.m. at State Farm Arena. There are 394 students in the La Joya High School Class of 2015. Of those, 96 are graduating under Distinguished Achievement Program. La Joya High will graduate 171 as Texas Scholars and 68 are Tech Prep Scholars. La Joya High School JROTC cadets will present the colors, and choir students will sing the National Anthem. Principal Antonio Cano will introduce special guests. The salutatory address will be given by Laura Barrera. This will be followed by the valedictory address from Julio Treviño. Cano and La Joya Independent School District Superintendent Alda T. Benavides will certify the graduates, and Board President Johnn Valente Alaniz will award the diplomas.
May 22, 2015
Benavides: LJISD grads are college and career ready
A
s we approach the end of another very successful school year, I want to take a few moments to thank everyone for helping us make significant progress this year toward our mission of graduating all La Joya ISD students college and career ready. This truly was a very successful school year marked by significant growth and accomplishment in each of the key areas of our Vision. I would like to thank all stakeholders for the work you have done in support of our mission statement. Achieving the progress we have as a school district would not be possible without the support of a quality staff, motivated and capable students, strong leadership, and a very supportive community. The commitment to a quality education in La
Joya ISD makes the achievement of our goals possible. As we near graduation, please take a moment to congratulate the La Joya ISD Class of 2015. We thank you for your contributions to our district that has helped make it the awesome district that it is. We wish you well in everything that you will become as graduates of La Joya High School, Juarez-Lincoln High School, Palmview High School, Jimmy Carter Early College High School and College & Career Center. On behalf of the School Board of Trustees and our entire central office administration, we wish all of the 2015 graduates great success in their future endeavors. Congratulations La Joya ISD Class of 2015! Dr. Alda T. Benavides Superintendent of Schools
A&M University, where he will be pursuing a degree in chemical engineering. Possible career paths for Daniel include making cleaner energy or working in the petrochemical industry. “Our whole lives, we
have been trained and pressured not to make mistakes. To earn perfect scores in all our exams. To never drop the football during the game. To never press the wrong valve during a band concert, and after constantly being told
not to make mistakes, we have begun to fear committing mistakes,” Daniel stated. “However, as we transition into the real world, I hope that you let go of this men-
F
Valedictorian Daniel Galvan
Salutatorian Emmanuael Garcia
Third Ranking Giovanni Perez
Antonio Cano Principal, LJHS
Third-ranked student Josette Ochoa will offer the closing remarks.
J
Alaniz and La Joya Independent School District Superintendent Alda T. Benavides will certify the graduates, and Board President Johnn Valente Alaniz will award the diplomas. Yaletzy Alaniz, thirdranked students, will close the ceremony.
See PHS 17B
Head Coyote students eye engineering careers
he top three graduates at La Joya High School all are looking to study engineering at the university level. Julio Treviño, son of Javier and Nereida Treviño, is La Joya High School’s Class of 2015 valedictorian. Julio has been part of rigorous extracurricular activities, such as the National Honor Society (two years) and student council (two years). He’s participated in UIL competitions since he was in second grade, competing in events such as number sense, mathematics, calculators and science. Julio’s also qualified for the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association twice. He’s received the following honors: Texas Scholar, Texas Prep Scholar, member
J Eduardo Alaniz Principal, JLHS
Palmview’s top students show varied interests
rom evangelism to clean energy, the top three graduates at Palmview High School have big dreams they’re working toward. After four years of hard work, Daniel Galvan has been named valedictorian of Palmview High School’s Class of 2015. Although school and grades have been Daniel’s main focus, he also was involved in several organizations. For example, he participated in mathematics, science and calculators at UIL, and Daniel was announced district champion for match and science. Also, Daniel participated in community organizations like National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. He plans to attend Texas
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507 students graduate from Juarez-Lincoln
uarez-Lincoln High School wishes to extend congratulations to the graduating students and their families. Students will experience the final stage of their journey as a Juarez-Lincoln High School Husky on Tuesday, June 2, at 5 p.m. at State Farm Arena. There are 507 seniors that will walk the stage to collect their diplomas at the ceremony. Of those, 36 are graduating under the Distinguished Achievement Program. Juarez-Lincoln also will see 106 students graduate as Texas Scholars and 65 as Tech Prep students. Juarez-Lincoln JROTC cadets will present the colors and Juarez-Lincoln choir students will sing the National Anthem. Edith Rangel, senior class president, will then welcome Juarez-Lincoln students and Principal Eduardo Alaniz will introduce guests. Andrea Chavez will give the salutatory address, followed by the valedictorian address from Maria Villalpando.
Section B
Yvonne Ayala Principal, PHS
the diplomas. Trista Vasquez, senior class president, will close the ceremony and the Palmview band will play the school’s alma mater.
Class of 2015
of the National Honor Society, Excellence Award from the National Society of High School Scholars and state qualifier for an Texas Math and Science Coaches Association award. Julio’s also been named as a Minnie Ste-
vens Piper Scholar, a prestigious scholarship awarded by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation. “All the hard work I have put in my education to reach my goals has brought me one step closer to my dream to
become a mechanical engineer,” Julio stated. He plans to attend the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley as a mechanical engineering major.
Valedictorian Julio Treviño
Salutatorian Laura Barrera
Third Ranking Josette Ochoa
See LJHS 18B
Juarez-Lincoln grads busy in, out of class
uarez-Lincoln High School’s top three graduates managed to succeed academically while balancing lives full of personal and extracurricular obligations. Maria J. Villalpando, valedictorian of the Juarez Lincoln High School Class of 2015, truly embodies hard work and perseverance. Maria is the daughter of Noe and Alicia Villalpando and the oldest of three children. Volunteerism and altruism are the two qualities that truly define Maria, and when thinking about her about future plans, she said she’d love to be able to become a philanthropist if her position allowed it in the future. She volunteered numerous hours as a reading tutor, an income tax preparer and a food pantry distributor. As vice pres-
ident of the Juarez-Lincoln High School National Honor Society, she helped organize volunteers for the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank, made all preparations, and conducted meetings with her peers to work on logistics
of distributing food items to those in need. She also served the community at the Speer Memorial Library, the Lions Gate Club and a local nursing home. Maria has also maintained a clear sense of pur-
pose when it comes to her academics. She has earned placement on the “A” honor roll repeatedly throughout most of her high school education. While in high
Valedictorian Maria Villalpando
Salutatorian Andrea Chavez
Third Ranking Yaletzy Alaniz
See JLHS 17B
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Jimmy Carter ECHS graduates overcome odds
he top students at Jimmy Carter Early College have overcome lives as migrants to become, for some, the first of their family to earn college degrees. The school’s top three graduates all have earned an associate degree. Leslie Escalante is valedictorian of the Class of 2015 at Jimmy Carter Early College High School. Leslie was born in the Valley, raised in Texas and spent summers in Wyoming. “Although I am no longer considered a migrant, I grew up as one, and migrant life is an integral part of my character, pushing me towards education and establishing a deep-rooted curiosity though day-long ponderings over anything, which I touch back to whenever I lose motivation for projects or assignments,” she stated. Leslie chose to attend an early college high school because she preferred small communities, and she’s glad she did. Many opportunities were made available to her because of school. Those opportunities included internships, university visits, networking opportunities and the chance to complete an associate of science in computer science. Adelina Castillo Alvarado
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Jimmy Carter Early College HS graduates second senior class
T Valedictorian Leslie Escalante
was named salutatorian of Jimmy Carter Early College High School. She was born and raised in Guatemala and came to the United States when she was 8. “My first day of school in the United states was nerve-wracking,” Adelina stated. “I didn’t want to start school in such an abrupt way; I had no backpack, no school supplies, and I was simply dropped off. I tried to hug my mom, but they told me to hurry inside the room. It was so very well lit – nothing like my school back in Guatemala. But after that day, though I didn’t understand the English language, I fell in love with learning.” Adelina stated lack of ed-
Salutatorian Adelina Castillo Alvarado
ucation is the reason for all the hardships in her family. She attended Jimmy Carter Early College High School to obtain an education filled with exciting challenges and opportunities. She’s earned an associate degree in interdisciplinary studies, and she’s the first of her family to earn a college degree. Adelina plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where she will study pre-pharmacy. Juan Alameda is the thirdranked student at Jimmy Carter Early College High School. He was born into a migrant family and traveled constantly. Juan’s parents gave up their own dreams of pursuing college in Mexico
Third Ranking Juan Alameda
to give him a better life in the United States. His family started off as migrant workers, following seasonal work, but the travel did not help Alameda’s health, so they settled in Mission. His parents did not know English or how the educational system worked. In elementary school, Juan was placed in bilingual classes because he only spoke Spanish. The next year he was placed in English course. Before graduating middle school, Juan applied to Jimmy Carter Early College High School in hopes of obtaining an associate degree by graduation. Four years later, he achieved his goal and plans to become an oncologist.
he commencement ceremony for Jimmy Carter Early College High School is set for Tuesday, June 2, at State Farm Arena. There are 91 students in the Class of 2015. Five of those students are graduating with an associate degree in computer science. They are Juan Aguilar, Cristal Coria, Leslie Escalante, Ricardo Gonzalez and Eligio Reyna. Claudia Luna senior class president, will welcome graduates. Principal Sylvia Sepulveda then will introduce guests. Adelina Castillo will offer the salutatorian address, followed by Leslie Escalante with the valedictory address. Sepulveda and La Joya Independent School District Superintendent Alda Bena-
Sylvia Sepulveda Principal JCECHS
vides will certify the graduates. Board President Johnn Valente Alaniz will award the diplomas. Juan Alameda, thirdranked student, will offer the closing remarks.
Messages from the Class Presidents Trista Vasquez PHS
Lee Roy Cantu LJHS
Edith Rangel JLHS
Claudia Lun JCECHS
La Joya ISD DREAMers earn national scholarships
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he PHS Senior Class of 2015 has exceeded everyone’s expectations. This class and school year will remain in history, both for our various accomplishments and traditions that were set. As the president, I noticed that our class became very united despite our differences. Being part of the class club enabled that, because every activity that we had brought many old friends back together or people made new friends along the way. This club wasn’t just about the trip at the end of the year, but about building school spirit and setting traditions that PHS lacked. We set out to leave our mark in every sport, club, or organization. Our senior class club formalized the student section at the football games, the senior circle at the pep rallies, and the caravan to every home game. More importantly, we came together to help those in need such as the family we adopted during the winter. Seeing the family tear with joy with our contributions warmed our hearts and inspired us to continue giving back to those in need. Now that this chapter is coming to an end and seeing everyone’s anticipations and fears for graduation only makes me look back to how PHS has created a sense of pride and built our aspirations. In comparison to the previous graduation classes, we are more united and involved. We are proud of where we come from, what we stand for, and what we will become. Thanks to our class, clubs, teachers, sponsors, families, and friends, we have created memories that will last a lifetime. We are the class of 2015, forever Lobos. –Trista Vasquez
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ear Graduating Class of 2015, I want to be the first to congratulate you on your tremendous accomplishments from diapers to your diploma. We have all worked so hard and should be proud of ourselves. I wish you all the best of luck the moment you all step into the “Adult World.” Whichever path you choose always remember these words by Terence Wells “Dream big, because the only person holding you from success is yourself. Embrace who you are and stay true to yourself, discover your passion, and pursue your happiness.” You have spent years building character, friendships, and memories. Cherish every well spent moment with your classmates because after June 2nd it will be the last time having your 2015 graduating class all in one room as a student body. Embrace your friends, teachers, & parents. Because of them every single one of you is ready to start your own path. There is no reason to be afraid. As a student body, we traveled this journey together. A journey that has taught you many valuable lessons, made you stronger, made you who you are, and because of that you all are ready to begin the journey you decide to pursue. It has been an Honor to be the President of the Graduating Class of 2015, you all have certainly made this class legendary. Good luck & remember “Make it a great day or not the choice is yours.” Sincerely your Senior Class President, Lee Roy Cantu
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ear Fellow Seniors, We started Juarez-Lincoln High School as adolescents, but soon, we’ll leave it as young adults. Some of us will go straight to college, others will go straight into the workforce, but each of us will travel through our own course – yet, we’ve only begun to pursue the endeavors that will launch us into our futures. Wherever we go or whatever we do, there will be challenges ahead of us precluding our future successes. May we prepare ourselves to meet those challenges and overcome those obstacles straight on with our heads held high and our hearts open wide. May we strive for excellence in all we do. Although it may be hard to see, every accomplishment, every success, and every victory we achieve will be added to the world’s acclamation. Our future individual successes will benefit society as a whole because when we succeed, we conquer. We prevail. We accomplish. My challenge to each and every one of you, and to myself, is to do all that you can to reach and to maximize your full potential. If each of the 505 students in this vibrant graduating class is able to do that, imagine the results that would yield. Evidently, the future is in our hands, so we should resolve to make the most of it. Congratulations Class of 2015! We did it! Sincerely, Edith Rangel
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s Senior Class President, I am proud of my class for accomplishing their goals. Despite the fact that we are first generation college goers, we have succeeded on graduating, not just with a high school diploma, but also with an Associate’s Degree from South Texas College. This achievement makes seniors from Jimmy Carter role models, not just for others, but for our siblings and younger family members as well. I’ve been part of Student Government at Jimmy Carter for the last three years, and I’ve witnessed how our class has become unified. Each one of us is unique in our own way and has our own group of friends, but when one of us experienced difficulties, we came together to support that individual either emotionally or monetarily. Even though we compete academically, we reached out to each other as if we were a family. United, we have succeeded! In these four years’ journey, there have been many obstacles which have made us stronger and mature. From every mistake we have made in our high school year, we have gained knowledge and wisdom to create a positive outcome. On behalf of the Jimmy Carter Senior Class, I would like to take this opportunity to thank La Joya ISD, teachers and staff at Carter, and most importantly, our family and parents for their support and helping to make each of our dreams come true. -Claudia Luna Senior Class President
he start of 2015 marked a pivotal and exciting time of year for three LJISD Jimmy Carter Early College HS seniors. Alexis Tinajero, Juan Piña, and Carlos Rodriguez, were each awarded the $25,000 TheDream.US Scholarship. This grant is given to students who are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approved. These are children who came to the United States from another country and have been raised in the United States. TheDream.US Scholarship was created to aid high school graduates who can not access federal loans or grants to help pay for college because of their immigration status. This multi-million-dollar national scholarship fund specifically targets immigrant youth who want to obtain a post secondary education and give back to their communities – thus contributing to the prosperity of the nation. Tinajero, Piña, and Rodriguez first learned about
TheDream.US scholarship through their English IV teacher, Benito Bernal. All three began the application process in early November and in January officially accepted the help. Out of 850 applicants from around the country, the JCECHS students were amongst the few to be granted $25,000 each, for the remainder of their college years. The three senior friends plan to attend the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, which also awarded them an additional $4,000 for books and supplies. Tinajero hopes to major in dance, Piña in mass communications and Rodriguez in mechanical engineering, and all would not be pursuing such careers without the financial support of TheDream.US scholarship. “La Joya ISD is my home – and this is where I want to return as a professional,” Tinajero said. “I feel so grateful for this grant because I know for a fact that I need it in order to achieve my dreams.”
PHS students receives scholarship to fully fund college education
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By Jimmy Aguilar
any parents dream about it, and many students strive for it, but being awarded a free ride to college isn’t something that happens very often. Palmview High School senior Stephanie De Leon has been awarded the Terry Foundation Scholarship to fully fund her college education at Texas State University in San Marcos. The Terry Foundation is a scholarship program aimed to provide scholarships to Texas high school graduates. It was established in 1986 by Houston philanthropists Howard & Nancy Terry. The awarded amount funds a full undergraduate degree for
Texas students attending a public university within the state. De Leon is currently ranked 35th in her senior class, landing her a spot to be recognized as the top 10 percent of the 2014-2015 PHS graduating class. She has worked hard during high school taking such challenging classes as U.S. History, World History, English II and III. “I believe my leadership and willingness to help out whenever needed is what makes me worthy of this scholarship,” De Leon
See DE LEON 17B
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La Joya Independent School District Board of Trustees La Joya Independent School District Board of Trustees members are, from left to right, Oscar “Coach” Salinas, Juan Jose “J.J.” Peña, Joel Garcia (vice president), Johnn Alaniz (president), Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza (secretary), Esperanza “Espie” Ochoa and Jesus “Chuy” Avendaño.
PHS student earns perfect attendance from kinder to graduation
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By Jimmy Aguilar
Emilia Chavero
Magdalena Garza
Josette Ochoa
Three Gates Millennium Scholars from one La Joya school F or three La Joya High School seniors, the opportunity to attend the college of their choice without any financial worries is more than just small talk – it’s a dream come true. Emilia Chavero, Magdalena Garza, and Josette Ochoa are among this year’s recipients of the 2015 Gates Millennium Scholars. Established in 1999 by Bill and Melinda Gates, the Gates Millennium Scholars scholarship was developed with the goal of “developing leaders for America’s future.” Out of 52,000 applicants, the program notified 1,500 finalists and then chose only 1,000 to reward. The program removes the financial barriers to education for high-performing, low-income students and helps them to pursue a degree in any undergraduate degree at accredited universities across the country. Though there have been La Joya ISD Gates Millennium Scholars in the past,
this is the first year that three have been selected from one school. Chavero, ranked 10th, will sign with Texas A&M University in Kingsville to major in mathematics and educational administration. Garza, ranked fourth, will be pursuing a degree in international relations in global studies from the University of Texas in Austin. Ochoa, ranked third, also plans on attending the University of Texas in Austin to study chemical engineering. Chavero is the daughter of Joel and Marilu Chavero. She is ranked 10th in her graduating class and has acquired 52 college hours. She is the National Honor Society secretary, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica secretary, Migrant Club vice president and a leader in her community and is proud to serve in it. Ochoa is the daughter of Jose and Diana Ochoa. She is in National Honor Society, as well as UIL Cal-
culator, Math and Science. Ochoa has been a starter for the La Joya High School Soccer Team, and this year she was the captain for the La Joya Varsity Soccer Team and will be part of the All Star Soccer Team. She is a graduate of the National Hispanic Institute, having attended all three summer programs and two national competitions. Garza is the daughter of Maria Garza. She is involved in many organizations and has held many officer positions, such as Student Council representative for National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, president for the Book Club, and the director for Leo Club. She has completed more than 100 hours of community service and more than 40 college hours. She often spends her time reading literature and focusing on her schoolwork. Her goal is to work with underdeveloped countries to aid those in need.
IBC Bank-McAllen awards $22,000 in scholarships to Hidalgo County seniors
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BC Bank-McAllen promoted higher education recently by awarding a combined $22,000 in scholarships to 22 Hidalgo County high school graduates as they embark upon college and a new chapter of their adult lives. The students were awarded the A.R. Sanchez, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Award at a citywide reception on April 29 at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Guest speakers at the event included IBC Bank-McAllen President and CEO R. David Guerra, IBC Bank-McAllen Senior Executive Vice President Adrian Villarreal and McAllen Chamber of Commerce President Steve Ahlenius. “We are proud to assist these deserving high school seniors with the A.R. San-
chez, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Award,” Guerra said. “They are the future business men and women in our communities, and we are honored to support this scholarship initiative for more than 20 years.” This year, IBC Bank-McAllen presented a total of 22 A.R. Sanchez, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Awards, each valued at $1,000 across 22 area high schools. Scholarship award recipients were Yesenia Zapata, Edinburg High School; Bianca Salinas, Edinburg North High School; Damian Esteban Setien, Hidalgo High School; Itzayana Ramos, Johnny G. Economedes High School; Maria Luna, Juarez Lincoln High School; Cecelia Solis, La Joya High School; Ma-
ria Cristina Guerra, Lamar Academy; Amber Michalk, McAllen High School; Roberto D. Hernandez, McAllen Memorial High School; Steven Tamez, Mission High School; Arantza Espinosa, Mission Veterans High School; Noe Rodriguez III, Nikki Rowe High School; Efrain Hernandez, Palmview High School; Alexander Galindo, PSJA High School; Hydia Puente, PSJA Memorial High School; Nubia Sanchez, PSJA North High School; Manuel Ibarra, Robert Vela High School; Irving Yanez, Sharyland High School; Jaritze Calderon, Valley View High School; Adrian Perez, Weslaco East High School; Janelle Negrete, Weslaco High School;
See IBC SCHOLARSHIPS 17B
veryone has those days where waking up to go to school or work seems incredibly difficult, even student Tristen Robles has had those days. What makes Robles different is that he has never missed a day of school in his entire academic life. “My parents were a big reason for me having perfect attendance. They encouraged me every day to come to school,” Robles said. Research shows a correlation between attendance and academic success. Robles will be graduating at the top 25 percent of his class come June. “Coming to school every single day had helped me to never fall behind in my classes,” Robles said. “This helped me by never missing any assignments.”
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2015 Co-State Champions
Paalmview High School Mariachi Los Lobos
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IBC SCHOLARSHIPS
Beatriz Martinez, PSJA SW Early College High School. IBC Bank-McAllen Senior Vice President Fernando De la Cerda and IBC Bank-McAllen First Vice President Margie Rocha Santos assisted in the scholarship presentation. IBC Bank-McAllen began this market-wide community program in 1991 to provide the opportunity for higher education to youth from low to moderate-income households. Born into
JLHS
La Joya High School 2015 Senior Class
PHS
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tality. I hope you commit numerous mistakes. I hope you make several mistakes because it means you are endeavoring new things. It means you are stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself. It means you are learning. It means you are living.” Emmanuel Garcia is Palmview High School’s salutatorian. Born and raised in Mission, Emmanuel said his family did its best to instill a sense of tenacity and hard work in him. At a young age, Emmanuel began playing sports like baseball, football and basketball and those sports taught him the value of dedication and teamwork. Last summer, Emmanuel was named the National Hispanic Institute’s Texas Collegiate World Series Valedictorian. He’s been a member of the National Honor Society since his sophomore year, and he’s taken a few leader-
ship roles in his school, which include serving as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and captain of his varsity baseball team. Emmanuel also has participated in Distributive Educational Clubs of America, or DECA, and UIL. “All the skills I’ve obtained throughout my years in high school have helped me become a role model in the eyes of others,” Emmanuel said. “I volunteered as a little league softball coach which allowed me to teach kids how to play the right way. I also offered assistance to young students who needed to be tutored in certain school subjects. Everything I’ve been a part of has molded me into who I am today.” Emmanuel plans to attend Texas A&M University at College Station and study sports management. He hopes to further his education with a master’s degree. Giovanni Isaiah Perez is ranked third at Palmview
from pg 1B
High School. Giovanni is a member of seven different organizations, including DECA, where he serves as president. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, like the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award and the Einsteinium Award. In addition, Giovanni participated in sports at Palmview, primarily baseball. In what free time he has, Giovanni enjoys playing the guitar and singing. He is an active member of his church and collects Snapple caps. “I have been very lost and indecisive throughout my life. I didn’t really love one particular subject but instead enjoyed them all. Hence, I’ve been very hesitant onto what I would be studying in college,” Giovanni stated, later adding, “I will almost certainly become an evangelist and reach the lost world, because bringing people to Christ is my sole purpose of life. This is who I am.”
school, Maria has earned more than 20 college hours and earned top marks for these courses as well. She plans to pursue her post-secondary education at Texas A&M University in College Station this fall where she will pursue a degree in law. Despite the extreme amount of work that goes into holding an officer position in multiple organizations, Maria, has never faltered. Aside from holding the position of vice president of the National Honor Society and the Top Hat Theatre Company, Maria was also the vice president for the 2015 Senior Class. One of Maria’s greatest achievements has been in UIL Ready Writing competition. An avid reader and extemporaneous writer, Maria, the team’s captain, advanced to the UIL Ready Writing regional competition every year she competed starting with ninth grade. Her sophomore year she earned the district title and continued into the regional competition as the only sophomore at JLHS. Class of 2015 salutatorian Andrea Chavez is the daughter of Eduardo and Isabel Chavez. Although Andrea and her family emigrated from Mexico, she has been able to take advantage of every academic opportunity she has encountered. Andrea has excelled in all areas she has faced, including learning and mastering the English language while welcoming each challenge along the way. She learned she was only
DE LEON from pg 3B
from pg 2B
a humble family, Antonio R. Sanchez Sr., the namesake of the scholarship award and the founder of IBC Bank, was a strong supporter of making higher education available to those interested in bettering their lives. Sanchez’s commitment to the power of learning lives on in the A.R. Sanchez Scholarship Award, which is bestowed annually upon deserving high school seniors in South Texas and the upper Gulf Coast area.
said. “I feel that I have become a well-rounded person.” De Leon will be the first generation to attend college in the U.S. from her family. Her family expresses great pride in their daughter’s accomplishments but will have to adjust to De Leon’s new residence 5 hours away. “My dad was extremely happy and so was my mom, although she seemed sad that I would no longer be living with her; I’ll be a few hours away,” De Leon said.
ranked 50th in her class her freshmen year, worked even harder, understanding that excelling academically not only meant time during the school day but after school and weekends as well. She understands now the sacrifices her family has had to endure so that she and her siblings can enjoy a brighter future. Andrea has effectively served as Head of Class and class treasurer and has also represented her roots by being part of folkloric dancing group “Sol Azteca”. Andrea has also challenged herself by joining National Hispanic Institute since she was a sophomore. The fact that English is her second language was not a fact to deter her from participating in The Great Debate, becoming a finalist. Andrea has enrolled in as many Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement classes as she could. Challenging herself and taking Advanced Placement courses early in her high school years has prepared her for her college dual enrollment classes as a junior and senior. She is graduating Juarez-Lincoln High School with 35 dual enrollment hours. Andrea is also part of National Honor Society and DECA. She also contributed to El Noticiero as one of its writers. Andrea has also kept busy outside of school organizations by volunteering her time at Sacred Heart Church. Andrea is planning on attending Our Lady of
the Lake University where she has received a $60,000 scholarship. Yaletzy Alaniz has earned the honor of being the 3rd ranked student at Juarez Lincoln High School. Yaletzy has received many accolades throughout the four years of high school. She has served as JLHS student council representative, yearbook photographer and editor, chess club member and a migrant student worker. Yaletzy also has been active in Grupo Folklorico Sol Azteca, art club, volleyball, wrestling, UIL Headline, National Honor Society, Top Hat Theatre Company and La Joya ISD Campus Crime Stoppers. Yaletzy will be graduating with 30 college hours from South Texas College. She was also honored as the Juarez-Lincoln High School recipient of the Border Patrol Head of Class. Yaletzy has managed to academically excel despite many life difficulties. She is the daughter of Enereida Cantu and David Montelongo and a first generation college student. She has lived a life as a migrant worker in which she feels that it is an honorable way of providing for a family; however, she wants to stop that cycle and aspires to gain as much knowledge as she can, knowing that education will take her to the next level of life. Yaletzy plans to pursue a medical degree at St. Edward’s University.
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Pictured are Jimmy Carter Early College High School students who qualified for regional UIL competitions. Among the qualifiers were Juan Raul Aguilar, Juan Alameda, Cristal Coria and Leslie Escalante in computers science, as well as Jesus Garcia in poetry.
ABOVE: Pictured, from left to right, are Jimmy Carter Early College High School senior class officers Stephanie Ortega, historian; Perla Espinoza, vice president; Claudia Luna, president; Adelina Castillo, treasurer; Angelica Molina, historian.
RIGHT: King Alberto Ayon Garcia and Queen Jaqueline J. Gamon were honored at this year’s Senior Prom.
LJHS
Julio encouraged all his 2015 classmates to never stop learning and to pursue the careers of their choice. “As we leave high school, we must not forget where we came from,” Julio stated. “We have our parents to thank for all their support and encouragement in our education. We have all our teachers, administrators, counselors and all other staff to thank for all their hard work, time and effort put in to help us grow and flourish. Most importantly, we have God to thank for helping our teachers guide us well.” Laura Barrera, La Joya High School’s salutatorian, is the daughter of Maria Hernandez. She has been a member
of the UIL math and calculator teams for two years, as well and the National Honor Society for one year. This year, Laura also had the opportunity to represent her school at the La Joya ISD High School Advisory Pack. She plans to study mechanical engineering and minor in mathematics at UT-RGV. “No matter the time of day, you can expect me to have a calculator handy and a math problem always within reach,” Laura stated. Josette Ochoa, La Joya High’s third-ranked student, also is a Gates Millennium Scholar. She is the daughter of Jose and Diana Ochoa. Ochoa has been a member of the National Honor Society two years and she’s
from pg 1B
competed on the UIL calculator, math and science teams for two years as well. She also served as captain of the Lady Coyote varsity soccer team as a four-year starter. Ochoa is a graduate of the National Hispanic Institute, having attended all three summer programs and two national competitions. Ocho represented her school at the superintendent roundtable, participated in drop-out prevention programs and gave speeches to the freshmen class. “I can always be found reading a good book,” Ochoa stated. She plans to attend the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin as a chemical engineering major.
Pictured are 2014-2015 Student Council officers at Jimmy Carter Early College High School. Jesus Garcia served as president, Benny Lozano served as vice president, Tavi Quintanilla served as secretary, Juan Piña served as treasurer, Ashley Vanderpool served as social chair and Rosa F. Mendoza served as parliamentarian.
Pictured are officers of the Jimmy Carter Early College High School National Honor Society. Seniors Leslie Escalante served as president, Jessica Soto served as vice president, Lucinda Villasana served as secretary and Roberto Blanco served as treasurer. Juniors Hilary Canales served as historian and Cecilia Martinez served as parliamentarian.