June 5, 2015 - Progress Times Issue

Friday, June 5, 2015

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B.L. GRAY RANKED TOP IN NATION

By Lea Victoria Juarez of the top of the top (principals) and here I am, this litucked away in Texas’ tle Hispanic school in South southernmost corner Texas – not that I had that is the best junior high mentality, but when you see in the nation – B.L. Gray bigger schools, it’s intimidatof Sharyland Independent ing.”

School District.

Each year four schools The campus beat out 48 are labeled with a gold status schools across the country – a high school, junior high, that applied for the National elementary and a charter Center for Urban Transfor- school. In order for schools mation’s National Excel- to be eligible, they must lence in Urban Education have more than 50 percent Award. On May 22, the cam- of low-income students and pus administrators claimed must not have selective adtheir title and the school’s missions policies. The B.L. $5,000 check at the sympo- Gray student population is sium in Dallas.

52.3 percent economically “It was very humbling,” disadvantaged.

Principal Lori Ann Garza The school’s state test said. “It’s like you’re in a sea scores must be better than

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the state average for all students, and the results for every demographic must be better than the state average, as well.

For the last two year’s B.L. Gray’s STAAR passing percentages have been consistently higher than the state, with the largest difference of 20 percent for the 2014-2015 eighth-grade science test.

Science teacher Anabel Guerra said the department works with hands-on activities and focuses on rotating group work.

“We train our kids to work among different groups, it’s never the same group,” Guerra said. “We’re kind of

setting them up for the real world, where sometimes they might not want to work with that student but, guess what, you have to.”

Other strategies within the classrooms include interactive journaling, assignment reminder apps for special education students and open communication with parents. Students also use the social medium Edmodo, which allows them to listen to lectures at home and complete assignments in the classroom. They can also share assignments online, take exams online and get instant results.

“There’s a lot of strate-

See TOP SCHOOL 9

Lori Ann Garza, principal at B.L. Gray Junior High School, holds a $5,000 check after the school was ranked as the best junior high in the country. Courtesy photo

Building a legacy

Members of the Veterans Memorial baseball team gather before game 2 of the regional semifinals in Corpus Christi last week. Progress Times photo by Julie Silva

Patriots end historic run

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By Julie Silva

Juan Diego graduates first class

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By Lea Victoria Juarez

wenty seniors from Juan Diego Academy donned their green caps and gowns and clutched their high school diplomas on May 29. The first graduating class of the Catholic high school said goodbye to the place they called home for four years.

The school opened its doors to the first freshmen class in August 2011. They wanted to keep the numbers small, the academy president said, to focus on the needs of the students. Now, those students are preparing for college and scattering all around the globe. From Austin to New York to Italy, each of the academy’s seniors was accepted to a four-year college or university.

“On the first day of school, we all walked into the cafeteria as strangers – afraid of what was to come, yet hopeful that the path that

was placed in front of us will lead to a bright future,” valedictorian Margaret Leal said in her address. “Now we are brothers and sisters that have built a legacy upon this holy hill that none of us would have imagined the first time we stepped foot at Juan Diego Academy.”

On her first day at academy, Leal remembered driving through the school’s iron gates and up the driveway, where she saw a rainbow in the sky – a biblical symbol for new beginnings, she said.

After Principal Bob Schmidt took the class photo and the group went through various ice-breaker exercises, they got into a circle, held hands and prayed the Our Father before heading to first period. It was at that moment Leal said she felt a special bond between her peers.

“At the end of that first day of school there was a

See ACADEMY 9

Juan Diego Academy had its first class graduate May 29.

Each of the 20 students was accepted to a four-year college or university. Progress Times photos by Lea Victoria Juarez

“I remember when you weren’t quite so tall, quite so poised and quite so confident. It’s a tribute to what you’ve experienced.”

–Bishop Daniel Flores

County auditor legislation is dead

INDEX

aseball has always been big in the Peña household.

Sandy Peña said her three boys grew up playing the sport in the master bedroom with their dad, with the bed as second base and a lamp as first.

“I have lots of broken pieces of furniture to prove what I’m saying,” she said.

Her husband, Horacio, was a star player for Mission High School and extended his baseball career into college, playing for Pan American University. Still, the couple hadn’t wanted to force their sons into their father’s footsteps. Sandy had been paying for private soccer lessons for a year before the three told her they didn’t like playing it.

So she set out to find a youth baseball team that would take two of the three on so she’d have fewer trips to make to games and practices. Enter Leo Martinez II, who had his own son coming out of T-ball and had just created a team dedicated to giving its players the attention necessary to learn the fundamentals of baseball.

He called the team the Snappers because his son,

INSIDE

Leo Martinez III, had a turtle named Snappy. He’d done some research online and found a minor league team named the Snappers and went with it, “Turtle Power and all.”

Martinez emphasized that baseball is a game of errors.

Most players in the Hall of Fame, for instance, have a .300 batting average, which means they didn’t get a hit seven out of 10 times.

“A lot of times in life we make mistakes,” Martinez said. The key, he added, was to keep working. He worked with the boys not just on their baseball skills, but he taught them how to shake hands and look a person in the eye when they’re speaking to someone else.

Peña’s oldest son, Edward, was almost 7, and he was just the right age for the Snappers, but his little brother William hadn’t turned 6 yet. Martinez said he could tell William had the potential to be a good ballplayer, so he let him on the team.

The youth coach compared his experience forming his team to the “Little Giants.”

“I’d walk up to kids and say, ‘Do you play baseball?’ and they’d say, ‘No.’ I’d

See HISTORIC 9

Lobo seniors walk the stage

One of the best in the country

A bill filed by Sen. Hinojosa to allow commissioners court more authority in appointing a county auditor died at the end of the legislative session.

Mission Collegiate High School earned a Bronze Medal from U.S. News & World Report in its annual high school rankings.

Nearly 450 seniors in the Class of 2015 graduated from Palmview High School on Tuesday in a ceremony at State Farm Arena.

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Entertainment | pg. 2

Opinion | pg. 4

Lifestyle | pg. 5

Sports | pg. 6

Obituaries | pg. 7

Classifieds | pg. 9

entertainment Award winning singer Carman comes

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to Edinburg for a special concert

he ministry of multiaward winning singer Carman will visit the Abundant Grace Community Church with his No Plan B Tour to 2110 South McColl Road in Edinburg on Saturday, June 13, at 7 p.m.

The CD “No Plan B” and his tour were made possible through the unprecedented fan response to the crowd-funding platform Kickstarter campaign he launched after opening up on social media about a multiple myeloma cancer diagnosis in 2013.

“I was diagnosed in 2013 and was planning on having two-three good years left, but I didn’t want to keep it a secret,” Carman said. “I posted the news on Facebook and wanted to be honest and upright about it with anyone who asked.

“So many people started sharing stories of what they went through and posted photos of their heads wrapped up because their hair was gone,” he said. “When I hear a story like that, my instinct is to reach out and cheer them up.”

Carman continues on his No Plan B Tour making stops at venues across the country bringing new music to friends and fans nationwide. The tour is sponsored

by Childfund International.

‘No Plan B,’ a Norway Avenue Records release, is distributed by Capital Christian Distribution and is available at retail and digital outlets worldwide.

The project features all original music by Carman including songs “No Plan B,”

“I’m Coming Home,” “God Made Man,” “Jesus Heal” and several other songs.

“The main message of the whole album can be found in the title track, ‘No Plan B,’ which is how I’ve lived all these years,” said Carman. “Even if I only have a few more on this earth, I’ll still be preaching, giving altar calls, winning souls for the kingdom and singing the songs that have the power to bring deliverance into people’s lives, whether it be in front of 20 people or 20,000 people.

“God doesn’t call us to be popular,” he said. “He calls us to be effective and that’s always been my goal, effective right up to the end. Jesus is ‘Plan A.’ There is ‘No Plan B’.”

Carman is the only Christian artist who filled stadiums across the globe, from record holdings like 72,132 people at Texas Stadium, 50,000 plus in Johannesburg, South Africa, and 80,000 in Chattanooga, Tenn. He has a grand total of 1.5 million cumulative attendees during three national tours. Joining President and Mrs. Reagan and Dr. Billy Graham in the honor, he received the House of Hope Humanitarian Award.

His career has yielded seven Dove Awards, a quartet of Grammy nominations, plus 16 RIAA Certified Platinum and Gold albums and videos amassing to well over 10 million cumulative career record sales. His acclaimed albums include “The Champion,” “Revival In The Land,” “Addicted To Jesus,”

“The Standard,” “R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion of Truth)” and “Mission 3:16.”

Among his notable TV shows and movies are “Carman: The Champion” (which scored the longest theatrical run in theaters for a Christian movie); and guesting on “The Bobby Jones Gospel Hour.” He wrote the action adventure novel “Undefeated: In Love and War.” “I’ve always sought to minister to the best of my ability. I wanted to help win as many souls for the kingdom as I possibly could,” Carman said. “Now I meet people who say ‘my life was so messed up 20 years ago, but I went to your concert, got saved and now I’m a worship pastor.’ Stories like that just go to show you how somebody’s life can completely turn around. I’m like a soldier who serves their country. I just want to serve people, and if just one guy got it, then it’s all been worth it.”

Tickets range from $1025 with VIP for $100. General admission is $10. Youth 18 and under are free in general admission seating with no ticket required. A love offering will be received. Tickets available at the Abundant Grace Community Church or online at http://www.itickets.com/ or charge by phone 800-965-9324.

For more information about Carman, visit www. carman.org, www.carmantv. com, www.facebook.com/ CarmanLicciardello , or www.twitter.com/carmantv.

June 5, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Music education student to sing at national competition in North Carolina

Members of Bravo Opera Company at The University of Texas at Brownsville will perform My Songs and My Stories: an Evening of Musical Theatre at Lola’s Bake Shop from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, June 5.

The event is a fundraiser to send Aaron Bravo, a junior music education major, to the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Student Audition to be held at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG).

The UT Brownsville music majors who will join in the evening’s entertainment include Leslie Atkinson, Brandon Binder, Isaiah Garcia, Ricky Garcia, Evany Jackson, Sylvia Lopez, Katia Mares and Robert Reyna.

There will be no charge for the performance; donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of Bravo’s upcoming expenses.

Bravo has been selected as one of 14 men nationwide to compete in the semi-finals

of his division: College Music Theatre – Men. He is the only singer in this division from the NATS Texoma Region, which includes all of Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

Bravo’s journey to the national semi-finals began with winning first place in the College Music Theatre – Men division at the South Texas NATS competition in March. He was then asked to submit a YouTube video and advanced through two more rounds of competitive screenings.

“This is such an honor; I will do my best to represent UTB in the brightest possible light,” Bravo said. “I honestly didn’t think I would make the cut; I continually watched my videos and analyzed the smallest things. We are our own toughest critics.”

Traveling by air for the first time on July 6, his 21st birthday, Bravo will compete as part of the NATS annual conference and summer workshops, July 7-10.

At first, Bravo had his sights set on becoming a high school choir director.

“I wanted to do big things and have large recitals,” he said. “But, as I attended conventions and seminars while developing my voice, I participated in some of the exercises that involved teaching.

I really fell in love with the idea of planting the seeds of music in the next generation.”

His vision changed, he now plans to teach elementary music upon graduation.

“I can’t explain the feeling of influencing the future,” Bravo said. “It is important to show kids how to love and appreciate music and the arts.”

For more information on how to donate to Bravo’s travel expenses, contact Dr. Daniel Hunter-Holly at 956882-7178.

Lola’s Bake Shop is located at 1335 Palm Blvd. in Brownsville.

Due to recent Texas flooding relief efforts, H-E-B and H-E-B Plus grocery stores across the Rio Grande Valley have extended the Help End Hunger campaign to July 1, 2015. H-E-B customers can help feed their neighbors by making donations of $1, $3 or $5 at checkout counters with pre-printed donation

slips provided by H-E-B. “The Food Bank RGV makes a big impact in emergency relief efforts,” Terri Drefke, FBRGV Executive Director, said. “But it only makes an impact if people give time and money to help those in need.”

For more information contact Omar I. Rodriguez,

Manager of Communications and Advocacy, at (956) 9044514 or by email at omarir@ foodbankrgv.com. Also visit www.foodbankrgv.com at any time for information regarding other programs and events.

Help End Hunger with H-E-B extended to July 1

June 5, 2015

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Mission Collegiate High School ranked among the best in the country

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ission Collegiate High School has received word that they earned a Bronze Medal from U.S. News & World Report in its annual ranking of high schools in the country.

That places MCHS among the 6,517 highest scoring schools from more than 19,000 public high schools eligible for ranking by the publication. The MCHS U.S. News & World Report data is available online, http:// www.usnews.com/education/ best-high-schools/texas/districts/ mission-consolidated-independent-school-district/mission-col-

legiate-h-s-146143.

According to U.S. News, the rankings used data from the 2012-2013 school year through a partnership with RTI International. They use a three-step process that involves student performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.

They also consider students who took and passed at least one AP or IB test before or during their senior year. Only those schools that make it past the first two steps are considered for Gold or Silver medal honors.

Only 33 percent of high schools are recognized with a gold, silver, or bronze medal.

MCHS is completing its third year in existence. This school year, they served students in grades 9-11. In the 2015-2016 school year, the school will expand to include the 12th grade and have its first class of graduates. Current enrollment is 322 students.

As a state-designated early college high school, MCHS students are allowed to take college courses as early as their freshmen year in high school. Students

also receive a rigorous curriculum through dual credit and AP courses. In the 2014-2015 school year, MCHS administered 335 AP exams. Students who apply themselves can graduate from MCHS with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree from South Texas College.

The school has been operating in portable classroom buildings located on the grounds of Mission High School. A new permanent campus is nearing completion in the Alton area. It is scheduled for opening with the beginning of the new school year this August.

County auditor legislation fails to gain traction

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By Julie Silva en. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa’s second attempt to give the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court more oversight over the auditor died as the Texas legislative session came to an end this month.

Hinojosa’s Senate Bill 905 would have added the county judge and a commissioner to the board that appoints the county auditor.

The current auditor’s board includes all of the district judges in each county. A committee substitute to Hinojosa’s bill applied it to just Hidalgo and Cameron counties.

“There have been some issues where sometimes the county auditor oversteps their authority and creates problems for the county commissioners court,” Hinojosa told the Senate’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee in a hearing last month.

The committee approved of the substitute at its May 7 meeting, with two dissenting votes – Sens. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, and Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels. The bill never made it to the Senate floor, though it was placed on the calendar May 14.

Hinojosa said there has been a lack of communication between the commissioners court and the auditor, leaving vouchers unpaid. As

Mission CISD office hours to change for summer

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ffice hours for Mission Consolidated Independent School District will change for part of the summer, beginning Monday, June 8.

A four-day work week will be observed with 10hour work days, Monday through Thursday. Offices will be open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.

The Mission CISD administrative office building will be closed from June 26 through July 13. The offices will reopen Tuesday, July 14.

Normal offices hours will resume, district-wide, on Monday, Aug. 3.

a result, he said, many small vendors will not do business or may sue the county over unpaid invoices.

Another issue, especially in Hidalgo County, Hinojosa emphasized, is the auditor “will issue legal opinions without having authority to do so on matters that are pending before the county.”

Hidalgo County Auditor Ray Eufracio said he didn’t think the bill is necessary.

He’s held the office for 10 years and said if he withheld payment on a bill arbitrarily or capriciously, that would be incompetent. In which case, Eufracio said, he shouldn’t be reappointed.

If a county employee goes out and picks up office supplies without going through the process, he’s not following the law, Eufracio said, and that’s why there have been instances when he initially has denied payment.

That’s when the county auditor must consult with the purchasing agent, and most of the time, everything gets worked out, he said.

“In my opinion, we don’t need the law because whatever issues that supposedly caused this bill can easily be addressed,” Eufracio said.

“If the auditor is doing all these crazy things, the auditor should be removed.”

The board of judges is charged with overseeing the county auditor, but Hinojosa said he believes the

district judges have overloaded dockets, and only one administrative judge is appointed to oversee the county auditor. The legislation would have allowed the county judge and a commissioner a voice when the county auditor is appointed, he said.

In the April committee hearing, Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, said he has 19 counties in his district, and some county judges and auditors were concerned about check and balances of the bill.

“The auditor audits the commission, and if the commission is the one actually appointing the auditor, that’s almost like a conflict of interest,” Nichols said. “They can appoint somebody else if the first auditor disagreed with them.”

There are 11 district judges in Hidalgo County.

The addition of the county judge and a commissioner bring the board total up to 13. Some counties with only a handful of judges or fewer would be a different story, Hinojosa said, and that’s why the substitute for the bill includes only Hidalgo and Cameron counties.

Travis County Auditor Nikki Riley was one of several who testified against the bill. Riley said commissioners court does the budgeting for the district courts and the rest of the county, and that could influence deci-

sion-making.

“We audit the commissioners,” Riley said. “That would be detrimental to our independence.”

Committee Chairman Eddie Lucio pointed out that the auditors also audit the district judges. He didn’t see the conflict. Riley responded that district judges don’t have as much influence over the county as a whole as the commissioners court.

Katie Connor, president of the Texas Association of County Auditors, said she didn’t think the proposed legislation would solve Hinojosa’s problem.

Most county auditors do a good job, Hinojosa said, but in Hidalgo County, only one administrative judge oversees the county auditor.

“To me, the county auditor is not elected and in many instances isn’t paying attention to anyone because the administrative judge is not paying attention,” Hinojosa said.

He later added, “When the county auditors go to the extreme, they’re not accountable to anybody. Don’t ignore the problem that exists. I think what we’re trying to do is bring more communication and interaction between the county commissioners and the county auditor plays an important role.”

County adds hotline as part of hurricane preparedness

As the hurricane season begins, Hidalgo County has established a hotline for residents to use in case of a major event.

The dedicated phone line – which came online Wednesday, June 3 – is one part of the county’ commitment to the safety, security and livelihood of all residents during disasters, said Emergency Management Coordinator Ricardo Saldaña.

In case of a major event, residents will be able to call

one number to report damages, flooding, and other urgent situations. They also will be able to receive information on shelters and agencies that may be available to assist, said Saldaña. Residents impacted by recent flooding and storm damage will also be able to access information and resources by calling the hotline, rather than individual offices.

Residents who require assistance or who wish to report flooding or storm damage can call (956) 292-7750.

Reminiscing...

30 Years Ago This Week

Lopez resigned as Mission city manager

Benito Lopez announced his resignation at a Monday city council meeting, citing personal reasons. Lopez stated he wanted to return to school to become a CPA.

Ken Burkhalter was picked at Lion of the Year

Burkhalter was recognized and Hector Cavazos was installed as the 1985-86 president at an installation program.

Cavazos received the gavel from outgoing president Pat Townsend Jr.

Rivera was on South Squad

Ramon Rivera of Mission was one of 18 players selected on play on the South High School All-Star squad during the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association North-South game at the Houston Astrodome.

opinion

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

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tional amendment approved by voters in November 2014.

3. Transparency — Taxes and fees must be used only for their intended purpose.

4. Border Security — Some $840 million of the budget will be used for the implementation of HB 11, the border security bill, and to hire 250 new DPS troopers and allow a 50-hour work week for DPS troopers statewide.

5. Long-Term Obligations — Funding is provided to address a shortfall in retired teachers’ healthcare and to address the solvency of the state employee pension system.

6. Mental Health — Funding for behavioral health and substance abuse services is increased by $151 million, providing additional resources for both inpatient and outpatient services.

Lawmakers explain votes One of 33 House members who voted against HB 1 was Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin. Rep. Howard said the public school funding portion of the bill leaves 31 percent of school districts with less funding per pupil than was received prior to 2011 budget cuts; pre-K funding at some $148 million is still below the $200 million appropriated prior to the 2011 budget cuts; higher education funding is still less than the high-water mark of a decade ago; and TEXAS Grant recipients would receive smaller grants than previously offered.

Sen. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, the only senator who voted against final adoption of HB 1, said, “While I wanted to join my colleagues in voting for this budget, I could not in good conscience support a budget that fails to adequately fund

the priorities of working families in Texas while leaving roughly $18 billion in state coffers. We have many unmet needs that could and should have been addressed in this budget. All Texans would benefit from investments in our infrastructure, our health and our youth.”

‘Campus Carry’ bill passes SB 11, allowing a concealed handgun license holder to carry a weapon “on or about their person” but not in plain view of another person on the campus of a college or university, was passed on party-line votes in both chambers of the Legislature on May 31.

The legislation, written primarily by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, and cosponsor, Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Tomball, would take effect Aug. 1, 2016, for four-year institutions and on Aug. 1, 2017, for public junior colleges.

A “local control” amendment drafted by Rep. John Zerwas, R-Simonton, allows the governing body of an institution of higher education to amend or prohibit concealed carry on campus or on certain premises within a campus. Institutions that pass such measures must report their rules and reasoning in periodic reports to the Legislature.

Federal disaster aid granted Gov. Abbott on May 29 requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Texas counties suffering from damages brought on by recent thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding.

President Obama granted the request and Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel are on the job.

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Lt. Gov. Patrick on passage of budget

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STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

USTIN — Four days before the June 1 end of the 84th regular session of the Texas Legislature, both houses finally agreed after months of deliberation on a state budget for fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

A 10-member conference committee worked out differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget. The House vote on final adoption of House Bill 1 was 115 ayes to 33 nays; the Senate vote was 30-1.

HB 1 awaits approval by Gov. Greg Abbott.

House Speaker Joe Straus called the $209.4 billion budget “balanced and disciplined.” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, praised the budget and the $3.8 billion tax cut the conservative budget affords. The two biggest funding areas in the budget are $78 billion for education and $77 billion for health and human services. Straus posted comments, paraphrased here, on priorities HB 1 addresses: 1. Education — The budget pays for the addition of roughly 80,000 new students per year in the state’s overall public school enrollment.

Also provided is an additional $1.5 billion for public education. More resources will go toward higher education, graduate medical education and TEXAS Grants, the state’s signature financial aid program.

2. Transportation — Reversing a decades-old practice, all of the money in the State Highway Fund must be used for transportation.

Diversion of some of those dollars for other programs will not be allowed. The transportation budget is augmented by oil-and-gas tax revenues through a constitu-

June 5, 2015

USTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced last week the Senate’s passage of the 2016-17 state budget, by Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson.

“I am proud of the Texas Senate for uniting to produce a conservative, responsible, state budget that will sufficiently fund our state’s needs over the next biennium, while providing $3.8 billion in necessary tax relief to the businesses and property owners of Texas,” said Patrick.

“Under the brilliant leadership of Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson, the Senate conference committee did unbelievable work in negotiating the final budget with their House counterparts,” continued Patrick.

“I began this session with a long list of budget priorities, based in large part on the priorities expressed by the people of Texas. Each one passed as a part of the budget.”

The 2016-2017 budget (HB 1) includes: •0 percent increase in All Funds and a 4.9 percent increase in state spending (total of General Revenue, General Revenue-Dedicated, and Other Funds), excluding tax relief, compared to the previous biennium.

The budget is well under estimates of population growth and inflation ranging from 6.2 percent to 8.6 percent.

The budget is billions under both the Article 8 Constitu-

tional spending limit and the state’s pay-as-you-go limit.

•No spending from the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

•$3.8 billion in tax relief, including a permanent increase in the homestead exemption to $25,000, pending voter approval, and a permanent 25 percent rate reduction in the business franchise tax.

•A dramatic increase in border security providing $800 million for: additional Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers; funding a 10-hour workday for troopers statewide; a new company of the Texas Rangers; sustained presence of the Texas National Guard on the border until necessary DPS assets can be deployed; and additional technology to fight crime.

•Funding for transportation infrastructure includes $1.3 billion made available by completely ending diversions from the State Highway Fund and a $2.4 billion transfer to the State Highway Fund resulting from the passage of Proposition 1 in 2014. Coupled with SJR 5, which will add a minimum of $5 billion per biennium to the State Highway Fund beginning in the 2018-19 biennium, this is the largest transportation infrastructure commitment in a decade.

•Full funding for enrollment growth in public schools, plus $1.5 billion more than current law requires to increase per student funding from $5,040 to

$5,140, to improve equity, and to fund new school facilities.

•$40 million for math and reading training for K-3 teachers and $118 million for a high quality pre-kindergarten grant program.

•A 3 percent formula funding increase for colleges and medical schools.

•$53 million for Graduate Medical Education to provide sufficient funding for every Texas medical school graduate to have a residency in Texas.

•$373 million in Medicaid cost containment savings, $50 million for women’s health, and $712 million in All Funds, an increase of $573 million, for hospital payments, including rural, trauma-designated, and safety-net hospitals.

•Funding for an 8 percent salary increase and related benefits to Correctional Officers at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

•$500 million for state facilities and deferred maintenance projects, as well as funding for the restoration of historic Texas courthouses, the Battleship Texas, and the Alamo.

“Texans expected this legislature to address priorities including tax relief, border security, public education, and transportation. I commend the Texas Senate for meeting these expectations while constraining state spending under population growth and inflation,” concluded Patrick.

Cornyn bill to fight human trafficking signed into law

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ASHINGTON – During remarks on the Senate floor today, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke about the importance of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which he authored and was signed into law by President Obama Friday.

“This is a perfect example of Congress working

together in a bipartisan way, along with the President, to try to do something to help the most vulnerable people in our society: the victims of human trafficking. This is an important day as it shows both the victims of human trafficking as well as the predators who exploit them that Congress, on both sides of the Capitol and on

both sides of the aisle, takes this issue seriously.”

“I want to express my gratitude to the organizations and the people who have helped get this done, lending countless hours and endless expertise to this cause. Without their advocacy and their determination, this would not have been possible.”

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★

MISSION NURSING HOME

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.

LETTER GUIDELINES

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.

lifestyle

MHM holding summer camps M ission Historical Museum is hosting several summer camps for children this summer. The camps are a good way for children to learn the history about the great City of Mission and its surrounding areas. Registration for the MHM Hands on History Summer programs is currently open and the first camp start this coming Monday, June 9.

Join the museum in learning about the area’s early history through handson activities each week from 1 to 4 p.m. Each week has a different focus. June 9-12 is Native American Days, June 16-19 is Pioneer Days and June 23-26 the focus will be Ranching Days.

Also, come learn about Mission’s history through artifacts from the museum’s collection. A three-day camp from June 30 to July 2 will cover activities using drawing, painting and printmaking. The camp is for ages 5 through 8 and 9 to 12 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children ages 13 and over can attend the Artifact camp from 1 to 3 p.m.

Join the museum every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to learn about farming in the 1940s, an era where the U.S. government encouraged fruit and vegetable gardening by citizens as part of the war effort, when foods such as sugar, butter, milk, cheese, eggs, coffee, meat and canned goods

were rationed. In addition to the military history that impacted South Texas, Mission is rich in agricultural history – from ranching lands to the farming lands that produced a major citrus industry starting in the early 1900s.

Also on Saturdays will be the Plan(t) a Victory Garden Program. The programs are $30 for a full month or $15 per session for up to three persons. The Garden program is $20 for four Saturdays or $10 per session up to two people or free for museum members.

Visit the website at missionmuseum.org or call Lisa Price for more information or to register for the program at 580-8646.

Buckner to host foster care interest meeting

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uckner Children and Family Services will present a free foster care information meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11 at the Buckner office in Mission located at 3780 North Bentsen Palm Dr. Buckner is seeking families to be trained and licensed to serve as foster group parents for older children and sibling groups at the Rio Grande Children’s Home campus in Mission,

as well as in the Rio Grande Valley community.

A Buckner representative will give an overview of foster care options in Texas. For information or a reservation to attend the meeting, please call Nelida Tristan at 956-585-4847 or email ntristan@buckner. org.

For more than 136 years, Buckner Children and Family Services has been transforming lives through

hands-on ministry, serving the most vulnerable from the beginning to the ending of life. Buckner is one of the oldest and most unique faith-based social service organizations of its kind, serving more than half a million people each year in the United States and worldwide.

To learn more about foster care and adoption services through Buckner, visit beafamily.org.

Local residents inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

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hree Mission students were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

They are Jolyn Castillo of Texas State University, Cristina Rodriguez of Texas State University, and Mackenzie Riegert of the University of Texas at Austin. All three are from Mission.

These residents are

among approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for

graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses.

page 5

June 5, 2015

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Speer to host discussion of ‘The Book Thief’

By William Renner Reference Librarian

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oin book readers at Speer Memorial Library in Mission, on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at 6:30 p.m., for a discussion of the book “The Book Thief,” to take place in the library’s Community Room. Everyone is welcome to attend and discuss the book.

For 2015, we are providing an added incentive to participate in our Morton’s Book Club. Speer Memorial Library was the recipient of the Texas Reads Grant and will make free copies available, while supplies last, to people who sign up for our book discussions. This project is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State

Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. The story begins in 1939, when Liesel Meminger, a nine-year-old girl in Germany, goes to the small town of Molching to live with foster parents after the death of her brother and separation from her mother.

Liesel develops a close relationship with her foster father, who teaches her to read.

As her reading improves, she comes to understand the power of the written word, and begins to collect books, some acquired by stealing and some banned by the Nazis.

Reading and writing become a source of inspiration, comfort, and identity for Liesel as she is exposed to the abuses of the Nazi regime

and the destruction of the war around her—and as she learns to cope with her own past.

Written by Markus Zusak, and first published in 2005, The Book Thief is a moving story about the ability of a young girl to sustain family and friends in trying times through the power of words.

This title is also available as an eBook at http://mission.lib.overdrive.com. For more information, or to sign up for the book discussion, please call William Renner or Rose Alvarez at 580-8750 or 580-8754. You can also register at the Circulation Desk, Reference Desk, or by email at reference@missiontexas.us.

Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th Street and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

Events Calendar

Jun e 6 – Quinta Mazatlan’s Youth Nature Photo Workshops will begin with Intro and Basic Nature Photography class from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fee is $5 per person, per workshop.

Workshops will be held every Saturday in June and July. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset Dr., McAllen.

Jun e 6 – Quinta Mazatlan’s Forest Tots – The Sound of Forest Musica will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tots will sing about nature, ecxplore the trails, make a nature craft and help out the Earth. Each week children will be guided to explore a new theme in nature. The program is for children ages three to five. Fee is $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors and free with memberships. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset Dr., McAllen.

Jun e 7 – The Tip of Texas Orchid Society will be meeting at the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco at 2 p.m. to discuss semi-hydronic system of growing orchids. To learn more about the speakers visit theorchidhouse.org. Admission is free, but registration is recommended.

Visit www.totorchidsociety.org or call 212-0032 or 969-2475 for more information.

Jun e 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.

Jun e 9 – The Rio Grande Valley Texas Master Naturalist will hold their meeting at 7 p.m. at the Cameron County Annex Building located at Williams Road and Hwy. 83/77 in San Benito.

The public is invited and welcome to attend free of charge. Chapter President Linda Butcher will deliver the presentation about fossils, minerals and gem stones.

Jun e 11 – Quinta Mazatlan’s Thursday Evening Exploration will be Magic Dork at 7 p.m. This is a family event of entertainment and education. Fee is $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors and free with memberships. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset Dr., McAllen.

Jun e 13 – Aglow Internationl Mission Spanish Aglow will hold their monthly meeting at Taco Ole Restaurant on 2316 N. Conway from 4 to 6 p.m. Afternoon Merienda will be served.

The meeting will be a continuation on the teaching power of prayer. For more information, call Liza Rayo at 776-8505, Delia Bazan at 240-5813 or Connie Escamilla at 279-7887.

Jun e 13 – It’s World Wide Knit in Public Day ant the Lamb’s Loom in McAllen is invited all local needle knitters, loomers and crocheters to join in the celebration. Contact them at 607-6855 to sign up your group for a nearby location or to let them know where you’ll be stationed. All group will report to WWKiP. The afternoon will end with some food and fun.

The Lamb’s Loom is located at 1209 Pecan Blvd.

Jun e 13 – The Edinburg World Birding Center invites all toddlers to learn more about nature.

This month the activity will be about snakes. Activities may include puppet shows, story-telling, puzzle time, free play, coloring, crafts, and guided walks throughout the grounds.

Fee per toddler is $2, with one free guardian. Additional family members visiting must pay regular EWBC admission. Space is limited so call ahead to register. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. (in the Edinburg Municipal Park) in Edinburg.

Jun e 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.

Jun e 18 – Quinta Mazatlan’s Thursday Evening Exploration will be Bear Clan Native Culture Night in the Park at 7 p.m. This is a family event of entertainment and education. Fee is $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors and free with memberships. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset Dr., McAllen.

Jun e 18 – The Edinburg World Birding Center invites visitors to learn how to attract the many birds of South Texas to your own backyard by making bird food during the “Bird Brew: Making Food for Birds” program. Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon. The program will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Fee is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. (in the Edinburg Municipal Park) in Edinburg. Call 381-9922 for more information.

To see an extended Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.progresstimes.net.

June 5, 2015

page 6

PATRIOTS HAVE SEASON TO REMEMBER

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By Luciano Guerra

t may have ended a few weeks earlier than Veterans Memorial would’ve liked but the Patriots’ 2015 baseball season is one that will not soon be forgotten.

It began in late February as the Patriots opened their non-district schedule with an eight game winning streak.

It continued in March and April as the Patriots won 10 of their 12 District 31-5A games to claim a share of the district title. And then came the month of May. May began with the Patriots winning a one-game playoff against the Sharyland Rattlers to claim the first seed in the state playoffs and it ended with them losing the third and deciding game of their best-of-three series against the Georgetown Eagles in the Regional Semifinal (Sweet 16) round of the playoffs. However, it was

what happened in-between that made the Patriots’ 2015 playoff run not only memorable but also historic.

“In our minds our playoff run actually started before the seeding game with Sharyland,” explained Smith. “We had to play Edinburg Vela in our last district game of the season and we were basically playing for a share of the district title. We treated that as a playoff game and we beat them in eight innings. We then went up against and defeated Sharyland, which we treated as a playoff game as well. So pretty much by the time we went into the first round of the playoffs we had already played two playoff games.”

First up for the Patriots in the bi-district round of the playoffs, a round that a Veterans Memorial baseball team had never gotten past before, were the Mercedes Tigers.

“Mercedes was the fourth seed in their district, but we felt that talent-wise they were one of the better teams in that district,” Smith said.

“We were supposed to beat them and we did but they played tough.”

With the first bi-district championship in school history under their belts the Patriots set their sights on Gregory Portland in the area round. It was against the Wildcats that Veterans Memorial started a pattern they would continue the rest of the way out – losing the first game of a best-of-three series.

Having pitched sophomores Noel Vela and Cristian Ramos in the Mercedes series, Smith opted to open the Gregory Portland series with senior and two-time first team all-state third baseman Edward Pena (6-0) on the mound.

“Edward threw well

For more information call Coach Paul M. Cruz at 956205 -8547 or e-mail Coach Cruz at Pcruz@sharylandisd. org.

All American Throwers’ Camp Join us for four days of hands-on instruction that will get you ready for summer track. Lots of fun and great instructors. The All American coaching staff includes several former state qualifiers and Coach Larry Howell – learn from the best! This camp is open to boys and girls ages 9-18.

When: June 8-11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Veterans Memorial High School Fee: $65 per camper (includes T-shirt and banquet) Registration on site from 8-8:45 a.m.

For more information call Coach Larry Howell at 956624-9470 Juarez-Lincoln High Cross Country Camp Tuesdays and Thursdays

starting Tuesday, June 9 at 6 p.m.

Location: Juarez-Lincoln High School For more information call Coach Rene Loera at 956537-0102 or Coach Victor Ramos at 956-821-4794 or Coach Lilly Ramirez at 956862-9683.

Juarez-Lincoln High Boys Soccer Camp When: Monday, June 8 to Wednesday, June 10 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Location: Juarez-Lincoln High School Ages: 6-14 Fee: $10 For more information contact Coach Victor Ramos at 956-821-4794.

La Joya High Summer Baseball Camp At this camp boys and girls will learn the proper fundamentals associated with the great game of baseball in a sportsmanlike manner. Each camper will get instruction in the fundamentals of baseball such as offensive

enough against Gregory Portland to win in probably two out of those three games,” shared Smith. “But in a three game series you will usually go up against their No. 1 pitcher in the first game. Edward is not our No.

1 pitcher but I felt that he was good enough to get us a win. If you get that first game then you have your No. 1 going up against their No. 2 or No. 3 pitcher. That was my strategy and that was why we did what we did.”

Smith’s strategy worked as despite losing the first game to the Wildcats 8-5, the Patriots bounced back to take games 2 and 3 by scores of 4-3 and 8-1, with Vela and Ramos on the mound..

See PATRIOTS 10

Summer sports camps planned

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ollowing are the summer sports camps announced by area high school coaches beginning next week.

Sharyland HS Girls Fast Pitch Softball Camp This All-Skills Camp will be held June 8-l0 (Monday-Wednesday) from 8:301l:30 a.m. It will cover all aspects of the game both offensively and defensively including hitting, base running, throwing, catching, as well as infield and outfield play. All participants need to bring a glove and appropriate attire. Softball pants are recommended. This camp is for young ladies ages 8-14.

Location: Sharyland High School softball field located at l2l6 N. Shary Road, Mission.

Registration Information: You may register your camper starting at 7:30 a.m. the day of the camp. Cost is S40 per camper, which includes a T-shirt, towel, breakfast and a bag lunch.

See CAMPS 10

Veterans Memorial sophomore pitcher Cristian Ramos won three of the four games he pitched for the Patriots during their recent playoff run into the Sweet 16. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

June 5, 2015

page 7

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

obituaries

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Col. John Compton

Guy Bailey, president of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley gives a presentation at the Weslaco Business, Visitor and Event Center on Tuesday. Bailey announced the Texas Legislature has appropriated $253.5 million to UTRGV for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

Bailey saves best for last on Tour of Texas On the final stop of his Tour of Texas, the president of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley had a special treat for alumni and supporters of its legacy institutions, The University of Texas-Pan American and The University of Texas at Brownsville.

The final slide of Guy Bailey’s presentation to more than 100 people on June 2 at the Weslaco Business, Visitor and Event Center shared information he had not shared before: that the Texas Legislature has appropriated more than $253.5 million to UTRGV for the 2016-2017 fiscal year – the second-highest amount awarded to an institution in The University of Texas System.

“We never have to take a back seat to anybody, to anything,” Bailey said. “We are going to implement new programs ... we’re going to be the best. And our students are going to be the best. This is what happens when the Valley works together, when we work together as one. That’s where we are, and that’s the opportunity that really lies ahead for all of us.’

Since March, Bailey has been traveling the Lone Star state, meeting with UTPA and UTB alumni, donors,

friends and supporters in personal gatherings, to hear their thoughts on the creation of UTRGV and share his vision for the new university. Previous meetings were held in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.

Bailey explained the history of how UTRGV came to be and how important it was for the university to have access to the Permanent University Fund. The last time a university became eligible for PUF money was in the 1970s, when UT San Antonio entered the select group, Bailey said.

So far, the state has approved $500 million in PUF money for UTRGV, he said.

He also talked about UTRGV’s plans to expand opportunities for academic studies and research throughout the Valley, highlighting the School of Medicine and the Centers of Excellence.

“Our main focus is the success of the students,” Bailey said.

As the creation of the new university moves forward, the legacy institutions will be embraced and honored in all areas of academics, athletics and other achievements, he said.

Some alumni of UTPA and

UTB in attendance said they were excited to hear about the plans for UTRGV and were happy to see their institutions reunite. UTB started as an upper-level center of then-Pan American University until it joined the UT System as a separate university in 1991.

“It’s inspirational,” said Diane Teter, who along with her husband Rick are UTB alumni. “I’m glad to see that there are such plans for the future.”

The Teters have strong ties to both institutions. In addition to being a UTB alumnus, Rick Teter also taught at UTPA, and the couple has donated to both universities.

“We’re leaving our legacy,” Diane Teter said. “Our students of the past and our students of the future and the ones that we live amongst ... they’re our children.”

The Teters said they hope UTRGV will provide an expanded range of subjects for students to study and will keep the best and brightest students in the Valley. They also are pleased to hear about the university’s efforts to raise money to help the inaugural class of the School of Medicine pay for its tuition when the school opens in fall 2016.

ISSION – Col. John Compton passed away on May 22, 2015 at the age of 101 years old. He was born on a farm in Bartholomew County Indiana in 1913. He was a highly decorated hero during WWII with 53 combat missions in the Pacific.

Following a 35 year career in the U.S. Air Force, he retired in Mission, and owned Compton Grove Care. Greatly admired as a community leader in the Rio Grande Valley following his retirement from the U.S. Air force, where he worked until he was 90 years old.

He is survived by his bride of 71 years, Mary Compton; four sons, J.R, Tom, John, and Dale and his daughter, Mary Ann Mathis; nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Graveside services were held Monday, June 1, 2015, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

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Elida Hernandez

ISSION – Elida Hernandez, 79, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at her residence in Mission. Elida was born in La Joya, to Pablo and Ramona Conde.

She is survived by her children, William Hernandez, Adela Ellison, Estrella Guerrero, Amadeo Hernandez Jr, Adalia Cerda, and Adolfo Hernandez; siblings, Amalia Cavazos, Estela Conde, Ernesto Conde, Pablo Conde, Daniel Conde, Emilia Ramirez and Luisa Rodriguez; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Amadeo Hernandez; two sons, Ernesto Hernandez, and Alberto Hernandez; her parents; and one sister, Enriqueta Martinez.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 10 a.m. at The Lord and I Memorial Chapel of Penitas, Texas. Interment followed to San Jose Ceme-

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

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

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

IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

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

 

tery in Abram, Texas.

Carroll S. ‘Buck’ Ward

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ISSION – Carroll S. ‘Buck’ Ward passed away on Saturday, May 16 after recently suffering a stroke. He was born in Ladysmith, Wisconsin on October 19, 1927 to Joseph and Cletta (Hummel) Ward.

He lived in the Sun Prairie area from the time he was 2 years old until 1996, when

he moved to Mission. Buck served in the U.S. Army for eight years and received an honorable discharge in 1960.

He is survived by one sibling, Gerald Ward, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Rio Grande Valley Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Burial of ashes was held at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Notices Corina Benavidez

Maria Padron

MISSION - Funeral services for Corina Benavidez were held Thursday, May 28, 2015, at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission.

Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission.

MISSION – Funeral services for Maria Padron were held Saturday, May 30, 2015, at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission.

SULLIVAN CITY - Funeral services for Osvaldo Alejandro Castillo were held Thursday, May 28, 2015, at El Faro Bible Church in Sullivan City. Burial followed at Cuevitas Cemetery in Cuevitas, Texas.

MISSION – Bertha Petra Perez died Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at her Mission residence. Funeral services for Petra Perez were held Friday, June 5, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at the Lord and I Cemetery in Mission.

Osvaldo Alejandro Castillo

Luisa F. Hinojosa

MISSION – A funeral mass for Luisa F. Hinojosa was held Monday, June 1, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.

Oscar Cuevas Palafox

MISSION - Graveside services for Oscar Cuevas Palafox were held Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

Petra Perez

Gregoria Tarbutton

MISSION – A funeral mass for Gregoria Tarbutton was held Thursday, May 28, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.

Raul Tijerina

MISSION – Funeral services for Raul Tijerina were held Saturday, May 30, 2015, at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

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Oton Javier Garza graduates from Schreiner

The May 2015 Commencement Ceremony was Schreiner University’s 32nd baccalaureate graduation since conferring its first four-year degrees in 1984. Oton Javier Garza graduated on May 9 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting with a minor in Business Management. The graduation ceremony was held on campus in the Schreiner Athletic and Event Center.

Throughout his four years, Garza was named the 2014-2015 Who’s Who among students in American Universities & Colleges. He was a part of the Schreiner University Shooting Sports Society, Peer Coordinator & Peer Advisor for new student orientation, Treasurer of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society. Javier had many volunteer hours throughout his four years at Schreiner. His time consisted of mentoring a student for the Kerrville Independent School District, Student Service Council, Bookstore Advisory Board, Habitat for Humanity, Shacka-Thon, and Schreiner University Ambassador.

Oton Javier Garza is son of Armando and Sara Garza, of Mission. Armando Garza graduated from Schreiner College when Schreiner became a four year college in 1984. Armando was a part of the 1st graduating class and his son was a part of the 32nd graduating class. Armando was a part of many organizations just like Javier. Father and son has left a legacy on Schreiner University’s campus which will continue forever.

Schreiner University is an independent coeducational liberal arts university related by choice and by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Students make dean’s lists

M

ission resident Estefan G. Castillo and Johnglenn Garcia were recently added to the Dean’s List for the 2015 spring semester at their schools. Castillo attends Angelo State University, and Garcia attends the University of North Texas.

Mission resident Johnglenn Garcia was recently named to the Dean’s List for the 2015 spring semester at the University of North Texas.

To be eligible for the Dean’s List at ASU, students must be enrolled fulltime at ASU and must maintain a 3.25 or better grade point average on a 4.0 scale. At UNT, students must be complete at least 12 academic hours with a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.9.

June 5, 2015

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Sharyland ISD offers free summer breakfast and lunch

A

t no charge, Sharyland ISD Summer Nutrition Program will be serving meals to kids 18 and under.

Site locations are

CAMPS

skills, hitting, bunting, base running, defensive skills, throwing, catching, infield and outfield play and pitching and catching skills.

Monday, June 8-Thursday, June 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the La Joya Baseball Complex.

Open to boys and girls ages 5-14. Fee: $15 For more information contact Coach Reuben Farias at 956-624-8021.

La Joya High Summer Softball Camp Camp instructors will include former La Joya High School standouts and La Joya High School coaches.

PATRIOTS

So, the Patriots advanced into the regional quarterfinals against Roma.

“We knew that Roma was tough especially when they had their No. 1 pitcher on the mound,” Smith said. “They played us tough throughout the year, so we knew that they were going to come and play good baseball. We played them well in game 1, even though we lost. But despite the fact that we hit the ball hard, they made the plays and shut us out 2-0.”

“After that we were confident that we could come back because they were a team that we had already beaten twice,” added Smith. “It was

John H. Shary and Jessie L. Jensen Elementary from June 8 –22, Sharyland North Jr. High from June 8– July 7 and Sharyland Pioneer

High School from June 8 –July 7.

Breakfast and lunch are free of charge.

Breakfast is served at 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at all sites.

Lunch is served at 11 a.m. to noon Monday –Thursday at all sites. Visit to www.summerfood. org or call 211 for a site near you.

Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11 from 6-8 p.m.

Location: La Joya High School practice field Fee: $20 for three days, $15 for two days, $10 for one day. Thursday is free for all participants.

For more information contact Coach Charlie Rodriguez at 956-6243187.

Mission Lady Eagles Softball Camp Tuesday and Wednesday, June 9 and 10, from 6:308:30.

Location: Mission High School softball complex.

This two-day softball camp will be

taught by the Mission High softball coaching staff and alumni. All levels of experience are invited to attend.

This camp is open to campers in fifth grade to incoming freshmen. All participants should bring a glove if they have one. If not, you may be able to borrow one. Campers are also welcome to bring their own bat if they want to use it during the batting portion of the camp.

There are no fees for this camp.

For more information contact Mission High School Head Softball Coach Reuben J. Trigo at 956-323-5721 or

e-mail at rtrigo@ hotmail.com.

Mission High School’s Little Spiker Summer Volleyball Camp Monday-Wednesday, June 8-10, from 8:30-11 a.m.

Location: Mission High School’s Neuhaus Gymnasium Coordinators: Mission High School volleyball staff Fee: $20 with registration at the door Grades: 2nd - 7th For more information contact Mission High School Head Volleyball Coach Edna Clemons at 956-607-7777.

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just a matter of getting out there and doing things right.”

With two mustwin games ahead of them for the second series in a row, Smith’s strategy paid off once again as the Patriots defeated Roma in games 2 and 3, with Vela and Ramos on the mound, to advance into the Regional Semifinals against the Georgetown Eagles.

“For whatever reason we looked very, very out of sorts against Georgetown in game 1 – particularly defensively,” explained Smith. “We gave a lot of outs away and they’re a very wellcoached ball club that took advantage

of that. They jumped on us very quickly and we didn’t play very hard in game 1.”

For the third series in a row, Veterans Memorial dropped game 1 of a best-of-three series to put themselves in must-win situations in games 2 and 3.

“We came out and played much better in game 2 as far as effort went,” shared Smith about their 3-0 win over the Eagles to even up the series. “Game No. 3 was an excellent ball game all the way through. We were up 1-0 through four and a half innings. They scored two runs in the fifth and tacked on anoth-

er in the sixth to take a 3-1 lead. We had a chance at the end to tie the game or to go ahead and the kids came through by hitting the ball hard, but it just happened to be right at their fielders.”

While Veterans Memorial fell just short of advancing into the Elite 8 and having a shot at the state championship, their unprecedented success has set the bar high for Patriots teams of the future.

From never having made it past the first round of the playoffs to making it into the fourth round, the 2015 season truly was a season to remember for Patriots baseball.

Veterans Memorial baseball player Leo Martinez III signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Alvin Community College. Pictured in the back row, from left to right, are: VMHS Principal Angelina Garcia, Assistant Head Baseball Coach James Smith, Head Baseball Coach Casey Smith, and Athletic Coordinator David Gilpin. Pictured in front, from left to right, are: Leo Martinez II (father), Logan Martinez (brother), Leo Martinez III, Lukas Martinez (brother) and Sandra Martinez (mother).

Michelle Flores, Mission High School athlete, signed a letter of intent to run track and cross country for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Shown in the front row are: Monica Flores, sister; Mario Flores, father; Michelle Flores; Aminta Flores, mother; and Amanda Flores, sister. In the back row are: Dr. Ricardo López, superintendent; Mario Pena, head football coach/athletic coordinator; Edna Clemons; Iris Garza, cross country coach; Joe Sanchez, athletic director; and Edilberto Flores, principal. Photo courtesy Mission CISD

Mission High School athlete Daniela Perez signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Neosho County Community College in Ottowa, Kansas earlier this week. Pictured in the front row are: Adelina Guel, grandmother; Flor Castillo, mother; Daniela Perez; Javier Vargas, father; and Frida Vargas, sister.

In the back row are: Dr. Ricardo López, superintendent; Mario Pena, head football coach/athletic coordinator; Rachel Carmona, head coach for girls basketball; Jorge Perez, brother; Felix Perez, brother; Edilberto Flores, principal and Joe Sanchez, athletic director. Photo courtesy Mission CISD

June 5, 2015

TOP SCHOOL

gies, but for the most part it’s keeping kids engaged, and the secret to it is the passion,” Garza said. “I have an amazing group of teachers.

They’re so passionate about what they do, so they’ll work the extra time and they’ll make the extra effort.”

B.L. Gray has a high population of English language learners, due to close proximity to the Mexican border.

Garza said they often enroll students that cannot speak English, but have to test in English within a year of entering the district.

One of the tactics the school implemented this year is writing across the curriculum. Regardless if students are in an English or math class, they are required to use their writing skills.

ELA teacher Katie Koeneke said she has seen improvements in the Limited English

from pg 1

Proficiency students because of across-the-curriculum writing.

“Their confidence just keeps building so that when they get to their ELA classroom, they feel comfortable,” Koeneke said. “They’re willing to not only write, but they are very willing to share what they’ve written, which is a huge accomplishment in itself to get them to speak the language and not only write the language.”

Different departments work with each other to build on one another’s strengths.

The faculty said this regurgitation of information enhances the students’ abilities in all subjects.

The camaraderie between the teachers is then transferred to the students, according to band director Mauricio Castellano. Students from all walks of life provide support

PATRIOTS say, ‘Good, you’re on our team,’” Martinez said.

In the Snappers’ first tournament in Weslaco, he remembers getting clobbered 20-2. But at the end of the season, Martinez proved there was a method to his madness when the Snappers came in second at a different tournament.

As the kids got older, however, Martinez said he was forced to split the younger players and formed the Little Snappers. Ten years later, the majority of the players on the Mission Veterans Memorial baseball team once called themselves Snappers of one form or another.

And Sandy Peña believes Martinez’s teams helped set the boys up for a historic year of baseball this season.

Peña and Martinez agreed that Mission Vets coach Casey Smith has done a good job of maintaining discipline in the team and leading them toward success. Stopped by Georgetown in Game 3 of the Class 5A regional semifinals last weekend in San Antonio, this group of athletes is the first in the program’s history to make it past the first round of the playoffs — the first Vets team to make it to the playoffs included the Peña’s oldest brother, Mark.

The Patriots went down 13-1 in the first game of the series last weekend, but rallied Friday night to win 6-3 over the Eagles. Leo Martinez III, who plays first base, said during Game 2 the team

to one another and encourage others to excel.

“We consider ourselves family; that has been a lot of our success,” Garza said.

“I think each one of these people would go to bat for anybody. We don’t ever talk bad behind anybody else’s back. I promote them to talk to each other. It deals with family values.”

The principal said the $5,000 prize will all go toward instruction and teacher training. The school cannot reapply for the award for the next two years, but Garza said they intend on reapplying the next opportunity they get.

“We’re not ever going to be complacent,” she said.

“We may be at gold status, but we are not at 100 percent and will not stop until we are able to provide success for everybody. All kids matter.” from pg 1

was able to minimize errors and came in more energized.

“We weren’t ready to play,” Edward Peña added of the Game 1 loss. But after coming back to win Game 2, he said, “I’m glad I’m going to end, no matter what happens, on a good note. Hopefully, it doesn’t end tomorrow.”

But during Saturday’s Game 3, Georgetown rallied from a 1-0 early deficit to score three runs and take the elimination game, making it the last game the Patriots’ Snappers will ever play.

Both seniors, Peña and Martinez have been playing ball together since they were 6. Next year, Peña will be playing for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, and Martinez has signed on to play at Alvin Junior College.

Martinez hopes to transfer to UTRGV in two years to play baseball with Peña once again. That’s about the time that Peña’s little brother, William, will be graduating high school.

“We have that chemistry

ACADEMY

double rainbow,” the valedictorian continued in her speech. “This is the feeling of affirmation that the path that was placed before us was indeed the path that we were intended to follow.”

She went on to briefly describe each member of her graduating class. Everyone had a role.

Evan Amador is honest and just. Madeline Klement has an affinity for the British culture. Christa Prats has the notable fashion sense, Sarah Walsh is known for her love of music, and on the list went of what made each classmate unique.

Salutatorian Myriam Ibarra said the group was akin to Marvel Comics’ Avengers or D.C. Comics’ Justice League.

“We have also had our share of bonding experiences,” Ibarra said. “It is a compilation of these experiences that have strengthened our relationships over time. Perhaps our friendships are also

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already, and we’ve known each other for a long time,” Edward Peña said of the former Snappers.

With 10 seniors graduating, next year’s Mission Vets baseball team is bound to feel the loss. But Leo Martinez II said he’s excited to see what the sophomores on the team do with their time left, and Sandy Peña pointed out that there’s so much talent on the team that five seniors are on the bench.

Martinez has even volunteered to coach the offseason again, even though his son will graduate. Meanwhile, with Leo Martinez III moving on to college, his father said he now has more time to devote to his 9-year-old twin boys. They’re already playing baseball, and they want to know when they’ll get to be Snappers. Another current Mission Vets baseball player has a brother about that age who wants to play.

“Hopefully, five years from now, you’ll be seeing a new group of Snappers coming up,” Martinez said. from pg 1

Agua SUD undergoes transformation

J

By Julie Silva ulio Cerda officially has taken the reins of Agua Special Utility District, and board members emphasized last week that all other employees must report to him.

Agua SUD General Manager Frank Flores, Chief Accountant Dagoberto Soto and Community Relations Manager Oscar “Coach” Salinas are all department heads under Cerda in the new organizational chart, though Flores made a point that Salinas does not have any employees under him.

Flores has served as head of Agua SUD since it came out of receivership in 2005, but citing communication issues in March, the district’s board opted to hire a chief executive who would oversee the entire organization. At the same time, the board hired Salinas, a trustee with La Joya Independent School District, and created the community relations position.

Both Cerda and Salinas began work last week and spoke to the board during public comment about their first few days with Agua SUD. Their comments made it clear there have been some bumps in the transition.

“It’s been kind of awkward because it’s a new position, of course,” Cerda told the board. “I think it’s something that the board needed as far as my personal perspective as being a city manager.”

Flores – who had questioned whether the new employees violated his contract, which gives him responsibility to hire and fire – said public comment isn’t the right place for reports from Cerda and Salinas. The two should be placed on the agenda under staff reports, he said.

But Board President Ricardo Ochoa said they could make an exception.

Salinas said he received a call from Ochoa at about 4 p.m. stating Ochoa had received a text from Flores because Salinas had personnel from La Joya ISD in his office. He explained that Superintendent Alda Benavides wanted to meet with him to discuss how Agua SUD and the school district could work together to offer field trips for area students.

Salinas also said he met with J.J. Garza, executive director of La Joya Housing Authority, who wants to sit down with Cerda and discuss options for when a tenant leaves an apartment with an outstanding water bill.

“He was wanting to see if (it all has) to come from the housing budget or is there a way to go after the person,” Salinas said.

Also at the meeting, the board postponed hiring a maintenance worker after spending several minutes going over the application for the candidate recommended by the water distribution foreman.

Board members did,

however, agree to hire a pipelayer after asking Flores if the need was urgent. He responded that they’re down to one maintenance worker and are pulling pipelayers off the crew to do maintenance.

Flores also reported that Agua SUD might have found a way to move faster on getting sewer services to the city of Palmview. The district has until Aug. 15 to draw down the nearly $40 million loan from the state and start the project, but in order to do that, it has to finish its environmental study on constructing a sewer line from the Bentsen Palm area to the Mission wastewater treatment plant.

The original plan was to go across easements owned by the Hidalgo County Drainage District, but Flores said there may be problems with that plan and there are some forgotten easements on city of Mission property that that transferred back from the days of La Joya Water Supply Corporation.

It may cost more to go that route, but in the long run maintenance will be easier because the route follows along roads, he said.

Cerda said he’d already set up an appointment with Mission City Manager Martin Garza to discuss the new plan.

“We’re not being wishywashy on where we’re going,” Flores said. “We’ve just got some other options that may move quicker for us.”

Mission Sci Tech students win awards

The Science Academy of South Texas held its second annual Engineering Design & Development ‘(EDD) Presents’ Conference last Friday at the Sci Tech campus in Mercedes.

During the districtwide event, 65 two-to-three member teams made up of the members of the senior class, presented their end-of-year projects to judges – all of whom had a technical or engineering background – their parents, and their peers.

Sci Tech seniors Ji Hyun Byun of Edinburg, Isabella Gomez of Los Fresnos

and Alan Le Grice of Edinburg, formed the winning team of this year’s event, claiming first place for their presentation on “Intraoral Ulcerations & Lacerations Due to Orthodontic Braces.” Little Joe Hernandez of Mission and Jerin Joseph of Edinburg won the “People’s Choice Award” for their project entitled “Heat Blisters While Running.”

This particular award was voted on by the Sci Tech student body throughout the day of the conference via an online application designed for the event.

Team presentations and projects were evaluated by a panel of judges formed by faculty and graduate students from UTPA and TAMUK, as well as community and business representatives.

The ‘EDD Presents’ Conference expanded the original model implemented at Sci Tech by opening up the experience to the whole school. Seniors, who are required to take the EDD course during their final year at the campus, spent the year addressing a real-world problem of their choice.

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After the diplomas were awarded, the Juan Diego Award was given to the salutatorian. Ibarra received a trophy created by world-renown sculptor Timothy Schmalz. The selection was based on faculty and staff and overall reviewed by administration.

In the concluding remarks, Sister Marcella Ewers, the academy president, announced that she would be leaving the school as well.

She extended her thanks to the faculty, board, parents and anyone else who made Juan Diego Academy possible.

“It’s with such a privilege to walk beside you these four years,” she said to the students. “We have always looked forward to seeing you in the hall, giving a hug and getting a smile. It has been a wonderful experience.”

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CITY OF PALMHURST BID-PROPOSAL FORM Description of Project:

Project No. 2015-003

a product of proximity.”

Juan Diego Academy became the 14th Catholic school in the region when it was established. The campus sits on 40 acres that previously housed the St. Peter Novitiate and Diocesan Seminary.

Initially there were only five buildings on the property, but gradually the campus expanded.

Bishop Daniel Flores gave the commencement address before the seniors collected their diplomas.

Flores dedicated $1 million to creating the academy after he was instated as Bishop of Brownsville in 2010.

“It’s a great pleasure to see the graduating class of 2015,” the bishop said. “I remember when you weren’t quite so tall, quite so poised and quite so confident. It’s a tribute to what you’ve experienced.”

The class of 2015 earned more than $3,000,000 in scholarships from institutions around the world. Their

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Engineer Contact: Trinity MEP Engineering Leo Munoz, P.E. – Principal (956) 973-0500 leo@trinitymep.com Submit proposal attention to: Lori A. Lopez, City Manager

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Specifications: (additional specifications attached) Specifications can be picked up at Palmhurst City Hall for a non refundable fee of $50.00

Submission Due Date & Time: (SEALED ENVELOPE) Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 10:00 am, City Hall Office SEAL BIDS WITH ATTACHED PROPOSAL TO BID FORM Project Number: 2015-003 Address: 4417 N Shary Rd, Palmhurst, Texas 78573 Submission of proposals will be in writing, and accompanied by this form. “Submission” means delivery of materials to be considered to the address stated above. Submit documents, brochures, drawings, photographs or any other information you wish to be considered as part of your proposal. No Facsimiles or late arrivals will be accepted. Any proposals received after submission due date and time will not be opened and will be returned. City of Palmhurst Purchasing Department time stamp clock will be the governing time for acceptability of bids. Over-night mail must also be properly labeled on the outside of the express envelope or package in reference to Request for Proposal with the Project Number.

Proposals submitted in response to this Request for Proposal will be opened publicly by the City Secretary of Palmhurst, Texas immediately after the submission due date and time. Any proposals received after offer submission due date and time will not be opened and will be returned by mail or courier. The City Secretary’s decision on these matters will be final. Firm Offer Period: Proposals submitted shall be “offers” and/or a “binding bid” from the submitter, and such offers will remain firm for a period of 60 calendar days from the submission due date.

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June 5, 2015

PALMVIEW GRADS READY TO TAKE ON WORLD P

By Julie Silva

almview High School Valedictorian Daniel Galvan had a warning as he closed his speech at graduation Tuesday: The world better watch out because the Class of 2015 has arrived.

“You were born with the potential for greatness,” Galvan told his classmates, pointing out the school’s success in UIL, baseball and mariachi as proof.

Galvan plans to attend Texas A&M University next year, where he will be pursuing a degree in chemical engineering. He’s considering studying clean energy or working in the petrochemical industry.

He told his peers to never give up and continue working hard.

Salutatorian Emmanuel Garcia told the nearly 450 graduates that there was a markedly empty seat at State Farm Arena as they received their diplomas. His 96-year-old great-grandmother died in April.

It never crossed his mind that she would miss his graduation, but, Garcia said, life is unexpected. He thanked his parents for their roles in his life, and told his dad, “I have become the man I am today because of you.

“You taught me the importance of hard work and how to take responsibility for all my actions,” Garcia added. “You taught me to always do the right thing.”

He told his classmates there are three things they need to remember: quitting is a gateway drug, enjoy life and their intelligence does not define them.

Garcia later joked, “don’t say that these last couple of years were the best years of your life because if you think taking tests and studying were the best four years of your life, there’s something wrong with you.

“We have many more years to go.”

Emmanuel plans to attend Texas A&M University at College Station and study sports management. He hopes to eventually obtain a master’s degree.