Cascabel
Mariachi Grulla de Plata tied for 1st Place in the High School Category at the Mariachi Extravaganza National Competition
ACBE student Freddy F. earns FIRST ESports Champ at the Mario Kart Challenge
The Rio Grande City Border Patrol Agents brought the holiday spirit to Alberto & Celia Barrera Elementary School with a heartwarming Christmas visit! Their generosity and kindness lit up the campus, spreading joy and cheer. On behalf of the ACBE we are incredibly grateful to the RGC Border Patrol Agents for taking the time to create such a wonderful experience for ACBE. Your dedication to our community goes beyond your daily responsibilities, and your thoughtful gestures truly make a difference. Thank you for making this season brighter for our ACBE family!
Rio Grande City Border Patrol Agents brought the holiday spirit to Alberto & Celia Barrera Elementary Starr County Fair School Days Field Trip Reservations Are Now Open! Pony Rides, DJ Pato Mix, Petting Zoo, Livestock Shows, and Fair Food await your students! Don’t miss this year’s exciting new attraction: Contacto Animal, USA – Interactive Dinosaur Show & Museum! Dates: February 19-21, 2025 Cost: Only $2.00 per child. Reserve Today: Contact Jeannie Anderson at 956-500-2705 Space is limited, so secure your spot now for a fun and educational adventure!
Congratulations to Alberto & Celia Barrera Elementary FIRST ESports Champ - Freddy F. for earning the top spot in the Mario Kart Challenge. Freddy earned the fastest time for the ACBE Campus and his score went up against students from all over the Rio Grande Valley in the Region One Time Trial Competition! Keep up the amazing work!
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEER
The CITY OF ROMA (City) requests the submission of qualifications statements, which will lead to the possible award of contracts to provide services for a project involving the backup generators.
Scope of Work
Services to be provided by Engineer: professional engineering services associated with proposed (a) planning, permitting, environmental, design and construction management phase services and other additional services associated with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Generator Project; and (b) assistance in application preparation and documentation to federal, state, and other possible funding sources.
Guidelines for Content of Qualification Statements
DO NOT INCLUDE COST INFORMATION with the qualification statement. Responses that include cost or pricing information will be rejected and will not be considered by the City
Detailed instructions on preparation of the qualification statement must be obtained from the City. For more information on preparing and submitting the qualification statement, contact the City Manager Alejandro Barrera at (956) 849-1411 or abarrera@cityofroma.net. This information should be requested as soon as possible to allow time to prepare the document and comply with the procedures.
Submittal Deadline
One (1) copy of the qualifications statement must be received by the City by no later than 4:00 PM (Central) on January 10, 2025, at the offices of the City of Roma, PO Box 947, Roma, Texas 78584, Attn: Alejandro Barrera, City Manager.
Minimum Qualifications and Selection Criteria
The City will evaluate the proposals to determine which firm has the best qualifications.
Contract Terms and Negotiation Schedule
Consultants for Engineering services are expected to negotiate an agreement for services which is acceptable to the City. If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, the City may formally end negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest qualified person or firm.
Contracts are contingent upon release of funds from the TDEM. Any contract or contracts awarded under this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are expected to be funded in part by a loan or loan forgiveness from the TDEM. Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this RFQ or any resulting contract.
This contract is subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, which includes EPA-approved fair share goals toward procurement of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) firms. EPA rules require that applicants and prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of contracts, subcontracts, and procurements to M/WBEs through demonstration of the six affirmative steps. For more details of the DBE Program and the current, applicable fair share goals, please visit www.TDEM.texas.gov/dbe.
Equal Opportunity in Employment - All qualified Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap of national origin. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11.375, and as supplemented in Department of labor regulations 41 CFR; Part 60. Small, minority and women-owned firms are encouraged to submit proposals.
El Cid Caravan No. 106, Order of Alhambra, announces Winter Presentation Ball Debutantes
Alexa Renee Moy
Alexa Renee Moy is the daughter of Denise Margo Moy, and is being presented by her grandparents, Deputy Supreme Director Javier D. Margo and Sultana Elizabeth Margo. She is the niece of Past Grand Commander Javier D. “Jake” Margo, Jr. and Sultana Lisa Margo. Alexa’s great-grandparents, Francisco “Pache” and Herminia “Minnie” Margo were founding members of El Cid Caravan #106.
Alexa is a freshman at Anderson High School in Austin, Texas, where she is an honor student.
She is a member of the awardwinning Trojan Belles dance team, the Anderson Choir, and the Fluid Senior competitive dance company at MUV Dance & Fitness.
Andrea Carolina Muñoz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rene Muñoz IV, and granddaughter of Sir Noble Roberto Luis Naranjo and Sultana Eulalia Naranjo, is a 17-year-old junior at Rio Grande City High School.
A dedicated Lady Rattler, Andrea shines on the volleyball and track teams while exemplifying leadership and commitment as an active member of the Rattler 4H Club since age 5. Currently serving as a 4H delegate and council member, she has competed in Starr County Fair events such as photography, arts & crafts, ag product ID, and goat competitions, earning the prestigious title of Overall Reserve Grand Champion for her Market Goat.
Andrea is also a member of the
Alexa has been a member of Girl Scout Troop 9410 for 10 years and attends Saint Albert the Great Catholic Church, where she has participated in the Youth Catechism Program and the annual Nativity Program. Inspired by her mother’s work helping survivors of interpersonal violence, Alexa is a longtime volunteer at Texas Advocacy Project. She also dedicates her free time to her dance studio as a class assistant and is a role model for the younger dancers. With a creative spirit, Alexa has excelled as a dancer and a choreographer. This year, she was selected as the PTA Reflections “I am Hopeful because…” Middle School Choreography State Champion and advanced to Nationals, where she earned a National Award of Excellence, a Silver Medal, and a scholarship for her entry entitled, “Wait for Me”. Alexa’s entry was also selected as the Overall Outstanding Interpretation Award for Dance Choreography in all age levels for the State of Texas and was honored at the annual PTA Conference this Summer. She has received numerous dance awards and scholarships at regional and national dance conventions.
Rio Grande City FFA Chapter, participating in Leadership Development Teams and serving as a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador for two years. Her passion for service and leadership is matched by her love for nature, baking, fishing, hunting, and spending time with friends.
Andrea was recently crowned Miss Rio Grande City 2025. Andrea embodies intelligence, grace, and a deep love for her community. In this role, she represents Rio Grande City at public events, supports meaningful causes, and serves as an inspiring role model.
Looking ahead, Andrea plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in biology, with aspirations of specializing in cardiovascular sonography while continuing her commitment to service and leadership.
Andrea will be honoring a family tradition by wearing the gown her mother, Barbara Muñoz, donned for her own debutante presentation in 1987—a timeless tribute to heritage and love. She will be escorted by Mr. Jesus Alberto Mijares, son of Ms. Aleida Rios and Mr. Jose Trevino. With her determination, community spirit, and vision for the future, Andrea personifies a vibrant heart, poised to make a meaningful impact in all she does.
Cecilia Claret Hinojosa is being presented by her parents, Sir Noble Jose O. Hinojosa and Sultana Cynthia Hinojosa of Rio Grande City. Cecilia is a 15-yearold Sophomore at Rio Grande City High School where she is on the A Honor Roll. She is also taking college classes since her Freshman year as part of the dual enrollment program through South Texas College.
Cecilia is an avid runner with the Lady Rattlers Track and CrossCountry teams where she runs in the 400 meter dash and in the 4x4 relay races. She also enjoys weight training at home in the gym.
Cecilia was selected to be part of the LASER Program through Region One and DHR. This program, Leaders in Academics, Science, Education, and Research
Katarina Emma Mendoza is the 15-year-old daughter of Sir Noble Eulogio Mendoza III and Sultana Irvette V. Mendoza. She is the granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Eulogio Mendoza Jr. and Mr. & Mrs. Juan J. Molina, all of Hebbronville.
Katarina is a sophomore at Idea Rio Grande City College Preparatory where she is an Honor Roll student and a National Society of High School scholar. She is a Peacock cheerleader and on the junior varsity volleyball team.
Katarina has been a member of Rattler 4-H for the past 7 years. She has been the club’s historian and currently serves as the 4-H delegate. She is also a member of the Starr County 4-H Council and serves as the treasurer. Katarina participates in photography, food challenge,
(LASER), provides opportunities in hands-on health care simulations, summer internships, job shadowing, immunology and many other leadership experiences.
As a member of Rattler 4-H, Cecilia has participated and placed every year in Horticulture, Photography, and Baking at the Starr County Fair. She has also made it to state competition with Food Challenge and her Spice Girls team at the 2024 Texas 4-H Roundup. In previous years, Cecilia was the Starr County Fair Princess and the Junior Miss Starr County.
One of Cecilia’s most honored achievements was earning the Girl Scout Silver Award last year. Her project was assisting the RGC Animal Kennel with hosting pet adoptions, making brochures for spaying and neutering animals, and building and donating pet cages to this organization.
Cecilia attends Immaculate Conception Church, where she has been working towards her sacrament of Confirmation. In her spare time, Cecilia loves going to the ranch with her Dad and brothers for outdoor photography and to hunt. Cecilia hopes to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio and go into the medical field someday. Thank you to the Order of the Alhambra, El Cid Caravan, for honoring her as a Debutante.
culinary skill a thon, and horticulture at the Starr County Fair. Along with her food challenge team The Spice Girls, Katarina advanced to state and competed at the Texas 4H Round Up in College Station. She is also a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador.
Katarina has been in Girl Scouts since she was 5 years old and has earned her bronze and silver awards. Her silver award project helped bring dementia awareness to the community by creating dementia activity kits that were donated to El Faro. Katarina is now working towards her Gold award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn.
Katarina enjoys helping her community and giving back.
Katarina is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She is a second year CCE student working towards her sacrament of Confirmation. In her free time, Katarina enjoys sewing and spending time with her parents, older brother Omar Seguin, and younger sister Elise Elsa. Together they enjoy watching movies, vacationing, fishing, and caring for their animals. Katarina also likes to spend time with her friends and Girl Scout sisters, going to dinner, having frappuccinos at Starbucks, and shopping. After graduation, Katarina plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in healthcare.
Gabriella Rose Margo is being presented by her parents, Past Grand Commander Dr. Javier D. “Jake” Margo, Jr. and Sultana Lisa Margo of Rio Grande City. Ella is a sophomore at the Preparatory for Early College High School, where she is an A honor roll student. She is dually enrolled at South Texas College, pursuing an Associate Degree. She hopes to further her education at Rice University after high school.
Ella currently serves as the president of the Drama Club, the Debate Club, and the Pokémon Club at ECHS. She is also a Theatre student at Rio Grande City High School, where she is the PR Manager for Rattler Venom Productions.
Margo
Ella enjoys theatre and has been very active in UIL One Act Play. Her credits include Dark Road, Cage Birds, and Moon Over Buffalo, for which she earned District Best Performer for the role of Charlotte Hay.
For the past 10 years, Ella has been in Rattler 4-H, where she currently serves as Secretary. Her favorite 4-H activities are rabbits and culinary arts. Her Food Challenge team advanced to the state competition at the 2024 Texas 4-H Roundup.
Ella has served her community with numerous 4-H projects and Girl Scout projects. She earned her Girl Scout Silver Award by assisting the RGC Animal Kennel with building pet cages, hosting an adoption event, and providing spay and neuter education.
Ella is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In her free time, she enjoys creative pursuits like crafts, singing, and playing her guitar. She also enjoys napping, shopping, taking care of her pets and plants, laughing with her friends, and playing video games with her brother, James. She would like to thank the Order of the Alhambra, El Cid Caravan, for being honored as a 2024 Debutante.
Natalee Renae Alvarez
Natalee Renae Alvarez is the 18-year-old daughter of Sir Noble and Mrs. Jorge Luis Alvarez Jr., from Santa Elena, Texas. Natalee began her academic education at Immaculate Conception School and is now a senior at San Isidro High School. She is also a dual enrollment student at the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley and currently maintains a 4.0 GPA and will be graduating with 30 college credit hours. Natalee is an A-Honor Roll student and a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council.
Natalee is also a proud member of the San Isidro FFA, where she has served as Treasurer, VicePresident and currently President. She has participated in the Starr County Fair, Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, San Antonio
Livestock Show and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she excels in showing her market lambs, breeding heifers and bulls, since she was in the 3rd grade.
Natalee participates in several athletic programs representing the San Isidro Lady Tigers. She competes in Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Basketball and Varsity Golf. Natalee has been recognized for her athletic talents in Volleyball, being named a 2-time District Defensive Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. She was also selected for the TASO All Star Volleyball West vs East Game.
Natalee is an active member of the St. Isidore Catholic Church and the community volunteering in various capacities. She especially enjoys working with our youth at Vacation Bible School and during her spare time, Natalee enjoys listening to music, dancing and spending time traveling with family and friends.
Natalee was the recipient for the Medina Electric Cooperative Scholarship and this past summer Natalee represented Medina Electric CO-OP and the state of Texas on the 2024 Government-inAction Youth Tour in Washington, DC. Upon completing her education at San Isidro, Natalee plans to further her education at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. “Wreck em!”
Andrea Carolina Muñoz
Cecilia Claret Hinojosa
Katarina Emma Mendoza
Gabriella “Ella” Rose
RGC Rattler Basketball Team finished
the Hidalgo Pirates Classic Basketball Tournament with 2 wins
Rio Grande City Rattler Basketball team finished the last day of the Hidalgo Pirates Classic Basketball Tournament with 2 wins.
Winning against Edinburg Economedes and Corpus Christi Ray..What a way to fight all 3 days boys.
Overall taking the 5th place trophy in the Platinum Division out of 24 teams that participated. Finished 5-1 for the tournament.
THANKSGIVING NOVENA TO ST. JUDE
O Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St. Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This Novena has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised. A. P. R.
Gift yourself time to check in
Join us for the La Grulla Christmas Toy Drive and help spread joy to children in need this holiday season. The event will take place on December 18, 2024, at 2:30 PM at Grulla City Hall. Curbside gifts will be available while supplies last, including sweets, treats, raffles, and more. Every toy donated is a symbol of hope and love. For sponsorship opportunities and donations, please contact La Grulla City Hall at (956) 487-3341. Together, we can make this holiday season special for everyone. La Grulla Christmas Toy Drive
The holidays are full. Full of family traditions, old friends and merry memories.
But they’re also full of difficult moments that can increase the risk of substance use.
If you or someone you love wants a healthier outlet for holiday stress, visit TurnToSupportsTX.org for other options you can explore.
Plaza
Bull
Roma ISD 5K Christmas Gladiator Run and Walk. The race will be at Roma High School December 21st starting with the kids race at 7:30 pm and the Adults at 8:00 pm. Same day registration at 7 pm, to register contact Coach Garza 956-960-7031. See you all there!!!
