La Feria News 8-24-2022

By: Emilia Contreras & Emilio Flores La Feria News

La Feria, Texas — On Friday, August 12th, the La Feria School District held a board meeting to propose possible action regarding having security guards at each school’s respected location.

The La Feria ISD has been taking measures to upgrade its security system,

including new automatic electric gates and updated cameras.

Earlier this month a meeting took place, in which the school’s security system and safety was discussed. This was of major concern due to a lack of cameras in many areas and very outdated equipment. Superintendent, Cynthia Torres says it is for this reason that the district has decided to take extra

measures to update their entire campus.

They are currently working on installing electric gates in addition to a brand new surveillance system.

The proposed action at this meeting was a request for armed security to be present on campus. This would provide a faster response time in case of emergencies, which the district feels is imperative

for student safety, as it fosters peace of mind for both students and parents alike.

Superintendent Torres says it is vital that campus security be both trained and armed in order to achieve the level of security that the district feels is necessary. Torres spoke on the difference between armed and unarmed security, describing having unarmed security as simply “like another staff member.”

Torres assures that the school district has complete “confidence in the local law enforcement” and mentions that the goal is for the private security to work with the police while providing constant attention and an immediate response that the police may not always be able to provide.

The estimated cost for this type of security is approximately

$175k-$200k. Chief Finance Officer, Alex Cespedes mentions that while this amount is tentative, this is the estimated budget they are bearing in mind while striving to obtain and secure their funds.

This request for approval of armed and trained security is driven by the belief that emergency situations could be quickly diminished and even prevented with the presence of trained individuals.

While the request to search for private security has been approved, the school district is now searching for agencies as well additional funding for the next step in this process.

Additionally, it was decided that the final decision regarding this matter will be evaluated discussed in a future scheduled meeting on September 12th.

First of Many New Subdivisions

Ribbon Cutting for Brooks Estate Subdivision

La Feria, TX. — On Wednesday, August 10th, Oscar Zarate with Zarate homes and design, hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Brooks Estate subdivision.

As mentioned back in February, Brooks Estate will be facilitating 121 new homes alone. Zarate has been bringing in several subdivisions including townhouses on N 506, the Bridge estates subdivision, along with others.

Zarate says "Something else we want to do here, is also, control the market…"

"Sell the right prices," "Not just undersell or oversell."

Chief Phinney, for the Fire department shared that he sees the mighty growth happening in La Feria.

"I'm not from here

either," he says, "but this is a great little town. It's one of those well kept secrets, but not for much longer." Phinney says.

Chief shares there are over 500 new homes coming to La Feria just in this year.

"That's something to be extremely proud of."

Chief Phinney also shares that the department is looking for close partnership, which Zarate has held to. "We are looking for family," Phinney says.

Oscar Zarate shares that Brooks Estate Subdivision has already sold around 85 percent of its lots before they have even built a single home. One of them being a member of the La Feria City Council's home.

Chief Phinney welcomes all the new residents into La Feria as family, Oscar Zarate to his left. Photo taken by Emilio Flores.

Classes begin for the 2022-2023 School Year

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

After the long summer months, the 2022-23 school year is back in session. A return to the classroom for some, for others, the beginning of a new chapter. Thousands of students across the Rio Grande Valley are

beginning either their first year of school, or their final year of school.

A new year that also returns the normal school operations.

In March 2020, the COVID Pandemic brought day to day life to a halt. Students were now going through a change of scenery.

Instead of now being in a classroom, students were now learning from behind a screen.

Now two years and five months later, the start of a new school year brings excitement for students, teachers and staff alike. Since the Pandemic shut down normal operations, two school years have

gone by, 2020-21 and 2021-22. While students returned to class, things did not feel normal. Some schools resorted to alternate days, where half the students were in class one day, while the other went on another day. Hybrid learning went into effect where some students elected to just

stay home and do their learning via Zoom meetings.

With Social Distancing mandates lowered and not as strict, full classrooms are on schedule for the 2022-23 school year. From the new students in elementary, to the seasoned students of high school, everybody

alike is excited to reunite with classmates and experience the school year. Whether it be the after school clubs, the team practices or any other extra curriculars, it’s a sign of relief that everything is back to normal.

Villalobos recognized on UTRGV campus by Congressman Vicente Gonzalez for 2020 national award

By Victoria Brito Mo rales

RIO GRANDE VAL LEY, TEXAS – AUG. 12, 2022 – Dr. Cristina

Villalobos, a Myles and Sylvia Aaronson Endowed professor in the UTRGV School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, associate dean for the College of Sciences and founding director of the Center of Excellence in STEM Education, was honored by Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) for her 2020 recognition from the White House.

Two years ago, Villalo bos was awarded the 2020 Presidential Award for Ex

cellence in Science, Math ematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).

She was one of 15 higher education recipients from 12 states and the District of Colombia.

On Wednesday, Javier Bustos, constituent field representative of Con gressman Vicente Gon zalez, visited the UTRGV campus in Edinburg, on behalf of Gonzalez, and presented Villalobos with a certificate and a United States flag which was previously flown over the U.S. Capital in Washing ton, D.C.

Villalobos said she is honored to be recognized for her leadership in

STEM (Science, Technol ogy, Engineering and Mathematics) and to also receive such a significant artifact from the capital.

“It was quite a surprise to learn that the flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of my efforts in mentoring that led to the PAESMEM award,” Villalobos said. “Mentoring students and faculty in mathematics and in general STEM fields is important to me as these individuals will lead the nation, our state and our local communi ties.”

The PAESMEM award is one of the nation’s high est honors and recognizes

the critical role mentors play outside the tradition al classroom setting in the academic and professional development in the future of a STEM workforce.

Mentors support learners ranging from kindergar ten through college, as well as those who recently started their careers in STEM.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Villalobos on this amazing accomplish ment,” Gonzalez said. “Her dedication to serving our students and prepar ing our next generation of STEM leaders at UTRGV is inspiring to all of South Texas.”

Dr. Cristina Villalobos, a Myles and Sylvia Aaronson Endowed professor in the UTRGV School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, associate dean for the College of Sciences and founding director of the Center of Excellence in STEM Education, was presented with a certificate and U.S. flag which was previously flown over the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C. for her 2020 recognition from the White House and her leadership in STEM. Pictured are Dr. Vivian Incera, dean of UTRGV College of Sciences; Villalobos; and Javier Bustos, constituent field representative of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

In accordance with the Order of the Office of the Governor issued March 16, 2020, the City of La Feria will conduct the meeting and provide audio/telephonic availability for the public using live stream in order to advance the public health goal of limiting face-to-face meetings (also called “social distancing”) to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (also known as Covid-19). To view the meeting via internet live streaming, please visit https://www.cityoflaferia.com/ boards-and-commissions/city-commission/agendas-2020/ where you will find the agenda for the next meeting. The pdf for the agenda will include a link, meeting ID and passcode for the Zoom meeting. More information is available by calling 346-248-7799.

Members of the public may sign up for public comment on an agenda item or for another item of public concern by submitting an email to amorales@cityoflaferia.com containing (1) the name of the individual wishing to comment; and (2) the item number or subject matter the individual wishes to comment on. Please submit requests for public comment no later than two hours before the meeting. Join the meeting at the time and login listed above and the Mayor will call on you when it is your turn to speak. A recording of the meeting will be made and will be available to the public in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. If during the course of the meeting, any discussion of any item on the agenda is permitted to be held in executive or closed session, whether such item is already so identified on this Agenda or not, the City Commission will convene in such executive or closed session in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 551.001551.146. E. • La Feria, TX

La Feria ISD Accountability Ratings

We are thrilled to announce that La Feria ISD has earned a district rating on an 88, letter rating B on the Texas Education Agency 2022 Accountability Rating, with a total of 17 stars, which are designation distinctions awarded to campuses for being in the top 25% in different areas. Individual campuses earned the following ratings:

CE Vail Elementary, earned a 93, letter rating A, with a distinction designation in the area of Reading, Math, Academic Growth , Postsecondary Readiness, and Closing the Gaps. Earning the highest letter rating possible and all 5 distinction designations eligible for an elementary school. Furthermore, they

ranked number 1 out of 40 comparison schools in the area of academic growth for their students.

Sam Houston Elementary earned an 83, letter rating B, with a distinction designation in the area of Math.

David Sanchez Elementary earned an 87, letter rating B, with a distinction designation in the area of Math.

Noemi Dominguez Elementary earned an 87, letter rating B, with a distinction designation in the area of Reading, Academic Growth, and Closing the Gaps.

William B Green Junior High earned an 81, letter rating B, with a distinction designation in the area of Reading.

La Feria High School

earned an 84, letter rating B, with a distinction designation in the area of Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Postsecondary Readiness, and Closing the Gaps.

La Feria Academy earned a 91, letter rating of an A.

Thank you to all of our students, teachers, staff, and community who play a role in the education of our La Feria ISD students. It takes a team of people working together to achieve this level of success. The power of growing and moving students has been even more critical after the pandemic and here at La Feria ISD it is evident tremendous growth and closing of gaps has occurred for our students.

TSTC students learn about career opportunities with Texas Instruments

TSTC’s Harlingen campus Wednesday, July 20.

The visitors from Texas Instruments also discussed topics such as company benefits, company growth, entry-level jobs, global manufacturing, the manufacturing process, onthe-job development, and roles and responsibilities.

Jimmy Carter, chemical mechanical polishing equipment manager for Texas Instruments, hoped the visit would result in some job applicants.

understanding if those components are what Texas Instruments is seeking in future entry-level technicians. Interested candidates for employment will experience a firstround interview process this afternoon. Those candidates that are chosen will travel to Dallas for a second-round interview process.”

“They are seeking entrylevel technicians with the same detail-based work ethic that we demonstrate in the aviation maintenance program,” she said. “A strong attention to detail is needed when working on the electrical side.”

Flores added that she inquired about the potential for career growth within the company.

Texas Instruments was with their presentation.

(HARLINGEN, Texas)

- Career opportunities were a key message that representatives from semiconductor manufacturing company Texas Instruments had for

students in the Aircraft Airframe, Aircraft Powerplant, Automotive and Mechatronics technology programs at Texas State Technical College during a visit to

“This visit gave us an opportunity to analyze the potential of future hires,” Carter said. “We review the students' backgrounds. We examine each program’s training. This provides a clear

Mikayla Flores, a former Dallas resident who now resides in Harlingen, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Airframe Technology at TSTC.

Flores said her program’s emphasis on paying attention to detail fits well with Texas Instruments’ employee profile.

“I would like to know what are the career paths that extend beyond a technician,” she said.

Gilberto Levya, of La Feria, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology at TSTC.

Levya said he appreciated how proactive

“During their presentation, they mentioned their competitiveness to take action based on what the company offers to hire the right candidate,” Leyva said. “In my first-round interview, I did a test for knowledge. I had to figure out a parallel circuit drawing and identify the current and total resistance going through the system.”

Some of the TSTC students have advanced to second-round interviews.

Registration for the fall semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Living Water Church and Ministry Pastor Henry and Rosie 2805 Memorial Suite B. La Feria Sunday Service 11am, 6pm Spanish Worship Service, 7pm Wednesday Service

st. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Fr. Rodolfo Franco 797-2666, offi ce: 502 S. Canal church: 500 South Canal St., La Feria, Saturday Mass 5:30pm, Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, 10am English, 12pm Bilingual.

Christ In Our Midst Missionary Church Pastor: Rev. Daniel Carrizalez 956-742-6311

1 mile N. of FM 506, La Feria Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m., Wednesday Service - 7:00 p.m., Monday Prayer - 7:00 p.m.

New Hope Presbyterian Church 208 West Central Ave, La Feria,TX, 956-277-0208 Services Sunday 4:30 pm Sunday School 3:15 pm Communion on the 1st Sunday of every month

First Baptist Church, La Feria

I passed a house with a flag outside. Not the US flag, this one had two lines of writing on it. One line read, “Jesus is My Lord.” The other line read, “Biden is My President.”

I understood the flag. What I did not understand is why the flag bothered me. I certainly had no trouble with Jesus as Lord. And whether I like it or not, Biden is president. A few years ago, it could have read, “Trump is My President,” or “Obama is My President.”

Primera Iglesia Bautista 956-797-1740 N. Main, La Feria Services: Sunday 9:45am School, 10:45am Worship 5:00pm generacion Conquista Samuel y Magda Cervantes, Phone (956) 536-2215 A. La Feria 10am 11am Worship Service, 7pm Wednesday Family Service

Cowboy Church 11235 Swift Ln. Santa Rosa, Tex. Service at 11:00am Sunday 6:30pm pm Monday 956-975-6144 Paul Lutheran Church Nathan Wendorf 8:00AM (Traditional) Julio y Claudia Mendoza (956) 589-5016 Fifth St. La Feria &

Then I realized that I was not bothered by either of the statements. But I was deeply troubled to see them on the same flag. Christian nationalism is on the rise. Some would use the cross as a flagpole if they could. But to do so would weaken both the Stars and Stripes and the Cross.

The first amendment to the US Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." We still debate exactly what that means. At the least, it means that Jesus is no more an American than he is a Russian. And that as a nation, we should never join a church. If you must fly a flag with writing on it. Splurge, and buy services are Bilingual, English Spanish.

Bottom Row: Kristy Jimemez, Aleida Chapa, Trish Garza, Rosalinda Flores

Top: Cynthia Torres, Nora Lamas, Carlos Verduzco, Hector Cazares

After a recent recruitment presentation by Texas Instruments at TSTC, Mikayla Flores (right), a TSTC Aircraft Airframe Technology student, discussed an entry-level technician job with Laura Lynn de Loache, university recruiting manager for Texas Instruments. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

City of Combes

City of Combes is requesting statements and qualifications for management and engineering services needed for preparing and submitting a federal financial assistance application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration seeking funding assistance for construction of drainage infrastructure improvements. Please submit 10 copies of your statements and qualifications to the following address:

Attn: Aida Gutierrez, City Administrator, P.O. Box 280, 21626 Hand Road, Combes Texas 78535. Proposals must be received by the City of Combes no later than 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 1, 2022 to be considered.

LEGAL NOTICE A LATE J. PENA DBA LUCKY SHOT TO BE LOCATED 877 S SAM HOUSTON, SAN BENITO, CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS.

City of La Feria City Commission Zone Change Request Notice of Public Hearing

On Tuesday September 13, 2022 at 6:30 PM the City Commission of the City of La Feria will hold a public hearing to consider the following Zone change request on this property:

Zone change request by Paul Anthony Rodriguez for property located at 13470 E. Bus Hwy 83 from R-1 Single Family Residential District to C-2 General Commercial District with the legal description being: 2.69 acres of land out of Block 1, PT W6, Evans Subdivision, Cameron Appraisal District ID # 178444. Applicant is Paul Anthony Rodriguez

The public hearing will be held at 6:30 PM. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 115 E. Commercial Ave, La Feria, Texas. All interested persons are encouraged to attend the public hearing to voice their opinion regarding the granting of these Zone change requests. Interested persons may also submit written testimony to:

City of La Feria Attn: Planning Department 115 E. Commercial Ave. La Feria, TX 78559-5002

The City Commission meeting room is handicapped accessible. Persons with disabilities or who require auxiliary aids or services to participate in this hearing should contact the City Secretary two days before the hearing so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

To request additional information, please contact Juan Ortiz, Planning Director at (956) 797-2261 ext. 419.

Friday Night Fever

First Practices underway for 2022 Texas High school Football Season

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

With Football season just around the corner, teams across the Rio Grande Valley are already getting in gear with their summer workouts. After the 2022 UIL Realignment that shook up the Valley in February, the 2022 TXHSFB season is expected to be a fun one. Here is a district by district look at what to expect in 2022.

Starting off with the 6A’s we look at 32-6A, which will be a lot smaller with the departure of Harlingen South and Donna North down to 5A. Teams to lookout for are Harlingen, Los Fresnos, San Benito and Weslaco. In 31-6A, which has also become a six team district with the losses of Edinburg Vela, La Joya Juarez Lincoln and PSJA North to 5A. Mission, Edinburg, La Joya and PSJA look to punch their ticket to the postseason.

Down to 5A we look at four districts and two divisions. Starting off with District 16-5A Division one which will welcome two new neighbors in Harlingen South and Donna North,

adding to what will already be an extremely competitive district.

Harlingen South, Donna, Brownsville Veterans and Weslaco East will all be in a shootout to compete for the 16-5A D1 throne.

In Division two, Three teams with a lot of history, again will compete in the same District. Mission Veterans, Sharyland and Pioneer all look to dominate in division two. PSJA Memorial will also be expected to get into the mix.

Now looking at 15-5A Division one, Edinburg Vela, PSJA North, and La Joya Juarez Lincoln enter the picture, adding to an already powerhouse district, The McAllen trio of Rowe, Memorial and McHi will be competing with Vela, and PSJA North for the District crown. In division two, four RGV teams will tangle with two Coastal Bend Teams. For the RGV, Brownsville Porter, Mercedes, Valley View, and Edcouch-Elsa will go against GregoryPortland and CC Flour Bluff.

Down to 16-4A Division one, La Feria, Hidalgo, Zapata will be slotted

with Alice, Calallen, Tuloso-Midway to comprise an RGV-Coastal Bend District. In 16-4A Division 2, Four teams will compete for seeding as Raymondville, Port Isabel, Bishop and La Grulla will face off in one of the smallest districts in recent years.

District 16-3A Division one will be Falfurrias, Lyford, Progreso, Rio Hondo, San Diego and Santa Gertrudis Academy will go at it. In Division two, a tough district which featured Banquete, George West, Hebbronville, Monte Alto, Odem, Santa Rosa and Taft will face off in old school gridiron football.

Last but not least we look at 16-2A Division two, Ben Bolt, Freer, La Villa, Premont, Riviera-Kaufer and Santa Maria will be in a tough district out in the 2A classification.

With a lot of Talent across the RGV, expect an exciting year on the Gridiron in 2022. As teams continue to prepare for Week 1, the excitement will slowly continue to build as well.

Roll Pride La Feria 2022 Football Schedule Released

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

At last, Football has returned to Texas. Fans across the Lone Star State are excited to get to the stadium and cheer on the gladiators of the gridiron. Here in La Feria, the Lions are set to begin the 2022 Texas High School Season.

La Feria had a strong 2021 season. Finishing as the 2021 District 16-4A Division 1 champions, the Lions fell short to Beeville-Jones in the Bi-District round of the playoffs. Now looking ahead, the Lions 2022 Schedule has already been released.

After the success of 2021 which included an overall record of 7-2, a district winning record of 4-0, La Feria will once again compete in District 16-4A Division 1. Only this time, there are some new additions to the district. La Feria will

now be slated with Alice, Calallen, Tuloso-Midway, Hidalgo, Kingsville King and Zapata. A lot tougher district with the additions of Coastal Bend Powerhouses Calallen, T-M, and Alice, La Feria looks to continue their 2021 dominance into 2022.

To start the regular season, the Lions will be on the road for three consecutive games. Week one La Feria will travel to Donna to take on the 5A Donna Redskins. Week two, the Lions travel to PSJA Southwest to take on the Javelinas. Week three, La Feria travels to Sams Stadium to take on the Brownsville Pace Vikings. Week four will be the long awaited home opener for the Lions as they will host Mercedes on Senior Parents Night. Week five will begin the 16-4A Division 1 play as the Lions will host the Alice Coyotes.

The District Schedule

continues in week six as the Lions take on the Warriors at TulosoMidway. Week seven the Lions will host the Calallen Wildcats. Week eight, La Feria will travel to Hidalgo to take on the Pirates. Week nine will be homecoming as La Feria will go against the Zapata Hawks, which will also be the final home game of the regular season. Week 10 wraps up with La Feria taking a trip up north to face off against the Brahmas of Kingsville King.

Truly a tough schedule, the Lions will look to go back to back and successfully defend their District title. Heading into the season, the defending District Champion always goes into the year with a target on their back. La Feria looks ready to take on all challengers under the Friday Night Lights.

The Next Chapter Poem

Sanctum

by James E. Arnold

In the silence of the upper room

Thou callest my name.

Out of the watery grave of Baptism

Thou liftest me up And givest me life.

Though false gods lead others astray, I know in my heart

Thou art the way.

In the great gathering darkness of men’s hearts,

Thou art the Light, And he that dwelleth within Thee Shall not fear the night.

Making History

Endangered Species Hatches at GPZ

Brownsville, Texas (Aug 17, 2022) – Staff at the Gladys Porter Zoo are extremely proud to announce the historic hatching of six endangered Mangshan pit vipers. The Gladys Porter Zoo is now one of only three institutions in the United States to have successfully bred this rare species. There are only about 500 left in the wild which makes this hatching

such a momentous event.

“The Herpetology Department is overjoyed to finally hatch this species! We have been working with them for over 12 years, and it was always a dream of ours to reach this point,” says Clint Guadiana, Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians.

Eventually, the hatchlings will be on exhibit but, for now,

the staff will keep them behind the scenes. However, the adults can be viewed in their exhibit in the herpetarium.

The Mangshan pit viper has a very small geographic range and can only be found in two places in China – the Mangshan mountain range in Hunan, where it was first discovered in 1989, and Ruyuan County in the Guangdong Province.

In the wild, females will lay eggs in a pile of leaf litter and will guard the eggs until they hatch. Once born, the hatchlings are independent. They are fully equipped with venom that they use to capture their prey and defend themselves when needed.

The Mangshan pit viper is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

UTRGV Athletics and Krugers Set to Dedicate

Lew Hill Memorial Plaza as Part of Renovations to UTRGV Fieldhouse

to make this happen in memory of Lew.”

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

– The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Wednesday a six-figure gift by former Hall of Fame men’s basketball head coach Lon Kruger and his wife, Barbara, both of whom are inductees into the Athletics Hall of Honor, to dedicate the Lew Hill Memorial Plaza as part of the upcoming renovations to the UTRGV Fieldhouse.

Construction on the outside of the fieldhouse, including the plaza, is expected to start in the spring of 2023 with completion in early 2025. This plaza is part of $30 million in facilities enhancements that were announced on April 6.

The announcement of the Lew Hill Memorial Plaza was made on August 10 to coincide with what would have been the 16th wedding anniversary for Lew and

Renee Hill.

“I am super excited for this announcement,” said Renee Hill, the widow of Lew Hill. “I am both thankful and grateful to the amazing people who made this a reality for Lewis and our family along with all those who will have the pleasure to pass through UTRGV. This university and community have been family since we arrived.

The Lew Hill Memorial Plaza is a testament to prayer and the sayings that ‘kindness wins,’ ‘a full heart feeds multitudes,’ and ‘basketball can take you many places.’ I know Lewis would be appreciative of all the efforts put into making this thought a reality. My continued prayer is that people passing through feel his presence, love, hard work, and dedication to people, basketball, and the endless opportunities after the ball stops dribbling. This piece of history, on this day, fills me with

heavier emotions, tears, and smiles as I think about his smile and love for UTRGV and how it's still felt here. He will forever be missed, never forgotten, always loved, and appreciated deeply.”

Lon Kruger was the coach at legacy institution Pan American University from 1982-86. Hill worked as an assistant coach with Kruger at UNLV from 2004-11 and Oklahoma from 2011-16. Kruger was instrumental in helping to connect Hill with UTRGV, as Hill took over as head coach shortly after Oklahoma’s 2016 Final Four run. Hill coached UTRGV from 2016 until his tragic passing on Feb. 7, 2021 at the age of 55.

“I’m so happy and pleased for Renee and the family that Lew’s being recognized for the terrific person and coach that he was,” Kruger said. “I certainly appreciate UTRGV taking the steps

Hill was the head coach at UTRGV for five seasons, making five-win improvements in each of his first three years, culminating with a 20-win 2018-19 season that saw the Vaqueros win an NCAA Division I postseason game for the first time while hosting two rounds of the CIT. For his efforts, Hill was a finalist for the 2019 Ben Jobe Award, presented annually to the top minority coach in Division I men's basketball. In total, the Vaqueros made two postseason appearances under Hill, including an appearance in the 2018 CBI.

Hill’s teams never quit, rallying back from seven double-digit deficits in 2018-19 and then, after starting the 2019-20 season 6-14, winning eight of their final 10 to earn the No. 2 seed in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament, the highest seed in program history.

The Vaqueros picked up right where they left off in 2020-21, going 8-4 under Hill. In total, the Vaqueros won 16 of Hill’s final 22 games. Hill was posthumously awarded as the 2021 Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, National Association of Basketball Coaches District 6 CoCoach of the Year, and the CollegeInsider.com Skip Prosser Man of the Year.

For his head coaching career, Hill won 67 games, the fifth-best total in program history.

Beyond basketball, Hill was passionate about bringing awareness to diabetes, personally leading the charge to host diabetes awareness nights at home basketball games.

He also believed greatly in giving back to the campus and the community. Hill was known for buying large amounts of breakfast tacos and walking to faculty staff offices around campus to deliver breakfast and thank his fellow UTRGV employees for their hard work and dedication. When UTRGV Athletics started a weekly story time series this past spring, Hill was the first employee to sign up, reading The Dinosaur Who Lived in My Back Yard with his daughter, Elle.

“We are so pleased to see Coach Hill and his legacy honored in such a meaningful way,” UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said. “Coach Hill was an incredible human being. He was a close friend, a tremendous colleague, and a leader of men. His passion for people is something that set Coach Hill apart. This plaza, when complete, will serve as focal point for our department and university community.

“We are most grateful

to Barbara and Coach Kruger for their impactful support. Their commitment to UTRGV and their love for Lew, Renee, and their family culminates with today's significant announcement. This is a fitting tribute for a man who meant so much to so many.”

Originally from Mount Vernon, N.Y., Hill was an All-State performer at Mount Vernon High School. He then went on to be an All-American point guard for San Jacinto Junior College, helping to lead the team to the 1984 NJCAA National Championship. He played his final two seasons at Wichita State, earning All-Missouri Valley Conference honors as a senior for helping to lead the Shockers to 20 wins and a berth in the 1988 NCAA Tournament.

Hill graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and played one season professionally in Germany before starting his coaching career at Wichita East High School in 1989-90. He moved up to the collegiate ranks as an assistant coach at South Alabama from 1990-92.

From there, Hill worked as an assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State (1992-94), East Carolina (1994-98) and Texas A&M (1998-03) before getting promoted to associate head coach at Texas A&M for the 2003-04 season.

STC recognized with Military Friendly Gold Award for its service to the armed forces

service the more than 800 veterans, veteran spouses and dependents attending STC.

“Having this type of distinction gives our veterans and their families confidence in attending our college,” said Juan Miguel Galvan, director of Student Financial Services and who oversees the Office of Student Veterans Affairs. “Knowing that they have a supportive team rallying behind them and the resources they need to get ahead, makes all the difference.”

I found a welcoming community that feels like home,” said the Texas transplant. “STC’s veterans affairs allows us so many opportunities for a brighter future and proves to be lifechanging for many of us. I’m not surprised that STC is considered a Military Friendly School.”

Field, who is working toward an associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, is now also a work-study employee with the Office of Student Veterans Affairs.

televisions and printers. There is a “Foxhole” available at the Pecan, MidValley and Starr County campuses.

STC Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Matthew Hebbard said STC is committed to serving those who have served the country, and this recent recognition is proof of that dedication.

South Texas College, for six consecutive years, has received a Military Friendly School Gold Award, and for the first time a Military Friendly Spouse School recognition.

The Military Friendly rating is awarded by VIQTORY, a servicedisabled, veteran-owned small business, and measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating

sustainable and meaningful opportunity for the military community.

“This is a distinction we’re proud of,” said Javier Guajardo, coordinator of Veteran Recruitment and Engagement at STC’s Veterans and Military Services. “We have an experienced staff that works to see that our veteran students and dependents are successful in their pursuit of a career.”

STC earned the 20222023 awards, according

to the Military Friendly rating, for exceeding in areas such as academic policies and compliance, admissions and orientation, culture and commitment, financial aid and assistance, graduation and career and military student support and retention.

The Gold and Military Friendly Spouse Awards expand across STC’s Pecan, Mid-Valley and Starr County campuses, each with a Student Veterans Affairs Office to

STC’s Office of Student Veterans Affairs employees who are certified by the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department, to assist veteran students and their families in completing the documents necessary to receive benefits such as the GI Bill and Hazlewood Act.

STC student Victorious Field, served four years in the United States Marine Corps, before enrolling in college, and said, when it was time to register, it was STC’s Veterans and Military Services that guided and supported her.

“I’m so grateful that

“To be able to help others, the way I have been helped is invaluable,” she said. “This is our safe zone, where friendly banter turns into friendships, that turn into family. To see each other reach goals makes me happy, and it’s all possible because of the wise people and resources we have access to as veterans.”

In addition to benefits and enrollment assistance, STC’s veterans affairs also offers safe havens known as the “Foxhole,” a room dedicated to veterans, spouses and their dependents, that is equipped with comfortable seating, computers,

“We are proud to serve our active-duty military, veterans, their spouses and dependents, and are honored for this distinction,” said Hebbard.

“This is a highly selective and competitive national process. With the Gold award, once again, South Texas College has been recognized as an innovative and dynamic institution, and we are humbled to serve the members of our armed forces and their families.”

For more information about STC’s Office of Student Veterans Affairs and the resources offered, visit southtexascollege.edu.

Amanda Sotelo

STC, for the sixth consecutive year, has received Military Friendly School Gold and Military Friendly School Spouse awards for its dedication and commitment to ensuring that active military, veterans, their spouses and dependents achieve success at the college