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COMMUNITY Always Good News! Press
ISSUE 101 MARCH 2021
Monte Alto Elsa Edcouch La Villa Alamo Donna Weslaco Progreso Mercedes VIDA Receives $75K From The Meadows Keep Elsa Foundation Beautiful
INSIDE
Keep Elsa Beautiful has been established to promote goodwill and reward exemplary lawn care in the community. The purpose of the program is to recognize neighbors who demonstrate above-average efforts in maintaining their property, thereby contributing to the overall appearance of the community at large. This is a great award and the program is administered entirely by volunteers. For the months April through October, the Keep Elsa Beautiful Committee will choose a lawn that best typifies the qualities of: uniqueness, beauty, appeal, and consistency with the guidelines. Since the Keep Elsa Beautiful Committee will mainly deal with “curb appeal,” nominations will be for front and side yards jointly, as well as the exterior of the house. The Committee will select one residential yard and one business yard during the first few days of each month. The winner of the Yard of the Month will be provided with a decorative yard sign for display indicating their winning yard, as well as a posting and photo on our community website and newspaper. Yard of the Month Guidelines • All residential and business
Ministry Pg.2
The Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is the recipient of a $75,000 grant from the Meadows Foundation. The funds will train low-income women in high-demand jobs. Algur H. Meadows established General American Oil Company of Texas in 1939. He then led it to become one of the nation’s most successful independent oil-and-gas-production companies. Meadows and his wife, Virginia, returned their blessings by establishing The Meadows Foundation in 1948. The Foundation continues to enrich the lives of Texans in the areas of arts and culture, civic and
See ELSA pg.5
Knapp Receives “Business of the Year” Award
public affairs, education, health and human services. “The Meadows Foundation is one of our integral partners,” said Priscilla Dinn Alvarez, executive director of VIDA. “The Foundation Board recognizes that sustainable economic growth is only possible with a well-educated, well-trained populace, and they generously support our efforts to take unemployed and underemployed residents of the Rio Grande Valley out of poverty and into high-demand, high-paying jobs.”
Become Motivated
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Edcouch-Elsa I.S.D.
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E-E I.S.D. CTE
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Farm Workforce Act
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E-E FFA
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IDEA
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STC Dance Program
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Classifieds
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Funds will allow low-income See VIDA pg.5
Spamer: Why we love doing business in Weslaco
Moving Mexican customs operations to the U.S. side of Progreso International Bridge will speed up the time it takes trucks to cross the bridge, thus creating a saving on distribution costs. This is the view of Joaquin Spamer, president of Commodities Integrated Logistics (CIL). Because goods can cross at Progreso more rapidly and at less cost, the Mid Valley area can expect to see a “boom” in warehouse and logistics business, he predicted. The predictions were made at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, held to celebrate a new cold storage Life-saving care by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals facility in Weslaco. The facility is has resulted in Knapp Medical Center being named the “Business of being utilized by Robinson Fresh, the Year” by the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce. a Fortune 200 company. CIL is The “Business of the Year” award recognizes the unselfish service, care doing the packing and logistics. and compassion that healthcare heroes at Knapp Medical Center have “Why did we choose to do it in provided to members of the community during the COVID pandemic. Weslaco? We love Weslaco. It has The courageous champions at Knapp have helped save many lives been proven time and time again during this difficult time for our community. Physicians, nurses, that it is a great place to do busirespiratory therapists and other Knapp staff have been recognized by ness,” Spamer said, in his remarks many patients, families, and community groups for their amazing care, See KNAPP pg.5
from the podium. Spamer said Weslaco is the location for most of his company’s business operations. “We have the Progreso Bridge, which is going to have, with the changes they are making, the Mexican customs house and the U.S. customs house, both on the U.S. side. Once they have finished with this project Weslaco is going to boom. It is going to take off. They are going to be able to cross produce through Progreso really fast, and you have your warehouses in Weslaco. It is going to make a lot of sense. That is what we are banking on.” Interviewed after the news conference, Spamer was asked why he made the remark about CIL loving Weslaco. He replied: “It is right in the middle of the Valley. It is close enough to the Pharr Bridge. We have the Progreso Bridge close by. We are very close See WESLACO pg.5
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PRAYER Loving Heavenly Father, in Jesus' Name, thank you for sending Your Son to die on the cruel cross for the ugliness of my sin and the sins of every other person. It is because of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection that You have provided me with unlimited joy and graciousness. I am going to focus the remainder of my prayer with thanksgiving and praise to You for a few of the many blessings of being a bornagain believer in Jesus Christ. It is a blessing to be in Your light instead of in Satan's darkness; to be forgiven and not suffer from guilt. I am grateful to be out from under Satan's power, and living in the experience of Your love. Colossians 1:13-14 "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." I praise You that all the spiritual events around Easter have provided a way for me to have entrance to the throne of grace. In that way, I can receive truth about everything in life, and that truth will set me free. Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." It is great to have in my mind the picture in Psalm 23 of You being my shepherd and taking care of me, the sheep. That truth brings me great comfort, peace, and joy in this chaotic world I am living in. Psalm 23:1 "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." To You, God, be all glory, honor, and praise for what You have done and are doing. Amen.
Time with our creator Learning how to pray personal, powerful prayers Vist us at: timewithourcreator.wordpress.com
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Why do we pray? 1. Because Scripture tells us to do so. The witness of Scripture is an integral part of our relationship with God. 2. Because Jesus did. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
How should I pray? There is no wrong way to pray so long as you are honest with God when you pray. Below is a common structure to our prayers that is a great guide to prayer. Adoration: Offering God our praise for who God is
3. Because the primary purpose of prayer is intimacy with God. It is as simple as a conversation.
Confession: Asking God for forgiveness for the ways that we have fallen short
4. Because it aligns our hearts with God’s will. God will place the right desires in our hearts.
Thanksgiving: Naming all of the ways you are grateful towards God
5. Because prayer is powerful. In ways that we don’t fully understand, God uses prayers to change things.
Supplication: Asking God for what we need and want
6. Because prayer positions us correctly with God. We surrender to God to be a part of his purpose. 7. Because prayer together unites us. It aligns us as a church family with God’s purposes for us.
Using the “ACTS” structure for your prayers will ensure that they are balanced.
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Edcouch Elsa La Villa Monte Alto Santa Rosa Progreso
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over the past year. The pressure cooker experience of the pandemic has required us to rethink and revise our daily lives. For a large swath of Americans, how we work, learn and socialize has completely changed to some degree. The prolonged adjustment has been exhausting. Although it’s important to honor our experiences and be empathetic adapters, the individuals who find a way to accelerate while others are standing still will thrive. The future is for sale,
and they are the shareholders of tomorrow’s success.
a great way to rekindle motivation.
We are all given the same 24 hours each day—how we use them is the differentiator. Reignite inspiration, invest in yourself and get motivated with these three steps. 1. Celebrate your progress. It’s easy to find something to feel good about if you’re looking for it. Regardless of your emotional relationship to the previous year, the truth is there were 365 days of accomplishments and they are all worth celebrating. Bullet-point, list or illustrate your triumphs to spark pride in your achievements and ignite initiative.
3. Keep good company. I was recently speaking with my mentor, Mark Chironna, when he challenged me to, “experience life at the speed of relationships.” My interpretation of this was that we can only go as fast or as far as the people around us. Depending on which expert you listen to, we are the average of the five to 10 people we spend the most time with. Take inventory of yours. Energy is contagious, and your network is either an asset or a hindrance.
2. Learn something new. Adding to your skillset not only increases confidence and competence, but it also feeds innovation. Whether it’s reading a book or enrolling in an accredited course, stimulating your mind is
This year is yours. If you invest in yourself by focusing on progress, prioritizing development and keeping good company, the ROI will be a productive and purposeful year. Whenever you feel stuck, remember this Chinese proverb: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”
STX Cannon Ballers
The STX Cannon Ballers traveled north from the Rio Grande Valley and took home the championship in the Perfect Game March Madness tournament held in Beaumont TX. These 5&6 year old boys stepped up into the 7u division and represented the Rio Grande Valley taking home 1st place.
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EDCOUCH-ELSA
INDEPENDENT SCHOoL DISTRICT
Educational DIAGNOSTICIAN’S WEEK Congratulations Vanessa Cerda on signing her Letter of Intent to continue her Academic and Athletic Career at Butler College.
Congratulations Samantha Saenz on signing your letter of intent to play college softball at Southwestern University! Go Pirates!
Congratulations Arissa Cavazos on signing your letter of intent to play college volleyball at John Wood College in Illinois! Go Blazers!
Edcouch-Elsa Track & Field
9th Annual Roberto Garza Relays Team Champions Rio Hondo, TX
WWW.EEISD.ORG 956-262-6000
P.O. Box 127, Edcouch, TX 78538
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ELSA continued from pg. 1 properties within the city limits are automatically eligible. • Award winners are selected based on the recommended judging criteria listed below. • Key criteria include manicured yard, beautification, originality and creativity. • The upkeep of the yard can reflect the efforts of the residents themselves or that of a professional landscaper or groundskeeper. • An award duration term lasts a single calendar month, and runs from the first day to the last day of that same month. • The same property cannot receive more than one award in a 12-month calendar period. At least 12 months must elapse between awards for the same yard. • Recipients receiving awards in the middle of the month shall surrender their award at the end of that same month. • While an individual’s home/business is being recog-
nized as a “Yard of the Month,” they are expected to maintain their yard in the same manner that allowed them to win the title.
to the cotton harvesting areas. So we are right in the middle. If we were in Pharr we are too far away from the harvesting areas. If we go to Raymondville it is too far from Pharr. This is right in the middle. It is perfect for us.”
Economic Development Corporation. Serrano was emcee for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He thanked Spamer for his company’s commitment to Weslaco and the jobs the company has created in the area.
Asked about the renovation of the Progreso International Bridge, Spamer said the U.S. customs and Mexican customs operations will both be on the U.S. side. “That is going to be very beneficial for the products of each country. You are going to be able to cross produce faster, cheaper. It is going to be big.”
In his remarks from the podium, Spamer said the responsibility of working with a major produce company like Robinson Fresh is daunting.
RECOMMENDED JUDGING CRITERIA Keep Elsa Beautiful Committee, Yard of the Month candidates are judged solely on the total exterior appearance of their property and front yard as viewed from the street. General upkeep of the yard and property is paramount. Factors include the overall appearance, tidiness and neatness of the front of the property, edged and defined lawns, borders & flower beds, and a visually appealing facade. Each yard can be chosen from nominations given to the Keep Elsa Beautiful Committee. Nomination can be made by emailing jgarza@cityofelsa.net. LAWN:
WESLACO continued from pg.1
J.J. Serrano is facility leader position for the H-E-B Retail Support Center in Weslaco. He is also on the board of directors for Weslaco
“The responsibility is huge, and the responsibility does not end with Robinson. Now we have 150 employees in Reynosa, now we have 60 employees working in this business venture on the U.S. side. So now we have to perform. Because if we don’t then there is around 200 families losing their
KNAPP continued from pg.1
, bravery, and unselfishness. These “real-life heroes” can be found at Knapp Medical Center every day of the year, caring for the people of the Mid-Valley in their times of greatest need -calming the fears of patients and providing the healing and support they need when no one else can. At Knapp, doctors and nurses provide life-saving emergency care 24/7, deliver babies, and perform surgeries that allow patients to walk again without pain. Knapp has been providing quality and compassionate healthcare to Mid-Valley residents since 1962. More than 300 physicians serve on
the hospital’s medical staff -- and Knapp serves as one of the largest employers in the Mid-Valley, employing more than 600 people. Knapp Medical Center allows Mid-Valley residents and Winter Texans to receive acute hospital care without having to leave the Mid-Valley. The hospital is taking all COVID safety precautions during this time so that patients can continue to receive important medical services without delay. For more information, please call 956-968-8567 or visit www.KnappMed.org and www.FaceBook. com/KnappMedicalCenter/.
Grass should be healthy with no bare spots or excessive weeds. Grass shall be mowed and edged, and trimmed around foundations and fences. Debris (garbage, pet feces, etc.) shall be picked up and removed. A unified, simple and balanced landscape design with a neat and natural appearance is preferred.
view). The area in front of the curb must be free from debris and dirt. The appearance after dusk including accent lighting, safety lighting, visible interior lighting, etc.
jobs. So, the responsibility is huge.”
and has 15,000 associates. The company operates in 146 countries and has 300 offices around the world. Finch said the produce business accounts for about 800 employees, most of whom are based in the United States.
AESTHETICS: The overall look of landscaping (formal versus informal, use of color and textures, garden art) is LANDSCAPE & FLOWER important. The front entryway BEDS: should be inviting, with original Beds shall be weeded and edged, and creative touches to show perflowers must be deadheaded and sonality (hanging baskets, pots, dead plants removed, trees and yard art, bird feeders, etc.) shrubs pruned, natural areas The Keep Elsa Beautiful Commitcleaned. Beautification efforts tee is dedicated to improving the should include new flowers, new quality of living and appearance trees, and new shrubs, etc., with of our community. We encourage plantings in scale with the surresidents to take pride in their roundings and limited to a few homes and neighborhood. In types of plants rather than enough turn, we look to celebrate those to confuse the eye. who do a superior job in maintaining their yards in such a way WALKWAYS & DRIVEWAYS: that they enhance the overall curb Walkways and driveways shall be appeal of the entire community. clean (including trash containers or yard products removed from
Asked about how the tie-up with Robinson Fresh works, Spamer told the Rio Grande Guardian: “We are doing the packing on the Mexican side. We are doing packing here. We are doing the ins and outs, so we are the service provider. We do the crossings. We do the export and the import for them. A one stop shop. Robinson is the owner of the produce.” Robinson Fresh’s operations manager for South Texas region, Terry Finch, also spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He pointed out that C.H. Robinson is of the world’s largest, publicly traded logistics companies in the world. He said it was founded in 1905
Finch explained that Robinson Fresh had moved its produce warehouse operations from Edinburg to Weslaco. “In 2021 we expect this warehouse to received ten million cases of tropical produce, imported from our growers and partners in Mexico.” Among the produce, Finch said, are pineapples, mangos, papayas, limes, lemons, and avocados. He said the company sells to stores like Walmart, HEB, Kroger, and Whole Foods.
VIDA continued from pg.1 women to receive the education and training they need for competitive jobs in the local workforce. “Over half of VIDA participants are women and most are single mothers,” said Alvarez, “Thanks to The Meadows Foundation, we will be able to serve more women in the Rio Grande Valley and help them break down the barriers that have kept them from completing a certificate or degree program.”
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Edcouch-Elsa Ca r e e r & T ec h n i ca l E d u cat i o n Agriculture/ AG Mechanics
The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) program focuses on the essential elements of life—food, water, land, and air. This career cluster includes a diverse spectrum of occupations, ranging from farmer, rancher, and veterinarian to geologist, land conservationist, and florist. Agriculture Education makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premiere leadership, personal growth and career success. • Pesticide License • OSHA 30 hour • Welding D1.1 • FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Part 107 Remote Drone Pilot
Advanced Manufacturing/ Welding/ Engineering
The Advanced Manufacturing program focuses on the design, development, and use of engines, machines, and structures. CTE learners will learn how to apply science, mathematical methods, and empirical evidence to the innovation, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of different manufacturing systems. The Welding program trains, qualifies and certifies students in industry standards. Our students are also certified through the American Welding Society which prepares them for a career in that is in high demand all over the world. • FANUC Robot Operator 1 • Welding D1.1 • Autodesk Certified Professional or User in AutoCAD
Arts & AV Production
The Design and Multimedia Arts program explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. This program may also include exploration into designing clothing and accessories, and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media, for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials. • Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) • Google Cloud Certified Professional- G Suite • FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Part 107 Remote Drone Pilot
Education & Training
The Education and Training program focuses on planning, managing, and providing education and training services and related learning support services. All parts of courses are designed to introduce learners to the various careers available within the Education and Training career cluster. • SBEC Educational Aide I
Emergency Services & Law Enforcement
The Emergency Services & Law Enforcement program focuses on training CTE learners to respond to emergency situations, such as medical emergencies, fire-based emergencies and how to legally respond to breaches in law including investigative procedures. Students will learn how to prevent emergencies, respond appropriately and in accordance with rules and regulations during crises, and investigate and delineate the source of the emergency. • Security Certification Level 2 • Fire Fighter Basic 1 • Emergency Medical Technician -Basic • Basic CERT (Community Emergency Response TEAM) Certification • FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Part 107 Remote Drone Pilot
Health Science
The Healthcare Therapeutic program introduces students to occupations and educational opportunities related to diagnosing and treating acute, episodic, or chronic illness independently or as part of a healthcare team. This program also includes an introduction to the opportunities associated with providing treatment and counsel to patients as well as rehabilitative programs. Edcouch Elsa High School in coordination with RGV Vocational Services is proud to offer the Patient Care Technician Program to our students. Upon successful completion of certification and licensure requirements students are able to gain employment opportunities at varies health care facilities. • Patient Care Technician
Human Services
The Construction program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities related to constructing, installing, or repairing structures and fixtures made of wood, such as concrete forms (including frameworks, partitions, joists, studding, rafters, and stairways). It also includes exploration into installing, dismantling, and moving machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings. • OSHA 30 hour
The Family and Community Services program introduces students to knowledge and skills related to social services, including child and human development andconsumer sciences. CTE learners may learn about or practice managing social and community services. The Cosmetology & Personal Care Services program focuses on preparing learners for employment in career pathways related to personal care services. To pursue a career in cosmetology, students will learn to provide beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting coloring and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. They will learn to apply makeup, dress wigs, perform hair removal and provide nail and skin care services. • Community Health Worker with Texas A&M • Barber TDLR • Cosmetology Operator License TDLR • Nail Technician TDLR • Esthetician License TDLR
The Culinary Arts program introduces students to occupations and educational opportunities related to the planning, directing, or coordinating activities of a food and beverage organization or department. This program also explores opportunities involved in directing and participating in the preparation and cooking of food. • ServSafe Food Manager
The Automotive program teaches CTE learners how to repair and refinish automobiles and service various types of vehicles. Learners may learn to collect payment for services or supplies and perform typical vehicle maintenance procedures such as lubrication, oil changes, installation of antifreeze, or replacement of accessories like wiper blades or tires. • Entry Level ASE Brakes
Construction
Culinary Arts
Transportation Distribution and Logistics
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Congressman Gonzalez Votes to Approve Farm Workforce Modernization Act and clothe America. This bipartisan bill provides reforms that will overhaul the farmworker visa program, improve agricultural labor standards, and help American farmers compete in global markets.
WASHINGTON – On Thursday, March 18, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted to pass H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act which will provide stability, predictability and fairness to the workers who feed
“We need a guestworker program that works,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “This pandemic has highlighted America’s desperate need for farmworkers and how essential they are to our communities. While not perfect, this legislation will give farmers, ranchers and farmworkers in the 15th District of Texas some much-needed
certainty. I am proud to cast my vote for this bill and will continue working with all interested parties to ensure that access to a reliable, legal and skilled workforce is no longer out of reach." The Farm Workforce Modernization Act – stabilizes the agricultural sector and preserves our rural heritage by ensuring that farmers can meet their labor needs by establishing a program for agricultural workers, their spouses and minor children can earn legal Certified Agricultural Worker (CAW) status through continued agricultural employment. H.R. 1603
also reforms the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers. And to ensure a legal workforce for the agriculture sector, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act establishes a mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system to ensure compliance with the reformed H-2A visa program while also protecting workers’ due process rights.
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Edcouch-Elsa Career & Technical Education
2021 RIO GRANDE VALLEY LIVESTOCK SHOW Students from the Edcouch Elsa FFA Chapter participated in the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show this past Spring Break, though this livestock show was different from past shows due to COVID- 19, the students did not let that phase them and went out to exhibit their animal projects to the best of their ability. Countless hours were spent working with their animals day and night so that they would be ready for the show ring and all their hard work paid off.
Market HOG SHOW Destiny Escobar-Champion Dark OPB Dilanna Monterosa- Reserve Champion Other Cross Yanissa Ybarra-1st Place Other Cross Marissa Rodriguez-2nd Place Hampshire Deena Flores-3rd Place Hampshire Arturo Gonzalez-3rd Place Dark Cross Amaya Am Lopez-3rd Place Dark Cross Adrienne Anzaldua-4th Place Yorkshire Arlene Gonzalez-4th Place Dark Cross Justin Flores-4th Place Other Cross Emma Garza-5th Place Yorkshire Victoria Herrera-6th Place Hampshire Michael Arispe-7th Place Other Cross Ethan Duarte-8th Place Other Cross C Marco Salazar-8th Place Dark Cross Nieves Pedraza-8th Place Other Cross Allison Anzaldua-9th Place Yorkshire Rick Sanchez-10th Place Dark Cross Romeo Castillo-10th Place Dark Cross Yazlin Hernandez-12th Place Dark Cross Adysen Garcia-11th Place Other Cross Ga Pablo Gomez-13th Place Dark OPB
BREEDING HOG SHOW Yazmin Hernandez-Champion Yorkshire Yazlin Hernandez-1st Place Hampshire Adysen Garcia-2nd Place Dark Cross Romeo Castillo- 3rd Place Dark Cross Marissa Rodriguez- 3rd Place Light Cross Ethan Duarte -3rd Place Yorkshire Marco Ma Salazar-5th Place Hampshire Emma Garza-6th Place Hampshire Amanda Lopez-7th Place Dark Crosssteer
Heifer Divsion Mayra Guel- 3rd place in class AOB Heifer 1st place in class Simmental heifer 1st place in class Simmental heifer Alexa Guel- 1st place in class Simmental heifer 2nd place in class Simmental heifer Junior champion showman Marissa Balboa- 3rd place in class Santa Gertrudis heifer 4th place in class Santa Gertrudis heifer Miguel Balboa- 5th place in class Santa Gertrudis heifer Amber Balboa- 7th place in class Santa Gertrudis heifer 8th place in class Santa Gertrudis heifer Alyssa Balboa- 6th place in class Santa Gertrudis heifer Jarred Ruiz- 4th place in class Santa Gertrudis heifer
Michael Davila – 9th place in class Chianina Heavyweight steer Rebecca Davila- 10th place in class AOB Lightweight steer
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IDEA Public Schools Achieves 100 Percent College Acceptance for 15th Consecutive Year For the first time in school history, more than 54 percent of seniors have been accepted to a Tier One or Tier Two college.
IDEA Public Schools is proud to announce that for the 15th year in a row, 100 percent of seniors have been accepted into college, even amidst unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. In addition, the district announced that for the first time in school history, more than 54 percent of seniors have been accepted to a Tier One or Tier Two college. Acceptances range from local and state schools like The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and to prestigious and highly selective schools like Brown University and University of Pennsylvania. “There is no greater milestone that I enjoy celebrating more than college acceptances for our seniors,” says Phillip Garza, Chief College Officer. “College acceptance is the culmination of hard work, dedication, and devotion to our students and our mission of “College for All. For many of our
seniors, college acceptance is the first step toward being the first in their family to attend or graduate from college.” IDEA continues its legacy of college matriculation and reached this milestone with its largest senior class in school history and seniors graduating from IDEA high schools across the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Austin. This year, a total of nineteen IDEA campuses will graduate seniors including first-ever graduating classes at IDEA Weslaco Pike in the Rio Grande Valley and IDEA Monterrey Park and IDEA Walzem in San Antonio. Brijona Mosley has been accepted into five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is preparing to graduate with IDEA Walzem’s first senior class in May. Her first-choice college is Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, America’s only Historically Black and Catholic
University. “I chose an HBCU because living in San Antonio, the culture I have been exposed to is predominantly Hispanic. Growing up, I never really got to learn about or experience my culture,” Brijona said. “Going to an HBCU is important to me because it will give me the chance to learn about my culture and connect with people who are from the same background as me.” With the help of their counselors, teachers, school staff, and families, the class of 2021 has successfully accomplished: 12,609 college applications 5,409 acceptances 1,582 acceptances to selective and highly selective colleges 5 Ivy League acceptances College for All Children is made possible by IDEA’s innovative programs and a college-going culture. IDEA’s College Support Model provides students with a wide
range of services and support before and after they get accepted to college. For more information on IDEA Public Schools, please visit www. ideapublicschools.org About IDEA Public Schools IDEA Public Schools believes that each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to the fastest-growing network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools in the United States. Currently, the network serves 66,000 college-bound students in 120 schools across Texas and Louisiana. IDEA has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” and received national rankings on The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report’s Top High Schools lists. IDEA remains on-track to uphold its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college.
FOR LEASE MEDICAL SPACE 119 Retama St. Suite E Approximately 4,000 Sq. Ft. Contact: (956) 262-9940
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New Dance Program Lends a Degree of Movement to STC Performing Arts community and is excited about having an accessible, local dance program in which to pass on his passion and expertise. “There is a growing appreciation for the arts,” says the instructor. “It is no longer just the focus of entertainment. People see that there can be a lucrative career behind it.”
If you asked for American modern dancer Martha Graham’s opinion, she’d tell you that dance was the first art form. For the Performing Arts department at South Texas, it would be the last piece to shimmy into place. Every time the drama program would stage a musical like “The Bee,” or, when the music students rocked an upbeat jam in the Cooper Cabaret, the art of movement was always missing — until now. STC has announced a brand-new dance degree, beginning this fall, allowing learners to brisé into high-energy careers. Take student Arlet Juarez. Currently a business major, she plans to double up with dance in pursuit of a lifelong dream to open her own children’s studio in the Valley. “It’s really exciting because at first, I wasn’t sure there was a degree for dance,” shares Juarez, who thought she would have to transfer to follow her passion. “But now that it’s going to be here in the fall, it’s exciting because I can already step into it and see that I’m getting closer to a degree in dance.” “Finally, we have our dance major,” adds instructor Jose Zamora, who taught Juarez in high school and now works as an adjunct dance instructor at STC. Zamora grew up in the local dance
With the majority of the area’s high schools already offering robust dance programs, students like Juarez can now continue to follow their calling close to home. After all, the McAllen Independent School District boasts a national dance team. And according to a recent economic report, it also hosts the highest number of students earning seats in the All Valley fine arts programs, with many representing the region at state. Instead of waiting for a university to pursue their art — or missing out on the opportunity altogether — aspiring dancers can get off on the right foot, right at South Texas College. “Our dance programs across the Valley are so phenomenal, and they produce very talented individuals,” explains Drama Department Chair Joel Jason Rodriguez, an instructor at STC for over a decade. “To contribute to furthering that education for those students who want to pursue a career in the field, I think we’re all honored to be a part of that now.” Previously, the College has offered Beginning Ballet as well as two lecture courses, World Dance and Dance Appreciation. Now, with a full associate degree in dance in the limelight, the class schedule will surge, with more options in ballet, modern, jazz, choreography, improv and more. The degree will help students set the stage for creative careers in
dance companies and beyond, working as performers, choreographers or director’s assistants. Opportunities like these are on the rise in the RGV, which is quickly becoming a hub for art and culture in South Texas. The region staked its claim in 2017 with the debut of the McAllen Performing Arts Center, the most advanced such facility south of San Antonio, holding close to 2,000 seats. There are also career paths in education from public schools to dance studios, with the additional possibility of students like Juarez opening their own spaces. “People think that it’s just about dancing, but there are so many opportunities available within the arts,” explains Rodriguez. “To have that background in the arts gives us that foundation to go further … and it’s great to have that here at STC.” As the program develops, students will have more opportunities to study choreography and pedagogy to help meet the region’s booming demand for dance educators in public schools. Zamora says the community has a strong tradition of baile folklorico, traditional folk dances from Mexico with characteristics of ballet. The introduction of STC’s latest program will help add American contemporary and modern dance into the artistic ecosystem. “It’s an exciting endeavor to bridge what already exists here in the Valley with what is missing so that our students here have the same opportunities and exposure that other artists do around the country,” explains Zamora. Currently, the department is working on solutions to make dance classes compatible with social distancing requirements, including cleaning in between
sessions and scheduling smaller class sizes. The latter precaution yields an added benefit of expanded one-on-one instruction. “We’re up for the challenge,” says Rodriguez. “We know that we have students waiting to pursue that degree in dance.” The College has an existing dance studio on the main campus, plus access to the drama department’s black box studio and main stage theater. The program is currently looking to collaborate with local dance studios to expand further and offer more practice spaces.
Performances are also on the docket, giving students the chance to cross over and collaborate with various departments. “There are myriad opportunities for performances that our community can really enjoy,” says Rodriguez. According to the veteran thespian, the latest performing arts program addition will open up exciting possibilities, particularly when it comes to musical productions. With the new dance degree, he says, “I think we’re going to feel complete.” “Everyone is excited to see where this goes,” says Zamora. “It’s going to be incredible to give people a space to grow. … Hopefully, it will take us into the new generation of dance here in the Valley.” For students like Juarez, the opportunity couldn’t be more timely. The first in her immediate family to attend college, she is excited to pursue her art — all the more because dance studios have been largely closed since early last year. “It’s going to be a really cool experience to start dancing again,” says the success-bound bailador. “Dance has really shaped me and who I am.”
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MARCH 2021 ISSUE 101
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LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE La Villa Independent School District will hold a public auction of the following: Portable Building WHEN: The auction is scheduled to be held at 8:00 a.m., March 26, 2021; LOCATION: The building is located at the southside of the La Villa ISD Middle School, the auction will be held at: LA VILLA I.S.D. MIDDLE SCHOOL, 500 E. 9TH STREET, LA VILLA, TX 78562 Please contact Mr. David Bazaldua, Director of School Operations, at 956262-4755, extension 2011 for additional information. TERMS: MINIMUM BID $200
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