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LFHS Top 10 Spotlight: Isabela Martinez Banda
Sayings in Spanish
Page 2
Public Notice
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Los Fresnos CISD Student Signing
Page 4
Hide and Seek Part 4
Page 5
Perkins Middle School Robotics Team
Page 8
LOOK INSIDE Classified................. pg 3 Sports...................... pg 4 Puzzles.................... pg 5 Activity Page........... pg 6
No. 6-ranked student plans career in aerospace engineering. (LFCISD) Parents: Brenda A. Martinez and Victor C. Martinez Siblings: Daniela (17), Victor (12), and Erick (10) Previous schools attended: Jesus M. Montemayor (1-4) and Hanneman schools – Monterrey, N.L., Mexico (5-6), Hodges Bend Middle School – Fort Bend ISD (7) and
Resaca Middle School (8) College planning to attend: Texas A&M University Planned Major: Aerospace engineering Post-undergraduate degree plans: Master’s degree in either computer science or electrical engineering Teacher influences: Javier Martinez and Gil Gomez Inspiration for Academic Success:
Since I can remember, my parents have always emphasized the importance of having a good education. Both my parents had to work to be able to pay for their education because their family could not afford it. Every morning they would wake up at 5 a.m. to be able to catch the bus to school, and they would not come home until midnight. Because of their hard work, they both graduated with a
The University Interscholastic League Legeslative Council met Tuesday June 15 to consider and approve various changes of policies and rules. One of the more notable amendments concerned the eligibility of non-enrolled students for athletic competitions. UIL provides competions in acadmemics, athletics, and music between schools across the sate of Texas. Public schools, charter schools and private schools can be members of UIL provided they are accredited by their respective accrediting bodies. According to UILTexas.org, the UIL is “the largest inter-school organization of its kind in
the world.” Since the UIL is the highest league of competition in Texas for high school athletes, many students and parents who choose homeschooling for education have sought particiapting in the UIL. People on both sides of this issue have been debating this for a long time. NFL player and College football star Tim Tebow, was home schooled before attending the University of Florida. Because of this and his fame, bills proposed in state legislatures across the country have been nicknamed the “Tim Tebow Bill.” Last month the Texas Legislature considerd and
passes it’s own version of the Tim Tebow Bill. This is HB 547. This bill allows non-enrolled students to participate in extra-cirricular athletic activities as long as certian criteria are met. · The school district that the student wishes to participate allows non-enrolled students in extra-cirricular activities. · The student resides in the geographical zone assigned to the school for which he is seeking participation. · The student is of the appropriate age and grade level for the athletic league. · The student must have standardized testing to show acadmeic proficiency.
bachelor’s degree in engineering. That is why I am pursuing a career in engineering. As to how I chose aerospace, well… It was because of a movie. Why is it important to you to maintain high academic standards? Maintaining high academic standards is the only way I can pay back everyone who believed in me. Throughout my whole life, I had the luck of meeting some of the most amazing people, which have pushed me to try my best, and have encouraged me into thinking that I can do anything. Maintaining a high academic standard is a way of showing that they are right. Career plans: I hope that once I finish my education, I can get a job as an engineer at SpaceX or even NASA because of the movies “The Martian” and “Hidden Figures.” Many people think it is because I want to go
into space, but to be honest; I am not very fond of heights. The real reason is curiosity. I want to know how we have managed to create a space station, and build a rocket that could take us all the way to the moon and back. Furthermore, I want to be part of future space discoveries. Advice to younger students to succeed academically: My advice to middle school students is to explore and get out of your comfort zone. Take an advanced course, and if you find it too difficult, you can always talk to your counselor. If core classes are not your thing, then try new elective courses. The whole point of trying new things is to find out what you like. The best decision I ever made was to take engineering electives. Not only was I able to find something I liked, but I also got the chance to meet other students with the same interests.
· The studnet must also meet any requirements of: fees, insurance, transportation, physical condition, responsibilities, standards of behavior, and performatnce. Please read the full text of the bill at capitol.texas.gov for full details. The bill is also specific to mention that this law does not change the regulation of private or home school nor seek to increase government oversight of those institutions. This was a major concern from home school families and groups. Before HB 547, students that wished to participate in extracirricular activities had to be enrolled in the school for at least 4 hours per day.
This of course, in effect, made the students enrolled and not home schooled. The UIL in the June 15th session ammended policies to reflect the new regulations in HB 547. Thus paving the way for students who find non-public schooling best fits their educational needs, to also be able to compete in the premier league of athletic competition. While the State of Texas and the UIL have now removed the oversight obstacles, the language is clear that each school district has a choice of whether to allow non-enrolled students or not. Which schools will take the steps to serve these athletes? Time will tell.
UIL Amends Policies to Allow Homeschoolers
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Ask Our Dentists by DR. ADAM LALONDE
Q: I was recently diagnosed with diabetes and learned from my doctor that gum disease is more destructive in diabetics. How can I maintain my oral health? ANSWERED by DR. LALONDE It’s true that diabetics are at an increased risk of gum and bone infections, a condition known as Periodontitis. Symptoms of this disease include bleeding gums, receding gums, sensitive teeth, bad breath, and ultimately, tooth loss. All of our mouths harbor bacteria, but in a Dr. Adam Lalonde diabetic, these bacteria start to overwhelm the body’s defenses. The destructive results of Periodontitis can make smiling, talking, and enjoying eating a challenge. Additionally, the severity of periodontal disease is increased in patients with uncontrolled diabetes.For example, patients with inadequate blood sugar levels develop periodontal disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth, than persons who have good control of their diabetes. But the good news is that you can take steps to maintain a healthy mouth and lower your risk of Periodontitis. Regular check-ups/cleanings are important to stop Periodontitis before it starts. And if dental disease does start, a dentist can treat Periodontitis with special procedures to ensure you keep all your teeth for life. If you don’t already have a dentist, I would be honored to help you with your oral health.
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CITY OF LOS FRESNOS PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING CHANGE The City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments from the public on the re-zoning of a property in Los Fresnos. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall, 520 E Ocean Blvd., Los Fresnos, Texas. Looking for Attendant/Provider for Los Fresnos and Brownsville area. 2 positions available at $10.50/Hr.
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NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: "You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 am on the Monday next following the expiration of 42 days after the date this citation was issued, a default judgment may be taken against you. In addition to filing a written answer with the clerk, you may be required to make initial disclosures to the other parties of this suit. These disclosures generally must be made no later than 30 days after you file your answer with the clerk. Find out more at TexasLawHelp.org." You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff's Original Petition at or before 10:00 o'clock A.M. on the Monday next after the expiration of 42 days after the date of issuance of this citation before the Honorable 404th District Court of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in said County in Brownsville, Texas. Said Plaintiff's Original Petition was filed in said court on the 11th day of May, 2021 in the above entitled cause. A brief statement of the nature of this suit is as follows, to-wit: Claim of Title to: Lot Thirty-Four (34), Block Eighteen (18), CAMERON PARK ADDITION, Cameron County, Texas, according to the Map or Plat of record at Volume 19, Page 28, Map Records of Cameron County, Texas. as is more fully shown by Plaintiff's Original Petition on file in this suit. Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at Brownsville, Texas, on this the 27th day of May, 2021. ATTORNEY: Francisco Orozco 24088162 956-546-3731 Sanchez Whittington & Wood LLC 3505 Boca Chica Blvd Suite 100 Brownsville TX 78521
Laura Perez-Reyes
District Clerk of Cameron County 974 E Harrison Street Brownsville, Texas 78520
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By:________________________________________ Monica Hernandez, Deputy Clerk
CITY OF LOS FRESNOS FULL-TIME MUNICIPAL DEPUTY COURT CLERK GENERAL JOB REQUIREMENTS Provides exceptional customer service and record keeping services to people conducting business with the Court. They provide information and services, completes and files, as appropriate, any necessary paperwork; maintains accurate records as necessary and determined by the Clerk of Court. Although this position does entail some exposure to courtroom activity, it is primarily a customer service and data management position.
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Applications must be submitted on the official form which is available online or at Los Fresnos City Hall, 520 E Ocean Blvd., Los Fresnos, TX 78566. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Please contact City Secretary, Jacqueline Moya for additional questions at (956) 233-5768. THE CITY OF LOS FRESNOS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/DRUG FREE EMPLOYER.
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4 • June 23, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
Los Fresnos CISD Student Signing
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Blackman to Step Down After Nine Seasons By KEVIN NARRO Los Fresnos News
LOS FRESNOSAfter nine seasons as head coach, Traci Blackman decided to step down as head coach for health reasons. Blackman who has amassed over 20 years of coaching experience will Los Fresnos senior Natalia Allegria signed her LOI in front of her family, remain at Los Fresnos teammates, teachers and coaches. Allegria will be playing soccer with the as a teacher but will Crusaders of Dallas Christian College. hang up her whistle. photos are via the Los Fresnos athletics Twitter page. “The decision to step down was not an easy one by any means,” Blackman said. “My heart health has not been good the last couple of years
and I feel like this year it had gotten to a point where I had more bad days than good days so to speak.” Blackman also has a daughter who will be a senior next school year and is looking forward to spending more time with her. “I just feel that if I can’t give my 100 percent to this team, then I am wasting my time and their time and that is not fair to anyone. My daughter is going to be a senior and I want to enjoy that last year with her and enjoy it without being sick or being
overly stressed.” She said. Under Blackman, the Lady Falcons reached the sweet 16 in 2021 for the first time in program history, along with clinching a share of the district title. Their first since their back to back district title year in 2013-14. “This season was unbelievable, making school history and going as far as we did was such a good feeling. As a coach, I have never taken credit for the things that they have accomplished.”
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June 23, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 5
The Next Chapter The Epic Battle By Nandy Ekle
Finally, he heaved a sigh of relief. It was over. The whole thing was behind him. Now he would be ready for tomorrow. It was hard to believe that five minutes earlier Brett had been sure his death had come to meet him. Five minutes ago he faced the monster head on and stood his ground, tapping the heroic attitude that this satanic demon would never take his soul. He faced the angel from hell and the fight began. Five minutes before this epic battle he sat in the bathroom floor backed into a corner and cringing like a
young child. No! No! It couldn’t be real! He pinched himself in an effort to wake up, but only created a bruise. The horror still stared at him. Five minutes before he realized this monster actually existed, he had been in the kitchen eating a fine meal with his wife and kids: pork chops with apple sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, broiled asparagus, and he knew carrot cake was for dessert. His favorite meal; Cassie must have something special planned. She had carefully cultivated his anticipation. He would enjoy his meal, then give her his undivided attention.
And then, between a bite of potatoes and a drink from his glass, one of the kids asked to be excused to the restroom. “Sure, go ahead,” he had answered with a smile. Five minutes before that wondrous meal which would lead to whatever Cassie’s plan was, Brett pulled into the driveway after a day at the office. His job was going well and he didn’t have a care in the world. The promotion looked right in line right where it should have been; his work for the month was finished; all the customers loved him and asked for him personally instead of taking the next person in line. What in the world could knock him down now! He smiled and left his car. Now, these twenty minutes later, he had learned what endurance and strength really meant. He looked at his handiwork, the remnants of the beast left laying on the floor, Cassie and the kids standing in the hallway with eyes as round as the plates on the dinner table. He grabbed a piece of toilet paper to soak the sweat
from his forehead. They knew. They knew his weakness. Correction, they knew his PAST weakness. Never again would he feel faint when facing a monster of this type. Thinking back to the battle that had ended in the bathroom two minutes earlier, his trembling began. Tina, the child that had been excused from the table, had screamed and Brett, the father and defender of the home, ran to her side. He saw the intruder and suddenly felt faint himself. Of all evil things in the world, why did he have to face this one? But his daughter’s screaming little voice cut through the fear. “Kill it, Daddy! Kill it!” He had stared at the vile creature as Cassie put the weapon in his hand. This was the moment of truth. Could he, Brett Foster, master of the banking world, protector of the House of Foster, face his biggest fear and kill the terror that threatened to take his home, his family, his daughter? He raised his weapon
and took a step closer. IT rose up as if to look him in the face. He could almost hear the hiss of its voice. “Come get me, scaredy boy!” He had backed against the wall, his weaponed hand lowering without his consent. “I can’t do it! I can’t! No way! It’ll just go away if I leave it alone.” “Daddy, I believe in you.” Tina leaned over and brushed her lips against her daddy’s ear. A light exploded in his brain so that he almost lost his vision again. He WAS the master. He was the builder of the house, the provider and protector of the home, and his darling little Tina had faith in
Want your story in the paper? This story continues next week. The Next Chapter is a column featuring a serialized continuing short story from a local author. You can submit your own original story for publication at our Facebook Page.
43. Did 2 + 2 (2 words) 45. Crocheted blanket 47. Swedish shag rug 48. Ancient port city in Israel 50. Smiley face 52. *First President to hold July 4th celebration at the White House 56. Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and ____” 57. Medicinal succulent 58. Hit the bottle 59. Earthenware pots 60. View from a highspeed train? 61. Observer 62. “Glengarry ____ Ross” 63. G, in solfa 64. “The Fountainhead” author
LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS
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her daddy. How dare this demon threaten his daughter! He would hang its giblets from the porch to show any others that came along that he was the boss of his turf! He raised his weapon one more time and a look of supreme determination gelled on his face. “NO SPIDERS ALLOWED IN MY HOUSE!!” And he had slapped the arachnid with the force of a dynamite explosion sending it to oblivion. He heaved another sigh of relief as five hundred nearly invisible black spots left their dead mother and looked for dark corners in which to hide.
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6 • June 23, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
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June 23, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7
Local Health Officials Continue to Stress the Importance of COVID Vaccination BROWNSVILLE & HARLINGEN – As health and government officials throughout the Rio Grande Valley and beyond are cautiously optimistic that the COVID-19 pandemic has entered its final stages, local physicians are continuing to urge residents who have not yet been vaccinated to strongly consider doing so. Health officials have long maintained that the best way to bring the pandemic to a close is for the United States to reach herd immunity against COVID-19. Herd immunity occurs when most of the population becomes immune to the disease, making person-toperson transmission unlikely. While calculating an exact figure is difficult, most experts have suggested it will take approximately 70 percent of the population to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to reach that point. With more than 78 percent of seniors in Cameron County now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the 65-and-older population throughout Cameron County has heard the plea of local health officials to choose vaccination, according to data provided by the Texas
State Department of State Health Services. Dr. Beverly Zavaleta, physician adviser at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville, said it is encouraging that seniors throughout the region have chosen to trust the science behind vaccines as a means to protect themselves against COVID-19 and do their part to bring the pandemic to a close and urged others to do the same. “I’m encouraged that so many people have already been vaccinated,” she said. “However, every person I’ve admitted to the hospital recently with COVID pneumonia was not vaccinated. Many said that the reason they delayed their vaccine was that they wanted to ask their doctor about it. If you feel this way, don’t delay — ask your doctor and get your questions answered. The COVID vaccine is recommended for almost everyone.” While it is encouraging that most seniors throughout the county have chosen to receive one of the available COVID-19 vaccines, more individuals under 65 years old must overcome vaccine hesitancy in order for the region to reach herd immunity, especially
now that the FDA has approved the use of the Pfizer version of the vaccine in children as young as 12 years old. According to data provided by the state department of health services, nearly 58 percent of the eligible population under 65 years old in Cameron County is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, well above the state average of 44 percent, but still considerably lower than the 70 percent needed for herd immunity. That means many local residents between the ages of 12 and 65 years old are still at an increased risk of both contracting and spreading COVID-19, in addition to facing higher odds of experiencing severe complications of COVID-19 infection that may require hospitalization, said Dr. Christopher Romero, an internal medicine specialist at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen. “We have made tremendous progress locally with vaccination efforts, and we have seen firsthand the benefits with fewer cases, fewer hospitalizations, and fewer deaths,” he said. “Vaccination has definitely saved lives and prevented many of our friends and
neighbors from suffering from a devastating disease we now have tools to prevent.” When the Pfizer and Moderna versions of the COVID-19 vaccine became publically available in late 2020, some individuals expressed the desire to wait until more data on the safety of the vaccines became available before choosing vaccination themselves. With more than 135 million Americans now fully vaccinated nationwide according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and reported complications from vaccination being few and far between, it should be clear that the available vaccines are safe and represent the best way to bring about an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, Romero said. “I am continually reassured by the research coming out on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines available in the United States,” he said. “Despite all the progress, made we need to make that final push here to continue to protect our community. If we look to Argentina, their ICUs are again overflowing and 95 percent of those new patients were unvaccinated when they got sick.” Local residents who chose vaccination early in the process also faced
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (June 11, 2021) – Texas Southmost College was awarded $100,000 by the Texas Workforce Commission to host a summer youth camp that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) through the Governor’s Summer Merit Program. With this grant, TSC will host “STEM Superheroes,” a free virtual three-track camp open to any Rio Grande Valley high school student in grades 9-12. The camp is set to begin this month. “The purpose of these camps is to promote high-skill, high-demand
jobs in STEM fields,” said TSC Dean of STEM and Career Technology Education Murad Abusalim, Ph.D. “Each student will have the chance to explore STEM opportunities and gain valuable experience that hopefully encourages them to pursue STEM careers.” According to a press release from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Governor’s Summer Merit Program aims to inspire Texas youth to pursue STEM-related careers and to introduce students to advanced technologies. The camps also target young women and
minorities with the goal of encouraging them to pursue educational and career opportunities in STEM. “As Texas employers become more technologically advanced, we must ensure that the next generation of Texans are prepared with the STEM skills they need for success,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. “Congratulations to the 10 Texas colleges and universities for being selected by the Texas Workforce Commission for my office’s Summer Merit Program…this program will provide students across the
state with STEM-based training that will better prepare them to compete for the high demand careers of the present and future.” With this grant, TSC joins the ranks of Texas colleges and universities such as Texas A&M University, San Jacinto College, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Central Texas College. “Although virtual, students can still expect to have a memorable experience,” said Abusalim, who, along with his department, are working diligently to make these camps fun and educational.
the daunting hurdle of demand far outstripping the available supply of the vaccine, often having to navigate lengthy waiting lists and lines to go through the vaccination process at organized clinics throughout the region. But those obstacles are no longer an issue, Zavaleta said. “Doses of the vaccine are plentiful now, so lack of vaccine supply is not a reason to delay vaccination," she said. "I was able to walk into a local pharmacy with my 15yearold without an appointment and get him a COVID vaccine within 10 minutes. It's easy and convenient now." Cameron County and the city of Brownsville have worked tirelessly to make the vaccine available to local residents free of charge, Zavaleta said. Brownsville held its most recent vaccination clinic earlier this week, and has made the vaccine available at a number of venues, including the weekly Saturday farmers market located at Southern Pacific Linear Park at 660 E. Ringgold St. The city of Brownsville is continually adding more opportunities for local residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and more information on vaccination events can be found at www. btxcares.com or by calling (956) 394-0012. Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville
held its own public vaccination clinic earlier this week, and will look to host additional clinics in the future. For more information, follow Valley Baptist Health System on social media or visit www. valleybaptist.net. Harlingen also continues to hold regular vaccination clinics. For more information on upcoming COVID-19 vaccination opportunities, visit the city’s website at www.myharlingen.us. For those choosing vaccination or who have already received their first dose, Zavaleta offered final words of both gratitude and encouragement, reminding local residents to make sure they receive both doses of whichever two-dose vaccine they receive. "I want to remind you to go back for your second shot. Even if you're a few days or weeks behind schedule, that second shot is extremely important for building up the high level of protective antibodies against the coronavirus," Zavaleta said. “I'm so thankful for the COVID vaccine and I can't stress enough how happy I am to be vaccinated. I'm very grateful to all of you who have gotten vaccinated to protect yourselves and improve the health and quality of life our community."
“Learning is fun. We want these students to see that they are capable of successful STEM careers and that there are many exciting career possibilities out there,” he said. “Our goal is to give them the tools they need to set up a path toward success in STEM.” High school students will get to choose from one of three tracks: Biotechnology and Medicine, Physics and Robotics, or Cybersecurity and iOS App Development. Some of the courses will also be offered as a dual-credit class aligned with TSC’s Dual Credit Pathways program. Texas Workforce Commission Chair Bryan Daniel said it’s colleges like TSC that make the Governor’s Summer Merit Program a success for Texas students. “The Governor’s Summer Merit Program encourages young Texans to pursue
STEM fields which set them on a path for future careers in Texas’ innovative industries,” said Daniel. “Thanks to Governor Abbot and the contributions of our university and community college grantees, students will gain valuable STEM education and career exploration opportunities.” Abusalim said TSC is looking forward to welcoming more than 300 students into its virtual classrooms this summer as part of the program. “Last summer, because of COVID, our camps were cancelled, so we’re happy to be offering these opportunities once again,” he said. “It’s going to be an invaluable experience for the students in our area and we’re excited to create STEM superheroes.”
TSC Gives Local Students STEM Super Powers
For more information, or to apply, email stemcamp@tsc.edu or call 956-295-3747.
8 • June 23, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
UTRGV Receives Historic $40 Million Gift!
Donation from MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett will bolster university’s commitment to student success, expanding educational opportunities. Valley and beyond." Scott and Jewett recognized UTRGV based on its success as the second-largest Hispanic Serving Institution in the country and its proven ability to transform the lives of underserved students through higher education. Recently, UTRGV ranked first in Texas and
By UTRGV News and Internal Communications RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JUNE 15, 2021 – Today is a momentous day in the history of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley as it
received a transformative $40 million gift from philanthropists MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett to enhance its mission of student success and expanding educational opportunities. UTRGV President
Guy Bailey said the grant will provide muchneeded scholarship money for students not just as they enter college, but throughout their educational journey. “This is truly a significant day for UTRGV that should be
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (June 11, 2021) – Every day during this school year, the Robotics Team at Perkins Middle School in Brownsville met virtually to prepare for the 2021 First Tech Challenge robotics competition, where they won first place for their district and brought home the Collins Aerospace Innovate Award. The middle school robotics team is part of the Texas Southmost College Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center housed at Perkins. The team was created three years ago and has seen success that led to this year’s win. “I knew we had the perfect team this year to achieve this win,” said Julio Ledezma, Perkins Middle School College and Career Readiness and 21st Century Robotics and Coding teacher. “We had a combination of experienced eighth graders
and a group of seventh and sixth graders who were all willing to work together despite the challenges we faced with COVID to make this possible.” TSC’s Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers, in partnership with the Brownsville Independent School District and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is a fiveyear grant program that supports the creation of community learning centers in local high schools. These centers provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for students, particularly those who attend high-poverty and lowperforming schools. To date, TSC’s 10 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers have served more than 15,000 Brownsville middle and high school students. One of those
experienced eighth graders is Tianna Resendez, who also served as the team’s captain. She joined the 21st Century Robotics program in sixth grade and since then has been practicing her programming and robotic three-dimensional designing and printing skills to lead the team in perfecting this year’s rover. “At times, the process has been overwhelming, especially because most of our work was done virtually,” she said. “But my goal as captain was not only to win, but make it fun, and I think that helped us relax and get the job done. I couldn’t have been happier when I realized we were able to beat not only other middle schools, but also high schools.” For Resendez and her team this was a huge accomplishment. Since Resendez is the captain, she is the student who took the lead on presenting her
(UTRGV Archival Photo by David Pike / 2018)
celebrated by all of us. We are extremely grateful to Ms. Scott and Mr. Jewett for their incredible generosity,” Bailey said. “This gift, and the support we continue to receive from many others, will help UTRGV continue to transform the Rio Grande
fifth nationally in the performance of Pelleligible students; first in Texas and 11th nationally in the performance of first-generation students; and second in Texas and 29th nationally in the social mobility of our students. UTRGV is also the first among national public universities with the lowest student debt.
Philanthropists Dan Jewett and MacKenzie Scott gifted a historic $40 million to UTRGV on Tuesday to go toward enhancing student success and expanding educational opportunities. (Photo via The Giving Pledge)
Perkins Middle School robotics team puts Brownsville and TSC 21st Century program on the map
The robotics team at Perkins Middle School in Brownsville recently won first place at the 2021 First Tech Challenge robotics competition and the Collins Aerospace Innovate Award.
team’s rover processes, design and functions to a group of judges, who awarded the team the Collins Aerospace Innovate Award for their ability to arrive at their design solution through ingenuity, creativity and inventiveness. Ledezma said it took a
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lot of time and dedication to arrive at the solutions his robotics team did. “I was basically their hands since we weren’t allowed at school together,” he said. “They fed me their programming and I inputted functions to ensure everything worked the way it should for competition. It wasn’t easy, but my students persevered and overcame every obstacle that they faced. I am so proud of every one of them.” The first-place team included Resendez, Nia Ledezma, Bryan Gonzalez, Jazilyn Martinez and Federico Ramos. Resendez said without TSC’s 21st Century program, an opportunity for students like her
would not be possible, and Ledezma agrees. “TSC’s 21st Century programming on our campus and our on-site coordinator Fidel Gonzalez have been a great asset to Perkins,” he said. “It has allowed me to see students like Tianna break out of their shells, gain leadership skills and grow as students and people. It’s made a big difference and we can see how our students have flourished.” Ledezma added that this team set a precedent for other teams coming behind them and he knows they will continue to put Brownsville on the map. Students interested in this program should talk to their middle or high school counselors
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