Who Will Be The New Queen?

On Sunday, February 20, Andrea Noles will be turning over her crown to a new Queen who will reign over the Youth Fair which is scheduled to start on Thursday, February 23, 2011.

This year’s pageant will be held at San Isidro High School auditorium.  The pageant rotates throughout the county to bring the enthusiasm and excitement to community for the largest event that brings together students from every school in the county.

We want to invite the youth of the county to get involved in the pageant and became part of this excellent character building experience that heightens confidence and self esteem.

Falcon Makes All-State Volleyball Team

 RGCCISD Press Release
Grulla High School senior, Jessica Falcon (#5), earns a spot on the Volleyball Academic All-State Team. Athletes nominated must meet the following criteria; must have an overall grade point average of 92 or above, including grades 9th-12th and first six weeks of 12th, have been a member of the team in good standing at the time of nomination, must be a senior, and of good moral character. She was also one of the players to receive Honorable Mention in the 2010 Volleyball 32-3A District Selections. Falcon is a first year Letterman and is ranked 40 out of 221 seniors. Overall Stats include 3 blocks, 34 kills, 34 digs, 1 ace, 5 assists and 38 points. Her District Stats include 1 block, 23 kills, 12 digs, 2 assists and 15 points. Congratulations to Jessica for her accomplishments.

Grulla High School Volleyball Players Receive Honorable Mention

 RGCCISD Press Release
Grulla High School Volleyball players receive Honorable Mention in the 2010 Volleyball 32-3A District Selections while Bethany Martinez (#3) a junior is who is an outside hitter was selected for the second team. Martinez is a second year Letterman and has been a vital component on the team. Her District Stats are 8 blocks, 52 kills, 89 digs, 28 aces, 13 assists and 103 points. Her Overall Stats include 11 blocks, 73 kills, 119 digs, 38 aces, 24 assists and 142 points. She is a second year Letterman and has a promising senior year to look forward to.  Marina Flores (#20) a sophomore is a middle blocker for her team. Her District Stats include 16 blocks, 37 kills, 22 digs, 5 aces, 3 assists and 47 points while her Overall Stats include 23 blocks, 52 kills, 34 digs, 7 aces, 8 assists and 76 points.  Monica Escott (#11) a junior is a first year Letterman and is an outside hitter/right side. Her District Stats are 2 blocks, 27 kills, 157 digs, 16 aces, 5 assists and 124 points. Escott's Overall Stats include 9 blocks, 36 kills, 201 digs, 27 aces, 11 assists and 178 points. Congratulations to all these players for their outstanding achievements.

Ringgold Elementary Hosts 5th UIL Meet

 RGCCISD Press Release
Ringgold Elementary hosted its 5th UIL Invitational Meet.  We would like to thank and congratulate all coaches and students from the different elementary schools who participated in this exciting event.  Congratulations to Dr. Mario Ramirez Elementary-1st place, J & O Hinojosa Elementary-2nd place and North Grammar Elementary-3rd place.   Pictured are Edna Gonzalez-Rio Grande City CISD UIL Coordinator, Nydia Benitez-Ringgold Elementary Coordinator, Gloria Alvarez-North Grammar Elementary Assistant Principal, Marissa Aguilar-J & O Hinojosa Elementary Assistant Principal, Maricela Garcia-J & O Hinojosa Principal, Laura Ramirez-Dr. Mario E. Ramirez Elementary Assistant Principal, Adela Trijo- Dr. Mario E. Ramirez Elementary Principal, Mrs. Erica Canales, Ringgold Elementary Assistant Principal, Maria Elena Olivarez, Ringgold Elementary Principal and Jessica T. Saenz-Ringgold Elementary Counselor. RGCCISD photo.

Grulla High Holds Career Fair

RGCCISD Press Release 
The RGCCISD Career and Technology Department recently hosted a Career Fair for Grulla High School and Rio Grande City High School 10th grade students to educate them on the career options available to them and employment opportunities.  The Fair brings both private and government agencies to participate in this event so that students may gain information on career choices.  The program also showcases the specialty programs from the high schools that allow students to earn college credits and even Specialized Certificates while attending high school.  The students were encouraged to ask questions, take brochures and other items with information from the over 50 presenters attending. Mrs. Agueda Garza-Career Specialist, Mr. Arturo Menchaca-Career and Technology Director, Mrs. Roxanne Garza-College and Mr. Rick Solis College and Career Advisors from both high schools and staff would like to thank all of the presenters for the guidance and leadership provided to the students.  (RGCCISD Photo).

Ringgold Elem. Honors Veterans

 RGCCISD Press Release
Ringgold Middle School Students recently honored Veterans in the community with a ceremony.  The local heroes were recognized at the event including RMS' very own Veterans. The RMS Band and RMS Choir performed a variety of musical numbers.  Jacqueline A. Peña-Student Council President served as Mistress of Ceremonies followed by a Welcome by Victoria Smedley. 

Ashly Lopez who is a Poetry student at RMS recited a poem titled "The Noble and the Brave."  This poem praises the work of the soldiers who give so much of themselves as they leave their homes, family and country and and sometimes they do not make it back.  The poem ends with the following "So here’s to our country’s heroes; they’re a cut above the rest; let’s give the honor that is due-To our country’s very best." 

Possible Funding Cuts For Higher Ed

More than 30 legislators from across the state of Texas visited South Texas College’s Starr County Campus located in Rio Grande City. The visit was just one stop on a three-day, whirlwind tour legislators took of the entire Rio Grande Valley. The collective mission of both democrats and republicans in the crowd? To understand how their decisions impact impoverished regions like the Valley.

“It’s been a great experience touring the area,” said State Sen. Tommy Williams, (R) from District 4. “This is my second recent trip to the Valley and it’s helpful to see on the ground what’s going on and how the programs we are looking at funding and implementing will impact people’s lives.” 

Pena Retires From South Texas College

Diana Pena, vice president of finance and administrative services for South Texas College, will retire from the college effective Jan. 31, 2011. Pena, a Rio Grande City native, has been with the college since 1998. She oversaw a variety of crucial services that ensure the college runs and functions on a daily basis, including maintenance, facilities, security, human resources and all financial and business functions, excluding financial aid. She managed an annual budget of more than $130M.

“Diana Pena has played an instrumental role in the success of STC during the last 12 years and has made many significant contributions to the fiscal integrity and stability of the institution,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, STC president. “The entire institution extends its appreciation to her for her years of dedicated service and lasting contributions to making South Texas College the premier institution it is today. We share in her excitement as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.  We will miss her, and will forever be grateful for her many contributions to the college.”