Lt. Governor Dewhurst selects STC's Valley Scholars Program for donation

Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, the 2011 Border Texan of the Year, selected South Texas College's Valley Scholars Program to be one of four recipients of the proceeds from the 2011 Border Texan of the Year Dinner. Dewhurst presented STC President Shirley A. Reed with a check for $8,000, which will be used to provide scholarships to academically gifted students.

"The future of Texas is being forged in our classrooms and universities every day, and I'm so proud to see that South Texas College is providing our talented students with the tools they need to succeed in school and in life,” Dewhurst expressed.

STC’s Valley Scholars Program was founded to provide the financial assistance, academic support services, mentoring and leadership development to help academically talented and highly motivated students be successful in college. Program graduates have gone on to study at premier universities around the nation including The University of Texas-Pan American, Texas A&M University, The University of California and Emerson College. They have become doctors, lawyers, teachers and professionals making a difference in the Valley and across the state and nation.

RGC High School ACE Program Present Play

Rio Grande City High School After School Centers on Education (ACE Program) Presented "Pedrito's Road" a play based on the novels "Pedrito's World and Pedrito's Road" by Arturo O. Martinez a local writer.  The play was directed by Mr. Ricardo Lee Lopez, Jr. (Instructor) and  the cast's performances were fabulous. The crew also did an excellent job. The cast members included, Javier Guerra who played "Pedrito", Wistano Barrientos who played his father, Fernanda Benavidez who played the mother, and the supporting cast members included, Ciara Sepulveda, Amy Olivarez, Luis Vasquez, Jose Cantu, Darren Garcia, Edgar Santos, Olga Cesar and Viviana Garcia.  The crew included; Saida Guerra, Alexandria Garcia, Arled Gonzalez, Daisy Garcia and Jacqueline Leal.

The plot in Pedrito's Road is of a young Hispanic boy becoming of age and wanting to demonstrate that Hispanic heritage is strong and has produced many heroes.  Pedrito gets an idea to have the main street in his town named after a Hispanic war hero, but had a difficult time getting his community to sign the petition that he was circulating.  His actions have repercussions for his followers and that saddens him very much.  Finally, the Hispanic community gets rewarded not by having the main street bear the name of a Hispanic hero but an even greater success by having a brand new high school named after him.  The play demonstrates the impact a person can have just by remaining motivated and diligent. The ACE Program is an after school program designed to train students in difference aspects of arts, and educational goals to enrich their learning and creativity for a well rounded education. The ACE Program is under the direction of Mrs. Adelina Villarreal, who works closely with the instructors to insure program success.  Congratulations to all the members of the ACE Program students and their instructor for a job well done. (RGCCISD Public Relations).

Rep. Guillen Awards Full-Paid Scholarship to Roma Grad

AUSTIN -- On Feb. 6, State Representative Ryan Guillen (D-Starr County) awarded recent Roma High School graduate Anthony Paulson with the Texas Armed Services Scholarship at the UTPA Visitors Center in Edinburg. Rep. Guillen presented Paulson, a cadet in UTPA's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), with a full-ride scholarship check for $75,000. Anthony will receive $15,000 per school year for up to five years to help pay for all of his college expenses. Guillen selected him for the scholarship program during the fall semester of 2011.

"What ultimately impressed me with Anthony is the deep level of respect he has for all veterans who have honorably served our nation, both young and old," said Rep. Guillen. "I also appreciate Anthony's passion for science and his desire to expand his interest in the field of medicine while proudly serving in the U.S. Army, as it is an area of study he greatly enjoys. I'm sincerely glad to see him become a recipient of this exceptional scholarship."

An excited and grateful Paulson at the ceremony noted, "It is a great honor and privilege to have received this award. I thank my family and God for molding me into the person I am today and UTPA's ROTC and Representative Ryan Guillen for giving me the opportunity to represent the university and its ROTC program in the years to come."

Local H.S. Students Honored by B.P.

Rio Grande City High School Senior Gilberto Garcia, Jr. and RGCCISD Grulla High School Senior Dayali Garcia were named to U.S. Border Patrol Head Of Class Student by the RGV Sector Border Patrol in a ceremony Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Rio Grande City High School.This program is an award that recognizes seniors in all Valley High Schools who demonstrate academic excellence.

Gilberto Garcia, Jr. is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gilberto Garcia.  He will pursue a career in the dental industry and is ranked third in his class.  Patricio is described as a gifted student and a leader by his teachers and peers.  He is proud to say that he is at school by 7:00 a.m. every morning and always glad to assist his fellow classmates with homework.

Dayali Garcia is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eligio Garcia and plans to pursue a career in physical therapy and business administration.  She is currently the top student in her graduating class.  Dayali is a very dedicated young lady who enjoys doing school work as well as volunteering in many different organizations both in school and in the community.  She is very grateful to her parents for all of their support.

Local College Library Presents Film in Honor of Black History Month

South Texas College’s Department of History, in conjunction with the STC Library, has a variety of activities scheduled throughout the month of February to celebrate Black History Month. Admission to all events and activities is free and open to the public.

In addition to distinguished speakers, a series of films will be shown at the college’s Pecan, Mid-Valley and Starr County campus libraries. The schedule is as follows:

Starr County Campus Library:
Feb 21, 2 p.m. - “Night Catches Us”

For more information contact Terri Rosales at 956-488-5820

RGCCISD Nutrition Program Decorating Contest a Success

The Rio Grande City CISD Child Nutrition Program held a Christmas Decorating Contest in all the school campus cafeterias in December. The Child Nutrition Program initiated this contest in order to encourage cafeteria employees to work collaboratively with campus administration in improving the atmosphere in the cafeteria. The goal is to make the cafeteria warm and inviting in order for students/staff feel comfortable in their surroundings. This type of environment can help everyone that enters the cafeteria start to create wonderful memories. The results of the contest are as follows; Grulla Elementary (1st   place), Grulla Middle School  (2nd  place) and General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary  3rd place.

Rep. Guillen Recognized for Latest Efforts

On Jan. 24th, State Representative Ryan Guillen (D-Starr County) was recognized by Texas Impact, a faith-based non-profit group, at the State Capitol for his work during the 82nd legislative session to champion community faith-based initiatives. Texas Impact presented him with the Legislative Leadership Award for successfully passing House Bill 2610, making it easier for individuals to apply for a wide variety of state public assistance benefits.

"With the passage of this bill, our state will be able to reduce administrative costs and get more resources to those who need them the most in our communities," emphasized Rep. Guillen. "I am deeply grateful for the continued support I've  received from the dedicated staff of Texas Impact, and I look forward to working with them on future initiatives."

House Bill 2610 establishes a statewide online community-based navigator system in which volunteers will assist individuals seeking or applying for public assistance benefits  through the Texas Integrated Redesign System (TIERS). Through the web portal www.YourTexasBenefits.com, the state's online enrollment system applicants and community-based helpers will be able to electronically submit all parts of an application for many public benefits programs, including required documentation.

Art Exhibit Opens Today at Local College

South Texas College’s Starr County Campus Library Art Gallery presents “Facilitating Crises,” an exhibit featuring the mixed media paintings of M.C. Farris. The exhibit opens Thursday, Feb. 2 and will be on view through Friday, May 11, 2012 at STC’s Starr County Campus Library Art Galley which is located at 142 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City. Admission is free and open to the public.

M.C. Farris is a professional artist and an assistant professor of design art at The University of Texas-Pan American. He earned his master’s in painting from Texas A&M University and his master’s of art education from Texas Tech University. His work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally.

“The exhibit deals with concerns such as racism, identity, and living in a world where everything is uncertain,” explained Dawn Haughey, STC Art Galley associate. “Farris depicts people that are unidentifiable, in environments that are monotonous or anxiety ridden, so that we can question who we are and what we want.”

South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery Program exhibits regional, national and international artwork, explores new visions and theories of creativity, and introduces innovative artistic expressions to the South Texas region.