Summit Explores Solutions for RGV's Low HS Grad. Figures

Approximately 50 percent of the residents of the Rio Grande Valley aged 25 and older have not earned a high school diploma, much less college credits. Of that 50 percent, approximately one half have earned a ninth grade education.

“When you are confronted with this data, it is startling and causes serious concern,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, South Texas College president. “That is why we continue to host our annual Summit on College Readiness. Collectively, we have to do more to stress the importance of education, because the journey to college must begin the day a child is born. Our region will simply not continue to prosper if we don’t develop a high skill, competitive, and educated workforce, which includes all deep South Texans.”

Cancer Screening Awareness Event to be Held in RGC

On Friday, March 11 Texas AgriLife Extension Service along with F.J. Scott Study Club will be hosting a major event. “Pink Party” at the MultiPurpose Center in the Fort Ringgold Campus starting at 2:00pm.  The purpose of the event is to raise the awareness for the “need” for screening for various cancers. 

The program will include a presentation by a health professional, small group discussions on screening barriers women might have encountered, and an opportunity to sign up to sign up for screenings.  There will be door prizes, exhibits and refreshments for those attending the event.

The event targets Hispanics women over 40 living in small rural communities.  Women in this age group are less likely to be screened for breast and cervical cancers which are curable if detected early.  This is a free event.

Person wishing to attend or who need additional information can call the Extension office at 487-2306.

Local JROTC to be Featured in National Magazine

RGCCISD Press Release
The Rio Grande City High School JROTC cadets were recently interviewed for an article that will be highlighted in The Cadet magazine. The Cadet is issued quarterly and is programmed to be released nationwide in February of 2011 to all the JROTC and Senior ROTC programs. This program was selected for its unique feature of the Mounted Cavalry and the tie to Fort Ringgold’s history.

“We are proud of the kids, we have something unique here, and it’s nice to be able to share that and show other JROTC programs and cadets the tie to the history,” said Major David Rutledge, JROTC Instructor. According to Rutledge, it was the uniqueness of having a mounted cavalry as well as a regular ground cavalry caught the author’s eye.

Grulla Cheerleaders Perform for NBA Team

RGCCISD Press Release
Grulla High School Cheerleaders had a Gators Night on January 19, 2011 at the State Farma Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. The squad performed a choreographed dance and cheered for the Vipers.  The GHS Cheer squad is responsible for maintaining school spirit at  different sporting events. They also participate in various community projects and events. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers is a basketball team that is part of the NBA Develpment League. Congratulations to the GHS Cheerleaders for participating at this basketball game.

VMS Cheerleaders Win Big at Tournament

RGCCISD Press Release 
VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Congratulations to the Veterans Middle School Diamondettes for earning the 1st Place Trophy at the Cheer America Cheer and Dance Championship in Corpus Christi on January 16, 2011.  VMS is extremely proud of the Diamondettes who practiced diligently and also thanks the parents and coaches for their dedication and support to the team.  Members of the Diamondettes are Lizbeth Alanis, Yarely Alaniz, Ashley Arredondo, Odaliz Barrera, Andrea Barron, Jackie Garcia, Priscilla Garza, Paulina Martinez, Julaika Moreno, Jaslyn Resendez, Claudia V. Saldivar, Victoria Salinas, Cecilia Solis, Reyna Villarreal, Denise De Leon, Guadalupe Hernandez, Priscila Leal, Jovita C. Gonzalez (Coach), and Brenda L. Garza (Coach).

RGC Semi-Pro Football This Saturday

RGC High Varsity Basketball Ladies End Season

RGCCISD Press Release
Rio Grande City High School Varsity Basketball Lady Rattlers had a strong finish to their season this year. Coach Compean and Coach Valenciana would like to thank the girls for their hard work, effort and dedication to the sport. A few of the girls on the team will be returning next year and are looking forward to an even better season. Pictured left to right are; (Top) Coach Compean, Monique Diaz, Mayra Garcia, Alexis Bazan and Coach Valenciana. (Bottom) Joelda Olivarez, Ana Laura Pruneda, Kelly Alderman, Cassandra Guerra, and Daniela Garza. RGCCISD.

Benavidez Sworn in to RGCCISD Police Department.

RGCCISD Press Release
Mrs. Norma Nelly Moraida Benavidez was sworn in recently by RGCCISD Police Chief Hernan Garza. Benavidez attended the Mission Police Academy where she trained in all areas of police duties and attained a TCLEOSE (Police and Investigator Certification) from the State of Texas. She brings law enforcement experience working with juveniles through her employment as a Detention Officer at the Juvenile Justice Center for the past 2 1/2 years.  Benavidez has held many hats in her lifetime which have given her a extensive perspective on the needs of others. Her previous accolades include working to insure that policies were in place that would positively impact migrant families and  later she attended UCAS (University of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences)  where she obtained her Cosmetology Instructor's License. She also worked briefly as a Cosmetology Instructor at Vogue College. Benavidez will undoubtedly be an asset to the RGCCISD Police Department.  Mrs. Benavidez is married to Victor M. Benavidez and they have three (3) children, Victor Jr. -20 (Attending the Police Academy), Victoria C. -11 (Veterans Middle School) and Norma Valeria-10 (General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary).   (RGCCISD Photo).