Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas — On Tuesday, December 3, 2019, James Nikki Rowe High School hosted this year’s second Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol’s Head of the Class Awards Ceremony. The event was held at the beautiful James Nikki Rowe High School Auditorium. The McAllen Independent School District Board President Marco Suarez kicked off the Head of the Class Program honoring high achieving scholars from 15 high schools within Hidalgo and Brooks counties. “It’s awesome when our students, as well as other students around the Valley, are able to receive these awards,” said Marco Suarez.
Texas State Representative Oscar Longoria was the keynote speaker for the event. Representative Longoria encouraged the students to return to South Texas after college to continue serving their border communities. Longoria further stated to the students “You are our future and I commend you”.
The selected Head of the Class recipients are now in contention for RGV Sector’s “Youth of the Year” award. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Youth of the Year scholarship program. Various organizations and community leaders collaborate with the Border Patrol to honor the Youth of the Year, culminating in a scholarship presentation at the annual ceremony held towards the end of the school year.
Head of the Class Recipients:
Jimmy Ortiz – James Nikki Rowe High School
Gabriel Espinoza – Edinburg High School
Emery Drewry – Edinburg North High School
Yamilex Cantu – Johnny Economedes High School
Alejandro Rodriguez – Robert Vela High School
Karina Casas – Falfurrias High School
Eduardo Cazares – Hidalgo Early College High School
Jonah Riojas – McAllen High School
Sofia Hernandez – McAllen Memorial High School
Claudia Quintana – PSJA Early College High School
Gianna Salinas – PSJA Memorial Early College High School
Mariana Juarez – PSJA North Early College High School
Lexi Kintigh – PSJA Southwest Early College High School
Matt Juarez – South Texas World Scholars
Priscilla Mendoza – Valley View High School
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
