Texas Border Business
MISSION, Texas – On March 28, 2026, Teach For America Rio Grande Valley (TFA) will host its annual Honor Roll Gala, marking 35 years of impact and celebrating the people and partners who have transformed education across the Valley. Now in its eighth year, the Honor Roll Gala not only celebrates exceptional educational leadership but also marks 35 years of collective impact, partnership, and progress in the Rio Grande Valley. This year’s event honors those who continue to reimagine what’s possible for students and communities through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the power of education.
This year’s honorees exemplify visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity for all students. Dr. Guy Bailey, founding president of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, will receive the Educational Champion Award; Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) will be honored with the Institutional Catalyst Award; and, in celebration of 35 years of collective impact, Teach For America will collectively recognize all of our approximately 1,600 alumni in honor of their enduring contributions to students and communities across the Valley.
The Educational Champion Award is given to an individual who demonstrates individual leadership which advances educational excellence and opportunities for all- reaching a large number of students through a sustained commitment to supporting students, schools, and the broader community.
2025 Educational Champion: Dr. Guy Bailey
“While I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, it truly reflects the shared commitment of our students, faculty, and staff at UTRGV. Everything we accomplish is rooted in their passion for education and their belief in the transformative power it holds. This award belongs to the Valley, a community that continues to lead with heart, resilience, and vision,” said Dr. Guy Bailey, President of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
As the founding president of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Guy Bailey has spent the past decade transforming access to higher education across South Texas. Since 2014, his leadership has guided UTRGV to national recognition for excellence, affordability, and social mobility—while enrollment, research, and philanthropy have reached record highs.
Dr. Bailey has championed groundbreaking initiatives like Tuition Advantage and Luminary Scholars, ensuring students can earn world-class degrees without financial barriers. Before leading UTRGV, he served as president of Texas Tech University and the University of Alabama, and as chancellor of the University of Missouri–Kansas City.
A noted linguist and researcher, Dr. Bailey’s work has been featured in The New York Times and NPR. His proudest achievement remains UTRGV itself—a powerful model of how education can transform communities and futures.
The Institutional Catalyst award is given to an institution, nonprofit, governmental entity, educational institution, or business which demonstrates collective leadership which advances educational excellence and opportunities for all- reaching a large number of students through a sustained commitment to supporting students, schools, and the broader community.
2025 Institutional Catalyst: Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District
“We are deeply honored to receive the Institutional Catalyst Award from Teach For America. This recognition reflects the dedication of our educators, students, and community who embody our district’s leadership definition — a commitment to excellence and a heart for people. Through our partnership with TFA, we continue to empower future educators, strengthen classroom experiences, and create innovative pathways that ensure every student in Harlingen CISD has the opportunity to thrive and to be positioned for continued success. Together, we are shaping the future,” said Dr. Veronica Kortan, Superintendent of Harlingen CISD.
“Teach For America’s mission to develop leaders who expand educational opportunity and excellence aligns deeply with the values we uphold at Harlingen CISD. Together, we are building a community of educators who are committed to making a lasting impact on students and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to an excellent education. In HCISD, we cultivate partnerships to advance an innovative approach to education and student achievement, and our partnership with TFA reflects that shared belief as we, collectively, transform lives and the future of our region,” said Dr. Nolan Perez, President of the Board of Trustees of Harlingen CISD.
Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) is a public school district located in Harlingen, Texas, serving approximately 16,000 students across 31 campuses, including 18 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 6 high schools.
Established in 1950 through the merger of Harlingen and Stuart Place Independent School Districts, HCISD has been a cornerstone of education in the Rio Grande Valley for over seven decades.
The district’s mission is to provide educational excellence for all students, fostering college, career, and workforce readiness while offering diverse pathways for success. HCISD emphasizes personalized learning, ensuring that each student has access to high-quality education and support tailored to their individual needs.
Notably, HCISD operates its own cable television station, KHGN-TV, which broadcasts school and district events, student productions, and educational programming, enhancing community engagement and communication.
With a dedicated staff and a commitment to innovation, HCISD continues to prepare students for life beyond the classroom, contributing to the growth and development of the Harlingen community.
“When students succeed, their communities succeed alongside them. These honorees embody the dedication, creativity, and passion required to ensure every student can reach their full potential, leaving a lasting impact across the Rio Grande Valley,” said Ana Gonzalez, executive director of Teach For America.
As students continue to navigate learning challenges and adapt to changes in our community and beyond, Teach For America remains dedicated to equipping educators with the resources and support they need to provide outstanding instruction and opportunities. Proceeds from this event will directly support local initiatives to recruit, train, and develop educational leaders—including our college Ignite tutors, incoming corps members, and the network of over 240 alumni who continue to drive meaningful impact across the Rio Grande Valley.
The Honor Roll Gala will be on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Mission Event Center. Programming will include a cocktail reception, followed by dinner, music, and more. Teach For America Regional Board Chair Deborah Cordova states, “We’re proud to celebrate the changemakers shaping education in the Rio Grande Valley and to reaffirm our shared vision of a future where every student has access to an excellent education.”
To view our honoree’s full bios, learn more about our event, and to purchase tickets, visit www.teachforamerica.org/HonorRollGala.
