Texas Border Business
Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – The McAllen Housing Commission hosted its 2026 Scholarship Banquet on June 18, 2026, at the Verta Hotel in McAllen. Students, families, board members, elected officials, community partners, sponsors, and staff attended the event, recognizing 19 scholarship recipients from area high schools.
The program opened with remarks from McAllen Housing Commission Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez, who welcomed attendees and recognized local officials, board members, community partners, school representatives, sponsors, students, and families. The event also included an invocation by Board Vice-Chair Eliseo “Tito” Salinas and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Marc David Garcia.
According to McHC, the scholarship program is funded through the annual Robert “Bobby” Calvillo Home Is Where the Heart Is 5K fundraiser. Ramirez reported that over the past five years, the program has awarded scholarships to 78 students and distributed more than $103,000 in scholarship assistance. This year, McHC awarded $23,000 to graduating seniors pursuing higher education.
The banquet included recognition of the late Robert “Bobby” Calvillo, former CEO of Affordable Homes of South Texas. McHC credited Calvillo’s support of affordable housing, education, and community development with helping establish and sustain the scholarship program. Members of his family attended the event and were recognized alongside representatives of Affordable Homes of South Texas and CEO Myra Martinez.
Mayor Pro-Tem Pepe Cabeza de Vaca delivered special remarks, congratulating the scholarship recipients and their families. He stated that education “opens doors, creates opportunities and strengthens families and communities for generations to come.” Cabeza de Vaca also thanked the McAllen Housing Commission for supporting local students and investing in their futures.
McHC Board Chair Elva M. Cerda introduced keynote speaker Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eduardo “Eddie” Cantu. During his address, Cantu encouraged students to celebrate their accomplishments while continuing to work toward their goals. He advised recipients to “stay humble, stay grateful and continue working hard every day” and emphasized the importance of seeking assistance when needed, using campus resources, and maintaining faith throughout their educational journey.
Two scholarship recipients, Mayeli Hernandez of McAllen High School and Aimee Guerrero of PSJA North High School, addressed the audience. Hernandez spoke about overcoming self-doubt and pursuing careers in healthcare and music. Guerrero reflected on balancing academics and extracurricular activities while crediting her mother for her support and encouragement.
The evening concluded with the presentation of scholarship certificates by Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator Maria Loredo. Recipients represented McAllen High School, Memorial High School, Nikki Rowe High School, IDEA McAllen, IDEA Los Encinos, and PSJA North High School. Following the presentations, students participated in a group photo and received congratulations from community leaders, family members, and supporters.
The 2026 McAllen Housing Commission Board of Commissioners includes Chair Elva M. Cerda, Vice-Chair Eliseo “Tito” Salinas, Commissioner Marc David Garcia, Commissioner Francisco Meza, and Resident Commissioner Miguel Martinez. The banquet program carried the theme, “A sky full of stars, a future full of possibilities.”
See related story:
