Cameron Williams, a 2022 graduate of McAllen ISD’s Achieve Early College High, is one of a select few students in the United States to be named to a prestigious list. He is a National Merit Scholar. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
Cameron Williams, a 2022 graduate of McAllen ISD’s Achieve Early College High, is one of a select few students in the United States to be named to a prestigious list. He is a National Merit Scholar.
In fact, Williams is the only student from the Rio Grande Valley to earn this honor. He graduated from a campus which earned a national Blue Ribbon award earlier this school year.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of more than 2,600 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by US colleges and universities. Williams, who is interested in studying electrical engineering, earned his National Merit Scholarship from Texas Tech University.
Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution. These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.
An additional group of scholars will be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2022 competition to about 4,000. This year, 155 higher education institutions are underwriting Merit Scholarship awards through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sponsor colleges and universities include 82 private and 73 public institutions located in 42 states and the District of Columbia.
These college-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners are a part of the distinguished group of about 7,500 high school seniors who will receive National Merit Scholarships for college undergraduate study worth nearly $28 million.
NMSC, a not-for-profit corporation that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 to conduct the National Merit Scholarship Program. The majority of National Merit Scholarships provided each year are made possible by the support of approximately 400 independent corporate and college sponsors. These sponsors join NMSC in its efforts to enhance educational opportunities for America’s scholastically talented youth and to encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.
Achieve Early College High has earned many accolades since it first opened in 2008. The school earned national Blue Ribbon Awards in 2015 and 2021. The campus was named a top ranked high school in the Rio Grande Valley by Children at Risk for 2020. Achieve was also named to the State Honor Roll for the fifth consecutive year in spring 2021. Through its relationship with South Texas College, Early College High School students can earn an Associates Degree before they graduate high school.
Since its first graduating class in 2012, more than 700 Achieve students have earned their Associates Degree through STC. This saves their families time and money.
“The main reason I chose to attend UTRGV was because of the community,” junior track & field athlete Elizabeth Ortiz said. UTRGV Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s student-athletes went above and beyond in community service efforts during the 2021-2022 school year with the purpose of showing their appreciation for the support the Vaquero family shows them.
As an athletic department, UTRGV totaled 2,443 hours of community service throughout the fall and spring semesters. The Vaqueros ranked eighth in NCAA Division I in community service in Helper Helper’s 2021-22 NCAA Community Engagement Report. Eight UTRGV teams ranked in the top 10 of their respective sport among fellow DI members.
UTRGV Courtesy Image
“To be a national leader amongst all Division I departments speaks volumes about our student-athletes and their passion for the Rio Grande Valley and helping others. I could not be more proud,” UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said.
The track & field/cross country teams made an extremely positive impact, combining for 490 hours of community service. The women ranked No. 1 nationally with their 286 hours of service, and the men’s team racked up 204 hours to finish second nationally.
“The main reason I chose to attend UTRGV was because of the community,” junior track & field athlete Elizabeth Ortiz said. “Having support from your community can drive a whole different type of motivation for your sport. Giving back shows how much we appreciate the love and support the community gives UTRGV.”
The TF/XC Vaqueros worked with the Special Olympics for several events, sharing in the joy of every child they aided in competition. They also did food drives, clean-up events and worked in the community garden. Ortiz’s favorite service opportunity was talking to kids at Guerra Elementary about the importance of college and participating in athletics.
Sophomore Marco Guajardo, a PSJA High alum, said that even though he’s proud UTRGV ranked at the top in the nation for service, recognition was never the intention.
“We never really pay attention to how much we have done because it’s not about who is at the top. It gives us joy knowing what we are doing is helping others,” Guajardo said. “We love to give back to the community for how much they support us. We go out as a team to support, help and accomplish what is needed for people and the environment.”
The Vaqueros women’s golfers finished fourth among women’s golf programs with 142 hours, while the men’s team was fifth with 128 hours. Sophomore Samantha Garza said the most impactful service event the women’s team did was hosting a camp at Riverbend Country Club in Brownsville.
“We want the community to know that we appreciate what they do for us, and we do that by giving back,” Garza said. “We care deeply for the community in the Valley. The student-athletes at UTRGV are very kind-hearted people and we want to make a mark on the Valley and show kids that you can do anything you put your mind to.”
The Vaqueros baseball team tallied the most service hours of all UTRGV programs with 422. They finished seventh among DI baseball teams. They visited elementary schools, did cleanups and hosted a highly attended kids clinic.
Freshman shortstop and Edinburg Vela alum Isaac Lopez enjoys getting to connect with his community when the team goes out to volunteer. He also appreciates that it gives fans the opportunity to get to know the student-athletes personally, reenforcing the family feel at UTRGV.
“The community is part of our family,” Lopez said. “This year especially, I’ve seen a real connection between everyone that wears UTRGV orange, whether it’s when we are fist-bumping little kids at the elementary or signing autographs at the baseball field. It’s awesome to see the smiles from people. We appreciate the community’s support endlessly and this is our way of saying thank you.”
Women’s tennis accumulated 332 hours of service, ranking second in the nation. The Vaqueros held four free junior tennis clinics in Hidalgo and Cameron counties, reaching hundreds of local children. They volunteered with the RGV Food Bank, the Children’s Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club of Edinburg and the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands.
Recent graduate Alicia Thal was credited for leading the charge when it came to service. She kept an eye on the Helper Helper app to find community service opportunities, and the women’s tennis program worked with the Student Services staff to get things planned.
Like Lopez, Thal said putting a smile on someone’s face made it all worth it. She especially enjoyed service activities involving kids, like teaching them tennis or entertaining them in Halloween costumes.
“What I really like about community service is that you can immediately feel that you are making a difference,” Thal said. “Being ranked among the best in the nation for community service shows that we are closely connected to our community. Everyone is very grateful for the opportunities we are given at UTRGV and this is a great way to show our appreciation.”
UTRGV’s men’s soccer team tallied 157 hours of service to finish fourth among DI men’s soccer teams. Women’s basketball finished fifth in their standings with 228 hours. Women’s soccer and men’s basketball also hit the 100-hour threshold, totaling 177 and 100 hours, respectively, of community service.
Additionally, the UTRGV athletic department participated in a food drive with the Western Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and collected 5,417 items for a local food bank.
“The demand on a student-athlete’s time is very high and to see our young people #RISEup across all sports to give back is commendable,” Conque said. “I am also extremely grateful and proud of our coaches and staff who place a premium on what it means to be of service to others.”
PSJA Early College High School Powerlifting athlete Ramiro Yañez signed a letter of intent on May 31 to continue his powerlifting career at the collegiate level at Midland University. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
SAN JUAN, Texas – PSJA Early College High School Powerlifting athlete Ramiro Yañez signed a letter of intent on May 31 to continue his powerlifting career at the collegiate level at Midland University.
Yañez has been awarded and recognized multiple times for his outstanding powerlifting performances. The following are some of his accomplishments in the sport during his tenure as a PSJA Early College High School Bear.
Courtesy Image
WABDL (World Association of Bench & Dead lifters) 9 State records, 4 National, and 4 world records.
Regional deadlift record
Regional squat record
Ramiro plans on majoring in Biology and minoring in chemistry while at Midland University in hopes of becoming a pharmacist.
Starting Monday, June 6, 2022, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) will connect children 18 and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old with free summer breakfast and lunch meals this summer. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Starting Monday, June 6, 2022, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) will connect children 18 and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old with free summer breakfast and lunch meals this summer.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition program administered in the Lone Star State by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), according to a TDA press release.
“Our students need good nutrition year-round so they can learn, grow and succeed in life,” said PSJA Child Nutrition Director Corina Gonzalez. “With nearly 2 million food insecure children living in Texas, these healthy meals are vital to nourishing our students during the summer break.”
As part of the 2022 Summer Meals Program from the Texas Department of Agriculture, children 18 years old and younger can receive free breakfast and lunch meals at more than 43 PSJA ISD school and community sites throughout the summer.
Meals will be available at all PSJA ISD elementary, middle school and high schools that host summer school programs and at additional locations throughout the community.
PSJA ISD encourages all families to use these three tools to find a meal site near them and anywhere in the state:
Visit www.psjaisd.us/kidsmeals
Call 2-1-1 to speak to a live operator
Text FOOD to 304-304
Organizations partner with TDA to serve meals in areas where more than 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Eligible sponsoring organizations include schools, faith-based groups, nonprofit summer camps, government agencies and other tax-exempt organizations. All meal sites must be sponsored by an organization that has a contract with TDA. Summer meal sites help children succeed by providing the nourishment they need to return to school in the fall ready to thrive.
Rio Grande Valley F.C (6-7-0) found glory on the road against Eastern conference opponent Atlanta United 2 (2-9-1) at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Wednesday night 4-3. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
KENNESAW, Georgia – Rio Grande Valley F.C (6-7-0) found glory on the road against Eastern conference opponent Atlanta United 2 (2-9-1) at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Wednesday night. Robert Coronado came off the bench to score two goals in the second half and claim the late-stage victory for the Toros.
Emilio Ycaza found a long through ball just in front of the box from Wahab Ackwei, who got the assist credit, and dribbled into the penalty area where he sent a shot to the right corner of the goal to claim the 1-0 lead for RGV at the 22nd minute. The goal marked Ycaza’s fourth goal on the season as he joins Frank Lopez as top scorers for RGV FC.
Adolfo Hernandez scored his first goal as a Toro at the 25th minute as he tapped in a shot which came from a cross from the right wing. Isidro Martinez sent the cross and was credited with the assist on the play, 2-0.
Tyler Deric conceded a penalty at the 44th minute as he challenged Robby Mertz inside the box. On the ensuing try, the Brazilian native, Raimar netted the ball to cut the RGV lead to 2-1 before the half at the 45th minute.
Robbie Mertz found a loose ball inside the box at the 49th minute as Raimar made the cross and struck a volley into the top right corner of the goal out of the reach of Deric to equalize the match, 2-2.
Mertz closed in on a cross from the left wing from Raimar and headed in the shot to give Atlanta United 2 the lead, 3-2, at the 65th minute and claim a brace in the match. The duo combined for a second time in the match on a scoring play.
Robert Coronado sent a left footed shot to the bottom left of the goal to equalize the match at the 77th minute,3-3. The well-placed shot was Coronado’s second goal on the season, and his second time coming into the match as a substitute and scoring this campaign.
At the 91st minute, Coronado found a cross inside the 6-yard box and headed it into goal as he was going to the ground to claim the match winner, 4-3. The goal was his second of the match and his third on the season.
The four goals in the match is a season high for RGV FC as they continue their journey to open up offensively as new weapons rise for Wilmer Cabrera. Eleven different players have now scored for the Toros, a club record.
RGV F.C is back at H-E-B Park on Saturday, June 4th against LA Galaxy 2 as they resume Western Conference action. For more matchday information, visit www.rgvfc.com.
PSJA Early College High School Senior Jessica Aileen Villanueva signed a letter of intent on May 31, to continue her wrestling career at Doane University. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
SAN JUAN, Texas – PSJA Early College High School Senior Jessica Aileen Villanueva signed a letter of intent on May 31, to continue her wrestling career at Doane University.
Jessica, daughter of Joaquin and Jessica Villanueva started her wrestling career in the 8th grade when she joined the All-Valley Wrestling Team established by Joey Villanueva and Javier Rendon. Though she loved the sport, after her first match, she had second thoughts. Not allowed to quit by her coaches, she pressed on and obtained a silver medal at the Texas Freestyle State Championships.
She wrestled at the Varsity level all 4-years of her high school career and participated in numerous clubs and organizations such as baseball, track and field, cheerleading, orchestra, National Honors Society and more.
The following are some of her accomplishments in the sport during her tenure as a PSJA Early College High School Lady Bear.
A 24-year-old Mission man has pleaded guilty to illegally transporting non-U.S. citizens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 24-year-old Mission man has pleaded guilty to illegally transporting non-U.S. citizens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Leonardo Davila Jr. admitted to smuggling 73 people while driving an 18-wheeler.
On Feb. 8, Davila drove a tractor trailer into the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Falfurrias. There, a K-9 soon alerted authorities to the presence of concealed humans. Upon a search of the trailer, law enforcement discovered dozens of undocumented individuals.
In the trailer were nationals of Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Mexico and El Salvador. All were later determined to be present in the country illegally.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing Aug. 24. At that time, Davila faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman is prosecuting the case.
A 33-year-old Mexican national has been charged with attempting to import over 400 kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican national has been charged with attempting to import over 400 kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Today, a federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment against Luis Alberto Garza Cisneros. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
The complaint originally filed in the case alleges that on May 6, Cisneros attempted to enter the country through the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry while driving a tractor trailer.
Law enforcement referred the vehicle to secondary inspection, at which time an X-ray allegedly revealed anomalies. They conducted a search and allegedly discovered approximately 413.98 kilograms of meth in 24 five-gallon buckets inside of the tractor’s diesel tanks, according to the charges.
The drugs have an estimated street value of approximately $18 million.
If convicted, Cisneros faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Dr. Kathy Martinez-Prather directing the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) to begin immediately conducting comprehensive school safety reviews to ensure all Texas public schools are following the appropriate procedures to maximize school safety. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Dr. Kathy Martinez-Prather directing the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) to begin immediately conducting comprehensive school safety reviews to ensure all Texas public schools are following the appropriate procedures to maximize school safety.
In the letter to Dr. Martinez-Prather, Governor Abbott instructs that TxSSC ensure all school districts’ School Safety and Security Committees meet ahead of the new school year to review their Emergency Operations Plan and address any campus safety needs, ensure the School Behavioral Threat Assessment Team is trained and has reviewed procedures for each campus, ensure all staff and substitutes are trained on their specific district and campus safety procedures, and conduct an assessment of their access control procedures. TxSSC is instructed to provide a progress report of findings to the Governor’s office and the Legislature by October 1.
“The work and trainings provided by the Texas School Safety Center has reached thousands of schools and instructors and has benefited millions of Texas school children,” reads the letter. “However, the tragedy at Robb Elementary School last week requires us all to do more. I am charging the TxSSC, in coordination with the TEA, to develop and implement a plan to conduct random inspections to assess access control measures of Texas school districts. Among other reviews, your team should begin conducting in-person, unannounced, random intruder detection audits on school districts. Also, the TxSSC should immediately begin working with my office and the Legislature on recommendations to improve current security systems and determine the funding necessary to continue the work of hardening our schools against outside threats. Texans have never shirked away from a challenge, and I know with the support of state leadership, we can continue the work of improving each student’s experience in our schools.”
Completion of the course provided a gift card to participants to purchase professional attire for the event and future interviews. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan hosted a Career Fair on May 10, 2022 at the South Pharr Unit. This fair concluded a Spring 2022 Job Ready program for teens in partnership with United Way of South Texas, focusing on workforce readiness and career preparation. Throughout the course months of February – May, participants engaged in twice-a-week sessions covering various job ready activities including identifying goals/skills, learning resume writing, “elevator pitch” exercises, and exposure to various career paths through a Career Day in March.
Courtesy Image
The Career Fair, which was also open to the community, concluded the program and allowed teens to apply the knowledge learned throughout the Job Ready sessions as they engaged with local community businesses and college representatives to discuss potential job opportunities. Completion of the course provided a gift card to participants to purchase professional attire for the event and future interviews. Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan would like to thank every community partner that attended the 2022 Spring Job Ready Career Fair including: AmeriCorps, Bentsen State Park, Dave & Busters (McAllen, TX), Gary Job Corps, McDonalds, Old Navy (La Plaza Mall), South Texas College, The U.S. Navy, UTRGV Career Center and Workforce Solutions.
Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan MSSW Intern Chelsea Hughes, a master’s student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Social Work, helped lead the Job Ready program:
Courtesy Image
“Thanks to the United Way of South Texas, and a high quality Career Launch curriculum courtesy of the Boys & Girls Club of America, we delivered an impactful Job Ready program! This was a fantastic opportunity to prepare club members ages 15-18 for their first job. Program participants got to explore their career aspirations and set goals while developing leadership skills. We are very proud of our club members, and we are grateful to our community partners that came together to offer opportunities to young people in the Rio Grande Valley.”
To register a youth or teen at Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan for the Summer 2022 Program, contact any of the four club sites – Main Unit (956.781.5437), South Pharr Unit (956.787.6869), San Juan Unit (956.784.3504) and Valley View Unit (956.223.1779). For more information on how to support the organization through monetary, in kind services, goods, or the like contact Chief Executive Officer, Alfredo Mata, Jr. 956.781.KIDS or visit pharrkids.org. The Boys and Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan is a proud United Way of South Texas Agency.
