Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Sony Rego, her husband Albert Rego, and their business partner Fred Harms, co-owners of Santa Fe Steakhouse and founders of The Santa Fe Steakhouse Foundation, joined McAllen ISD, Lamar Academy staff, and families in celebrating the Psi Class of 2025 during Lamar Academy’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Pinning Ceremony.
Held each year to honor graduating IB students, this year’s ceremony recognized 55 diploma candidates—the latest cohort in the school’s 23-year history of academic excellence. Principal Nora Sanchez welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of community support. “The success and growth of any program depends on the support of many individuals,” she said. “This program would not exist and be with us today without the community support.”
As part of the celebration, Sony and Albert Rego presented scholarships to 20 of the 55 IB seniors, continuing a long-standing commitment to educational support through the Santa Fe Steakhouse Wine Classic, an annual fundraising event organized by the Rego family and Harms. “This gathering was to honor the completion of the IB program and the many opportunities and adventures that now await you,” said Sony Rego. “It is a true honor to be here and support your achievement.”
The Wine Classic, which has taken place annually since 2009, raises funds donated to educational institutions in McAllen. This year, the funds went directly to support students in the International Baccalaureate program at Lamar Academy. “We’ve been doing this scholarship program since 2009, and it’s been 14 years,” said Sony. “We are very proud of you and your hard work, and we congratulate you.”
Albert Rego also spoke to the graduates, offering encouragement and recognition. “On behalf of the Santa Fe Steakhouse, the Santa Fe Foundation, the Rego family, and the Harms family, we congratulate all graduates today,” he said. “It is very important that we keep our parents, loved ones, and teachers in mind as we move forward.”
Aimee Nuñez, college specialist at Lamar Academy, thanked the Regos during the ceremony for their continued generosity. “We want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Rego of the Santa Fe Foundation for their generosity in awarding scholarships to IB seniors.”
The IB Class of 2025 has already achieved full college acceptance, with students heading to top-tier institutions such as UT, Rice, TCU, MIT, Notre Dame, Northwestern, and Dartmouth. With continued support from initiatives like the Santa Fe Steakhouse Foundation, students are better positioned to succeed academically and professionally.
