Category Archives: Community

McAllen Invites Community To Be Part Of Holiday Parade

The final float with Santa and his reindeer at the McAllen Holiday Parade.

Organizers of the McAllen Holiday Parade are inviting the community to come be a part of the celebration and help bring the parade to life. A recent announcement included the return of the McAllen Holiday Parade sweepstakes, volunteer opportunities and seating options. The parade will step off at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 from the McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd. Celebrities Mario Lopez and Julian Gil will serve…

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MECA Wins Gold

Mercedes Early College Academy is the recent recipient of the College Success Gold Award from GreatSchools.org. MECA is one of only 1,770 public high schools among 26 states to achieve the College Success Award with the new Gold distinction. For the GreatSchools.org College Success Award, a public school must have a data verifying the college enrollment and college success of its graduates. To reach the Gold level, a school must…

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Feeding America Provides 90,695 meals for Rural Valley

Food Bank of the RGV volunteers load produce and product onto a client’s vehicle at food distribution at the Willacy County Housing Authority in Raymondville. Clients receive a variety of product such as fresh produce, protein and shelf stable foods.

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. is the recent recipient of a grant from Feeding America and an anonymous donor. Funds are helping the food bank provide an additional 90,695 meals to rural and underserved Valley communities. This grant enabled the food bank to feed 3,930 households and reach 6,270 children while providing extra support for Feeding America Client Surveys. These surveys allow the Food Bank RGV…

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VTX1 Brings Broadband To Willacy Housing Residents

VTX1 provides a $1,000 sponsorship check to the Willacy County Housing Authority to help cover costs for a new playground. In attendance were Dr. Adalberto Garza, VTX1 board member; Patrick McDonnell, VTX1 COO; Dolly Villarreal, VTX1 board president; and Jaime Serna, the housing authority's executive director.

VTX1 Companies is extending broadband services to more than 100 units with the Willacy County Housing Authority.  The $100,000-plus investment by VTX1 is a major plus for housing residents who work from home, students who need the services for homework, and senior citizens who need to connect to healthcare providers. Jaime Serna, the executive director of the housing authority, praised VTX1 for its service to the community. “We are excited…

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Brownsville Schools Receive Blue Ribbon Distinction

Brownsville ISD

Two elementary schools in the Brownsville Independent School District now hold the distinction of National Blue Ribbon Schools. Dr. Ruben Gallegos Elementary and Mittie A. Pullam Elementary received the honors from the U.S. Department of Education. Schools receive recognition in one of two performance categories. These are on the basis of all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates: Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing…

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TSTC Ranks Top in Texas For Two-Year Institutions

Texas State Technical College, which has 10 campuses statewide, has been ranked first in Texas and third nationally among two-year institutions by Niche.com. TSTC received high marks in six categories: diversity, location, professors, safety, student life and value. The technical college was lauded for its 100-percent acceptance rate and its average $10,237 yearly tuition. Also receiving recognition is TSTC’s awarding of more than $6,699 in yearly average financial aid. “We’re…

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TSTC Transforms Mechanics Into Technicians

(photo TSTC)

Texas State Technical College Automotive Technology instructor Miguel Zoleta is making sure his program’s students stay plugged in to advancements in the automotive industry. “Right now, we’re seeing that a lot out of industry is electrical vehicles, and electrical vehicles are coming out in every dealership,” he said. “Every company is trying to come out with at least one line of an electrical vehicle.” The bells and whistles that come…

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Local Businessman Donates To TSC Scholarships

  Brownsville native and entrepreneur Steven De La Garza understands, firsthand, the vital role community colleges have in developing the next generation workforce. To ensure students have access to high-quality education that will connect them with careers that are in demand, he is funding scholarships at Texas Southmost College.  His first donation of $30,000 will go toward full student scholarships for workforce training programs. This includes welding, industrial scaffolding, plumbing…

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Edinburg Chamber Accepting Man & Woman of the Year Nominations

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Man & Woman of the Year awards. The winners will be recognized at the chambers Installation and Awards Banquet on Oct. 14. Each year the Edinburg Chamber organizes a committee by a community-driven selection process that appoints a man and a woman as the award winners. The winning individuals must excel in professional and civic commitment within the…

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McAllen Welcomes UTRGV Expanded Cancer Center

UT Health RGV

The University of Texas Health Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine is expanding its healthcare offerings in South Texas with a new Cancer and Surgery Center at its McAllen Academic Medical Campus. McAllen officials are hoping to establish and develop the area around the campus as a medical center for the region. “I am so proud of the efforts being made by UT Health RGV School of Medicine to expand…

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