Press Release from Southwest Texas College

11/13/24

Top Photo: Pictured (left to right): Alexis Moses, Gianna Adamek, Charles Causey, Parker Boyd, Victor Landin, Jorge Salinas.

UVALDE, TEXAS

  Students from Southwest Texas College’s Wildlife Management Program recently showcased their skills at the Texas Section Society for Range Management annual meeting in Victoria, TX, held October 15-16. Competing alongside peers from colleges across the state, these students participated in the collegiate plant identification competition and the Undergraduate Range Management Exam (URME), where they demonstrated their knowledge and passion for wildlife and range management.

  Notably, Parker Boyd placed 10th overall in the plant ID competition and earned 1st place in the community college division, while Charles Causey took home 1st place in the URME competition, also in the community college division.

  In addition to competing, students attended presentations on managing brush, cattle, and wildlife and toured local ranches to deepen their understanding of real-world range management practices. Congratulations to our dedicated students for their hard work and impressive achievements!

About Southwest Texas College
Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The company’s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.

   To learn more about SWTX, visit swtjc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtjc.edu

Monday, June 17th, 2024

Top PIcture: Morales Junior High Cafeteria Manager Guadalupe “Lupita” Estrada receives her certificate from Superintendent Ashley Chohlis  at Monday night’s June 17th Uvalde CISD School Board meeting

At the District’s Board meeting, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing Anne Marie Espinoza said,

“We are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2023-2024 Safe Employee Honor Roll Recognition.

These exemplary individuals have set a high standard through their remarkable actions and steadfast commitment to safety: • (Not in attendance) Nicomedes Melendez, Custodian at Flores Elementary, has been a vigilant advocate for safety, ensuring that every corner of the school is a secure place for students and staff. • Guadalupe Estrada, Cafeteria Manager at Morales Junior High, has demonstrated extraordinary leadership by maintaining a safe and hygienic environment and safeguarding the health and well-being of the school community.

Please join us in congratulating Nicomedes Melendez and Guadalupe Estrada for their outstanding contributions to workplace safety. Because you matter, your efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for making our workplace a safer place for everyone.”

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Top Picture Credit: Texas Library Association (Christina Gola and Theresa Faris, TLA Awards Commitee; Gretchen Pruett, TLA President; and Mendell Morgan.)

A special reception for Texas Librarian of the Year: Mendell Morgan will be held at the Uvalde Country Club this Friday, June 7th at 6 PM.

The Texas Library Association awarded Mendell Morgan, the former Director of El Progreso Library of the year the top honor for Libarian of the State of Texas

According to the organization’s website it states: The Texas Library Association’s Librarian of the Year Award is given to a librarian who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and service within the library community over the past 12 – 18 months. Librarians at any stage in their careers, from all library types, are eligible for this award.

Any TLA member may nominate a deserving librarian for consideration. Nominees must be TLA members. Nominations open September 15 and close early 2025.

2024 Librarian of the Year

Congratulations to Mendell Morgan, former director of the El Progresso Memorial Library in Uvalde.”

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian; photos by Robinson

  Uvalde CISD Superintendent Ashley Chohlis with School Specialty representatives, Rebecca Maldonado and Nicole Roberts along with several others made a surprise visit to Uvalde Elementary Teacher Mercedes Salas late Monday morning to break the news that she had been selected as one of seven teachers for this year”s Crystal Apple Award Celebrating Inspirational Teachers. 

   According to information from a press release on the award, it states: “Each year, students, parents, administrators, fellow teachers, family, and friends nominate teachers who go above and beyond to touch the lives of students every day. School Specialty selects 10 finalists from the nominees, and three winners are then selected by public vote. School Specialty received a record 611 nominations this year, nearly doubling last year’s total. This year’s winners will each receive a personalized trophy and a $500 gift certificate from School Speciality for themselves, as well as a $250 School Specialty gift certificate for their school. “

See press release below: 

School Specialty Announces Winners of the 2024 Crystal Apple Awards Celebrating Inspirational Teachers

The winners of the annual contest receive a personalized trophy, a $500 gift certificate to spend at School Specialty, and a $250 gift certificate for their school

(GREENVILLE, Wis.) April 30, 2024 – School Specialty, a leading provider of learning environments and supplies to the pre-K–12 education market, today announced the 2024 winners of its annual Crystal Apple Awards, which celebrate teachers who embody inspiration, leadership, and passion in teaching.

Each year, students, parents, administrators, fellow teachers, family, and friends nominate teachers who go above and beyond to touch the lives of students every day. School Specialty selects 10 finalists from the nominees, and three winners are then selected by public vote. School Specialty received a record 611 nominations this year, nearly doubling last year’s total. This year’s winners will each receive a personalized trophy and a $500 gift certificate from School Speciality for themselves, as well as a $250 School Specialty gift certificate for their school. They are:

• Typhani Russo, from Commonwealth Charter Academy in Harrisburg, PA, is the founder of Bookworms Against Bullies, a nonprofit that inspires students with stories of overcoming bullying;

• Mercedes Salas from Uvalde Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, whose constant love, kindness, and support has impacted so many students; and

• Julie Pfeifer from Abraxas School of Ohio in Mansfield, OH, who has launched a book club, an auto body club, and a 3D printing club as she sought to engage students using their own interests, and written curricula for new courses, allowing students to earn certificates they can use after graduation.

To read the full stories of this year’s winners, visit SchoolSpecialty.com.

“Having witnessed firsthand the immense efforts and lifelong impact educators have on students, I am profoundly honored to be part of the Crystal Apple Awards,” said Sue Ann Highland, PhD, the national education strategist at School Specialty. “Teachers serve as the cornerstone of our education system, wholeheartedly devoting themselves to crafting enriching experiences and safe havens for our students. Recognizing their dedication and exceptional contributions is extremely important, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my role at School Specialty.”

Finalists for the Crystal Apple Awards receive a $100 School Specialty merchandise certificate for themselves and an additional $100 certificate for their school. This year’s finalists are:

• Lisa Longino from Mayfair Elementary in South Euclid, OH;

• Claudette Henson from Creative Environment Day School in Fayetteville, NY;

• Debra Cline from Manatee School For the Arts in Palmetto, FL;

• Holli Herndon from Pleasant Grove Elementary in Inverness, FL;

• Meghan Bodie from Edison Elementary School in Milan, OH;

• Kaylie Morgan from Uwharrie Charter Academy in Star, NC; and

• Michelle Morgan from Nichols Elementary in Huntington, WV.

To learn more about the Crystal Apple Awards, please visit SchoolSpecialty.com.

About School Specialty, LLC
With a 60-year legacy, School Specialty is a leading provider of comprehensive learning environment solutions for the pre-K–12 education marketplace in the U.S. and Canada. This includes essential classroom supplies, furniture and design services, educational technology, sensory spaces featuring Snoezelen®, science curriculum, learning resources, professional development, and more. School Specialty believes every student can flourish in an environment where they are engaged and inspired to learn and grow. In support of this vision to transform more than classrooms, the company applies its unmatched team of subject-matter experts and designs, manufactures, and distributes a broad assortment of name-brand and proprietary products. For more information, go to SchoolSpecialty.com.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian 

 The Uvalde CISD School District recognized its 2023-2024 Teachers of the Year at Monday night’s April 15th  Regular School Board meeting calling them each on stage to receive their respective award certificates. In addition to the teachers from various campuses who received recognition, the district also recognized Silvia Uriagas as the District’s School Bus Driver of the Year who also received an award for the Region 20 bus driver of the year and also received an award from the State of Texas. 

The District submitted the following:

  “The 2023-2024 campus Teachers of the Year: Dalton Elementary Teacher of the Year: Kathryn Cura 1st Grade Teacher 5 Years of Service with UCISD Batesville School Teacher of the Year: 

  Jacob Mewhinney Special Education Teacher 6 Years of Service with UCISD Flores Elementary Teacher of the Year: 

  Cheryl Renfro 6th Grade ELAR Teacher 18 Years of Service with UCISD Uvalde Dual Language Academy Teacher of the Year: 

  Jennifer Zamora 4th Grade Teacher 21 Years of Service with UCISD Morales Junior High Teacher of the Year:  

  Yolanda Gonzales Reading Interventionist 10 Years of Service with UCISD Uvalde High School Teacher of the Year:

  Miguel Garcia: Honorary Teacher of the Year Bernard Bujard Science Teacher 16 Years of Service with UCISD 2023-2024 UCISD Garcia & Mireles Elementary District Teacher of the Year

  Elaine Valenzuela representing Uvalde Elementary Ms. Valenzuela will go on to represent Uvalde CISD as the elementary representative in the TASA Teacher of the Year award competition. 2023-2024 UCISD Garcia & Mireles Secondary District Teacher of the Year

  George Anthony Representing Crossroads Academy Mr. Anthony will go on to represent Uvalde CISD as the secondary representative in the TASA Teacher of the Year award competition.

 The 2023-2024 Bus Driver of the Year. Our school bus drivers play a crucial role in our community, ensuring the safe transportation of our children to and from school every day. Regardless of the weather conditions or traffic, their performance on the road is always exemplary. The Bus Driver of the Year, who represents our district, is: Sylvia Uriegas I am pleased to announce Sylvia Uriegas as the 2023-2024 PCAT Regional and Statewide Bus Driver of the Year! Ms. Uriegas received tokens of appreciation to include a tumbler, a backpack, a special plaque presented by Mr. Lee. And last but not least, Mr. Pruski presented a check from PCAT for $1,000 to Sylvia Uriegas.

  We are proud to be represented at the state level by Sylvia Uriegas!”

Press Release from Texas House District 80

  (Austin) – The Texas Rural Water Association presented Representative Tracy O. King with the TRWA Rural Water Champion Award for his lifetime achievement in the Texas House.  This honor is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond to preserve and enhance the quality of life for all rural Texans.

  “Chairman King is a true advocate for all our rural communities,” said Lara Zent, Executive Director and General Counsel for TRWA.   “He provided leadership on critical rural water issues and was indeed a champion throughout his legislative career.”

  As Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Representative King played an integral part in the association’s efforts to pass legislation protecting water for all rural communities.

  “I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected for this award and I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the association for this recognition,” said Representative King. “Because rural representation is too often outmatched by its urban counterpart, it is vitally important that we stand together with organizations such as TRWA for all our rural needs and values.”

  The Texas Rural Water Association is a statewide educational and trade association that represents the full spectrum of the rural water community. They have an active membership of approximately 870 retail public utilities that provide water and wastewater service to 3 million customers throughout Texas. They also have approximately 150 water/wastewater industry suppliers that make up their Associate Membership.

Press release from UvaldeRadio.net

UVALDE, Texas – For the first time in its short existence, UvaldeRadio.net nabbed the top honors in its category at the 14th annual Texas Regional Radio Music Awards (TRRMA) this past week.
Announced on Monday, March 25, at Texas Live! In Arlington, Texas, the nearly five-year-old station was named the Best Internet Radio Station, after three consecutive years of earning a top 5 finalist
designation for the award. UvaldeRadio.net Program Director and morning jock Robert Miguel and afternoon host and news director Cory Brooks broadcasted live from the event and accepted the award
in person.

“I just want to thank everyone who nominated, voted and made us the number one internet radio station in the Texas Country and Red Dirt industry,” said Miguel.

“We are just so proud to have gone all the way this time around and bring some hardware to where we live, work and play – Uvalde, Texas! We also want to thank God, the artists who write and record the music we play, and radio promotors who share that music and facilitate artist interviews and appearances. Finally, thanks to the people of Uvalde. It’s an honor to program a station dedicated to this community’s unique needs and musical tastes.”

The TRRMAs is a fan-voted awards ceremony that honors the accomplishments and contributions of Texas Country music and radio professionals. The 2024 ceremony proved to be a star-studded event
with appearances by the biggest names in Texas music.

This included Wade Bowen, who took home Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year, and Song of the Year awards at the event. Bri Bagwell nabbed awards for Female Vocalist and Music Video, Randy
Rogers Band took Band of the Year and Album of the Year honors while Kevin Fowler accepted the new Icon Award for his contributions of advancing the popularity of Texas Country and Pat Green received
the T3R Humanitarian Award.

After thanking sponsors who support UvaldeRadio.net – an abundance of community partners who Miguel says have supported the station’s vision since its birth – Miguel made another milestone
announcement.

On April 1, UvaldeRadio.net will debut it’s third format serving Uvalde County: Uvalde Radio HITS. The sister station will feature classic pop of the 80s and 90s and more, and will also offer the perfect “listen

at work” playlist for those looking for musical variety and a break from UvaldeRadio.net’s full country format or the harder edge of its other sister station, Uvalde Radio ROCKS.

“I’m so excited to roll out this new format,” said Miguel. “Uvalde Radio HITS will offer the absolute biggest and best mix of variety from over 40 years of hits. You’ll get the perfect blend of retro with just
enough of the hottest current tracks to keep things from getting too repetitive, plus all the great community information that our other stations deliver to our Uvalde audience.”

Core artists from the 1980s will include the likes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, and Duran Duran. Jumping to the 90s, artists like Alanis Morissette, Mariah Carey, Hootie & The
Blowfish, Whitney Houston, & Green Day will be featured. Uvalde Radio HITS will feature many one-hit wonders from both decades and hits of the 2000s, 2010s, and the latest chartbusters of the 2020s. The
newly-minted station will also feature the same national and local news, weather, sports, and community information for Uvalde, TX residents.

Uvalde Radio HITS can be streamed from the Uvalde Radio main site at UvaldeRadio.net or from it’s direct link at uvalderadio.net/hits Uvalde Radio HITS can also be heard on the Live365 app for iPhone or
Android and Roku. With the introduction of Uvalde Radio HITS, UvaldeRadio.net cements itself as the definitive source for English-language radio programming for Uvalde, Texas and the surrounding areas.
About UvaldeRadio.net

UvaldeRadio.net was launched in the summer of 2019 to provide the Uvalde, Texas community with high-quality music programming and community information. Program Director and Station Owner
Robert Miguel Rodriguez (professionally known as Robert Miguel) is a Uvalde-born broadcast professional who spent over 20 years in the Dallas/Fort Worth radio market working for FM giants KEGL
97.1 The Eagle, KDBN 93.3 The Bone and KJKK 100.3 Jack FM. Miguel was also in the original team of broadcasters who spearheaded the groundbreaking Internet Radio station DeepEllumRadio.com, which
serves Dallas’ Deep Ellum music and arts scene. He returned home to Uvalde in the summer of 2017 to join the ranks of the local FM station. Then, using his experience with large market radio and his newly
acquired knowledge of small-market radio, Robert set out to build a radio format custom-built for Uvalde, Texas. In July 2019, UvaldeRadio.net was born. UvaldeRadio.net features Texas Country & Red
Dirt Music plus the biggest country hits out of Nashville from the 90s to now.

UvaldeRadio.net boasts national and local news, weather, sports, and community information while also hosting several weekly and monthly community events. In the summer of 2021 came Uvalde Radio ROCKS featuring five decades of ROCK from the 70s to now, including classic rock, 80’s hair, 90’s grunge and alternative and the biggest rock hits of today.