"Drowsy Chaperone" production to begin March 3

Step back in time with laughter as Laredo Community College's Opera Workshop presents a five-time Tony Award-winning musical, The Drowsy Chaperone.

With book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, this charming and wacky tribute to the 1920s is a rare combination of modern wit and classical musical comedy.

The four-day production run begins Thursday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. inside the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center theater located on LCC's Fort McIntosh Campus.

Other performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 4-5, at 7:30 p.m., as well as a matinee performance on Sunday, March 6, at 3 p.m.

General admission tickets are $10 at the door. Proceeds benefit student scholarships and future productions.

The tale of The Drowsy Chaperone is a comedy best suited for mature audiences and is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

"The Drowsy Chaperone is a madcap comedy which has delighted audiences from coast to coast," said Joseph Crabtree, LCC Performing Arts Department chair and director of the LCC Opera Workshop.

The musical is a rare combination of unprecedented originality and blinding talent.

"The Drowsy Chaperone boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained," Crabtree said.

The tale begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love.

"The audience can expect a rollicking good time," Crabtree said. "The show is excellent and gives us a modern look at shows of the 1920s, and all with a modern take. You don't want to miss it."

For more information on the musical or for ticket information, contact the LCC Performing Arts Department at 721-5330 or email Crabtree at jcrabtree@laredo.edu.

Pictured during a recent photo shoot, are cast members for the five-time Tony Award-winning musical, The Drowsy Chaperone.

LCC music student receives All-State accolades

A Laredo Community College music student recently received honors for being a top performer in Texas.

LCC trombone player Leonardo F. Galvan was hand-picked by a panel of judges from hundreds of players across the state to perform with other top community college music students in early February during the Texas Community College All-State Symphonic Band.

The performance was part of the 2011 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic and Convention held in San Antonio in early February.

"Laredo Community College is proud of our music majors for attaining such a high level of proficiency as musicians, and I am extremely proud of their accomplishments. They are a credit to their families, the college and the Laredo community," said Jose D. Compean, LCC music instructor and LCC Show Band director.

"It was a wonderful opportunity to have been chosen from more than 40 Texas community colleges," Galvan said. "From a few hundred trombone players across Texas, I was the one chosen to participate in the highly-acclaimed All-State Symphonic Band. This was the outcome of putting in so many hours of practicing, and it was worth every minute of it."

Galvan is a current LCC sophomore music major and a member of the LCC Show Band and the LCC Honors program.

Galvan is the son of Heleodoro and Consuelo Galvan.


Leonardo F. Galvan, center, was recently recognized by Laredo Community College's Board of Trustees in late February for being chosen to perform at the prestigious Texas Community College All-State Symphonic Band held in San Antonio in early February. From left to right, LCC President Juan L. Maldonado, Galvan and LCC Board President Cynthia Mares.

MHS student's act of selflessness to help the homeless

Daunted by the alarming fact that one out of every three homeless people are under the age of 18, Martin High School senior student Fernando Medina started Aeropostale "Teens for Jeans" at his campus empowering his classmates to help take action against youth homelessness by collecting close to 1,000 denim pants.

About 1.6 to 1.7 million people under the age of 18 will experience homelessness each year. The National Coalition for the homeless defines homeless youth as individuals under the age of eighteen who lack parental, foster, or institutional care. This year many homeless teens in our area are receiving jeans thanks to the generosity and contributions of Martin High School students.

Medina, who currently holds a part-time job at Aeropostale, heard of this opportunity to help homeless children and families from his store manager. He felt that not only would this serve as a great way to assist those in need but by doing a selfless act and getting his fellow peers to contribute, the project would help shed a positive light on the campus all while serving others. He began by soliciting help and support from his school principal, Oscar Perez, and teachers Javier Vasquez, Carl Medina, Angela Tellez and Cristina Criel.

All administration, faculty, staff, and students were in complete agreement and were supportive of this initiative. Senior English teacher Cristina Criel even gave out gift cards as an incentive to help collect jeans from the student body. In addition, students at Martin High School were given three community service hours for each jean that was donated. Daily announcements were made throughout the month of February and signage was posted around the campus asking for contributions. Medina also visited with International Bank of Commerce representatives asking them to have their locations serve as drop-off sites for the collection.

The collection was held in early February and resulted with MHS students donating 1,000 jeans. The jeans were taken to Aeropostale and will later be donated to the Bethany House. Medina was humbled by this experience and overwhelmed by the act of kindness from his fellow peers. This is the first of many projects and ideas that Medina plans to host at his campus.

"I felt that this project hit close to home because I have seen many students struggle by not having the type of clothing others have," he said. "I put myself in those individuals position and imagine not being able to have clothes for school or simply to survive."



Fernando Mediana displays some of the jeans that were collected during the "Teens for Jeans" campaign at Martin High School.

LISD adds Parent Notification System

The LISD Board of Trustees is investing $113,000 in communications and security systems that will enhance the safety of its students and staff. A Parent Notification System purchased from SchoolMessenger and an upgraded visitor management system will allow LISD to better communicate in a matter of minutes with parents, students, and staff members.

The SchoolMessenger system sends time-sensitive emergency notifications via voice, email, and text messages affecting safety and security, such as weather alerts, lockdowns, and school closure messages. The messages are sent within a matter of minutes after being prepared by a district representative.

"SchoolMessenger will provide a great value to the district. The system will allow for better safety and security at our campuses while providing accurate and timely communications to our parents using state-of-the-art technology," said Marcus Nelson, LISD Superintendent. "We will also utilize the system for tracking daily student attendance."

The system allows the district to make non-emergency messages such as attendance/truancy alerts, family nights, and parent/teacher group meetings. The messages can even be translated to Spanish for those listing it as their primary language.

The district encourages all families to ensure their child's information is up-to-date, including preferred language and method of communication. Parents do not need to subscribe. They will simply start receiving messages.

"We want to make sure we have to right contact information to ensure that factual information is released to families in a timely manner," Nelson said.

LISD's Information Technology Department is setting up the parent notification system and employees will be trained on its use.

LISD also recently upgraded its visitor management system with the purchase of a Raptor Sex Offender Database Registry at all campuses. The registry helps track visitors, students, faculty, contractors, and volunteers at LISD schools, while providing a safer and more monitored environment for the student.

When visitors, volunteers, or contractors check-in, or parents come to pick up students, they will be asked to present a valid identification card for entering into the system. The system has the ability to provide alerts on people who may jeopardize the safety of the campus.

"The main objective with this system is to ensure a safe learning environment for all of our students and a safe working environment for all our staff and visitors," said LISD Crisis Management Officer Victor Mora. "The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority."

LISD campuses recognized as Higher Performing Schools

Four LISD campuses have been recognized by the National Center for Educational Achievements for its academic prowess. Santo Nino, Macdonell, Ligarde Elementary and The Early College High Schools have been identified as Higher Performing Schools, according to the NCEA 2010 Higher Performing Schools List for Texas.

Santo Nino Elementary School was recognized for their academic growth and TAKS Commended Performance level in writing. Macdonell Elementary School was recognized for their TAKS' Commended Performance in reading and Ligarde Elementary School for their Academic Growth in writing. The Early College was recognized for their academic growth and TAKS Commended Performance level in reading, math, and science.

The NCEA recently released the list, which identifies those schools that have consistently outperformed their peers which serve similar student populations, and recognize their achievements in bringing more students to college and career readiness. Schools on the list are identified by one of two measures: academic growth of students at the school and/or the absolute achievement of students at the school using the TAKS' Commended Performance level.

"The list sends a message to our campuses that every student can achieve their goals and school improvement is possible no matter the neighborhood," said Marcus Nelson, LISD Superintendent. "Congratulations to the students and staff at Santo Nino and Macdonell Elementary Schools for their achievement."

Macdonell, Santo Nino, and the Early College are rated exemplary by the TEA for their academic achievements. Cynthia Conchas is principal of Macdonell which has 675 students in its Central Laredo campus. Oralia Hinojosa Cortez is principal of Santo Nino in South Laredo which has 823 students. Susan Herrera is the principal of Ligarde, a recognized campus by the TEA which has 767 students. Jose Cerda is the principal of the Early College which has a student enrollment of 400 students.

To view the 2010 NCEA Higher Performing Schools List for Texas, please visit www.nc4ea.org/HPschollstx.

TAMIU faculty member receives Austin Film Society fund grant

Marcela Moran, assistant professor of communications at Texas A&M International University, recently won a Texas Filmmakers' Production Fund grant from the Austin Film Society and is hard at work on a new documentary film entitled, "Jornaleros."

Moran's project will take her to Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, New Orleans and parts of South Texas, in search of jornaleros, or day laborers skilled in different trades looking for jobs on the streets, and of undocumented immigrants already working. The film will explore human rights violations against day laborers and the criminalization of undocumented immigrants in the United States.

"I feel very honored to have received this funding as I'm one of 24 out of 183 applicants chosen for the 2010 TFPF," Moran said, "It is highly competitive, and the committee who chooses winners is made up of talented filmmakers and past recipients."

The Austin Film Society awards grants once a year to emerging film and video artists in the State of Texas through its TFPF, the Society's website says. Awards are provided to artists whose work shows promise, skill and creativity. TFPF recipients have shown their films at renowned festivals such as Sundance, Cannes, Toronto, Tribecca, Slamdance and SXSW and have been nominated for Gotham Awards and won Independent Spirit Awards and Student Academy Awards.

Artists, educators, activists and religious groups have been pivotal in assisting director and producer in making connections with interview subjects, Moran said.

In addition to TAMIU alum Maritza Bautista, a former TAMIU student, Noe Cuellar, will assist in making the documentary as sound designer. Both were Moran's former video production students at TAMIU. Bautista received her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in studio art from TAMIU while Cuellar transferred from the University to The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, where he received his bachelor's degree. Bautista also received her master's degree from The School of the Art Institute in Chicago.

TAMIU Hosts College Goal Sunday on Feb. 27

College-bound high school students and their parents won't want to miss "College Goal Sunday," a chance to get financial aid questions and concerns addressed, Sunday, Feb. 27, beginning at 2 p.m. at Texas A&M International University's Pellegrino Hall, room 211.

This event is free and open to the public and part of a state and nation-wide push to help parents and college-bound students take the first step in applying for college by learning about available financial aid.

"We know that today's economy is a real concern for parents as they ready their sons and daughters for higher education. This special event will give all an opportunity to meet with our financial aid experts to learn more about scholarships, loans and other forms of financial assistance available and receive help filling out necessary forms," said Laura Elizondo, TAMIU director of Financial Aid.

"College Goal Sunday is a non-profit program that provides free information and assistance to Texas families applying for financial assistance for higher education. TAMIU is one of more than 30 locations throughout the state and the only site in Laredo that will host College Goal Sunday in partnership with Texas A&M University’s Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid," Elizondo said.

Parents and their students should bring their 2010 tax returns and W2s, she said. Assistance will be available in English and Spanish.

Participants will also be eligible for a chance to win $250 for their college textbooks.

For more information about College Goal Sunday, go to http://financialaid.tamu.edu/cgs.

For more on financial aid at TAMIU, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 326.2225, e-mail financialaid@tamiu.edu, click on tamiu.edu/affairs/financial or visit offices in the University Success Center 214.

Advisor Gergen at TAMIU Thursday

David Gergen, advisor to four United States presidents, senior political analyst for CNN and Harvard University professor will make a rare public appearance at Texas A&M International University on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 8 a.m. for a special morning lecture and breakfast.

Tickets are $35 and are available for advance purchase with the university's Office of Institutional Advancement at 326-GIVE (4483). Funds for the presentation will help support TAMIU's student leadership program, Leadership TAMIU.

Gergen is a professor of public service and director of the Center for Public Leadership (CPL) at the Harvard Kennedy School. In 2000, he published the best-selling book, "Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership, Nixon to Clinton."

TAMIU President Ray Keck said the university is honored to have the opportunity to host Gergen. This past summer, Keck and TAMIU students participated in the inaugural Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI) at Harvard and met Gergen, a CPL faculty member.

"We were all very impressed by professor Gergen's keen interest in fostering leadership, especially leadership by young Latinos. His insight and accessibility to our students was inspiring and helped our Leadership TAMIU program here. During his visit here, he will be meeting with our LLI cohort to hear of their progress in leadership initiatives here," Keck said.

Black History Month at USHS

During Black History Month, Sinneh J. Koroma Jr., United South High School assistant principal, spoke to a group of USHS students. Koroma’s theme for this year’s presentation was "African-Americans and the Civil War." In his presentation, Koroma stated that "blacks contributed to the creation of a free nation before they had freedom for themselves."

Koroma also emphasized how important it is for all students to set their goals early in life. Black History Month took shape in 1926 when Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson and other African American and white scholars believed that Americans should reflect on the history and contributions of African Americans.

Youths attend D.C. conference

Two juniors from United High School attended a conference in Washington, D.C. last week.

Themed "Coalitions Moving Forward: Mapping the Future," the conference was focused on the future of the substance abuse field. Youth across the country are working to keep their communities safe, healthy and drug free.

Pictured are youth members Alvaro Guel and Joel Garza

New scholarship at LCC benefits Mexican students

Ten students from Mexico attending Laredo Community College this spring are benefiting from a new scholarship funded by Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs via the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME) BECAS (Scholarship) Program at the University of California, Berkeley. On behalf of Consul General Miguel Angel Isidro of the Consulate General of Mexico in Laredo, Deputy Consul Juan Jose Martinez de la Rosa was at the Private David B. Barkeley Cantu Veterans Memorial Chapel at Laredo Community College on Thursday, Feb. 10 to present a symbolic check of $15,000 to college officials. They are, from left, LCC President Juan L. Maldonado, LCC Veteran Affairs and International Student Coordinator Veronica Hernandez, Martinez de la Rosa and LCC Financial Aid Director Rick Moreno. The 10 students received scholarships of $1,500 for the spring term.

Deadline Saturday for Laredo Youth Choir registration

The deadline for registration for the Laredo Youth Choir (LYC) at Texas A&M International University is Saturday, Feb. 12, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

The newly formed LYC is an organization that gives voice to children ages 6-13. Cost of participation is $45 per month plus the cost of uniform. Rehearsals are Saturdays from 10-11:30 a.m. through May 24.

Dana Crabtree, TAMIU voice faculty with the College of Arts and Sciences' department of fine and performing arts, said the LYC, housed at TAMIU, is a new opportunity for youngsters to raise their voices in song.

"My colleague, Suzanne Ramo, TAMIU adjunct faculty member, developed the idea. We both wanted to create a nurturing environment for children here at the university where an emphasis on healthy singing and the development of musical skills is encouraged through the teaching and performance of a wide variety of choral literature. It's been a joy to develop and see the young students clearly relish the opportunity to learn and perform," she said.

Crabtree and Ramo serve as LYC's artistic director and managing director, respectively. It is conducted by TAMIU music majors Stephanie Solis, conductor and Raquel Gonzalez, assistant conductor and Luz Chavez, pianist.

LYC members will perform in concert with the TAMIU Chamber Singers April 2 and will participate in the TAMIU Young Arts Program: Young Pianists and Singers on May 24. The LYC last performed at TAMIU's December Young Pianists and Singers Recital. For additional information, contact Crabtree at the department of fine and performing arts, 326-3040 or email dcrabtree@tamiu.edu

Laredo students meet with congressman in D.C.

Enrique Ramirez (left) and Lorena Zapata (right) of Lyndon B. Johnson High School, visit Congressman Henry Cuellar during a Close-Up trip to Washington, D.C. "It was a huge privilege to be awarded the Martha Washington Society Scholarship so that we could see democracy in action," Ramirez said.

Scouts visit mayor, earn citizenship activity badge

The fourth-grade Webelos Scouts from Pack 201, chartered through United Day School, visited with City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas to finalize the requirements to earn their Citizenship Activity badge.

The Webelos are working on their Citizenship Activity Badge. As part of the badge, the scouts were required to visit with a community leader to find out about his duties. They scouts were given lots of choices regarding various community leaders here in Laredo -- these boys unanimously chose to meet Salinas. They were interested in finding out about him, what the mayor does, what made him decide to become the mayor, what he did before he was mayor, whether he has to travel, has he ever met with any famous people and whether he has met the president.

As part of the citizenship badge, the scouts also needed to learn what they could do to be a better citizen here in Laredo, they had to do a community service project, they had to know the name of the president, vice president and governor. They also had to demonstrate how to hang the flag and how the flag should be respected, explain the rights and duties of a US citizen, repeat the Pledge of Allegiance from memory and explain in their own words what the pledge means.

The meeting with Salinas was last requirement for the scouts to earn their badge. The scouts will be awarded their Citizenship Activity badges at a banquet next month.

The Webelos Den leaders are John Paul and Dr. John Kilburn

Pack 201 Webelos Scouts are: Eddie Castillon, Robert "Bo" Kilburn, Enrique Medina, Brennan Mohrer, Devin Mulchand, and Jack Paul. Not pictured is Alex Guerrero.

One-act comedy plays to be performed this weekend

Caption: Pictured during a recent dress rehearsal, Elizabeth, portrayed by Tricia Cortez in "Laundry and Bourbon," holds a drink while worrying about her husband, Roy, played by Tony Alvarez in Lone Star, a Vietnam veteran who hasn't been home in two days. Elizabeth hears Roy has been in town with another woman.

Audiences will be in for a laugh this weekend as Laredo Community College's Performing Arts and Fine Arts Departments presents James McLure's two, one-act comedy plays, "Lone Star" and "Laundry and Bourbon."

The four-day production run begins on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m.

Other production dates are slated for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11-12, at 8 p.m., as well as a matinee performance on Sunday, Feb. 13, at 3 p.m. in LCC's Fort McIntosh Campus' Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center theater.

General admission is $7 and $5 for those with a valid student ID.

Proceeds benefit the Floyd Reed Memorial Scholarship Fund, which helps promote the performing arts in the Laredo area.

Both comedies are best suited for mature audiences and are not recommended for children under the age of 13.

Lone Star and Laundry and Bourbon are two plays that go together.

Both stories take place in Maynard, Texas, during the mid-1970s in this "dead-end" town on the edge of the desert, the kind of place where there’s always something happening and nothing seems to change.

The women and men from three different marriages hang out, gossip, confide, and share their seemingly comedic stories with the audience.

"Audiences can expect a lot of laughter," said William Hauserman, LCC Fine Arts Center director and director of both plays. "There is lots of funny stuff going on, yet at the same time there is a certain pathos involved where we see the depths of some human problems and emotions, including loneliness, jealousy, depression, guilt, humiliation, relief and hope."

This is Hauserman's first production since being named Fine Arts Center director in early fall.

Cast members include three male characters and one understudy in Lone Star, while Laundry and Bourbon includes three female characters and one understudy. Both comedies also include about a dozen crew members.

"I chose these two plays for a variety of reasons," Hauserman said. "Both plays have relatively small, yet talented casts who are currently involved with other productions. Also, it's been a while since non-musical plays have been performed at LCC and I think these one-act comedies will have a great audience appeal."

A sign language interpreter will be provided to help hearing-impaired audience members.
For more information on Lone Star and Laundry and Bourbon, contact the LCC Fine Arts Center at 721-5334 or email William Hauserman at william.hauserman@laredo.edu.

Local students named to UNT Dean's List

DENTON - Four University of North Texas students from Laredo were named to the Dean's List for the 2010 fall semester. To be named to the Dean's List, undergraduates must complete at least 12 academic hours with a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.9.

The students named to the Dean's List are Katherine Juliet Mejia, Elizabeth M. Sosa, Kristy Vidaurri and Diego Andres Villarreal.

Program to allow first-time students earn a debt-free education at LCC

A new program at Laredo Community College is designed to help first-time college students earn a debt-free education beginning this fall.

The Palomino Pact program allows qualifying students to maximize their federal and state financial aid, which would cover tuition and fees at LCC and leave students with an extra $2,000 per academic year to help with other educational expenses, including food, transportation, and textbooks.

Although the program begins with the fall 2011 semester, qualifying students only have until March 1 to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and sign the Palomino Pact contract at the Student Financial Aid Center at either LCC campus to guarantee their expenses are covered.

"The Palomino Pact program is really to make sure students maximize free federal and state grants, to cover all college tuition and fees, books," said Rick Moreno, LCC financial aid director. "And thanks to our affordable tuition at LCC, students will still have cash left over for other expenses."

The Palomino Pact program is open to incoming freshmen attending LCC beginning this fall semester. To qualify, students must have a family household income of $31,000 per year or less, with a minimum of three family members. As part of the agreement, students must register as a full-time student for both the fall and spring semesters.

Students also must maintain at least a grade point average of 2.0, and must successfully complete 70 percent of the courses they attempt at LCC. Applicants also must meet federally required citizenship status, and have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.

"Students who opt to participate in this program will be able to graduate from LCC debt-free and ready to move on to a four-year university or transition into the workforce," said Vince Solis, vice president for Student Services. "Those students who qualify to participate in this program will have all educational expenses paid for including tuition, fees, and books. Additionally, many of the participants will end up with remaining funds to help pay for other college related expenses such as food, gas, and clothing."

Students can complete their FAFSA by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and have all necessary documents in order by March 1.

For more information on the Palomino Pact program, contact the LCC Financial Aid Center at 721-5361 at the Fort McIntosh Campus or at the South Campus at 794-4360.

Perez-Sanchez named as new director of Professional Development at UISD

Aleida Perez-Sanchez was recently promoted as the new director of Professional Development at United Independent School District.

The first in her family to earn a college education, Aleida Perez-Sanchez was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley as a proud first generation Mexican-American student of McAllen ISD. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies with a specialization in early childhood from the University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio) as well as a master's in education in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in instructional technology from Houston Baptist University.

She began her career as an educator in Northside ISD (San Antonio). Perez-Sanchez has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career including that of "Outstanding Education Graduate Award" (UIW), "First Teacher of the Year" (NISD), and "H-E-B Excellence in Education Award Nominee" (NISD).

In 2006, she joined UISD and has since served as master technology teacher, elementary program Coordinator of Instructional Technology and now, as newly appointed director of Professional Development.

"I firmly believe that by 'learning forward' with high quality professional learning opportunities tailored to our needs, we can motivate and propel educators/administrators of all levels to reach higher levels of student achievement and increase our district's academic performance," she said.

St. Augustine student a National Hispanic Scholar

Rebecca Arenaz was recognized at St. Augustine at the schoolwide mass during Catholic Schools Week; Arenaz was named a National Hispanic Scholar by College Board. She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Pablo Arenaz. Pictured with Arenaz are Dr. Rosa Maria Vida, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese, and Olga Gentry, principal of St. Augustine High School.

Trautmann Elementary School identified by NCEA as higher performing School in 2010

The National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA), a department of ACT, named UISD’s Trautmann Elementary School in its 2010 NCEA Higher Performing Schools List for Texas.

The list identifies elementary, middle, and high schools that have consistently outperformed their peers that serve similar student populations and recognizes their achievement in bringing more students to college and career readiness than expected.

Schools on the list are identified by one of two measures: academic growth of students at the school and/or absolute achievement of students at the school using the TAKS' Commended Performance level. The measures exemplify not only those schools that are able to improve their student performance from previous years but also those schools that push their students beyond the Met Standard (passing) level - a level that is typically too low to accurately measure student preparedness for postsecondary learning. NCEA's identification of Higher Performing Schools is more selective than the Texas Education Agency's Exemplary or Recognized list and comprises fewer than 10 percent of public schools in the state.

Trautmann Elementary Principal, Cynthia Rodriguez, was elated with the news that her campus had achieved NCEA recognition.

"I’m thankful for the exceptional staff that that I have. Thanks to them we are able to make extraordinary strides with our students," she said.

United Day School Supports New Libraries

Taylor Peters, United Day School's Teachers of Tomorrow Club president, handed a check to Nellie Trust, Friends of the Library representative last week after a very successful fundraising campaign initiated at the school.

"It is with great pleasure that we present a check to the Friends of the Library for $1,250 for the purchase of 50 new books," Peters said.

"The Teachers of Tomorrow Club decided to participate in the Friends of the Library fund drive in November of this school year," said Tracy Doan, teacher-sponsor of the club.

She said the club president had a meeting with all of the members and decided by vote to take on this worthy project. To start off, the members shared the responsibility of making presentations to each homeroom class. The goal of the project was to request that all 473 United Day School students donate $1 toward the purchase of books.

The Teachers of Tomorrow officers and members collected and counted the money that was brought in over a period of six weeks. Every count ended in the tabulation of how many books could be purchased. The project caught fire as it proceeded and after the final tabulation, the members had collected $1,250.

"The students knew that this amount would bring in 50 new books for the new city libraries," Doan said." Every student in the school as well as staff members participated in this worthy cause."

Accepting the check, Trust thanked the students for their commitment and hard work.

"Countless library patrons will benefit from your decision to help our community in this manner," Trust said. "You can feel very proud of your commitment to enhance literacy in our city and surrounding areas."

Forms for the adoption of books or the purchase of bricks can be found at the Laredo Public Library (call 795-2400). The book adoption is $25 and the brick purchase is $50.

Pictured, front row: Laredo Public Library Director, Maria Soliz; students, Sofia Perez, Katarina Sierra, Vanessa Flores.Pictured, back row: Taylor Peters (club president), Tracy Doan (club sponsor), Sophia Pena, Ana Gaby Medina, Aleza Trevino, Analy Rechy, Rita Peters (school principal) and Nellie Trust, Friends of the Library representative.

Top art students shine in new LCC exhibit opening Monday

"Pelvis" by Samantha Proa

The best of the best will showcase their creativity as Laredo Community College turns the spotlight on some of its most talented art students during a new exhibit opening on Monday, Jan. 31 at the Harold R. Yeary Library.
The campus body and art lovers from the community are invited to attend an opening reception for the LCC Art Scholarship Show on Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the college library foyer on the Fort McIntosh campus.
Refreshments will be served. Admission is free of charge.
The students featured in this art exhibit were selected in the spring as recipients of an LCC art scholarship for demonstrating their excellence as a student of art, according to LCC art instructor Mary M. Bausman.
"They set an example for other art majors to follow through their dedication and skill level seen in each work," Bausman said. "The LCC Art Department congratulates each hard working student for their competitive accomplishments."
The featured student artists include Miriam Castro, Nadia Hernandez, Alejandra Guerrero, Samantha Proa, Alicia Mendez, Denise Rodriguez, Juan Castillo, Maricela Duffield, Fernando Perez, Leticia Reyes, Penelope Warren and Felicitas Garcia.
The exhibit will remain on display through Monday, Feb. 28. It may be viewed at the library Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and weekends from 1 to 5 p.m.