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.