Back to School

riomagazine 340I08/2017

On the cover:

Andrea Gonzalez

L e t t e r f r o m t h e e d i t o r It’s time for class! We’ve decided to dedicate this issue to the students and teachers of Laredo who are getting ready for their first day back in class. Inside this issue, you’ll find several back-to-school themed articles and an interview with TAMIU professor, Dr. De La Miyar.

On the centerfold, we feature a special interview with Andrea Gonzalez who will be receiving her bachelor’s degree in Special Education this December at TAMIU. She has won the Presidential Volunteer Service Award 2 years in a row, an award issued by the President of the United States. She is on the road to achieve success through her hard work and dedication.

Once again, RIO is back highlighting local stories including an interview with local fashion designer, Annalin Muzza and an interview with actress Carolina Lozano on her journey starring as “Belle” in the Laredo Theater Guild’s play “Beauty and the Beast. ” As always, we include several events in and around Laredo including the Sister Cities Festival, Journey at the Laredo Energy Arena, and a mud run at North Central Park.

I hope this issue entertains you and serves you as a guide for Back to School. Best of luck to each of you as you embark on this new school year.

Cheers!

Alejandra Cantu

riomagazine

STAFFEditorial

Ninfa Cantú Deándar publisher

Alejandra Cantú Editor

Rafael S. Gutiérrez art coordinator

Jonathan Ramos Copy Editor

Priscilla Tapia

cover photography

Priscilla Lugo Contributor

Carolina García

general manager

calendar

4

WHATTODO If you’re looking for something fun to do in Laredo or a nearby city, including local festivals, art and concerts, or sports outings, check out our events calendar.

The following is a list of featured events for the month of August: LAREDO, TX Back to School Tax Free Weekend Bash Aug 11 - Aug 13 · The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo ·

Matt Maher - Live in Concert

The Piano Guys

Aug 24 @7PM

Aug 24 @7:30 PM

Casablanca Event Center

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

RotaRun Aug 26 @7AM North Central Park

Gloria Trevi VS Alejandra Guzmán Aug 27 - Aug 28 · Laredo Energy Arena

The Princess Bride with Cary Elwes Aug 26 @7:30PM Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Kevin Fowler w Johnny Rodriguez

Dita Von Teese’s “The Art of the Teese” Burlesque Review

Aug 11 @7PM Casablanca Ballroom

Aug 29 @7PM The Aztec Theatre

Marco Antonio Solis Aug 12 @8:30PM

MONTERREY, MX

Laredo Energy Arena

Empty Bowls XI Aug 18 @7PM

SAN ANTONIO, TX

Tecate Food Truck Fest Aug 12 - Aug 13 · Parque Fundidora

Laredo Energy Arena

Discover The Dinosaurs Unleashed

Yoga Buzz

Aug 12 @9AM

90s Pop Tour

Freeman Coliseum

Aug 17 @9PM

Aug 19 - Aug 20

Arena Monterrey

CASA YOGA

Holi Color Fest Monterrey Aug 19 @5PM Cintermex ·

Ricardo Arjona En La Arena Monterrey

Super Sprint Beginner Triathlon Aug 20 @8AM North Central Park

Ed Sheeran

Aug 31 @9PM

Aug 22 @7:30PM

Arena Monterrey

AT&T Center

content

16

Vida Nocturna

30

Study Abroad

42

Annalin Muzza

8

event

Photos by Priscilla Lugo

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Omar Minhas & Martha Santos

On July 14th, 2017, Pesca Fresca held their grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5511 McPherson Rd. The appetizers and live music were a perfect to fit to celebrate their opening and their recognition as a member of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce. Pesca Fresca serves fresh, Tampicostyle seafood including cocktails, ceviche, fresh oysters, and seafood tacos. Make sure you try their tasty new menu options.

Alex Meza, Alejandra Cantu, & Diego Mounetou Nea Pe単a, Mario Pe単a & Miguel Conchas

George and Elvita Hachar

Thalia Gonzalez & Ale Pe単a Alex Meza, Paul Jischke & Antonio Pe単a

vidanocturna

Fotos por Betty Oliver

10

z, Meliss Maria Lópe , te n e u P a n ríguez , Dia irre Rebeca RodFlores y Marcela Agu , la il d a P a Ana Fernand

a Garza.

La gente de Laredo sabe pasarla bien y disfrutar de las noches en los lugares de atracción de la vida nocturna en Laredo. RIO salió de fiesta y visito Border Foundry, Anise Kitchen y Siete Banderas que cuentan con una atmósfera al aire libre, grupos en vivo, y deliciosas bebidas y comidas. ¡Música, diversión y entretenimiento!

Fay

Gerardo M o Mainero,

adrazo y Ja

mes Notzo

n Alexa Gam

boa y Malle

ly Blanco

Gail A. Rod

ánde Abran Hern

z y Eduardo

z y Eduardo

Ortegón, Lu

is Lascari y

Jorge Quija

no

Manzo Jr.

na Michelle Magee y San Jua

ánde Abran Hern

ríguez, Aldo

Flores

Manzo Jr.

Gerardo y Daniela

Willie Pompa, Nick Ca

ballero y Hugo Tovar

12

vidanocturna

Alejan

z, Paloma dra Martíne

n Palos e Iva

na Chapa

Elisha y Ale

goria Martha Lon

M

y Ángeles L

jandro

ujan

tt, Moniqu onica Espri

e Godines,

Beatriz

ncy H Torres y Na sa o R , z re a Álv

inojosa Rod

ríguez

Ksissy Po

a Caballero mpa, Biank

y Rocio Torr

es

Mónica ópez y Nicolás L

Ray Silva y

írez Marco Ram pez ó L a ic n ó yM

Erika Garza

14

event Photos by Priscilla Lugo Martha Zambrano, Elsie Ramos & Xandra Minarro

Rebecca & Joshua Longoria

Journey

at the LEA The Laredo Energy Arena hosted the Grammy nominated band, Journey, on July 13th. Journey’s set included some of their greatest hits like Don’t Stop Believing and When You Love a Woman. Concert-goers ranged from their original fans to the younger crowds who went to enjoy the classic rock band. This epic night brought back great memories and left audiences rejoicing for more.

Leticia Mendiola, Diana Mendiola & Laura Rubio

Monique Godines and Angelique Garcia

Cory Gonzalez, Rafael Gonzalez & Lisa Moran

Marco Vela JR., Marco Vela, Roberto Diaz, Tanni Diaz & Lety Colon

16

event

Fotos por Priscilla Lugo

Maria Elena, Oscar, Maleny, Osiel, Oscar jr., y Cesar Solis y Maria de Jesús Monsivais

Gran Apertura Alejandro Aguilar y Rebecca Martinez de Aguilar.

En el mes de julio, La Laguna Mariscos & Sushi, celebró su gran apertura en su nueva ubicación. Familiares y amigos se reunieron con el propietario, Oscar Solís y, conmemoraron ese día especial.

Los asistentes disfrutaron de exquisitos platos de mariscos incluyendo varios alimentos tradicionales del restaurante, sushi y deliciosas bebidas. Visítelos en 9413 McPherson Road.

Berta Gonzalz, Ivonne Cavazos, Dorina Shadid, Elda Monarrez y Sofia Monarrez

Arturo y Corina Arcega.

Bertha Cacazos, Dorina Cardenas, Maria Elena Solis, Elda Monarrez y Ivonne Benavides

Raul Guillen, Tania Sanchez, Ivette Sanchez y John Sanchez

Carlos Mendoza y Ronnie Galvan Raul Malacara, Miriam Sanchez, Osiel Solis y Alejandro Aco

Dina y Conrado Pinedo

Salomon Valencia, Mariell Valencia, Michelle Rodriguez, Virginia Hughs y Artuto Covarrubias

18

event

Photos by Priscilla Lugo

Mud Run

Morning Misfits Team

at North Central Park

On Saturday, July 8 North Central Park hosted the city’s fifth annual 5K mud run. Michelob Ultra and many local businesses sponsored the event. This messy face-off pinned individuals and teammates to race against the clock in an exhilarating showdown.

The grueling run consisted of many muddy obstacles that participants had to scurry through in order to reach the finish line.

GRMI Logistics Team

Las Locas Team

The Avengers Team

Bleed Orange Team Captain Crunch and the Cereal Killers Team

La Mala Copa Team

20

event

Photos by Priscilla Lugo

Mariana Martinez & Laura Palos

Sister Cities

Festival

Francisco and Paty Lugo

The Laredo Energy Arena hosted the 15th Annual Laredo International Sister Cities Festival from July 7th-July 9th. The festival held 180 booths that featured products like jewelry, clothing, home dĂŠcor, food, leather goods, and more from all over Mexico and Central America. The weekend long event brought out thousands of locals to go and support local and international artisans.

Italy, Tony & Keren Rubio

Saldana Family

Oceguera Family

Austin Camacho & Family Sandra Gutierrez, Ana Karen working a booth with artist

22 myrthala

alejo

DearMs.M

Dear Ms. M: We are

Dear Ms. M: I, recently, graduated top of my

nearing the beginning

class from high school. I am about to begin

of classes and I’m do-

college and I’ve started to think that I’m not

ing my best to remain

ready to leave. I’ve spent years dreaming of

calm. Two of my chil-

this, so this is a surprise to me and my family.

dren will be entering

Is this normal?

a new school. As you

Dear College: Transitioning from high school

can understand, start-

to college is a huge step, especially if it in-

ing school can be over-

volves leaving home. So, yes, it’s normal to

chil-

question your readiness to leave. To many,

dren are excited about

change is unpleasant because it means hav-

the change but have

ing to start over. Moving away to college

the common concerns

brings to mind – a new town, a new culture,

whelming. My

about fitting in and making friends. What do you usually recommend kids do in these situations?

Dear New School: The start of classes is always a topic of concern for parents and children and with reason.

Parents, and children alike, are wondering what to expect. In your case, this year has the added bonus of a new setting. Here you have a whole new set of people and teachers. It’s natural for your children to be concerned about fitting in and whether or not they will make friends. My advice is for them to start school with a realistic mindset. Meeting people will happen daily, but making friends will take time. Everyone will need to adapt to the new setting and slowly begin to communicate. I’d tell your kids to start with being cordial and confident in order to send out the ‘vibe’ that they are open to meeting others. I can’t stress enough that non-verbal communication is more

important than verbal communication which means: make eye contact, smile, maintain good posture, and walk alongside others. This allows for them to make conversation. The main ingredient in making friends is to be interested in them. By that, I mean, demonstrate to others that you want to know about them. Besides saying the typical ‘hey,’ they should take notice of things that classmates like and use those topics as talking points. For example, you see someone wearing a jersey or with a gaming item you like, ask them about it.

Kids must be willing to take the initiative and not wait to be approached when they are in a new setting. Also, I recommend they look into clubs and after school activities. Finding people with similar interest’s speeds up the bonding process. By showing interest in others and taking notice of what’s trending, their ability to adapt to this new school should be easier.

Ms. M. offers her opinion on a variety of subjects. They are expressing personal and professional opinions and views. These opinions or views are not intended to treat or diagnose; nor are they meant to replace the treatment and care that you may be receiving from a licensed physician or mental health professional. If you have specific concerns or a situation in which you require professional psychological or medical help, you should consult with a trained and

a new routine, etc. The truth is that college is an opportunity to grow – emotionally and academically – and find out who you are and what you are capable of without parents, home and a familiar community. Like you, most kids dream of leaving home because they crave independence. Perhaps, you are intimidated by the thought of leaving your niche and loved ones. College life does require a person to be self-reliant and responsible which is nothing like home, for most. Academically, you sound like you are equipped to handle the college life. So, the issue could be emotional, financial or social. I suggest you go and talk to a trusted advisor, mentor or counselor about your concerns. It helps to have someone, from the outside, listen and give you their perspective. This feeling you have could be the typical jitters felt by everyone moving away from the familiar. By the same token, it could be a valid concern which should be contemplated.

Please know that it’s not uncommon for some people to opt to stay close to home. Remember that you don’t have to leave town to be successful. Success is measured by what you do with the knowledge you gain.

qualified specialist in the area of concern. Ms. M. is not responsible for the outcome or results of following the advice, in any given situation, for you are completely responsible for your actions. Myrthala Alejo is the senior counselor of non-profit organization, PILLAR. The non-profit organization service the youth of the community of Laredo and surrounding areas who are victims of bullying, have attempted suicide, or are struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Courtesy Photos By Jonathan Ramos

23

Meet the Man behind

TAMIU’s Advertising Initiative

D

Dr. De La Miyar has become

Communication. After gradu-

mation that can be used in their

a conduit for creativity in all

ating, he held a weekly radio

future. Now shifting his passion

aspects of TAMIU’s Com-

show on Nuevo Laredo’s 102.3

towards bigger and better

munication department. In

radio station that broadcasted

things, he is more concerned

a time when the education

live for 10 years. During that

with

system has left the crucial art

time he pursued his masters

through meaningful conversa-

of creativity behind, he has

and doctoral degrees in com-

tions and informative rhetoric.

been the spark for igniting

munication studies and Cul-

His current agenda features a

new ideas. His path towards

ture, Literacy and Language,

speaking engagement at the

higher education was unorth-

respectively. All while com-

2017 Arts, Humanities, Social

odox, to say the least.

muting back and forth be-

Sciences & Education confer-

As a teenager he envisioned

tween Laredo and San Antonio

ence held in Honolulu. Where

himself as a priest and en-

to continue his radio and TV

he will be discussing his re-

tered the seminary at the ear-

shows. After some time and

search in reflecting the role so-

ly age of 15. After performing

many media ventures later, he

cial status plays in print media.

rigorous priestly duties, he

decided to take his talents to

Dr. De La Miyar enjoys his free

was struck by the realization

the class room where he could

time giving back to the com-

that his colorful personality

pass on his knowledge to his

munity through the Big Broth-

would be better suited in the

protégées.

ers Big Sister organization. He

realm of media. So upon grad-

In his time as a professor he

will be enjoying some much

uating from San Augustine

has tried to engage students’

deserved rest and relaxation

High school, he set course to

academic life by making their

this summer by the beach, to

Mexico City, where he would

experience more enjoyable

prepare himself for the up-

graduate with a degree in

and providing relevant infor-

coming school year.

spreading

awareness

24 Hair and makeup by Blow Me Away Fashion by Joe Brand Photos by Priscilla Tapia Creative coordinator Alejandra CantĂş

Andrea Gonzalez: Achieving Success Through Hard Work and Determination by

Jonathan Ramos

Here at RIO our focus is to highlight all things happening in Laredo. Right now many young Laredoans are on the brink of starting a new school year. One of these students excited about prospects of the coming year is Andrea Abigail Gonzalez De la Cruz. Andrea has proven her dedication to the community and her education with the accolades and accomplishments she’s accrued over time.

Her hard work is about to pay off this December when she will get to put on her cap and gown, and receive her Bachelor’s degree.

Ms. Andrea’s determination has led her to accrue over 1000 community service hours during her high school years, and over 500 community service hours at TAMIU. She has won the Presidential Volunteer Service Award 2 years in a row. This is national award issued by the President of the United States.

Due to her innate passion for civil service, she sought out a position in TAMIU’s leadership program. It was in this program, where she co-founded the “Building on Legacy” initiative, to bring awareness and aid in the social isolation of the elderly. With its enactment they have been able to raise funds and promote affirmation for senior citizens.

As president of Building on Legacy she has managed to make the group one of the most successful programs established by TAMIU’s leadership program.

Andrea is currently studying Special Education and plans to pursue a career as an administrator at a university, where she can implement her ideas and philosophy to better the next generation. She has been blessed to receive the inaugural Senator Judith Zaffirini Scholarship, which has allowed her to maximize her potential. In addition, she has served as an orientation leader for the university, where she has the opportunity to empower Dustdevils to succeed. Andrea is grateful for all the leadership roles she has fulfilled while at TAMIU, including the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland and England. Andrea’s key towards success has always been to seize opportunities and not take them for granted.

Her advice to all students who aspire to follow in her footsteps is to get involved and not be afraid to ask for help.

26

By Monica R. Walters

28

Courtesy photos

LCC plans for the future with development of new programs

E

Exciting additions lie ahead

program, LCC plans on tapping

at Laredo Community Col-

into a vital resource with the cre-

lege as the college moves

ation of a water management

forward on several new aca-

program to be housed at the

demic programs.

Fort McIntosh Campus.

To meet the needs of an in-

“We are working on develop-

creasingly versatile and ex-

ing a full curriculum module

panding technological world,

at the moment, as there is def-

LCC is in the midst of expand-

initely a market for this in Lar-

ing its computer technology

edo and beyond,” said Solis,

program with the addition

who added that the program

of a cyber security focus on

will also feature its own bot-

drones and robotics.

tling system.

According to LCC Vice Presi-

The water management pro-

dent for Instruction and Stu-

gram, which would be housed

dent Services Dr. Vince Solis,

alongside the cyber security

this redesign will implement the latest technology, as well as add highly qualified personnel and remodel facilities specifically for the program.

“We want to focus on the latest innovations and on drone technology like air, land and marine drones,” said Solis, adding that this would help prepare students for high security careers.

In addition to the cyber security

and oil and gas programs, will eventually find a home in what is currently the Lopez Nursing and Ruben M. Garcia Allied Health buildings.

Work will begin on those buildings once the Health Science programs move to the Health Sciences Center currently under construction at the South Campus.

One new endeavor already underway is the college’s Language Institute. This program helps develop English-

language skills for professionals.

Several groups from Matamoros, Mexico have already participated in the language institute over the summer, and LCC hopes to also offer Spanish classes for individuals or businesses interested in helping employees learn either language.

For

more

information

on

these programs, contact the LCC Public Relations Office at 721-5140.

Por Ana Cristina Martínez

30

Fotos de cortesía

Estudia en el

E

extranjero

El estudiar en un país extran-

los Estados Unidos es muy

tamente sola, eso ocurre cuan-

visar tus redes sociales.

jero abre muchas puertas. El

importante para las corpora-

do tienes que ir del otro lado

Las calles de un país extran-

estudiante amplía horizon-

ciones globales. Es un prob-

del mundo para terminar un

jero pronto se convierten en

tes cursando parte de sus

lema menos que tiene una

programa o un semestre. El

amigas, los trenes, el metro y

estudios en una universidad

compañía cuando contrata a

encontrarte completamente

hasta el camión. Solamente

extranjera donde aprende a

un joven que ha vivido en un

solo te da esa valentía que no

fuera de tu casa se puede

integrarse en otra cultura y

país extranjero donde tienen

sabías que existía dentro de ti.

tener ese tipo de experien-

se aprende un nuevo idioma.

oficina o plantas.

Rápidamente te comienzas a

cias y complementar el viaje

Estudiar en el extranjero le

Los estudiantes que un día

mover en el transporte publico,

con amistades que vas haci-

da un empujón a la carrera

serán profesionistas llevan

caminas o andas en bicicleta.

endo en el camino.

profesional.

la experiencia de interac-

La necesidad hace al maestro,

Los otros estudiantes, como

La oportunidad de poder

tuar en otra cultura y el cono-

de repente ya estás viajando

están en las mismas condi-

viajar es siempre un tema

cimiento de otro idioma. El

como local y totalmente famil-

ciones que ustedes, se vuel-

que causa nervios, ¿a dónde

estudiar en el extranjero tam-

iarizado con las calles de la

ven un frente común para

voy? ¿qué voy a hacer? ¿qué

bién aprende a integrarse a

ciudad. También, sabes dónde

terminar con lo desconocido

comen? ¿qué hacen? ¿cómo

una cultura donde la comida

tomar el café, comer sabroso,

y aventarse con los nuevos

viven?

es diferente, así como los me-

sentarte a ver a la gente y re-

amigos empezar a conocer.

Cuestionamientos que son

dios de transporte, la mone-

válidos cuando no conoces

da, las leyes y tantas cosas

el país. Hoy en día, las uni-

más que son diferentes a Es-

versidades tienen integrado

tados Unidos.

en su curricular los viajes al

Cuando era niña, mi padre

extranjero ya sea por el ve-

siempre me decía: “Cuando

rano o por un semestre; todo

estudies en Europa”... lo

depende del programa que

repetía todos los días y lo

escojan o de la disponibili-

tuve muy presente siempre.

dad que tengan dentro de su

Fue una semillita que la

plan de estudios.

plantó mi padre desde que

Las universidades promueven

era pequeña y un día floreció.

este tipo de programas para

La maestría la terminé en La

que sus jóvenes estudiantes

Universidad Complutense en

vayan integrando en su por-

Madrid y el vivir un verano

tafolio una experiencia con

en Madrid me enseñó mu-

otra cultura. El saber como

chas cosas.

viven otras personas fuera de

Por ejemplo, a viajar comple-

Armando Javier Torres actualmente se encuentra tomando clases de verano en la Universidad de Korea en Seoul. Armando es estudiante de la Universidad de Texas en Austin.

Sandra Bernal quien actualmente estudia en TAMIU visitó Thailandia, Doha, Inglaterra y Costa Rica gracias al programa de “Study Abroad.”

Alicia Vásquez quien actualmente estudia en TAMIU estudió en Nicaragua en el año 2016.

En mi caso viajábamos a

de esos capítulos es la de

pueblos cercanos, pasábamos

haber viajado al extranjero y

el día caminando, conociendo,

vivido una experiencia como

comiendo, riendo y apren-

estudiante en otro país lejos

diendo las tradiciones de los

de Estados Unidos. La opor-

españoles.

tunidad la tienen en todas las

Amistades que te acompañan

universidades, aquí en TA-

en tu viaje y los continuas fre-

MIU o en la esté asistiendo

cuentando por siempre.

este ciclo escolar.

El estudiar en el extranjero

Les sugiero que visiten el

es todo un proyecto de vida,

departamento

porque te vas de una forma

Abroad” dentro de su univer-

y regresas totalmente trans-

sidad, conozcan a la persona

formado. Las nuevas expe-

encargada del sección, in-

riencias enriquecen al joven

vestiguen sobre las opciones

estudiante y lo convierten en

que ofrecen para su carrera,

un ser humano mas conscien-

cuándo pueden comenzar

te y con una mentalidad más

el proceso de admisión y

abierta.

cuánto les va a costar. Es im-

Cada estudiante tiene su his-

portante organizar un plan de

toria por escribir, pero uno

precios antes del viaje.

de

“Study

El equipo de estudiantes de TAMIU en su brigada medica en Nicaragua

Pregunta sobre las becas y cómo las pueden obtener. Los invito a visitar nuestra pagina de www. pasosdeexito.com, dar like en Facebook y escuchar nuestro programa de radio por 107.3FM.

‘It takes a village’:

32

Tali & Leah

Wisner

How YOU can help improve literacy rates in Laredo schools

An interview with TAMIU-LBV Literacy Partnership Director, Dr. Phil Roberson Since 2011, the TAMIU-LBV Literacy Partnership has improved local literacy rates by providing highly-effective, one-on-one tutoring services to struggling readers. The program’s unique five-part lesson plan condenses quality reading and writing practice into productive thirty-minute time slots, a daily exposure that makes it much easier for struggling readers to catch up to their peers. Dr. Roberson, the Partnership Director, explains the program needs more tutors, faculty, and staff members to ensure that each child is given the extra instruction he or she needs to succeed.

Q: Can you tell us more about

balanced literacy, address-

ing goal. Looking forward,

dred or so novice tutors as

the TAMIU-LBV Literacy Part-

ing phonological awareness,

however, we are committed to

they work twice weekly with

nership? What makes the

phonics, fluency, vocabulary,

helping our school partners

real children, are at times in-

5-part lesson so effective?

comprehension, and writing

erase that subtractive element

surmountable tasks. Our ap-

skill development.

of English language learning,

proach is clearly working for

with an aim to pursue bilitera-

us in Laredo, on the borders

cy learning goals.

of language, culture, and op-

A: The TAMIU-LBV Literacy Partnership is a collaborative

Q: Why is there a need for this

partnership between Texas

program? Especially in bor-

A&M International Univer-

der communities?

Q: This sounds like a great

interested tutors, faculty, and

sity and the two main public

A: One of the pervasive chal-

program. What difficulties has

staff members if we want to

school districts in Laredo, on

lenges of public education in

the program faced? What do

reach all of Laredo’s strug-

the Texas-Mexico border. Be-

Texas border communities is

you need in order to keep it

gling readers.

ginning in one elementary

the continuing battle against

going?

school in 2011, the partner-

English-only

that

A: One of our greatest chal-

In a nation where verified

ship now provides one-on-

minimize native language use.

lenges is going to scale. We

truth is questioned and alter-

one literacy tutoring to over

As all Laredo schools employ

simply do not have enough

nate facts are promoted, and

600 struggling readers annu-

“subtractive early exit transi-

tutors to meet the demands

in a world when girls’ access

ally in eleven Laredo schools.

tional bilingual” approaches

of the schools we serve, and

to basic education is aggres-

Most students are grade one

to teaching ELLs, and put great

we serve only eleven of Lar-

sively undermined, it is our

and grade two English lan-

energy into preparing stu-

edo’s nearly fifty elementary

most vulnerable citizens to

guage learners (ELLs) who

dents to succeed on annual

schools. Equally challenging

which we must give our un-

are already one-half year or

standardized state examina-

is that we struggle currently to

divided attention. “It takes

more behind their age peers

tions beginning in grade three,

find enough faculty and staff

a village,” as someone

in reading development. Tu-

partnership

support

resources; recruiting, train-

has famously said.

tors are mostly university

that English language learn-

ing, and supervising a hun-

practices

tutors

portunity, but we need more

students seeking careers in teaching or in speech pathology.Virtually all tutors are, like the children they serve, ELLs. The

five-part

intervention

model provides tutoring to participating students for thirty minutes twice weekly in the school setting. The researchbased intervention relies on leveled texts and elements of

If you want to contribute to the TAMIU-LBV Literacy Partnership and help improve literacy rates in Laredo schools, email literacy@tamiu.edu!

Smarty Pants More

Than Just Tutoring

34

BY: Priscilla K Lugo Courtesy photos

Kia

In the Klassroom

Back to school is just around the

business and their philanthropic

Sames, the COO of the Sames

corner, and while usually dur-

effort, students are eager to return

Auto Group, we learned about

ing this time of year students are

to school and attend classes year-

the program that is putting more

dreading the thought of going

round.

students in their desks and ready

back to class, due to one local

After

interviewing

Evelyn

to learn.

RIO: Tell me about the program Kia in the Klassroom.

Who came up with it? What is its mission? Who is eligible to participate?

Evelyn: Kia in the Klassroom is a partnership between Sames Kia and UISD. We were regularly approached by clubs and organizations from local schools and really didn’t feel like our intermittent contributions were making the impact we were hoping to leave on education in our community. In discussion with the school district they expressed the need to incentivize students to attend school so we came up with a concept where a student with perfect attendance would have the opportunity to win a brand new Kia. What better incentive for a high school student than a new car?

R: What makes this such a great experience?

E: At the end of every school year we draw the lucky winner at one of the districts graduation ceremonies. You would think that after a couple of these that it would become monotonous. On the contrary, it’s an event that I look forward to each year as nothing gives me more joy to see the winners face and to hand over the keys to a new car to a deserving local student.

R: What is it that you love about the program?

E: I love to meet the winner and their family and hear about how the vehicle will help them. But most importantly, our corporate philosophy is focused on giving back to the communities that support our

businesses specifically to education. So obviously I love that this program motivates the students to go to school. We receive over 1200 entries each year. UISD has reported an increase of 209,047 attendances since the inception of this program. LBJ and United South High School were the schools with the highest increase in attendance during the 2016-2017 school year.

R: Can you tell me a little about this year’s winner?

E: The winner of a brand new 2017 Kia Soul was Victoria Davila a Senior from United South High School. She was never absent from school during the 2016-2017 school year. Victoria is the second to last out of her siblings raised by a single Mom of six children and she

is already enrolled in college locally. During her high school years she was an active member of the student council and her favorite school activity was being part of the Lady Panthers Track & Field Team.

R: Do you have any ambitions for this program? Where you would like to see it go?

E: We are currently trying to roll this program out in Bastrop, Austin and Corpus Christi so we really want to see this program grow. I hope that this program continues to leave a positive impact our local students. I know that great things can happen in the lives of these young adults if they are educated. I care about the future of Laredo and I believe it is important to educate our youth as they are the future of our community.

36

sports

Por Alejandra Cantu

Impulsan actividades

deportivas

en los

dos Laredos Mauricio Pena

E

En la comunidad de los dos Laredos, el club

Llegaron uniformados y con banderas para

de corredores, La Tribu Running Club, está

dar a reconocer su nuevo club.

conformado por un grupo de ciudadanos sin

En su primer carrera oficial, se reunieron al-

fines de lucro que se dedica a promover e im-

rededor de 300 personas de varios clubs de

pulsar actividades deportivas.

corredores donde llevaban el lema: “corra-

Mauricio Rafael Peña, junto con su primo, Raúl

mos juntos.”

González, formaron La Tribu Running Club

Recientemente, se organizó una carrera 5

con la finalidad de integrar un club de atle-

Kilómetos, Walk to Run junto con la nutrióloga

tismo familiar a la ciudad de Nuevo Laredo.

Isabel López donde los integrantes cumplier-

Mauricio solía vivir en la ciudad de Monter-

on el reto de entrenar para lograr su primer

rey, Nuevo León, cuando era universitario.

carrera y llevar una dieta mas saludable.

Él participaba en un club de corredores pa-

​Se puede decir que correr es una actividad

trocinados por Nike y fue donde aprendió so-

deportiva y terapéutica, las actividades pro-

bre el mundo de atletismo y su impacto a la

puestas por La Tribu tienen la finalidad de

comunidad.

contribuir en la salud. ​

Al graduarse, regresó a Nuevo Laredo querien-

El grupo de corredores aún tienen dos car-

do implementar la misma idea para crear una

reras más por realizar en el 2017. La próxima

ciudad con un entorno más activo y saludable.

será en el mes de octubre contra el cáncer y

“Tenemos que lograr el impacto que viví en

otra a finales del año, “The End.”

Monterrey,” dijo Mauricio.

Para más información sobre las carreras y en-

En el 2015, La Tribu hizo su debut en el

trenamientos visite su pagina de Facebook:

maratón de Palos Garza en Nuevo Laredo.

@LaTribuRC.

By Jonathan Ramos Photos by Alejandra Cantu

sportS

37

A new up and coming podcast featuring the dynamic duo Ivan Mora and Rafael Nieto, has set course to be the exclusive group to cover all things basketball in South Texas.

The Swish Ivan Mora claims that them to get exclusive intheir style of commen- terviews with local player,

A

tating is a loosely based coaches, and media per-

As college roommates they

format but remains ac- sonalities around town.

had always been having long

curate to the current is- They also feature access

arduous

discussions

over

sues in basketball. There to introspective articles

basketball affairs, and finally

main focus is the actual that cover a deeper com-

someone decided to do the

podcasts but , they also parison behind the deci-

world a favor and broad-

offer shorter video clips, sions made by players

cast it to the public. These

titled “Swish Clips”, these and associations.

two

being

shorter clips offer the This being the shows

approached by the Laredo

viewer the ability to get rookie season, the guys

based podcast network Lar-

there basketball updates just wanted to cover the

edio.net. They offered the two

in an time friendly man- NBA finals to get the

a unique opportunity to host a

ner.

show of their choosing. That’s

The Swish offers basket- this upcoming basketball

when these longtime friends

ball content ranging from pre-season will kick-off a

jumped at the chance, and it

the larger scale NBA and full force display of their

becomes clear the more you

NCAA, to the smaller lo- full site and content, in-

listen to them that they have a

cal markets in the South cluding the unveiling of a

whole lot of chemistry.

Texas area. This allows fan blog.

reunited

after

name out there. However

For now you can tune in to their Facebook live feed www.facebook.com /theswishradio/, visit the main page www.theswishradio.com/ or get updates through Twitter @TheSwishRadio.

38

res tau rants

By Jonathan Ramos Photos by Alejandra Cantu

Greenhouse

Juices & Smoothies

to make them as delicious as

them a great alternative to

lia founded the BC Fit cater-

they are nutritious. The juice

ice-cream or frozen yogurt.

It’s not always easy to eat

ing company. Their goal was

and smoothie bar has healthy

BC Fit is also currently of-

healthy, in fact more often

to bring more options to those

options for the whole family.

fering monthly meal plans,

than not the easiest option is

who had not been fortunate

Tasty smoothies for the kids,

filled with tasty options like

usually the least healthy. The

enough to have healthy alter-

and cold pressed juices with

salmon salad, turkey chili,

current trend for fit people

natives. Then Trey came on

over 2 lbs. of veggies, for

zucchini lasagna, and much

on the go is to prepare nutri-

board and this dynamic duo

those set on maximizing their

more. So if you’re looking

tious, well-balanced, ready-

set out to expand their opera-

nutritional needs. You can

for something to grab and

made meals. To those of you

tion into an all-encompassing

also customize your own acai

go, stop buy the Greenhouse

who don’t have time to spend

nutrition powerhouse.

I

hours over a hot stove, we now have a great alternative.

The creative minds of Delia Mendez and Trey Moran decided to come to together in a new venture to bring something to Laredo, we didn’t even know we wanted.

The collaborative store front of “Greenhouse

Juices

&

Smoothies and BC fit”, has not been around long in Laredo, but they have already begun to make waves in Laredo. This unique business idea came about back in 2005, when De-

bowl or pitaya bowl with your

Juices & Smoothies and BC fit

The main goal is to pro-

choice of ingredients. These

location at 2517 East Del Mar

vide nutrient dense food and

bowls are completely free

Blvd. St. A, Laredo, TX 78045

beverages to the public but,

of processed sugar, making

and get your health on.

By Edmund Tijerina, Mike Sutter, Emily Spicer, and Markus Haas for mySA

Ranked: The top

San Antonio

5

res tau rants 39

restaurants in 2017 The San Antonio culinary scene is filled with hundreds of gems waiting to be discovered and delicious fare waiting to be devoured.

The food team from the San Antonio Express-News compiled a list of the top restaurants in the Alamo City deserving of recognition — from bakeries to coffee shops, wineries to bars and casual eateries to upscale restaurants.

1. Osteria Il Sogno

200 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-3900 “Until somebody knocks Andrew Weissman off the top of the city’s culinary mountain, he’s still king and his flagship restaurant, Osteria Il Sogno, repeats as this year’s top restaurant.”

2. Botika

303 Pearl Pkwy., (210) 670-7684, botikapearl.com “Botika brought the Asian influences of Peru into a stylish setting and paired those with creative cocktails. It’s still grounded in traditional flavors, but executive chef and partner Geronimo Lopez renders these approachable without dumbing down the cuisine.”

3. Restaurant

Gwendolyn

4. Cured

306 Pearl Pkwy., (210) 314-3929 “With two James Beard Award nominations and a host of local and regional honors, chef-owner Steve McHugh seems destined for more acclaim. ... Whenever McHugh finds himself in the spotlight, he credits his restaurant team. That’s likely to get him even more awards.”

5. Mixtli

5251 McCullough Ave., (210) 338-0746, restaurantmixtli.com “With their multicourse tasting menus, they are showing the glories of more than 500 years of Mexican history.

This 12-set restaurant in a renovated railroad car has a name that means ‘cloud’ in the Aztec language of Nahuatl.

RIO’s San Antonio restaurant picks: Bonahan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood 219 E. Houston St., (210) 472-2600, bohanans.com

La Gloria –Street foods of Mexico Two locations: 100 E Grayson St., 21819 Ih-10, chefjohnnyhernandez.com

152 E. Pecan St., (210) 222-1849, restaurantgwendolyn.com “In chef Michael Sohocki’s preindustrial kitchen, there are no electrical gadgets, no deep fryers, no tidy shortcuts. His Restaurant Gwendolyn is devoted to the art and artifice of partying like it’s 1849. The concessions to modernity: Refrigeration, indoor plumbing and a website.”

Wildfish Seafood Grille & Steaks 1834 North Loop 1604 W.,(210) 493-1600, wildfishseafoodgrille.com

40

Eclectic Citizen:

Juliana Diez

Barroso

Your Daily Fashion Guide

While graphic tee’s have always

been

around,

now they are trendier than ever. These t-shirts have recently been seen on all the hottest style icons. The reason they are so in is because they are fun to pair with different looks and easy to wear. You can take a classic rock band t-shirt and pair it with fun jewelry,

high-waist

blue

jean shorts, and sneakers for an effortless, yet stylish outfit. Wear it with fun jeans, colorful mules, and a chic bag for a completely different look. You can even style it with more formal items like a midi skirt or dress pants for a night out. Slogan tee’s like the one I’m wearing are a cool way to make a statement, show your personality, and stay in style. There’s no wrong way to wear a graphic tee, which makes it a goto for my summer wardrobe. This season style your graphic tee with any type of bottom, from ripped jeans to a miniskirt, and rock this trend.

Add some fun accessories and you’ll master the look!

Check out my blog www.eclecticitizen.com & Instagram @eclecticcitizen for more daily fashion tips. Enjoy!

42

rt/fashion

By Priscilla K. Lugo Courtesy Photos

The Hustle Never Ends

Annalin Muzza is one of Lare-

effort. This is something that

21stcentury. It’s what comes

do’s very own who works day

most entrepreneurs see when

with the territory of being

and night to make a name for

they are creating their own

your own boss and wanting

herself in the fashion indus-

business. However, Annalin

to have something for your-

try, and through all her hard

welcomes the challenges that

self. It may be hard, but Ann-

work, she has.

come along with being a de-

alin wants all to know that the

Annalin has been interested

signer and a business owner.

only thing you have to do to

and has loved fashion for as

She recognizes that in order

make it, is to give it your all,

long as she could remember.

to reap the benefits of a suc-

and don’t be afraid to try new

Much to her teachers’ frustra-

cessful business, the hustle

things. By giving it your all

tions, she would always find

never ends.

there is no way you can fail, all

herself sketching and draw-

Annalin works hard every

we have to do is try. Take the

ing during class. So when the

day in order to keep push-

risk because the benefits will

time came to start forging

ing herself not only as an art-

outweigh any regrets you may

a career path, she decided

ist, but has a businesswoman.

have later in life.

to focus on cultivating her

While working on her brand,

Explore Annalin’s collection

skills. While attending differ-

she has had to become a

at her website: https://ann-

ent schools in order to build

jack-of-all-trades,

working

alinmuzza.com/ and follow

an artistic base, Annalin ulti-

on web design, marketing,

her FaceBook page for more

mately decided to start put-

managing social media ac-

updates on what she has com-

ting her skills and knowledge

counts, accounting, and just

ing, @AnnalinMuzza and her

to use by putting her creative

about everything that comes

Instagram @annalinmuzzaof-

effort on making her brand a

with running a business in the

ficial

reality.

While designing and owning her own clothing line has been a lifelong dream, for as long as she remembers she

her on her mission. She prides

had already started putting in

herself on the quality of the

the work over the past couple

clothes she creates and the

of years to make it into a real-

unique designs she makes that

ity. Annalin has worked vig-

help her collection stand out.

orously to find the best fab-

All of this hard work has come

rics and build the best team

at a price; fashion is a business

around her in order to help

that requires lots of time and

44

rt/interview

Por Verónica Ibarra Fotos por Priscilla Lugo y cortesía

Carolina Lozano fue protagonista en la obra “La Bella y La Bestia” que se presento en Laredo, Texas

y romantica SoNadora

¿Qué niña no sueña con la oportunidad de representar a una de las favoritas heroínas de Disney? “La Bella y La Bestia” es una historia que todos conocen y adoran .

Este cuento que tiene drama, amor, comedia, baile y bellas canciones se presentó en el Laredo Theater Guild International, del Laredo Community College. El clásico musical estrenó funciones en Julio 13.

Dentro del elenco estuvo Carolina Lozano, destacada chica laredense, quien interpreto a La Bella. RIO platicó con este

Desde pequeña, Carolina ha

experiencias para contribuir

aseguró la chica de 24 años,

talento de la comunidad y

asistido a clases de canto y en

a la comunidad.

quien además se desempeña

revela cómo es que se sumó a

la universidad estudió música

Por ejemplo, yo sé que hay

como Gerente Comercial de

esta puesta en escena.

profesionalmente. Hoy, im-

muchas personas de Laredo

un establecimiento recono-

“Me involucré en la compa-

parte clases de canto y apr-

de mi generación quienes di-

cido.

ñía de teatro Laredo Theater

ovecha

cen: “No hay nada qué hacer

Añadió que el teatro es un

Guild

International

(LTGI)

cada

oportunidad

artística.

en Laredo”. Pero el grupo de

gran compromiso que requi-

hace un año. La presentación

Más de 48 actores represen-

teatro LTGI es un ejemplo

ere de tiempo, dedicación, y

del musical “La Bella y La Bes-

taron esta historia, pero el

de un movimiento artístico

pasión.

tia”, es la tercera obra en la

equipo de producción de

en la comunidad que trabaja

“Yo animo a todos a audi-

que participo, las anteriores

LTGI tiene desde el otoño

incansablemente para me-

cionar y usar sus talentos,

fueron “The Who’s Tommy”

del 2016 preparando la obra.

jorar la cultura de arte local,

porque se sorprenderán de

y “A Midsummer Night’s

Cabe notar que LTGI es la

contribuyendo sus talentos y

todo lo que se puede lograr”,

Dream”,

Shakespeare.

única compañía de teatro de

oportunidades a la ciudad”,

señaló Carolina Lozano.

Siempre me ha interesado el

Laredo que se presenta con

teatro y he estudiado canto,

música de orquesta en vivo

piano y baile por más de 18

para sus obras.

años, tanto que la actuación

“Yo admiro mucho a las per-

es tan natural para mí como

sonas como la Bella: mujeres

un tercer idioma.Todo mi en-

inteligentes, valientes, com-

trenamiento musical y artísti-

pasivas, quienes no temen

co me ha preparado para ser

ser quienes son. La cualidad

buena artista en el escenario,

que más admiro de la Bella

y la compañía de teatro LTGI,

es su audacia de ser quien

con su equipo experto de di-

es, especialmente cuando no

rectores y productores, me

es conforme con lo típico. Yo,

ha enseñado cómo usar mis

quisiera lograr tener esa con-

talentos para sobresalir en el

fianza e inspirar esa cualidad

teatro. LTGI verdaderamente

a los demás. La Bella sueña

es

maravilloso

en conocer otras personas,

quien me ha ayudado mucho

culturas, y tipos de vida, y yo

en crecer como artista”, se-

puedo identificarme con esos

ñaló Lozano.

sueños, me interesa usar mis

un

de

grupo

La cualidad que más admiro de la Bella es su audacia de ser quien es, especialmente cuando no es conforme con lo típico.

Yo, quisiera lograr tener esa confianza e inspirar esa cualidad a los demás Carolina Lozano Actriz de Teatro.

46

rt

Photos by Alejandra Cantu

Local Street Art! All around the world, street art has spread rapidly and allowed up-and-coming artists to express themselves publicly. For these artists, the street becomes their canvas.

Team RIO took a cruise through the streets of Laredo and captured elaborate murals and artistic graffiti that give a little color and attitude to our city.