Take One
EDCOUCH • ELSA • LA VILLA • MONTE ALTO • RAYMONDVILLE By Irma Ayala LA VILLA-After we have left high school behind in the last decade, we start asking ourselves, “What ever happened to all the brains and beauties, the jocks, the popular crowd, the loners? Are the winners still winners? Are the dreamers successful, or are they still dreaming their lives away? Do we stay away because we are afraid the bullies or the snobs who once brought daily torment will continue decades later? Or are they now humbled by advancing years and the hard school of life? The best way to find out is to have a class reunion. And that is just what the La Villa eighth grade graduating class of 1975 did. Joe Cisneros commented that this unique reunion was five years in the making. The actual planning took seven months according to Adelaida Leal. Joe Cisneros had often commented to his friend, Adam Saldivar, that they needed to have this reunion. Saldivar said, “It began with Joe and me discussing a small get-together, originally under a tent somewhere. However, soon after we shared our idea with Adelaida Leal, it blossomed into a dinner and dance!” Cisneros confirmed, “Adelaida just took the ball and ran with it.” Cisneros stresses the uniqueness of their reunion from other typical school reunions. He states, “As far as I am aware, I think we are the only junior high class who has done something like this. Nobody ever has an eighth grade reunion.”
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September 2014 Volume 1 Issue 15
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Cisneros and his classmates consider their graduating class unique because they were the last class graduating from La Villa Junior High going to different schools. Previous graduating classes had the option to attend high school in Santa Rosa, Edcouch or Mercedes. After that year, no bus routes were available to Santa Rosa, and the following year, the bus routes to Mercedes were also terminated. They wanted all sixty- four or so alumni to attend the reunion; they used multiple ways to find people. During this process, the planning committee discovered that while they knew of two alumni who had passed away, their
class has actually lost four classmates. Leal comments, “Our goal was to locate as many classmates as possible. As we contacted each other, for me, it was a little emotional. I realized so much time had passed! Many of us are neighbors, and we just passed each other as if we had all the time in the world to catch up later.” The reunion was held at the Community Center in La Villa next to city hall on July 19, 2014. Cisneros laughingly said, “It was hard to get a DJ to play music from our time – Chicano once known as the “brown sound” and late sixties and early seventies music.” He thinks it turned out great! Cisneros added that their reunion was so successful that he has heard an eighth grade class from the 1960s is inter-
ested in planning one too. Others involved in the planning believe the reunion was a great success. At least twenty-five alumni attended plus some came with their spouses. Leal states, “I am happy to say some of us are getting together in October.” Adam Saldivar still raves, “People we hadn’t seen in over 39 years showed up; it was so memorable to all of us! We had such a blast that come October 4, we will again gather for an informal pool party!” Don’t avoid high school reunions. They are usually interesting. You may get to see your first love and now wonder why? It is an opportunity to catch up with people who were once your best friends. Maybe they can be again.
at Edcouch-Elsa Fine Arts Building
nizations will be selling food and drinks in an effort to raise money for their yearly expenses which include t-shirts and trips. Other clubs, such as FFA and construction students, will be selling items constructed in their vocational classes. Students are working industriously to ensure their merchandise, such as BBQ Pits, picnic tables and swings are ready for that day. The cosmetology department will also be providing their services during this event. In addition, to raising funds for their club or organization, this event will showcase the many programs available to students free of charge. According to board member , Hugo de la Cruz, who has steered this endeavor, the festival committee has received donations from businesses in the community ranging from $500 to $3000. Their banners will be seen flying at the festival. He says that any money left over from this festival after expenses are paid, will be used for next year’s festival. He hopes to showcase something new every year. This year’s festival is obviously showcasing the Fine Arts Building. He says, “Now that we have it open, we need to use it as much as possible.” De la Cruz wants to stress the importance of the arts in our lives. He goes on to state that it is his belief that “if students participate in the fine arts, such as playing guitar, the art will provide an escape for the child.” The festival sounds like a real treat for the Delta Area ; bring your appetite and be prepared to enjoy yourself with the family. There will be something of interest for everyone.
Revival Night By Irma Ayala
Edcouch-Elsa ISD will be hosting a Revival Night next Wednesday, September 10, from 5 to 10 PM at the Fine Arts Auditorium and El Mercado area. Edcouch-Elsa High School, with assistance from central office, board of trustees and various community member sponsors and organizations, is hosting the First Annual Fine Arts Festival. The school is “hoping to bring together our students, faculty, family and community members for a night full of entertainment, food, and lots of fun for people of all ages,” according to Edcouch-Elsa High School, Jaime Garcia. Outside the Fine Arts Building top name Tejano bands who have volunteered their time and talent for the district will be performing. The public can expect to see Solido, Freddie Martinez, Ruben De La Cruz, Los Delta Boyz, Lucky Joe and a special appearance by Ramon Ayala. The inside of the Fine Arts Building will be a cooling station. There will be a nominal fee to enjoy student lead performances by the EE High School Band, Mariachi, Estudiantina, Gold Brigade Dance Team, UIL solos and duets, Folklorico, RCR Dance Team, Genesis Nava and Anikka Garza. The festival will have a carnival atmosphere with such favorites as funnel cake and turkey legs. Various clubs and orga-
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