Stand Up, Speak Up - Voices United Publication of Victoria
Transcription
Stand Up, Speak Up - Voices United Publication of Victoria
Volume 7 - Number 27 February 2015 www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com CELEBRATING AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Yulonda Wimbish-North: UT Texas Women’s Athletic Hall of Honor Inductee by Amy Leissner In the summer before her freshman year of high school, Victoria native Yulonda Wimbish-North attended a basketball camp where she encountered Jan Lahodny, the dynamic girls’ basketball coach of what was then Victoria High School. Wimbish told her mother Alice Lott about Lahodny’s “dynamic personality and passion for the sport,” and how she wished Lahodny could be her high school basketball coach when school started in the fall. Because their neighborhood mandated that Wimbish attend Stroman, the rival high school across town, Wimbish’s mother moved the family before summer’s end, and Wimbish got her wish. As a freshman, Wimbish met senior Sherryl Hauglum, who had already secured a basketball scholarship to the University of Texas. “I didn’t even know you could go to college and play basketball, and I decided that day that I wanted to do that too,” Wimbish says. But first, she had Left to right, Alice Lott, Yulonda Wimbish-North, and Jan Lahodny a Class 5A state high school championship to help win, which she did as part of Lahodny’s 1982 VHS team. True to her intention, Wimbish went on Stand Up, Speak Up by vicki spriggs CEO, Texas CASA February, Black History Month, is that period of time when we consider the contributions of African Americans to our country. We talk about advances in civil rights and we lift up success stories of those whose skin color set them apart. For most of us, the 28 days in February are a brief history lesson that reminds us of the humanity Spriggs of those whose ancestors came to our country unwillingly and who courageously fought oppression and racism to ascend to heights unimagined by those who would try to hold them back. Children in the foster care system, particularly children of color, face similar challenges. African American children make up 11.6 percent of the child population in Texas and 16.1 percent of the children in the Texas foster care system. In comparison, Anglo children represent 30.6 percent of the Texas population and 20.9 percent of the foster care population; Hispanic children comprise 49.4 percent of the child population and 30.7 percent of the foster care population. African American children are removed from their homes at higher rates than children from other demographic groups even though there is no evidence that says African American parents abuse their children more than other parents. When a child enters the foster care system and the state’s care and custody, they have no voice. Well-intentioned adults who do not know them and know little about their history make decisions for and about them that have the potential to harm or to heal. We know that the state is not a good parent and that growing up in an overburdened foster care system is no way See STAND UP, pg 16 to be the first left handed player recruited by Longhorn’s coach Jody Conradt at the University of Texas. Conradt remembers Wimbish as extraordinarily talented for a freshman, citing strong coaching from Lahodny, who was turning out players with great skills and an excellent knowledge of the fundamentals of the game, as well as an exemplary work ethic. Conradt also recalls Wimbish as “so serious, so intent. She didn’t talk much, but you got the impression that she was taking everything in.” Even when an injury kept her sidelined for a year, Wimbish stayed engaged and connected to the team, and came back “as if she’d never been gone,” Conradt says. Wimbish was a member of Conradt’s 198586 national championship team that became the first women’s college basketball team ever to have an undefeated season, and she has vivid memories of Barbara Jordan giving a congratulatory speech to mark that occasion. In 1988, Wimbish was named Southwest Conference Player of the Year, and last November she was thrilled to be See WIMBISH-NORTH, pg 18 Spring semester is looking up for UHV The money would pay for new academic space, renovation of the exiting University West and University Center buildings and land acquisition. The UH System has pledge to support UHV’s request for state funding as a top priority in the legislative session. Dr. Vic Morgan Interim President, UHV It’s looking like it will be an exciting spring semester at the University of Houston-Victoria with many changes taking place as we continue focusing our efforts on becoming a selfsustaining destination university in Victoria. Here are just a few things that we’re working on at UHV: Morgan •Funding – The university is requesting $166 million in Tuition Revenue Bonds during the 84th legislative session. UHV accepted its first underclassmen in fall 2010, and we have been extremely successful with our freshman recruiting since then. In fact, UHV has about 470 freshmen on campus this school year. The TRBs would be used for continued support of UHV’s transition to a four-year residential university. •Administrative Changes – I recently promoted Jay Lambert to vice president for enrollment management and student affairs. In spring 2013, he came to UHV from Lamar University as the associate vice president for student affairs. This shift allows UHV to put a greater emphasis on enrollment management and student services while at the same time freeing up Jeffrey Cass, provost and vice president for academic affairs, to focus on academic programs and the Academic Master Plan. See SPRING, pg 14 2 — VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA • FEBRUARY 2015 • www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com Publisher’s Message 2015 Wish List: Formulate a Plan to Achieve Goal(s) * Prepare & Implement * Strive for Excellence = Success!!!!!!!!!!!! Action speaks louder than words! UHV honors Black History Month with full schedule of events Here are the events that UHV is putting on during Black History Month. Evolution of a Black Girl: From the Slave House to the White House A powerful one woman show performance taking you on a journey from Africa during the 1400’s to present day America. 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2 University center, Multi-purpose Room Getting From Then to Now (Panel Discussion: A.J. Ortega, Bev Tomek, Cherlyn Hodge, Camilla Sutton) Join fellow students as we travel through time in the discussion of civil rights from the past to now. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3 University West, Alcorn Auditorium Film Night: “The Butler” Follow African American, Cecil Gaines, as he serves eight president during his tenure as a butler at the White House witnessing the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and other major events in this feature film. 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 Jaguar Suites, Multipurpose Room Freedom Summer at 50 (Panel Discussion: Harold Simmons, Benny Martinez, Barbara Smith) 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 VC/UHV Library, L2 In the Words of Odd?Rod Odd?Rod will captivate you with his “picture-painting” poetry and storytelling style. He has been voted as APCA’s 2014 Spoken Word Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 University Center, Multi-Purpose Room 1st Annual A.D. Sheffield Symposium 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 University Center, Multipurpose Room www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com • FEBRUARY 2015 • VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA — 3 Outstanding students juggle family, school to accomplish goals The outstanding fall graduates for the University of Houston-Victoria School of Education & Human Development are on their way to fulfilling their lifelong dreams.  Amy Lopez, the outstanding undergraduate student and a Victoria resident, will earn her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on early childhood to sixth-grade education. Lisa Marie Flores, the outstanding graduate student and a Houston resident, will obtain a Master of Education with educational diagnostician certification. Each semester, professors Lopez from the four UHV schools select an outstanding student from both their graduate and undergraduate programs to be honored during commencement. UHV will hold fall commencement at 11 a.m. Dec. 13 in the Leonard E. Merrell Center, 6301 Stadium Lane in Katy. “These two women have shown a remarkable dedication to education and the desire to improve themselves,” said Fred Litton, dean of the UHV School of Educa- tion & Human Development. “I am proud to see such fine students graduating from UHV and wish them the best as they take the knowledge they have gained here to the outside world.”  This year, the outstanding graduates have more in common than their attendance at UHV. Both women are working mothers who always knew they wanted to have jobs in education. L o p e z worked for the Victoria school district as a teacher’s aide for about eight years. “I’ve always been in the classroom working as Litton an aide,” she said. “I finally decided I wanted to have my own classroom. I’ve had friends who graduated from UHV and told me it was a great program.” Lopez started taking classes at Victoria College before transferring to UHV to earn her bachelor’s degree. She and her husband both had to work to provide for their family of four children, but she always took at least six hours of classes every See GOALS, page 18 UHV, Harbin Normal University in China Form Partnership To facilitate international academic exchanges between students and faculty members, the University of Houston-Victoria has signed an agreement with a large university in northern China. UHV and Harbin Normal University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that could pave the way for research collaboration and student exchanges between the two schools.  “The MOU is a starting point, which allows us to fast track a lot of specific collaboration on programs, such as teaming up on computer Wan science undergraduate studies,” said Yun Wan, a UHV associate professor of computer information systems and the director of computer science graduate programs. UHV Interim President Vic Morgan welcomed the chance to work with Harbin on mutually beneficial academic goals. “This partnership formalization could lead to a lot of exciting opportunities down the line,” Morgan said. “We take pride in preparing students to work in an increas- ingly global marketplace. We look forward to talking with Harbin officials about ways to strengthen instruction and research.” Harbin Normal University is a training and scientific research base for talents of education, arts, humanities, social sciences and natural science. The campus is located in the town of Harbin, which is in Heilongjiang Province. The school was founded in 1951. Enrollment at Harbin is about 42,000 undergraduate students, master’s students and doctoral candidates. The school has about 2,030 fulltime teachers in- Di Leo cluding 1,080 professors and associate professors. Harbin has 26 schools and offers 61 undergraduate specialties, more than 100 master’s degrees and 47 doctoral programs. The MOU is in place through Oct. 31, 2019. Jeffrey Di Leo, dean of the UHV School of Arts & Sciences, initiated discussions about ways Harbin and UHV could work together. “Harbin Normal University has an See PARTNERSHIP, page 18 You can make your mark at the University of Houston-Victoria and in your life. UHV offers quality bachelor’s and master’s degrees that fit every need. Whether you’re about to graduate from high school and want a traditional university experience while you earn a bachelor’s degree or you’re a busy professional who wants to finish up a bachelor’s or start a master’s degree, UHV is here for you. You can take online or face-to-face classes at convenient times. UHV also has some of the state’s lowest tuition rates and will help you get as much financial aid as possible. Choose from nearly 70 degree programs and concentrations in popular areas such as digital gaming and simulation, criminal justice, business, education and nursing. Call (361) 570-4848 for more information. Olatunji Faluyi UHV Student WWW.UHV.EDU 4 — VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA • FEBRUARY 2015 • www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com School year offered many opportunities for students to showcase talents at VISD by diane boyett Director of Communications, VISD This school year has offered many opportunities for our students to showcase their extraordinary talents. The year began with the prestigious opportunity for elementary and high school students to perform for the State Board of Education. Shortly after that performance, students began to prepare for the annual VISD musical production. Our students had the opportunity to shine on stage and behind the curtain as the tale of Willie Wonka came to life at the VISD Fine Arts Center. The talents were amazing. The kids in the audience had a magical adventure. What am I saying? The kids…we ALL had a great time! Congratulations and thanks to the entire cast and crew who made “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” a great production. Even as students were heavily involved in the musical rehearsals, other students were hard at work in Austin earning coveted places in the All State band and choirs. For the first time in school history, a choir student from Victoria East and a choir student from Victoria West earned places on the elite All-State Choir. Victoria West Senior Vanischa Stephens and Victoria East Senior Samuel Gross were named to the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Texas All State Choir. Vanischa is ranked as first chair Alto II for the Women’s Choir. Samuel ranked eighth chair in the Tenor I choir and is part of the All State Men’s Choir. They are the first students EVER from their schools to earn a place with the AllState Choirs. The Texas All-State choirs are the top performing groups in the state with students selected from a process that began in September. Over 60,000 music students auditioned to be a part of one of the elite groups. They will perform as members of the Texas All-State Choirs in San Antonio February 14 as part of the 2015 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention. The same weekend Samuel and Vanischa were making school history, Victoria East Senior Alan Olmos was making history, as well as the first student from East to make All State Band three years in a row. After competing and advancing in 3 separate tryouts among thousands of students from across the state, Alan earned the highest possible state honor for individual competition and is again part of the Texas All State Band. This year he took an extra challenge and chose to compete at the 6A level even though Victoria East is rated as a 5A school. He competed against students in an area that spans from near Houston through the Valley and earned 1st chair and straight 1st place scores from all 5 judges. Alan will perform with the All State Band at the TMEA conference in February. We also congratulate seven Victoria East students who earned a place in the state tryouts. And, while the musicians were shining at state level competitions, the Victoria “Daddy Mike,” painted by Ashley Miska from Victoria East High School won High Fine Arts Cen- School Best of Show at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Art Show. ter was playto Erica Sanchez-Medrano and Alize Roing host to the annual VISD Art Show that is held in con- driguez. Erica is a Victoria West student junction with the Houston Livestock Show and Alize was at Victoria East. At the middle school level, Howell stuand Rodeo. The amazing artistic talents of the students made for a tough time as the dent Lauren Johnson was Best of Show judges could select only a handful of pieces and Donivan Vecera was a Gold Medalist. to take for the Houston Livestock Show and At the elementary level, congratulations to Best of Show winner Minh-Tam Le from Rodeo Art Show. Ashley Miska earned the top high Smith Elementary. The Elementary Gold school honors with Best of Show. Ashley is Medal went to Armando Villarreal from from Victoria East. Gold Medalists at the Chandler Elementary. Visit the VISD website at www.visd.net High School level include Rachel Johnson and Reagan McElroy, also from Victoria to see the art work as well as video perforEast. High School Special Merit honors go mances of our students in action. www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com • FEBRUARY 2015 • VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA — 5 HONORING THE LEGACY OF REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. From the streets of Selma...to the nation’s capitol...the dream continues! “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically....Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. Law Offices of Bernard Klimist Call Us Today for a FREE Consultation on all injury cases! 361.572.8234 / 1.800.765.8234 Se Habla Español Lawyers in Victoria, Texas, with the Experience and Expertise You Deserve • Personal Injury • Oil Field Accident • Auto Accidents • Construction Accidents • Truck Accidents • Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence • On the Job Accidents • Family Law • Wrongful Death • Divorce and Child Custody • Injury Caused by Defective • Rape and Premises Liabilties Product or Premises • Commercial Litigation • Business Litigation *Not certi�ied by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in any other area of practice unless designated The Law Of�ices of Bernard T. Klimist is a premier South Texas law �irm located in beautiful downtown Victoria. We are committed to providing the best representation to individuals and companies in need of legal assistance. www.klimistlaw�irm.com 6 — VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA • FEBRUARY 2015 • www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com YOUR HEALTH It’s Heart Month! Did you know? by Dr. tywaun tillman Cardiovascular Associates Citizens Medical Center February is known for Valentine’s Day but also ushers in a celebration of the human heart. 51 years ago, February was designated as American Heart Month with the goal of bringing awareness to the national pandemic that is cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to urge support for solving this problem. Despite improvements in medical technology, exercise and dietary advancements, and education of the general public, CVD (which includes heart attack and stroke) remains the number one cause of death in the United States. Much progress has been made in the battle against CVD over the last couple of decades. During this time, the rate of death from CVD has decreased by approximately 30%. Yet, CVD still accounts for 800,000 US deaths annually which equates to 1 out of every 3 deaths. The majority of these deaths are due to coronary heart disease causing 1 out of 7 deaths compared with stroke accounting for 1 out of 20 deaths. Improvements in emergency protocols, medical therapy, and the extensive technological advancements in the field of cardiology have been the major force in decreasing the death rate. Also, the impact of public Much progress has been made in the battle against CVD over the last couple of decades. During this time, the rate of death from CVD has decreased by approximately 30%. Yet, CVD still accounts for 800,000 US deaths annually which equates to 1 out of every 3 deaths. education initiatives, of which Heart Month is a part, has led to a more aware and educated public. Patients are able to readily recognize symptoms of stroke or heart attack and know to quickly react by taking aspirin and calling 911. As a result, patients are diagnosed earlier leading to better outcome including decreased death rates. The leaps and bounds in technology and medical therapy that have defined the recent “Golden Age” of CVD is unlikely to continue into the near future. In order to achieve continued progress in success against CVD, prevention must be the new frontier. The most impactful risk factors for CVD are smoking and diabetes. There has been a drastic reduction in smoking as of recent. This has been offset by the rapidly increasing prevalence of diabetes owing to the pervasive problem of both childhood and adult obesity. As such, prevention at this level must be waged by each and every one of us on a daily basis. Healthy lifestyles consisting of appropriate diets and regular exercise could achieve a level of success/ progress equal to that of the aforementioned “Golden Age” of CVD. Unfortunately, current trends suggest the opposite. 40% of the US population is expected to have some form of CVD by 2030 thereby tripling the annual direct medical costs of CVD to more than $800 billion. American Heart Month does not garner enough attention to rival the ubiquity of the color pink that washes across the US every October in support of breast cancer awareness. While 1 in 31 women in the US will die from breast cancer, 1 in 3 will die from CVD. Every year since 1984, CVD has killed more women than men in part due to the lack of attention given to the effect of CVD on women; unfortunately, only 1 in 5 women view CVD as their greatest health risk. In fact, CVD kills more Americans than all forms of cancer combined. As a cardiologist, an important responsibility for the foreseeable future will be educating the public to raise awareness as the burden for prevention of CVD will rest on your shoulders. Dr. Tillman www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com • FEBRUARY 2015 • VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA — 7 Warrior’s Weekend Field of Honor seeks sponsorships Warrior’s Weekend Dear Patriots, For several articles, I have been encouraging each of you to figure out how you can bring about a “Community of Honor” in your Families, schools, businesses, and organizations. Well, here’s an idea that might intrigue those of you who want to do just that. The Warrior’s Weekend Field of Honor would like to offer you an opportunity to raise funds for your organization’s projects; AND, provide a more meaningful experience for your members. Our proposal: sell American flag sponsorships for the Warrior’s Weekend Field of Honor 2015. Please take a moment to go to http://www.warriorsweekend.org/ and check out the photos and testimonials from Soldiers about their experiences. Flags will be posted in the field at Parkway Church on John Stockbauer in Victoria, TX, on Saturday, May 2nd, and remain up until May 25, 2015 when the Field is inactivated. We will conduct a Dedication ceremony on May 12, 2015; and, a Welcome Ceremony on May 15, 2015 attended by local area Veterans, citizens, AND wounded/recovering Soldiers attending Warrior’s Weekend. Here are some specifics about the Flag Sponsorship fundraising event: •Flag sponsorship is still only $40. Warrior’s Weekend will donate $20 (!) to your organization…and flag sponsors can Field of Honor flag location and ceremony schedule keep the flags when the Field is inactivated Weekend •There are NO materiel costs, handling, or storage requirements. The Field of Honor committee and Volunteers handle all the logistics and setup. (We do welcome volunteers! Call me!) This fundraiser is a great way to support your projects, but most importantly, it encourages the community to honor our Veterans; and, encourages our wounded Soldiers and their families when they come to Warrior’s Weekend. Please contact me if you need additional information or to get started with this great opportunity. •Flags sponsorships may be purchased to honor any Veteran who has served in the US military at any time. Each flag will be labeled with the name of the Veteran and the sponsor. If you don’t have someone to honor, the Field of Honor committee will fill in the name of a wounded Soldier who will be attending Warrior’s Serving the most deserving, COL (Ret) Michael Petrash Director, WW Field of Honor 210-364-4512 This year’s Field will be conducted at the vacant lot adjacent to Parkway Church on John Stockbauer. We just out-grew the Field at Faith Family Church. Here’s the schedule of events for the Field of Honor and Warrior’s Weekend: 2 MAY: 9am to 1pm-Sponsor flag posting. Volunteers and organizations needed for helping to post the flags. ALL Patriots welcome! 12 MAY: 8pm-Field of Honor Dedication Ceremony 15 MAY: 3pm-Welcome to the Warriors 15-17 MAY: Warrior’s Weekend, Port O’Connor 25 MAY: 8pm-Memorial Day Ceremony 31 MAY: 8pm-Inactivation Ceremony 8 — VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA • FEBRUARY 2015 • www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com A High Energy Campaign at the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria Marc A. Hinojosa Executive Director Boys & Girls Club of Victoria, Inc. We’re running out of room at the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria! The Club is experiencing a growth in numbers of school-aged kids wanting to become members. The place known as the “Positive Place for Kids” that has Hinojosa served thousands of kids ages 6 – 18 for over 46 years here in Victoria, has seen a gradual surge in memberships over the last two years and now finds itself searching for room to put them. It is a good problem to have, but not for the kids currently unable to attend due to space issues. The Club has put an indefinite hold on accepting new memberships for the After School Program. There have been steps put in place to manage some of the numbers and with an upcoming campaign to update the gymnasium and create a teen center and weight facility, Executive Director Marc A. Hinojosa, not only seeks to develop unused space but also attract a whole new audience to the Boys & Girls Club experience. It has been a number of years since high school teens have been seen passing through the wood-carved doors of the local Club. Since the days of the consolidation of Stroman and Victoria High Schools to our current Titan and Warrior following, the Club has suffered from retaining a high school following due mainly to demographics and a lack of teen attractions. The proposed teen center and weight facility, currently in the planning stages, will go a long way in making this happen. Funds are in place to supply air con- ditioning to our gym, but additional plans include placing a modular flooring alternative that will serve primarily basketball and volleyball. The teen center, weight facility and gym flooring plus the added improvements associated with the air conditioning system have set a modest goal of $85,000 to raise in the coming year; modest to some organizations, yet monumental in the history of the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria. Projected improvements to over half of this 21,000 square foot 30-year-old building is a bold initiative for this “High Energy” campaign, but results are expected to in- crease the numbers, open up doors to a new population and increase opportunities for some self-sustainability at the Positive Place for Kids. www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com • FEBRUARY 2015 • VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA — 9 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Vanischa Raquel Stephens Age: 18 School: Victoria West High School Grade: 12 Academic Recognition/Award Texas All-State Choir, The first student ever from VWHS to earn a place with the All- State Choir, Area G Candidate for All-State Choir, 1st Chair Alto II Women’s Choir, 2nd Chair All-Region Choir, 4th Chair All-District Choir, Band State Solo and Ensemble – 1 rating and Gold Medalist, Band Region Solo and Ensemble – 1 rating and Gold Medalist, 2nd place District JV Shot Put, A-B Honor Roll Jeremiah Sodia Joshua Smith Mercedes Ellison Age: 16 School: Victoria West High School Grade: 10th Age: 18 School: Victoria West High School Grade: 12th Academic Recognition/Awards: 1st Team AllState Football Academic Recognition/Awards: A Honor Roll Clubs/Teams/Organizations: Football, Basketball, Track, Debate Academic Recognition/Awards: AB Honor roll, Worthy Warrior Award, Girls’ Basketball District 30 MVP 20132014, All Area MVP, 2012-2013 Most Improved Player District 30 Clubs/Teams/Organizations: Victoria West Football Community Service: The football team goes to the local soup kitchen to serve the less fortunate Community Service: Community Clean Up, Journey Home, Blue Santa, Chuy’s Parade, Turkey Hand-Out, Clothes Closet, and more! Clubs/Teams/Organizations: AVID, National Honor Society, 3 year letterman varsity basketball, Varsity Track 3 year letterman Favorite Subject: English Favorite Subject: Science Goals: To play college football Favorite Subject: Math & English Goals: Graduate high school in the top 15 percent, then go to college Parent(s): Josh & Lola Smith Community Service: Christ Kitchen, Mt. Nebo Baptist church, Feast of sharing, AVID hours, Young Life Favorite Subject: Science Clubs/Teams/Organizations: Varsity Choir, Varsity Band, Marching Band, VWHS Track Team, NHS (National Honor Society), TFME (Texas Future Music Educators), NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars), VWHS Yearbook Staff, Quill and Scroll Goals: Attend college and join the college choir Parent(s): Charles and Raquel Stephens School: Victoria West High School Age: 17 Grade: 12 Parents: Jerret Sodia & Janice Sodia Goals: Go to a 4 year university and pursue Dentistry Parent(s): Lakishia and Clarence Ellison Camille Boone Erica Barnett Age: 17 School: Victoria East High School Grade: 12 Academic Recognition/Awards: “A” Honor roll; ranked top to in class; President’s Award Clubs/Teams/ Organizations: Varsity Cross-Country team, Varsity Track Team, Show Up ‘N Show Out Track Club Community Service: The Heat Fitness Center volunteer (30 hrs); Volunteered at Gulf Coast Rehabilitation Center (80 hrs); Southern Swing Volleyball Coach (48 hrs) Favorite Subject: Biology Goals: Receive a biomedical engineering degree from Texas A&M University and join the Marines Parent(s): Abbie and Faye Barnett Imani Wimbish-Gay Age: 16 School: Liberty Academy Grade: 10 Raylynn Marie Randle Academic Recognition/Awards: Liberty Academy Early College Center (ECC) A/B Honor Roll (has earned 6 hours of college credit). Second year of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Age:10 School: Bloomington Elementary School Grade: 5 Academic Recognition/Awards: GT; A-honor roll Clubs/Teams/Organizations: Camille actively recycles and donates recyclables to Liberty Academy. Clubs/Teams/Organizations: Girls Varsity Basketball Community Service: Member of Mount Nebo Baptist Church and volunteers at Christ’s Kitchen and Texas Zoo of Victoria. Participates in park clean up with youth program of the church/Youth officer, church choir, Youth usher, Ministry at nursing homes, Member of Praise Dance Ministry, DeTar Health Center youth volunteer. Academic Recognition/Awards: A/B Honor Roll, Shining Star Student, Social Studies, Science, Perfect Attendance, Citizenship Award, Jump Rope For Heart Age: 14 School: Victoria East High School Grade: 9 Favorite Subject: Social Studies; English Goals: Graduate High School in top 5%; go to college on athletic scholarship Parent(s): George and Yulonda North Favorite Subject: AVID with Ms. Kelsey Williams. Clubs/Teams/Organizations: UIL (Oral Reading) Community Service: Church Youth Group Favorite Subject: Science Goal(s): Earn Associate’s Degree before graduating high school. Professional goal become a Radiologist. Goals: Academic Success in all subjects Parent(s): Ms. Marie Ross and Mr. Craig Boone. Parent(s): Tammy Randle 10 — VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA • FEBRUARY 2015 • www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com VISD Education Foundation gives to local students by Kristy Nelson Foundation Board Member Last year, Stroman teacher Kendra Duty noticed that her students often had no school supplies, not because they were forgotten, but because their families could not afford notebooks, pens, and paper. Minutes in the classroom were lost scrambling to make sure that all students had the basic supplies they needed to learn. She began to brainstorm about what could be done to eliminate the need for these things in her class. Ms. Duty submitted a grant application to the Victoria ISD Education Foundation to request computer tablets for her classroom. The tablets would mean that “students would be able to walk into the classroom and already have all the tools they needed to learn and be successful” and not be embarrassed because they could not afford basic school supplies. Ms. Duty was awarded the money to purchase a classroom set of tablets to improve student performance. This is just one of the many ways that the VISD Education Foundation works to help Victoria students succeed. Since its inception seven years ago, the VISD Educa- tion Foundation has awarded 82 grants to educators in the district, worth more than $170,000. The foundation, made up of community members, solicits donations and sponsors fundraising events, such as last year’s Beatles tribute band and this year’s sold out Three Dog Night concert on Feb. 14th. The money raised is used to provide grants to local teachers who have ideas about how to improve their students’ success. Grants like the Home Library Giveaway, which awarded books and a bookshelf to families, or the purchase of indoor play equipment for the Teen Parent Connection Center all benefit local students and their families. The Education Foundation also offers numerous scholarships to deserving VISD seniors who want to continue their education. Many of the scholarship honor former Victoria educators, like the Gayla Capers Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. Martha A. Zuniga Memorial Scholarship. If you would like to be involved in the VISD Education Foundation, call the office at 361.788.9271. www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com • FEBRUARY 2015 • VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA — 11 See NAVE, pg 27 OSCIA Productions by Oscar Hernandez-Perkins, President OSCIA Productions Over 2,500 excited Theatre goers attended the 24th Annual NAACP Theatre Awards on November 17, 2014 in Beverly Hills California at the Saban Theatre. A celebration of excellence in Theatre, Produced and Directed by Oscar Hernandez-Perkins Toni Braxton - Spirit Award Obba Babatunde – Presenter Chante Moore – Performer Christian Keyes – Presenter John Sotoodeh – President’s Award Vanessa Bell-Callaway and Kellita Smith – Presenters Glenn Turman – Lifetime Achievement Award Jesire Dizon and Steven Bishop – Presenters Tichina Arnold – Presenter Shanica Knowles – Performer Pastor Lee Yarbrough – Austin, Texas and Kellita Smith- Presenter Broadway Star - Chester Gregory Toni Braxton – Spirit Award and Babyface – Presenter From left, Dr. Tywaun Tilman, Maiya Tilman, Katherine Limoges, Los Angeles entrepreneur Wihelm Osterman and Rick Perkins. 12 — VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA • FEBRUARY 2015 • www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com Artist Jameel Rasheed sees “Quiet Courage” in Rosa Parks by amy leissner Ask artist Jameel Rasheed how his art has impacted his life, and he’ll tell you a story that he says has brought him full circle. Living and attending high school in Boston in the late 60’s, he entered the Boston Globe’s annual art contest for area schools. His piece, “Relaxation,” won an award that included a four-year scholarship to a well-renowned art institution in Little Rock, Arkansas. When the award committee arrived from Little Rock to present him with his award, they had no idea that the nineteen year old, then known as Howard Badgett, was black. After meeting him, the committee revoked the scholarship, explaining that it would be too controversial for a black student to attend an all-white school in Little Rock. Rasheed says that experience often makes him wonder if it was coincidence or divine intervention that he would become known for his depiction of Rosa Parks, “Quiet C o u r a g e . ” Jameel Rasheed and has been placed in numerous city halls, government buildings and businesses across the nation. When he had the opportunity to meet Parks at the opening of the transit center named for her in Lynwood, he was struck by a crowd of several thousand school children running to meet her as if she were a rock star. “How did they know who she was?” he wondered, and then he realized, “She was in their history Photo of Rosa Parks signing Rasheed’s drawing. books, required readVideo.” In addition to “Quiet Courage,” he ing.” When Parks was asked what she has created two other portraits of African thought of Rasheed’s portrait depictAmerican legends: one of Muhammad Ali ing the day in 1955 when she refused to and The Temptations. Jameel has had the give up her seat to a white bus passenprivilege of having both Ali and Otis Wilger in Montgomery, Alabama, he says, liams (an original member and founder of Rasheed’s drawing of Rosa Parks, “Quiet Courage.” “She smiled, so I knew she liked it. And the Temps) autograph the portraits. He when she signed my piece, it was a life was told that the signature of Ali was one I’m from back east, so I knew very little of changing experience.” of the last times the former boxer was able Rosa Parks. Malcolm X was my hero,” says With the help of long-time supporter Rasheed, so when he was commissioned in former California congresswoman Diane to sign his full name due to his deteriorat1994 by the city of Lynwood, CA to create E. Watson, Rasheed is spearheading the ing health. In all his work, Rasheed strives to an image of Parks for their newly renamed effort to have the image made into a U.S. Rosa Parks Transit Center, he researched commemorative postage stamp. “That’s present “African-Americans of the past and present, legendary and contemporary, Parks’ story. “I found her quite courageous, my dream,” he says. while also paying homage to African warand I wanted to reflect that in her portrait.” These days, Rasheed is hard at work Jameel’s work has become a defin- on a television special, “Presenting African riors and nobility that project positive iming image for the civil rights movement American Legends through Fine Arts and ages.” Victoria College presents "A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant and a Prayer," a groundbreaking collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights, edited by Eve Ensler and Mollie Doyle. These diverse voices rise up in a collective roar to break open, expose and examine the insidiousness of violence at all levels: brutality, neglect, a punch, even a put-down. This production is part of the nationwide movement on college campuses known as V-Day, intended to expose and stop violence against women all over the world. V-Day has grown to a nationwide event over the past two decades, and has been celebrated at Victoria College since 2010. Ticket proceeds are donated to the Women's Crisis Center in Victoria. When: Friday February 13 and Saturday February 14, 7:30pm Where: Johnson Symposium on the Victoria College Campus, 2200 E. Red River Cost: $10, $5 for students. Tickets available at the door. www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com • FEBRUARY 2015 • VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA — 13 Fourteen complete VC Law Enforcement Academy training Victoria College Fire Academy graduates four students Fourteen students recently graduated from Victoria College’s Law Enforcement Academy. John McDowell was named class valedictorian and Jonathan De La Rosa earned the John F. Baylor Award, which is given to the outstanding student in the class. The students earned the Basic Peace Officer Certification and passed the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement exam. They also participated in driving exercises designed to improve pursuit skills, firing range shooting drills, search and seizure activities, and intense physical fitness training. Pictured, from left, first row, are graduates Jacob Garza, Marie Carisalez, Keith Lee, Jesus Landaverde, Michelle Davila, and Kelly Phelps, Public Services Academy director. Middle row, from left, are graduates Alyssa Chapa, Lea Drake, Shaun Jackson, Jonathan DeLaRosa, and Steven Nelson. Top row, from left are graduates Devan Taylor, Matthew Hayles, Ryan Taylor, and John McDowell. Four students recently graduated from Victoria College’s Fire Academy. Students discovered how to properly use fire equipment, learned firefighting strategies and tactics, management techniques and specialized job skills. Thomas Kennemer was named class valedictorian. Pictured, from left, are Mark Turner, Fire Academy instructor; graduates James White, Miguel Canizales, Sebastian Luna and Thomas Kennemer; and Kelly Phelps, Public Service Academies director. 14 — VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA • FEBRUARY 2015 • www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com VOICES UNITED THUMB’S UP! Cherlyn Hodge by amy leissner In the last four years, Cherlyn Hodge has seen more diversity in the students attending the University of Houston Victoria campus than ever before. Sadly, one of her duties is to counsel these students, who have come to Victoria from all over the world, when they encounter looks and comments that make them feel unwelcome here. “I tell them, stay focused on why you’re here: to get an education and better yourself.” A Victoria native, Hodge attended UHV, graduating with a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology in 2008, and going on to earn a Master’s in Education, specializing in Higher Education in 2014. She is employed as the Student Advising Coordinator for UHV’s School of Arts and Sciences, where she is the advisor to all junior and senior athletes and the advisor for the Black Student Union. In 2012 she was honored as the UHV Employee of the Year. Hodge is committed to combating what she calls “closet racism,” which she says is unfortunately alive and well here in Victoria. To that end, she is organizing a Freedom Summer Panel at UHV as part of the college’s Black History Month cel- ebration. The event on February 7 will feature speakers who were involved in or are knowledgeable of the non-violent voter registration drive in Mississippi in the summer of 1964. Hodge is especially interested in drawing in Victoria-area residents who were alive during that time, to hear their first person account of how the events of that summer impacted them. Hodge is excited about this first of its kind event in Victoria. Her goals for the event are three-fold: conversation, education and advancement. She wants to help her students, and anyone who might feel displaced or less than accepted, feel more a part of our community. “I’m trying to create an open dialogue, so we can all have an appreciation of how God created each of us differently.” Garza & Associates Attorneys at Law •• Serious Serious Injuries, Injuries, Auto Auto Accidents, Accidents, Work Work Related Related Injuries Injuries •• Federal/State Federal/State Criminal Criminal Law Law •• Immigration Immigration •• Divorce, Divorce, Custody, Custody, Child Child Support Support Joseph G. Garza Former State and Federal Prosecutor Former JAG Officer 361-570-3900 1101 N. Navarro, Victoria, TX 77901 SPRING, from pg 1 •Academic Master Plan – Cass is working with the deans of the schools of Arts & Sciences, Business Administration and Education & Human Development to develop an Academic Master Plan. This plan will help guide UHV in expanding its degree programs by as many as five each year until we can reach an enrollment of 6,000 face-to-face students on the Victoria campus in the next 10 years. UHV now has nearly 70 degree programs and concentrations for both undergraduate and graduate students, and I’m looking forward to increasing that number to better serve the residents of the Coastal Bend region. •Enrollment Management Plan – We are working on updating the university’s Enrollment Management Plan to support the growth in faculty, staff, programs and facilities. Recruitment and retention of students will include best practices in marketing and branding, fundraising, grants, new technology and resources for faculty and staff training. Resources from the state cannot fund student amenities such as a student center, athletic facilities and a recreation center. These have to be funded by private gifts, corporate donations, foundation awards, student fees and other revenue sources. I have formed a committee made up of students, faculty and staff to look at student centers at other public universities and determine what would meet UHV’s needs and the best way to fund a student center. UHV students are eager to have their own student center where they can have lunch in the food court, grab a cup of coffee, study with their friends, watch movies and visit their favorite student organizations. These are just a few of the things happening at UHV this spring. I know our goal of increasing the number of students taking face-to-face classes at the Victoria campus from 1,400 to 6,000 is attainable if we all work together. We owe it to students in this city and the surrounding region to provide educational opportunities so that they can make their mark in their careers and in their lives. Dr. Vic Morgan is the interim president of the University of Houston-Victoria. •Student Services and Student Life – Next Issue May 2015 www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com • FEBRUARY 2015 • VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA — 15 Dr. Hebert C. Smitherman, Sr.: Pioneering chemist by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. www.theroot.com Herbert Charles Smitherman Sr. was the first African-American Ph.D. to work for Proctor & Gamble. His son Christopher Smitherman called him “the Jackie Robinson of Proctor & Gamble,” and even though Smitherman passed away in 2010, his legacy remains with many of us when we brush our teeth before heading out the door each morning. Here’s what I learned about his amazing achievements from reading his 2010 obituary, which my friend Nathaniel F. Queen Jr. sent to me via the Cincinnati Herald. Smitherman was born on March 23, 1937, the only child of a minister and his wife. He grew up in Birmingham, Ala., just down the street from the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth Sr., long before the latter cofounded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and marched against Jim Crow. Smitherman graduated from Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and earned his Ph.D. at Howard University in Washington, D.C. In 1966, just a year after the Voting Rights Act was passed, Smitherman became “the first African American hired by Procter and Gamble with a Ph.D in physical organic chemistry,” his obituary states. “Some of the many patents he developed for P&G [were] featured in the ‘America I Smitherman AM: The African American Imprint’ exhibit at Cincinnati Museum Center,” which later went to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts & Culture in Charlotte, N.C. “The products he helped create and develop,” the obituary continues, “included Crest toothpaste, Safeguard soap, Bounce fabric softeners, Biz, Folgers Coffee, Crush soda flavors, among others.” Crest toothpaste? When I read this, my jaw dropped. Laundry products, too? Just to make sure it was true, I searched the United States Patent and Trademark Office database, which contains traces of records dating to 1790. And, to my delight, I found two patents issued under Smitherman’s name: Patent No. 5,015,467: Combined anticalculus and antiplaque compositions: “Tartrate monosuccinate and tar- Crest toothpaste is one of the many products Dr. Smitherman trate disuccinate compounds helped develop or improve at Proctor & Gamble. of the formulae … are used preparation of sulfonated detergent comin combination with various polymers to provide anticalculus and anti- position. “A process for preparing a waterplaque effects on teeth. Oral care compo- soluble sulfonated reaction product having sitions such as dentifrices, mouthwashes, excellent detergent properties which uses and the like, are provided. Use of the tar- alpha-olefins as the starting reactant.” Smitherman was a chemical whiz, tate-succinates and polymers in combination with other oral car ingredients such as from detergents to oral care, and these fluoride, pyrophosphate and antibacterials were just the patents for which he was credited as the inventor. Remember, it’s all is also described.” This patent was part of the develop- about “collaborative creativity,” as Isaacment of many of our everyday brush and son writes. Then there were the lives Smitherman rinse routines and has been cited by 31 other patents, according to the database! touched. As his obituary records: “Many of Crest toothpaste may have been initially the African Americans at P&G in the 60s, developed in the 1950s, as the Crest web- 70s and 80s were recruited and retained site makes clear, and that was before Smi- by him.” Smitherman’s son Herbert Smitherman joined P&G. But, during his time therman Jr. is quoted as saying, “ ‘My faat the company, he was a valuable member ther leaves a legacy of diversity at P&G. ... of the development team, and in assigning There were a lot of challenges facing Afrihis patent to the company (standard indus- can Americans in corporate industry at the try practice), Smitherman was fortifying time. He tried to build bridges and open the Crest product line for millions of con- opportunities for everyone in the industry, including African Americans.’ ” sumers. Here’s the other patent I found for Excerpted from an article at www. Smitherman, from 1973: Patent No. 3,755,429: Process for the theroot.com 16 — VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA • FEBRUARY 2015 • www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com TRAILBLAZER Dorothy Harris BY AMY LEISNNER Dorothy Harris’ mother would have been happy to see her daughter working at the general store in McFaddin, Texas, where her four older brothers were born, but she had dreams of being a teacher instead. Harris was born in Bloomington and attended school there through the 8th grade, before transferring to the segregated F.W. Gross High School in Victoria. Declining a job at McFaddin Mercantile, she attended Texas College in Tyler to earn a teaching certificate. She began working as a teacher in Longmont, Texas, before coming home to teach at the segregated one room school for black children across the road from the main house at McFaddin Ranch. The school closed in 1955 when students were integrated into the Victoria Independent School District, and Harris began working for Dr. George Constant, caring for his two sons. Dr. Constant saw great potential in Harris, and encouraged her to pursue a degree in nursing. The nursing school in Victoria accepted only white students, so Dr. Constant secured a scholarship to the Del Mar College School of Nursing in Corpus Christi for Harris. Upon completing her studies in 1964, Harris returned to Victoria and began working at the Hohf Clinic and Hospital, opened by Dr. Jerome Hohf in 1955. “The Clinic had a segregated waiting room when I started working there,” Harris recalls, “but Dr. Hohf put a stop to that,” and integrated. Harris went on to a 43 year career as a licensed vocational nurse at Devereux Foundation. In 1970, she was elected the first black president of the Licensed Vocational Nurses Association of Texas. She has a long history of charitable and community work, including serving as a Silver Haired Legislator for an Alzheimer’s committee, a mentor at Hopkins School, seven years on the Pastoral Care committee at DeTar Hospital, conducting community bible study, and contributing many years of service on behalf of her church, Palestine Baptist. Harris has seen enormous growth in race relations in Victoria, but “there is always room for improvement,” she says. How do we make things better? “Well, that needs a lot of study.” STAND UP, from pg 1 to grow up. Court Appointed Special Advocates® – CASA volunteers – are trained community representatives who volunteer their time to advocate for children in the foster care system. Their goal is to move children out of foster care and into safe, loving, permanent homes as quickly as possible. Last year, we had 7,611 CASA volunteers in 70 programs that advocated for 23,621 children. Unfortunately, nearly half of the 46,649 children had to go through foster care without CASA volunteers to speak up for them. We need more CASA volunteers to speak up for children in the foster care system and we specifically need more volunteers of color and more male volunteers to advocate for all children. It is only human to connect with people who look like you and who may have shared your struggles. For children in foster care being able to quickly establish a rapport with a trusted adult can mean the difference between weeks or months or even years being spent in foster care. We are seeking to have the most robust, demographically diverse trained volunteer pool available so that our CASA programs can match volunteers with children and help them find safe, permanent homes quickly. During this month when we celebrate those who have taken courageous stands to change the world, I challenge you to take a stand to ensure that all children in our community and in our foster care system have a voice. To stand up for children in the Golden Crescent, please contact Golden Crescent CASA at 361.573.3734 or www.goldencrescentcasa.org. www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com • FEBRUARY 2015 • VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA — 17 SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOU By Sheryl Schroeder Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Brenham, TX YOUR WINNING RETIREMENT GAME PLAN This month, a driver will take the checkered flag at the Daytona 500, skiers will stand atop the podium at the World Alpine Ski Championships in Vail, Colo., and a football team will win Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Ariz. The sports are different, but the winners share a common trait—years of commitment to their plans. To win the retirement game, you also need commitment and a plan. For years, you’ve worked hard and paid into Social Security. Whether you’re new to the workforce or getting ready to cross your own career finish line, you’ll want to open a my Social Security account to see how your hard work is paying off. You can create or access your account at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount. You can use it to verify your earnings history, get estimates of your future Social Security benefits, and more. It’s the place to get the information you need to put together your own winning game plan. A good NASCAR pit crew keeps its driver on the track, and our Retirement Estimator can do the same for your retirement plan. The Estimator offers an instant and tailored estimate of your future Social Security benefits based on your earnings record. You can plug in different anticipated yearly earnings to discover different retirement options and learn how your benefits could increase if you work longer. Give the Retirement Estimator a test drive today at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Once you’ve come of age to retire—or if you’re just in the planning phase—our quick and convenient online services are in place at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speed through our online application. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you're done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Fine-tune your game plan. Take advantage of our services and resources at www.socialsecurity.gov to optimize your retirement. A DAY DEDICATED TO THE NEW YOU Proudly displaying your new last name on a marriage certificate is only the first step in legally changing your name. Now that the wedding and honeymoon are over, you need to tell Social Security so you can get a corrected Social Security card. February 18 is “Get Another Name Day.” It’s the perfect day for you to get a replacement, corrected, or original Social Security card—but only if you really need one. Of course, you can do this any time, but you should do it as soon as possible after your name changes. If you have changed your name, whether due to marriage, divorce, or for another reason, the way to change your name with Social Security is to apply for a corrected Social Security card. This ensures that your legal name matches our records, thus avoiding possible problems in the future, such as a delay in obtaining any federal tax refund owed or not getting full Social Security credit for all your earnings. There are a number of other reasons you may want to get a Social Security card: starting a new job, verifying eligibility for government services, opening a bank account, obtaining medical coverage, filing taxes, and legally changing your name. In most cases, unless an employer or other entity specifically requests to see your card, all they really need is your number. But, be cautious when sharing your Social Security number. People who commit fraud or want to steal your identity will often ask for your Social Security number. Always verify the identity of anyone who is asking, whether you’re online, on the phone, or face-to-face. If you just had a baby, he or she will need a Social Security number. The main reason is to show your child’s dependent status on your tax return. In most cases, you apply for your newborn’s Social Security card and number, as well as the baby’s birth certificate, in the hospital. If you need a new, replacement, or corrected Social Security card, you can find all the details at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber, including the “Learn What Documents You Need” page, which lists the specific documents we accept as proof of age, identity, and citizenship. Each situation is unique, but in most cases, you simply need to print, complete, and either mail or bring the application to Social Security with the appropriate documentation (originals or certified copies only). After you receive your Social Security card, don’t carry it with you. To reduce your risk of identity theft, keep your card in a safe place with your other important papers. Learn more about your Social Security card and number at www.socialsecurity. gov/ssnumber. FOLLOW THE GROUNDHOG’S EXAMPLE: STAY INDOORS Every year, on February 2, we wait to see if Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous groundhog, will predict six more weeks of winter. Huge crowds have waited for Phil’s prediction each year since 1886. For Phil, seeing his shadow predicts six more weeks of winter-like weather. More often than not, he sees his shadow and goes back inside. You, too, can remain out of the cold, and save time and money at the same time, by using our secure online service, my Social Security, to conduct Social Securityrelated business from the warmth of your own comfortable home. When you create a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount, you can: Keep track of your earnings and verify them every year; Get an estimate of your future benefits if you’re still working; Get an instant letter with proof of your benefits if you currently receive them; and Manage your benefits. Setting up your account is quick, secure, and easy. Set it up during the cold weather, while you’re waiting for spring. Punxsutawney Phil usually predicts more wintery weather, and according to the Groundhog Day event organizers, he is accurate 75 to 90 percent of the time. And let’s face it, spring doesn’t really start for seven weeks after Phil’s time in the spotlight each year. Whatever the weather, you can expect to be more comfortable than Punxsutawney Phil by using my Social Security. Follow the groundhog’s example and stay inside! From the warmth and comfort of your own home, visit www.socialsecurity.gov to learn about all the services we provide online. WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE February is the month when we celebrate love and friendship. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has also declared February as American Heart Month to bring awareness to the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States: heart disease. We encourage you to wear red all month to promote cardiovascular disease prevention. Just as the heart is vital to our emotional and physical well-being, Social Security disability benefits are often a vital lifeline for people who are unable to work due to severe disabilities—whether heartrelated or not. There are numerous ways to protect our hearts, including eating well, exercising, and not smoking. We get checkups, and make sure to keep our cholesterol down. However, sometimes these measures aren’t enough. In fact, disability will affect one in four of today’s 20 year-olds before reaching retirement age. The Social Security disability program excels in providing financial help to people when they need it most—help they earned by paying Social Security taxes on their earnings or as dependents of someone who paid Social Security taxes. Social Security pays benefits to covered people who can’t work and whose medical condition meets the strict definition of disability under the Social Security Act. A person is considered disabled under this definition if he or she cannot work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The person's medical condition must prevent him or her from doing work that he or she did in the past, and it must prevent the person from adjusting to other work based on their age, education, and experience. You can find all the information you need about eligibility and benefits available to you by reading our publication, Disability Benefits, available at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs. If you are disabled, and think you are eligible to receive disability benefits, you will need to complete an application for Social Security benefits. It’s easy to apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. We also invite you to visit our Faces and Facts of Disability website to watch and read stories about people who have truly benefited from Social Security’s disability program and to get the facts about this very important program. Helping people is at the heart of what we do. You can learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/ disabilityfacts. 18 — VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA • FEBRUARY 2015 • www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com WIMBISH-NORTH, from pg 1 inducted into the U.T.’s Texas Women’s Athletic Hall of Honor. During her acceptance speech, she gave a shout out to the many Victoria residents who had traveled to Austin for the ceremony. “Victoria is in the house,” she declared to cheers from the audience. After graduating from U.T. in 1988 with a degree in communications, Wimbish spent thirteen years coaching women’s college basketball at four universities including the University of Michigan, before she and husband Waylan Gay, who was born in Houston, found themselves homesick for Texas and moved to San Antonio. Wimbish was a stay at home mom expecting their third child, when Gay died suddenly of a heart attack in 2002. Now a single mother, Wimbish moved back to Victoria to be closer to family, where she eventually remarried and had a fourth child with husband George North. Now a busy working GOALS, from pg 3 semester. She did a lot of her coursework in the evening while her children were asleep and also got support from family in town when she needed more time. During the last year, she was able to take time off from work to focus on completing her degree. “It took me seven years, but UHV worked well because it was local, easily accessible and I could take classes in the evening or online,” Lopez said. “The price also was affordable.” Now that she has her bachelor’s, Lopez wants to work at Chandler Elementary School in Victoria, where she did her student teaching and previously worked for five years. She plans to apply for a teaching position next fall. Until then, she will be a substitute teacher and will learn more about the different schools and principals in the district. PARTNERSHIP, from pg 3 outstanding reputation for research,” Di Leo said. “They have 51 research institutes, and research and development centers as well as 14 academic journals sponsored by this university. This agreement not only sets the table for potential joint research and program collaboration, but it also could allow us to send students and faculty members there to study.” This past summer, a group of 29 UHV School of Business Administration students exchanged ideas with Chinese stu- mother, she tried to squeeze in basketball coaching at Faith Academy along with her job as a parent liaison at a local school, but with the time she devoted to her husband and four daughters, it was just too much. When friends suggested she consider coaching girls’ basketball at Victoria East High School when the new school opened in 2010, she backed away. “I thought my coaching days were behind me,” she said, “and I told myself that God would need to give me a clear sign.” That sign came in the form of a visit from Ralph Escalona, who is Wimbish-North’s athletic director, asking her to consider taking the job. With her mother and her husband stepping up to help with the girls, she did, and was the first coach to lead Victoria to the UIL state tournament since Lahodny last did in 1991. Her daughters love playing basketball, and her oldest, Imani, who will be fifteen on Valentine’s Day this year, has just joined her mom’s varsity team. Says WimbishNorth, “I’m walking in the destiny where I’m supposed to be, and I’m having a blast.” Left to right, George, Imani, Leilani, Kiani, Yulonda, and Giani Lisa Flores was in her second year of teaching special education in the Houston Independent School District when she decided she wanted to earn her master’s degree. She is currently teaching in the Sheldon ISD in the Flores same field. “I’ve always wanted to pursue a master’s,” Flores said. “I like challenges and bettering myself. This helps in my career because I feel like I’m more knowledgeable in the area of special education and better able to service my students based on their individual needs.” Another teacher at her school was taking classes through UHV’s online program and suggested it to Flores, who earned her bachelor’s degree from UH-Downtown. She looked into the program and decided to enroll. It took her seven years to finish her bachelor’s degree because of her need to work, family responsibilities and other complications. This time, she was determined to get her degree quickly. She made a plan and earned her degree in a year and a half, in large part by taking advantage of her summer breaks from teaching to take more classes. “I liked the convenience of taking online classes,” she said. “It also helped that the coursework lined up with what I already was doing in my classroom. Now, I’m more knowledgeable, so I’m up for the challenges ahead. In a few more years, I want to pursue my doctorate. Now that I have my master’s, I might as well keep go- dents from the Central University of Finance and Economics during a two-week study abroad program in China. A trip to a different part of China could be forthcoming. Wan said Harbin Normal University often hosts international students and arranges for its students to study abroad. “They are a university that is very experienced in hosting international students, so our students may be able to have a long- or short-term study with them in the near future,” he said. “They have many students who plan to study abroad every year. By partnering with them, we will be one of the destinations for their students.” Wan, who originally is from China, said Harbin is well known for its ice sculptures. Moody Garden in Galveston hosted an exhibition this month for their artwork. A team of 31 professional ice carvers from Harbin carved 900 tons of ice into characters from Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants. “Harbin is a beautiful and vibrant city,” Wan said. “If we have a chance to send students over there to study, I’m sure they would enjoy the cultural, sightseeing aspects of the trip, in addition to the academic opportunities they would encounter.” Happy Valentine’s Day! Next Issue May 2015 ing.” Flores plans to finish the school year before looking into promotion options or changes in position. She wants to apply for a diagnostician position with her district. Eventually, she hopes to be a professor at a college or university. On top of working as a special education teacher, Flores also has two sons, who are 4 and 9 years old. She hopes that her aspirations and hard work will inspire them to plan for their future as well. “This is a good example for my boys,” she said. “I’m always telling them that I’m behind them 100 percent. I’m going to help them, whereas I had to do this on my own. I want them to know that I’m there to support them, and they can be successful, as well. There are a lot of opportunities out there, and they need to take advantage of them. Morgan www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com • FEBRUARY 2015 • VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA — 19 Vol. 2 - No. 9 ria s iere Dr. Tywaun Tillman BY ALLISON MILES rem d nite p tion The road of life brings twists, turns and, yes, the occasional detour. Ironically enough, it was medical roadblocks that led Dr. Tywaun Tillman to become the respected physician he is today. The North Augusta, S.C. native developed an early love of sports and, as he dove into Little League baseball, realized he had talent. The problem? Severe asthma. “It didn’t bother me while I was playing the sports but I’d be up all night,” he said. “I couldn’t breathe. Back then, they didn’t have all the meds they have now.” Breathing difficulties or not, by age 12 the athlete caught the eyes of professional scouts, who considered him a prospect. And, as he grew and asthma became less an issue, his athletic aspirations expanded to include football and basketball. “From then on, I always played three sports, with football quickly jumping to the forefront once I got in high school,” he said. lica pub August 2010 THIRD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE icto in V “I became a highly-recruited football player and was named a pre-season AllAmerican prior to my senior year, in a season that was never to happen.” A pre-season scrimmage resulted in a fractured right leg and forced the young man to sit the season out, although he still received multiple scholarship offers. Tillman took Furman University up on its offer, mainly because of the school’s academics. Although he spent his freshman year as a red-shirt and focused on rehabilitating his leg, the premed biology major worked equally hard in the classroom. A back-up plan is necessary, he explained, since injury can end an athletic career. And it’s a good thing he did. Tillman’s time with football ended his junior year, when he fractured two vertebrae in his neck. Afterward, he focused his sights on academics and graduated the school cum Gary Moses BY ALLISON MILES Volunteering isn’t the only thing the energetic man If you’re looking to track has up his sleeve, however. down Gary Moses, catch him Education is also close to his if you can. heart. Between his job with He himself graduated Citizens Medical Center and both Victoria High School the time he spends hosting and the Victoria College and events and giving back to the later moved on to Southwest community, the Victoria Volum e 4 - Nu native is constantly on the go. mber 13 Texas State University, where he majored in history “There are only 52 and earned a bachelor’s Saturdays in a year,” he said, www.voic explaining he volunteers virtually every degree in education. esunite dpublica Moses obtained his administrator’s weekend and many weekdays. “I’m happy tionofvi certificate in secondary education from the when I’m doing things, helping.” ctoria.co m Moses is active in numerous organiza- University of Houston-Victoria. The long-time educator taught in the tions, such as the Dorothy H. O’Connor Pet Adoption Center, the Black History Victoria Independent School District for Steering BYCommittee, the Victoria more than 37 years, teaching American and GHENI PLA TEN Association for Citizens withBUR Disabilities Texas history at Patti Welder Middle School G and,con at Memorial High School, government and the Warrior’s Weekend Committee. Lon bef fidence .” ore And, ters while it gmight mean packed and economics. the aHic were Ove ks sisAlthoughr 30 he yea worked with students in schedule,tion he said hecom lovesma staying ndinginvolved. who of other were bot rs later, the twi the atte n- thetoclassroom, ns, stop there. Moses “I’mArm blessed besold ableiers to work with recent the ran it hdidn’t y, thetotwi in the U.S ly promo k of lieu of those n sibl tedstuencounters such wonderful anding organizations mandingpeople con tenant same tinue to many s were com . still colothrough the atte adhtoere nel, from time time, either as they pee try to others,” hentio said. “I’m the - dents er’s rshelp to the adv n of the during ir onMOSES, vacatio ir ing and ice both pub very lucky one.” at Gre See pg. 9 mothn bib t th a ro of fort is p tra ef adve , or ex the ac ch ie er a ance aid d u n d assist will ts an e nd y y. le it en an th er can mmun , st u d ike, dt to al ta n blish we ic co ar en ts zens s, Pu esen es ts rrkin to pr of Voic a. emFor p ed citi w s ou e info g ck Pe lo n, tori ored on by Ri shar ythin cern n al udso hon Editi of Vic co gcon ic at io ans to ever to the m H scar g I am e First ation ly re an s z, Ti O August p u bl Victori rdin dules comvare vera, lic ri th ia te ga 2011 ett Al sie Ri you d Pub m ed V ic to th ei r ing ion re sche od old te g n, Em , Jo ge Uni w il l im n d in u te d inforhnso is Rivera a. mat colle of go d is Jo ib te ta u e or ie tr hr ni ts to a Yo from lication Jack iles, C uel Zam co n sure th se d es U ” vi e ou M ncy, u n iz h a ve app sense. of Voic ca ti on that fe of r Ya Alison by Man to en b e o u n , of li nnife w h rtise mon goal r E d atio ve for , Je Jacobs ontage ca n ality . rts fo rm he pe M e in ri T ex n Robe Claud otos. e qu es u sh d info to st me ti o John anch, ted ph m a ove th of all ag icult ti h e re to “P es an dents the e. left: Br bu w ticl re stu cellenc ered is g a impr rians is diff to ry, from borah Contri thca n d ar spire th h is to De kwise ter). rt in ic ex n gath m a k in this Vic ing a heal in cloc Boyett, s (cen M a id, em io o Dur a ti on’s n and a ve s ious e in See TILLMAN, pg. 9 are, As sa ate acad format to o l to on. T w il l lic le study having n io ited t, Dian ck Perk ec ir w is e ll . once a strong speakChurch r Mt. Calvary ship wit In a te cisi ti o n h Ri ou r recess th e a ore pr es Un nigh our . s w g Jr. w o rl d nh relation Baptist , … e a lt ), Voic e Bauk Perkins, im sible de b li ca H si e a meant the God, as it has lt e war in a te s, a m peril to ri a From u tr u er Kin in th than cipu s on Bruc ndez on literally n ce V ic trict from the coaching they r and dea difference bet d om spaper is in ns erna resp , th e rt ic le in te n a uth in g us te H L rec a y ween life is th ro d co 15 re ge o th u learned ir mother, the eived ing in act during their new modit T h e ool D avere n d u d e a ve m a “N e dan nce an page a g bs yo time ser early on yBY ALLISON MILES ive duty ch s twi on an cl h ti S ” ns er is ra jo com th ! vd n of y. the fine ch in in the mil In 2007, she confide at m w it s of mor igno “For a ve ent is idit r ev r points whi nt public itary. ntinue woman yo u end ates thudents atisre s stup is fo in th s (p re Co yo u e type es in vities hav spe graduated cum For many ce “(O e who ep akin S, st s d a st ur mothe st lot of form e g. IN ti ce did not on ou se Ind ntly vi d ce in ththe placthe ac your r) told she hit 700 y. That e num laudewe betfrom Victorians, Gheni enti u ca ti e bles resour lPERK al edu ter all us ow th m p ly rece 600 to da E d e ar vast choi work, e, and enrich nds, our moA&Mnot put our fing that Hicks-C the major poi cation, Florida Platenburg is not yet a ith ch d kn es t, w ie In uth and nts,” said ith age l ea ed w w h o si will will liv joy to ur fr we better ers in us tha allaway. “She one; try w io n an th e b un oo U n tha i v et rwe s i twer y, household name. y. Volu yo instilled t there at ed be sch combi d en ts un er of you will en at of m u n it sucwas a hig son in nifer Hicshe e heard,” said sure –God.” where Speech However, for the pow or co in fo rmd on e higher orld. me Hud her pow tic, of st u ks-McGo o to be th e er, B.S. in w Jenyou and th d co m u the of e an sive er d phot . Tim called 5wan, as es ve Keith Garn on/Contribute e it the earned a last few months, the has Born and readin b er g by Dr she rehop n d h a rol of clu life il y a n ves yo believ l outNu icati s in icular, ghed g e in mun rais scr to life nt Com t a iptures an audien ed il em mb Bachelor of uniquely-spelled and co ryon fe er, M.S. in fa m t, it gi And on w ren of aloud Hic growing up was in Victoria, mos syst in part ns of hi sity erheroes.name has er 1 ter, Vandegreece with her . Eve l in li to take Krystal Garn ntributed photo on to e ks-Calla Science pronounced not eas be sup ky, cati child essa Hic twin sisshor oose cati toria, itutio niver ich fu g/Co 7 way and y for do y im to m or was tric edu e ks-Calla photo Gowan. Counselin e taught inwerjournalism, the Vic e inst the U ce ss rtunit stiny. yo u h th e wh d er/Contributed Hicks-M way. “We to ch your nce th ts a re em rees cla e, at times itbeen their byline h deg a, de tha n Garn n ’s th wit it , po cfin ri t r Sur 5 tinuingattached to many to volume ca lf w op to Dr. sKima master clo ing:d phot GIRDY, with a concenstonot you si p a re n te d two ar nbute ser to page equals e ility t someor he a t con -Vico e lo r’ many ed with juspublished e u ca but le d uat s ontri step on See his t w h yo u rs the ab d the ve wa er/C in liv te tration in newsries in the ed a s st one er ou TWINS, pg. ng el Garn ion earned in 1975, BY AL , an b a chees in d T h e e be Bu wer s hestin u ca to do. Advocate. of worki . The educatthey had Victoria already d, 10 dDr.ieEarn oose life ? T h e ed ly to paper journalism and a minor in of H vi d e s o ls but n thproona LI gr had min u p a goa ch ti www s, SO g ion 2 us o my ir st de rs e th e m ty to pero The Hicks NM d. phot degree contin- the UHV. administrat atmos- thin mehow, in Platenburg, li kebute n, u ca ve ly ch or’ p ro ter’si res i- s, whiBo age .voic o th – and Garner/Contri ILES es,s twins, (L to know 25, is the news- business administration. fi e ld to lves d d it io t e d o si ti ent s as hel rist t ofool ier t “So me , baceg re t abili a pros h e lp .....P d sch Ch Sid bus d bes se n en esun n R) s sse Dr. W ge p m a ... ir e n s a LTC Vanessa rpu ble paper’s new Platenburg expanded her d ided re thre le n it wa 2diversity/courts Texasesid had a craf heth th a t is The atio as the In ...... se lvemCo er ited live it y to NER, pg. 3 if feraisae Col ate’sdecic God just Hicks-Calla atio of attended son, pr s home rs e lf ueve er ts gh r, ...... ca u d, educ See GAR n tenageddto en invo tsluma academic achievements in 2009, rpu reporter. publi nd Sid u how ci age door , en way, LTC toristalsoand ro rtif on. ...... yore, a b il er is tter. n ? B e on HudCophoto. ar s iversitTiy, e Kry anMiles fo u ie ve m with den jo Jennifer Hick ,Vic as al- ce ueo ye .....P , vo atn,ve ry crea catio d tineg inpheen t th w. ...... Kim Allis “My time working at The when she not only graduated with ng ded gre twee s or an ying Un Dr. mEar tenes by ti of th u Sid don’t esg asioedu n ed ing t...... ch bal ily ti eschildre s-M I d answe the be ca ti o ra ti e bu in m anc th a tw at ... cGo nofv ng fam vo rkin A& vi vi tri th in and 4 st t y wan on tine s, ile i er isnes wo u a ci acrtin ti g an d – e e acti rs fessd/wfiife ipwh ...... ve ristow gan n, Dr. Advocate has been good thus far,” a master’s degree in community so s yo y- is Con ictori cy whtiile mor h y e d is libe y rem ily n on- hus astran ith, c e to Christ proban rsi,h heCo r rpus InChem pd...... n s- Ke in g rous ra p la life ioEar ..Pag vispo sl Fam Cou vity in outsa th the , io la at th ... oc na t ge W ci a.co en im o gra ou r id d journalism from the University of d said Platenburg. “Even though I sh ...... er d Bu BY nag t at else pe ... h nde twe in ies, ma to. KRISTY NEL si y. The le po be uBeph aning ge. s, ot ro uca eth hobb rtney gors dem cat scatte fam yo uy er educo rt a n pros ri ti . so m ...... l ivit g an iz ear of nne rsit ive low rtant SON a , ed som llel found t loan to ed t rdin or e ed e5 just started in February, it seems Alabama, but simultaneously ilo toyaact re know e are a t B act Mor Un p ie ...... Deve n gh or add ge rs o te ck and re co co s lopm stil er pa ag ro ph ... es ldre ge hi h e Sta duo im to en ent Director, w ELLIS, page 5 ro bus m e .mThuey su ... m ar l- old g re st, chi a n , hou seh r to pres stress rt of st W it , stud and th nefac e to as .....P s nd, acy., thetha like I’ve been here a lot longer. completed a prestigious John S. Trinity Episc bedgetA ent “I utili ...... t thactin yoool d co s life m o do to en n it co an is life. e an th e essayi teing sm the sure . ...... ts , , opal d be bl cs ze From left: Donald Girdy, Jr., Rashod Jackson, Monica Garcia, Tanya Girdy, th im an y tine g. ... 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Ga for the d of President gan LER yea vi g e7 th cat dg n ...... e an ld . ci on ion ca em two ra re is e at le d yo o oj wea ad y, ag on T ... 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Productions Company,syand ges of African-Americans, fueling her Girdy, Sr. Vice-President years. e. for liesn birth ea O b e thin n en e. In it a . ak by Allis money of 201 elso a College E th or hrou us, scholar Texas the fall poin phys ...... is ap the hic hasn’t ...Pa e. on er m a in lif al stat y fact e’s that at co t. Onc t bo k wit gh th likely tell t time is spemunity. to m As N ucatis on gears 2 of ship sem theilab Los Bro iBorn and raised in Houston, motivation to cover diverse com- Senior Stage Manager t to e but cally qua of ava n wwnthg, ...... le Angeles it h Yo eir the d nni po nn for aca Company, mentored Jam key world. “E or ag fam Athe com burs mplet e less nt keep more about ester, I’d like to upof ion th lot lified stu when tha soci rtun ...... to p e , Del wea ge 10 aica ian g lon ily, ion, and et Yout akum years at, orta iTexas students who attended Educating Young k to the has set his t talk he Platenburg grew up the older of munities. nder some rec dents. the dem d o or her ence, oppo edu...... impge the that dem “Prrecently for Minds M said er ...Pa infu Victor ing bacGri oviding hR ’s B of Mar ch a isn’t as is As e ...... ent new wan althy. 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Aft O rinten s pr ulation ity’s peind ak of w ildre res h a laugh. his while mina State Universit ivid Rults demic k work cold Dennis Brow t an classes education when I gra type of wit ual atte KL G a ban IL in rec de its ble ach A e fiv eric said eive d og d IC n nt and of stu the ian rita fina ntio ieve N foot Am s some den ca C chwhia ase, ne ES H n. of Sc ,” he Ind cha ram ncial ass ther ment of , pg hold in of foo he tired of to move Recent the, new help “He as re ho istance was give ts. Particular d with impressed job fraternity bro ed with at a United Way of Casey aer ild leposh th eded effo ols rts 1 gradua r tr I eco R 9 . atte Trin e n ke olv o A Indiana, and decided fo ai E. e s nom to As are ec e r backgrounions ntio ou te r VISD targ d a l nieng to- be , it y.t Hig emplo s inv n losi entl th ishas eted the succes colleges that witlahh ducsiax of Annie T n’s. ive socug ng haht home entings y ITR winters g organizat his past fundra a father’s way in Ft. Wayne namSee ow, he eral ensure improvement ymJa & s of min rateths and tefo ti ipus kin to fell hi ha w INI n ban rnli p gen tr ri d s s as ed ti Wa orit tion th. TY, over tim ve eration sev a cobs e ki categories y and firs played sou like food Rojas: o r, itod,on info m and r ves iffe ce eat- fil to ne mothe United knew of an inte e ,in Dis Indepe as the had pg. 11 studen n Founda completed Harvard tTwhes to$5 Dr. Peter s Honorees wer basic and. the experience also need hig a cbothndsth w’southcl. ot 0 a re to ed ed “I r tr th . and m with 12 ope m nc her edu ts who most selection crit e also part ofVaicreto it’s so said ing ens an th also Award exte ict. I ndent Superi e hono at ww hom a law help. “Bat age F. cation eria gra the non- Ind thee ri at lda s ed d at on said. ty w becauseunderstand,” he Wonders John to na T r ma bulesid t ne VC’s sele . -six oth role, he any charitable tains ship pro made the cut. as, courses y’s prec nd m would School ntende r, and rk e leotd to ou e for suit ag ut, so 12, kn w.v a ,” BY M get a easy to y si ew ctio Tex nt of rsit He di on like of me ippin ove. ne tossm directors yeid C in her th t what kids w ainst “Like t’s what sus oic me m sa com iation ES, pg.11 d . spots.ough born in in Ft. Unive Scho stinct lrd of See PRIZE n cam to a la Adjun ARY LA it us after, th what it he an ou w See GRIM ine eas to ncere es pr for Th ols ti hors ud I’ve gh, an e need hout a The boa many good, qua ir profit, tha zation,” he said ct UH str lem a ass s w r ow ISD munity, the SATE , pg.ab11 e ap un for ivilege hegrew up suc late va- , after m the V Ins ani ed to licen operat state been d th R, ED The the Victori , ilit ucti enta ocia as ite the staff tru heard fro didates during but the orgable to fundraiseost a Grimes He earned a bac e p se. ing ct st do si a Vicinvo .D en y or V o an te re dp a of Tr Victori d es ictoria lved x of us for th We fo ce de for n ry Wayne. ified canfor a director, ard “To be at’s alm ub Th to ex As boar d un c pe n a a at n Bo si ev lly. ir th us u s m cial sfu licen d lic ISD er si gn such tees In t S e nd r a ed e tly See search stood out, WN, pg. 11 ly coun tend m d pres nctie.o id said. ces ati se, ele outh he cho Vic a ricu ctor See BRO , ea ch J iden y com a su for pr Board A ti ” Brown Emett Alvarez and lu c n ap es C ar r on x Dew OBS kee ca pla ter. tric me ful, n ol D tor co BY prec t of of G m ofv peri ing an pportiveoviding ,ricpg p n m inin Member experience t, a nta sh ew istr ia In unt- ALLISO Gon itt, Ja oliad, iation Golde d en , ’s icto r e up r ck nC sition ce du posi wel NM ke ulu20 a g hig Brown re “Nscnd h y cu jok ole ict. deresp zales, an son, Lavaca, to Victo Tillman: ti ILES ep m . “W ke tha ria – R h en in on e evid period ring m ve ex o w r e ri ef d it Dr. Tywaun s -m It s r d w t lp th t for vo ding ug h a Cal .co bu ter us fra e h dif tra o d w CAim up o s an houn io, SAic, ulu – h e ti child takes spec ent Vic . It is y tran Health Tip m m on m av fic ns ta bilitthehasu a t thre luntee to CA he I p e tl a vi dr m m ial pl toria fo clea w w s t’ ad SA’s t a rt a y r srr rov an izin e’r of th ewo e a ult itht r go eeaisms. rl the llage to ace is our e year rs. In no t o po goound e in to ro al e w w e s rk less call righ to be truly y qu s, I g c p c ra in nu trem The th n h o g u u A u m mbe poin t di ise a a fu a am T th gh is nd,ite r . o er e e lati g o ns yo have than rect childye enta ipp ose rkin t w e p tha tori ely br ture ouh, to wit be lem on n is iste ut thh he (CA ted sp rs of co seen ight io a In e t K in is t a a e a n, e for e . W th nc th ayliH ecia SA r lif s ff g o te g Dis urt depe for setmo – rpe s ry exg than s) yT e nta e na tr th . heeW veal opinleantod spe orts n m ach e fa go disasnayes is elong th ry ha at w incr l advo apti door ict. 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Thmed cers visitcould for hman muc the c d m is W e b n ha ot a we coll sch ed is p e h hoo be on th qu ex ,p er ide at ed m fou cla h s am tr th th at if ires ter w ab oo as ast av l p T y a ot t y n e is as oth w ak r g2 e y ss inc n e S e de ict his chie as imou eve ill v ora l dis to yea e 2 so tha er ith e a ear ,” h e stu riod ome age n we we c all s al a Bo nts Lea pas vin po get nt. iew tive tric wha r m t w univ stu n im s b e , p de t s g ly all de da of nt o mu an tak s w c Z t t b uc e a r d h e m ta ig y r n y a to w p d a r h ca ers ent pa th ow ts y be the f ch st c no lo eho ell po n im itie g ct ite et a m ren ship ring our nt a ach Zig nge em e e fo an ll n an h n ld as te o Ev ms nd emb ts, Te th goa s w iev lar as - mstaff opp r m d s sch ew ge. alle ger ers inte nti ple s a vin ng to al m nd ta ery to dev ers tea am e V ls.” hat ing onc a r en rela ortu ore taff. edu itia e o cha s ic n e n c u for en e , y yo ou lo a h C u e t is t to tio nit con Th le fo tiv ur ng nu ta w g y th t o to asp las ppo ped nd ers mad ria se e a be r a l L pre ap in nsh to sis is n r a es in e c , e sr rt r e lve ip b te b e ll e -k ad gan cult ct o oom ou a se omm adm up ISD c s sk le arn cu lear s an uild ncy w s hig lud vid dre izati ivate f th , E r go t o un inis of Dis to c il h e r in ls r nin d str in h a e a f th e th ss th on le V ver l o pr ity tra stu - ti lso am inc g M iculu g. to c on ou edu scho a 7 on inc on re ate m B los ge r s le Le e ch e e c , to ade ISD y D f “E iorit lea tors o hig ti re g as a e r s ch wil l ad an ne ap cr rs r v y de , c y er ge ce ac ea at Lea y.” ery acti rs, m h s me asin ou e li ials alle inco the tud ools l sh pr ss ity te d A Ch on dit ore cho fo g th r pr tera (DL d D rpo ach ent , ip oc ar to o all er n Te es y r ch ppo lev ship imp ild, de ion alig ol s r all e a e-k cy M) eve rati ieve – am s. es an rtu els T or pa velo al c ned tud ele mo stu and , w lop ng e O o dis ne urc ge, nitie of am stu rtn ps aree cu ents me unt den n e w men a cu ou es and s our Re de ersh mor r a rric . T nta of d ts. ume ill b th ss tco to to n n u ion m ad adin ts ip e d d te lu his ry, aily We rac e s p at an van es will opp iver ch m th wil mid ins ar y is e fro upp ro th m ort sig d c ced s A uti ortu se a nolo at l all dle truc e at th an n o aree p sses lize nitie nd gy inclu ow an tru e In f th r p lace sm the s. robu cou de for d e str e a a m e R s rs s uc Te thw en nt to ead Our t bu es adtio ac ay t as iSte 8th sin and na he o c l C r F ppo ours sist p C gra ess Se oa acil rtu e the oll de ch it nit se m eg eV po ator ies lec wit e ISD ti h sit p . ,p ion os Re ons it g2 pr ion deov 2 id to es es U c Voi UCATION S IN ED tioAnND PROGRES .5 nce caIP e Vol. 1 - No ll e u SH c x ER d e D A IT Y hLeEr e cademic a OMMUNh to g C d i TE te it LU m WE SA r fa ugilhy com ethrom What’s Gasrn elf r INSIDE you wer 09 August 20 Gheni Platenburg FOURT H The Hick ANNIV s twins: ERSA A portra RY ISSUE it of cou rage Victoria youths visit LA for scholarship awards gala po his In Tsue Is Em nce nda ge At te olle ria C V icto ion t cat tligh Edu Spo ent St ud rd pho t m h u M tlig Spo VISD ood yw Holl Life r Bet te ht k nig Bau l ncia Fina s ice Cho .E.T B e Sur SSI and SSA What’s In side st ited Way po sumes Un Grimes as od bank ED Local scho ol learning op providing technolo gy, portunities for studen ts ed new fo In T his Brown nam ISSUE 5T H AN Dr. C ourt N ney Mor IVE ga RS VC select ed to comn AR pete for Aspen Pr Y I Clau ize d an SS dM UE ary Virg inia Jac ob s S An o pen le com tter to mun ity the P Get with involved Gold en C and volu resc ntee ent C r ASA O T Ca rol Kay As New so cia UH tio V S n p tud re en sid t G en ov t m er ak nme es n his t tor y L Tip pin s IG H T Haye s O 61 N 2S qu ar V. I .S .D AU G . US T 20 13 eM iles of Exc elle nc e To advertise email rpq1@sbcglobal.net or call 310-729-4939 20 — VOICES UNITED PUBLICATION OF VICTORIA • FEBRUARY 2015 • www.voicesunitedpublicationofvictoria.com