Hispanic Hall of Honor

Last Saturday the Hispanic Sports Foundation for Education, Inc. presented the 12th Annual Hispanic Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony and Scholarship Awards. It was conducted at Our Lady of the Lake University Wellness & Activity Center on campus. The HSFE is a non-profit organization that offers financial assistance and mentoring to serving students in higher education and recognizes and honors those in the community who have achieved success in business, athletics, education, military service, public service, and arts and entertainment. Those chosen for their commitment to the community this year include: Dr. Louis J. Agnese Jr. for Education, Heriberto “Berto” Guerra Jr. for Business, and State Senator Dr. Judith Zaffirini for Public Service.

As a teacher at McCollum High School in the 90’s I invited Dr. Agnese then the President of the University of the Incarnate Word to speak to one of my speech classes. Having graduated from Incarnate Word College in 1975 with my Masters Degree, we bonded then and when I revisited with him at the event he remembered me. Tables were full in the hall with students and many other attendees who participated in the dinner and award ceremony for the three nominees by providing Hispanic youth with role models to motivate them to complete higher education. Senator and Doctor Zaffirini holds a B.S. M.A. and Ph.D from the University of Texas in Austin. She was also named by the Texas Monthly one of 10 Best Legislators four different times serving in the Senate. A number of the board members at large were present to include Elliot Garza, who spoke on behalf of Berto Guerra. Local entertainer Roman Garcia served as Master of Ceremonies and is seen on television on most of the networks as a spokesman and hosts his popular radio show, “The Roman Garcia Super Show” every Saturday night on FM 107.1 Some of the past members of the Hall of Honor include: former Judge Mary Roman who I was able to take her picture at the event, as well as Rosemary Kowolski. Just a Thought: Hispanic Hall of Honor Photos by Stephen Walker National Hispanic Heritage Hall of Honor 2018 Inductees, Dr. Louis J. Agnese Jr. for Education, Heriberto “Berto” Guerra Junior for business & State Senator Dr. Judith Zaffirini, for Public Service, La Prensa Texas Vice President Yvette Tello,Aida Rojas with Judge Jefferson Moore, former Judge & judicial candidate Mary Roman, Judge Renee Yanta & husband Virgil, St.Senator Jose Menendez & St. Rep. Barbara Gervin Hawkins, 4th Court Justice Sandi Bryan Marion, MCRoman Garcia, former St. Senator Leticia van de Putte, Rosemary Kowalski, Debra Spence, Walker Report Editor, La Prensa Texas columnist & former Judge Steve Walker, Judge Rolando Garcia & wife, Anabelle, La Prensa Texas managing editor Melissa Bryant, honorees, Dr. Louis Agnese,Berto Guerra with Elliot Garza & St. Senator Dr. Judith Zaffirini, attendees, Bios on Berto Guerra, Dr. Louis Agnese Jr. & St. Senator Dr. Judith Zaffirini The program listed former recipients: Dr. Sylvester Perez, my former principal at McCollum High School, Commissioner Pct. 2 Paul Elizondo where I served as Justice of the Peace, former Congressman & current Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Ciro Rodriguez and his brother Commissioner Pct. 1 Chico Rodriguez. Also listed is former 4th Court of Appeals Alma Lopez, Judge John Longoria, former Senator Joe Bernal, his wife, Mary Esther, and former Congressman Charlie Gonzalez to name a few. Senator Bernal was also my Assistant Superintendent in HISD. Other names of attendees who we all recognize, Senator Jose Menendez, former St. Senator Leticia van de Putte, who I have written about in La Prensa SA in the past. All in all, it was a great evening taking photos, eating good food and sitting next to La Prensa Texas Vice President Yvette Tello and Managing Editor Melissa Bryant! As always, what I write is “Just a Thought.”