United Independent School District

“Laredo 4” is no more. Now the Laredo Sector Horse Patrol mount that had been known only by his number has a good Texas name: “Cowboy.”

Cowboy was officially renamed this morning during a ceremony held at Los Obispos Middle School. Ashley Lopez, an eighth grade student at the school, was recognized for suggesting “Cowboy” as a good name for the horse. For her efforts, Lopez got to place a sash on the horse to officially give Cowboy his new name.

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Robert L. Harris reintroduced the horse patrol in December. The patrol’s mounts include four formerly wild mustangs that Laredo Sector adopted through the Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Program.

The four adopted mustangs were initially known by their assigned numbers. For example, the first adopted horse was designated as “Laredo 1.”

Chief Harris decided that the mustangs needed proper names that conveyed the importance of their mission and captured their personal characteristics. He enlisted the help of students at four local schools in picking names for the horses. Each school was given responsibility for naming one of the horses.

On Monday, Miguel Gomez, a sixth grade student at Salvador Garcia Middle School in Rio Bravo was honored for suggesting “Tornado” as a good name for the horse formerly known as “Laredo 1.” Also on Monday, Gabriela Machado, an eighth grade student at Antonio Gonzalez Middle School was recognized for her suggestion that “Laredo 2” be renamed as “Ranger.”

“Laredo 3”was renamed on Tuesday during a ceremony held at George Washington Middle School. Humberto Benavides, an eighth-grader at the school, was announced as the winner of a competition held to select a new name for the horse. Benavides’ suggestion of “Blitz” was deemed as the best entry from the school.

The Laredo Sector Horse Patrol is in the process of adopting more formerly wild mustangs. Once those horses are received, students at other local schools will get a chance to pick names for them.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

What: Webb Country District Attorney Isidro “Chilo” Alaniz will be the guest speaker at United South High School.

When: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 @ 9a.m.

Where: U.S.H.S. library, 4001 Ave. Los Presidentes.

Additional Information: Webb Country District Attorney Isidro “Chilo” Alaniz will give students an account of his personal background, education, and experience. He will also talk about the keys to success in hopes of motivating students to make the right choices for themselves.

For more information, please call Griselda Gonzalez at (956) 473-5423

What: Author Joe Hayes will present his most popular stories to Pk-5th grade students.

When: Monday March 8, 2010 from 8:30a.m. to 2:30p.m. (various sessions)

Where: Newman Elementary School Library, 1300 Alta Vista.

Additional Information: Joe Hayes is one of America’s top authors of children’s books , and a nationally recognized teller of tales from the Hispanic, native American, and Anglo cultures. Hayes likes to use both English and Spanish when telling his stories to children so they can learn to love both languages.

For more information, please call Ofilia Kirby at (956) 473-3812

Funds donated to the City’s “Laredoans 4 Haitian Relief Group” will be divided amongst three non-profit organizations currently helping victims.

On January 12, 2010, a devastating and tumultuous earthquake hit Haiti, leaving many people seriously injured, homeless, and causing many deaths. While Haiti was searching for answers to somehow excavate themselves from the impending dangers that laid ahead for them, many organizations, such as the United Independent School District (UISD), decided to launch a district-wide fund raising project to help. The project entitled: United We Stand-Operation Give them Hope, initially asked for a one dollar donation. However, the project kicked off into high gear as students and employees got together and raised over $25,000 at a press conference announced today.

“At UISD, we not only ensure a quality education that will lead our students to success, but we lead by example in how to help, inspire, and motivate others in doing great things so that future generations can look back and learn the necessary qualities and characteristics that make up a great leader,” said UISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. “As you can see, it is in our nature to help those who need a helping hand. I would like to congratulate all our campuses and departments for making this project a great success,” Santos continued.

Joining Santos at the press conference was City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas, who along with the Laredoans 4 Haitian Relief Committee, were Volunteer Chairperson Tricia Cortez, and the committee’s non-profit representatives: Carol Sherwood, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity, Ysela Sanchez of the American Red Cross Webb County Chapter, and the non-profit group, Doctors without Borders. All funds collected, including UISD’s donation, will be divided amongst these three organizations who are already assisting in Haiti.

“Through our donation, we placed the needs of others ahead of ours to help those who desperately need it the most. This is what our great nation stands for. The ability to move mountains as a team demonstrates that there is no greater force than strength in numbers,” said UISD Board President Pat Campos. “UNITED as one, we moved forward and helped the citizens of Haiti,” Campos continued.

For more information contact the UISD Office of Public Relations at (956) 473-6286.

The United Independent School District is the largest employer in Laredo serving approximately 40,900 students and employs 6,700 employees. UISD is comprised of 40 campuses in addition to three magnet programs, one Career Academy and an alternative education campus. UISD encompasses 75% of Laredo and serves communities in Rio Bravo and El Cenizo.

What: Laredo Haitian Relief Project check presentation followed by introduction of new United I.S.D. information website.

When: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 10:30 a.m.

Where: United I.S.D Board Room, 201 Lindenwood Drive.

Additional Information: The sum total of United I.S.D. contributions for the Laredo Haitian Relief Project will be revealed during a check presentation on Wednesday, February 17, at 10:30a.m., in the United I.S.D. Board Room located at 201 Lindenwood Drive.

Introduction of the new United I.S.D. information website will follow immediately after the check presentation.

For more information, please call Rocio Moore at (956) 473-6333.