7 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com MARCH 27, 2024 RioValleyEstates@gmail.com www.RioValleyEstates.com MHDRET00035769 For Information Call 956-968-2708 715 N. Westgate Dr. • Weslaco Expwy 83 Business 83 W Pike Blvd Panther Dr Westgate Dr Lot 218: Featuring a Marshfield 14x66 2-BR, 1-BA home • 11x18 Texas room. • Vinyl Siding and Windows • Mostly new laminate flooring • Fireplace Insert • New electric range and refrigerator • Great 10x11 covered front deck (under carport) • NEW AIR CONDITIONER! HOMES at TEXAS TWO-STEP MANAGER’S SALE Rio Valley Estates Step 1: Choose Your Home Lot 230: Featuring a Marlette 14x67 2-BR, 1-BA home • Close to the pool and shuffleboard lanes. • New laminate floors, • Electric range, and refrigerator • Nice 10x14 shed • Used A/C package unit. OR Step 2: Choose Your Purchase Option Option 1: Cash sale. $39,000 without lease Affordable financing is available upon request and approval. A limited 60-day warranty for major fixtures applies. OR Option 2: Cash sale. $34,000 with a 2-year lease With a fixed rental rate for 24 months with the last month FREE. Affordable financing is available upon request and approval. A limited 60-day warranty for major fixtures applies. By Barb Zanetti Photos by Dennis Zanetti Boxes of Kleenex topped several tables at Alamo Palms RV Resort’s recent Scholarship Committee reception to celebrate the 21 high school seniors who each earned a $1,000 scholarship. Most residents had been to last year’s event. They knew what to expect. They knew their tears would flow as PSJA Memorial high school seniors told their life stories. Told of almost unimaginable obstacles they had overcome to be invited. “I easily went through 10 Kleenexes!” Delaila Zarate, Alamo Palms manager said. “I related to many students. They made me feel and understand that there is so much need.” She said that one of the most touching life stories for her was the student’s whose mom was forced to go back to Mexico. The young child was left with her grandmother because her mom believed that her daughter would have better opportunities here. “What a sacrifice for everyone involved,” Delaila said. “It’s almost unimaginable!” Alamo Palms resident Carmel Hazard said that she could tell many students didn’t have a lot at home. One of the most memorable stories for her was when a student described how a mom kept her daughter from making a mess in the homes she was cleaning. “Her mom made a circle with rags, a ring, to contain her,” Carmel said. “I thought that was really touching and heartbreaking.” Carmel liked that the students thanked not only the Alamo Palms’ Scholarship Committee and its residents, along with their Alamo counselors, but also recognized their families’ sacrifices and contributions to their high school success. “Although the young girl ‘in the circle of rags’ hated going to work with her mom at the flea market, she realizes that’s how her mom managed to give her ‘extras’… like new shoes,” Carmel said. “And she still goes there to help!” Although it was sad at times, park residents said they appreciated learning about their student guests. “They are our future,” Scholarship Committee member Tammy Greer said. “And are so inspiring!” Students also enjoyed spending time with their Winter Texan hosts. “The reception was sooo fun!” senior Enrique Pena said. “I didn’t think the park residents would be so funny. They were super … heartfelt, kind, and thoughtful in their conversations with me.” During a lighter moment, one of the senior boys insisted that when he gets old, he’d love to become a Winter Texan because “they are so caring and look like they’re having so much fun!” Quilt Makers Blanket Seniors with Warmth At the end of the scholarship reception, each student was presented with a quilt by one of the quilters. This tradition started 10 years ago. Resident Audrey Reichard Stories, tears and quilts make scholarship reception exceptional See QUILTS pg. 15 Scholastic Committee co-chairperson Nancy Nielsen introduced each of the 21 students who were awarded $1,000 scholarships to a large audience filled with Alamo Palms RV Park residents, as well as students’ friends and relatives. At this yearly reception, students talked about their life and outlined their educational goals.
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