"It’s just not acceptable", said our new superintendent Dr. Carlos Rios at the July Monthly Membership meeting.   The capacity crowd appeared very impressed and interested in the vision for the upcoming school year.  Dr. Rios noted a focus on building programs for those on a college path and to help prepare others for a career.
   Dr. Rios expressed his disappointment that when compared to our neighbors; Eagle Pass and Uvalde, Del Rio actually had a lower graduation rate on a recommended plan, which is the college going culture.  Dr. Rios also expressed concern on the reserve balance in the school district fund balance. He noted that key to economic development and growth of a community is improving the school district. 
   Some of those reserve funds can be used for a fine arts building, housing a dual credits "magnet" type school, and establishing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) magnet middle school.  Dr. Rios vision was impressive and very well received by the capacity crowd at the Grand Ballroom of the Ramada Inn.  Dr. Rios closed by stating that while these are high goals, they are all achievable goals that will begin with this school year.  Dr. Rios is a native of Del Rio, although he lived some of his childhood in Cd. Acuña, Dr. Rios attended local schools and graduated from Del Rio High School. 
   He also attended and graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Political Science.  He later enlisted in the Navy before returning to Del Rio as an educator at Del Rio High School under Principal Pat Dugan.  Dr. Rios also holds a Master’s in Education and a Doctorate.  DRHCC also welcomed new members: Friends of the Val Verde County Library and Brown Financial with Membership plaques.

From the Vice Chair

   Sponsorships, a Charreada, the ABRASAZO opening ceremonies,  fiesta themed vendor booths, and entertainment are all taking shape in celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Fiesta de Amistad month.  Save the date for Saturday October 5, 2013.  
    Events begin at 11 am with a  Fiesta Fun Ride led by the Lienzo Cuatro Palmas Charro Association from Ogden / So. Main St , north to Val Verde County Fairgrounds. Entries must be fiesta-themed but no entry fee is being charged.  Daylong entertainment at the Fairgrounds is FREE to the public.  
    Join us for the Charreada, Lions Cheer Dance, Poncho’s Mexican Restaurant Super Burrito Celebrity Challenge where our local
dignitaries will take on the challenge of who will have bragging rights to the TITLE and help raise funds for the Battered Women’s Shelter.  Challengers include State Representative Poncho Nevárez, Mayor Bobby Fernández, Judge Laura Allen, Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez, BFCU- CEO Maria Martinez, Councilwoman Liz Elizalde, and a couple of surprise dignitaries. 
    Fiesta themed vendor booths will serve delicious antojitos and bring unique arts and crafts.  Rio Grande College will have free childrens games and provide information on some of the new degree programs available.  

Don’t forget the CLAIM TO FAME Cook-OFF. 
  
This event is being promoted statewide to bring tourism – heads in beds--- to our area.  Join us in the fun. Call DRHCC 830-488-7422 or send us an email at Hispanic.chamber@drhcc.org.    
 
What will YOU be riding in the DRHCC Fiesta FUN Ride?