A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PEOPLE

By Juan Montoya

Many years from now, when a local resident signs up for affordable classes at Texas Southmost College and is able to improve his life and that of his loved ones, he might not know (or care, for that matter) that years before a very special member of our community made it possible for him to better his lot.

We speak of Adela Garza, a trustee at TSC.

Today is her birthday. And although many people (you girls) are loathe to reveal your age, she is not.

"I'm glad I made it to 59," she said through the telephone where the sound of laughter and cheer could be heard in the background. "I though that my friends would be here to share some tamales with me."

We, of course, would have been glad to wish her a happy birthday in person, but unfortunately, were not able to. So we take the opportunity to do so now.

We can't forget that along with Rene Torres, Kiko Rendon and Trey Mendez they were able to assure that our beloved TSC would remain an available option to those among us who either have no wish or desire to get a university degree, or who cannot afford it.

And in doing so, they pressured the mighty UT System to either put up or shut up in their commitment to establish a free-standing four-year university here without being subsidized by the impoverished local population.

The kids pictured with Adela at the top of the post are mine. When they went with me to see her on an unrelated matter at U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold's office where she is the southern regional manager, they were awed (especially Marisol) at her professionalism and demeanor.

They, along with me, wish you a happy birthday.
Felicidades!