Runners of all ages and skills levels made their way to 51ÁÔÆæ (TSC) to take part in the school’s Historic Run and Half Marathon.ÌęThe event gave participants an opportunity to run through TSC’s scenic and historic Fort Brown campus.

“It’s amazing to see the community come together,” said TSC Board of Trustees Chairwoman Adela Garza.

Garza presented medals and trophies to the top runners, alongside President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez and Board of Trustees Secretary Dr. Norma Lopez-Harris.

“When we decided to celebrate the 100thÌęanniversary, we were going to do something for every part of the community,” Garza added.

TSC’s Historic Run and Half Marathon is one of the many events the school is hosting this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

In addition to being a presenter on the podium, Dr. Lopez-Harris ran the 5K race. She took sixth place in her age group.

Trustees Eward C. Camarillo, M.P.P.M., and Edgar E. Garcia, MPAS, PA-C, also attended the Historic Run.

“It’s the first time we have done this race here at the college,” said Dr. Lopez-Harris. “I think it’s awesome for health and the community to promote all this. I think from now on every year we’re thinking of possibly doing it. It’s just going to motivate others to do it and become healthier and active.”

Thirteen-year-old Pavel Cruz was the first person to cross the finish line in the 5K race.

Cruz was cheered on by family members and spectators as he claimed first place with a time of 19:56. He finished 40 seconds ahead of second place runner Ivan Martinez. Luis Espinoza rounded out the podium with a time of 22:15.

Cynthia Espinoza took first place in the women’s 5K race in 23:47.

The race was an emotional one for Espinoza, who ran in honor of her daughter, Rosa Isela Espinoza, who died in February.

“I wanted to be [the first] overall female for a while and I finally got there,” said Espinoza, who ran the race with a shirt featuring an image of her daughter. “I know I wouldn’t have been able to cross that line if it wasn’t for her motivating me to get up and do something when I feel like not doing anything.”

Monica Robles Moreno took second place with a time of 27:04. Angelica Gutierrez finished third in 27:10.

Ian Andreas took first place in the half marathon in 1:30.51.

Denise Nuñez was the first woman to finish the half marathon with a time of 1:57.28.

“I love the course,” Nuñez said. “I love the history. I love the views. It was a very nice course.”

Luis Aranda and Brian Aranda won the half marathon relay in 1:54.30.

TSC’s next centennial celebration event will be the Play Day at the Zoo held at Gladys Porter Zoo on Sunday, April 19.

BROWNSVILLE (51ÁÔÆæ) – 51ÁÔÆæ students thinking about future job opportunities took advantage of a unique chance to polish their interview skills at TSC’s Interview Practicum held at Jacob Brown Auditorium.Ìę

ÌęThe students took part in mock job interviews with representatives from local businesses.Ìę

“Some financial institutions here, locally, you have TVC, the Texas Veterans Commission, UTRGV, the City of Brownsville and Cameron County as well, along with the Workforce Solutions Cameron too,” said Josue Silguero, TSC’s Director of Career and Employment services, which organized the event.Ìę

TSC Board of Trustees Chairwoman Adela Garza took part in the event as an interviewer. As a business owner, she took joy in offering advice to a student who is seeking a business degree.Ìę

“I told him when you work for Corporate America, it’s a different set of rules than when you establish your own business,” Garza said. “In every job you have, youÌęhave toÌętake your heart with you, your compassion, and your professionalism. And that follows you forever.”Ìę

 Jennifer Sanchez, a first-year student in TSC’s Child Development Early Childhood (CDEC)ÌęprogramÌęwas grateful for the advice she received.Ìę

“I thought it was really interesting,” Sanchez said.Ìę“It wasÌęreally good. It did help me for what potential employers would say in an interview.”Ìę

Sanchez was interviewed by RustyÌęBrechot, Cameron County Market President for Lone Star National Bank.Ìę

“Something he did say was that my greatest strength is me, how I am, how I present myself, and how I stay honestÌętoÌęmyself,” Sanchez added.Ìę

“Everyone is a little bit nervous when they do something like this,ÌęBrechotÌęsaid. “If you can break that in the beginning,Ìęyou’llÌęend up with a wonderful interview andÌęyou’llÌęget to know the truth. I think a lot of what we talked about as well is being honest and having confidence. You know, all these different things, as well as what is on paper.”Ìę

Nadia Sanchez, who is also in the CDEC program, hopes to one day be a director for an early childhood center. She says the event also helped her learn more about how she can improve for real-world interviews.Ìę

“I was trying to calm down, but still, I was nervous,” Sanchez said. “Trying to work on my body movements and they said my voice was a little lower. So, try to raise my voice.”ÌęÌę

ÌęFebruary 23Ìę– Unique loterĂ­a cards celebrating 51ÁÔÆæ’s (TSC) rich history were the main attraction at TSC LoterĂ­a held at the Jacob Brown Auditorium.

Community members showed up early and ready to get their hands on the cards featuring images associated with TSC’s historic past. Even the chips used to play TSC Lotería featured the school’s logo commemorating its 100th anniversary.

“Last year, we knew the 100th celebration was coming up, and we wanted to touch every part of the community,” said Adela Garza, TSC Foundation Secretary and TSC Board of Trustees Chairwoman. “This is where the fun is. I think it’s more than the prizes. I think it’s the camaraderie, getting together with your comadre, and getting together with your family.”

“It took the creativity of all the staff,” said Norma Hinojosa, TSC Foundation Board Chairwoman. We had so much involvement, and that’s what made it so exciting to put this on for the community.”

The TSC Foundation organized the event as part of TSC’s centennial celebrations.

“There is actually a lot of work that goes into organizing any type of loterĂ­a, this one even more so,” said Roy De Los Santos, a former TSC Foundation Chairman who served as the event’s master of ceremonies. “The card being played with today is an original design specifically for 51ÁÔÆæ because we are celebrating our centennial. These had to be designed from scratch and sent off to a printer to bring back.”

Winners were easily identified when they alerted fellow participants of their winning cards by saying traditional phrases such asÌęloterĂ­aÌęandÌębingo. Participants could play with up to six cards. Guests could choose from a variety of options, beginning with two cards for $10.

“I had the pleasure of serving on that board for multiple years, where we’ve grown the endowment significantly from $9 million to $13 million today,” De Los Santos said. “These monies are invested, and profits made from interests and dividends that are paid go to fund scholarships for students at 51ÁÔÆæ.”

More than 300 guests took part in TSC Lotería, including Brownsville resident Esther Villafranca Yañez, who was thrilled to win a camping chair. Villafranca showed up to the event with friends from her health club.

“I’m happy because I never win anything,” Villafranca Yañez said. “At my age, I’m very happy to be here.”

The Brownsville resident has close ties to TSC. Villafranca YañezÌęand her four children attended the school.

While some guests, like Villafranca Yañez, walked away with prizes, everyone in attendance had a chance to walk away with something. Guests were given shirts celebrating the event upon entering the auditorium. Other guests showed up in festive Charro Days-themed attire.

“I can’t think of a better way, right, to celebrate Charro Days, and at the same time open the doors and make sure the community has an opportunity to come and play a game we’ve played our entire lives,” said Edward Camarillo, TSC Board Trustee.

“It’s amazing that we are showcasing in our lotería cards everything TSC has done for the past 100 years,” added Alejandra Aldrete, TSC Board Trustee.

TSC will continue to celebrate its 100^th anniversary with more events throughout the year. On March 28, TSC will host its Historic Run and Half Marathon. Runners of all ages are invited to participate in the 5K race and the half-marathon. Runners can sign up for the event by visiting /alumni/tsc-historic-run-half-marathon/.