May 16, 2008

Phone warning gets OK

SANDERSON – When the system is up and running, people throughout Terrell County will be able to get notification of an emergency in real time over their telephones. Terrell County Commissioners Monday approved a contract with Connect-CTY of Sherman Oaks, CA, for a system similar to the “reverse 911” notification scheme. The county recently acquired two new emergency warning sirens and the telephone alerting system would be set to call people whenever the siren sounds. “As soon as the siren goes off, people should expect to get a phone call,” County Judge Leo Smith said. He said the alarms will go off even if it’s something like a tornado in the far northeastern end of the county and the telephone message will tell people why the sirens went off. That way, people would know what the threat was and whether they needed to take precautions. The county bought the new warning sirens from Storm Sirens, Inc., of Norman, OK, for $36,000. Smith said there is no commercial radio or television service for people to turn to in an emergency but the telephone system would serve the same purpose. A telephone alerting system would be “much simpler” than a code such as one blast of the siren for tornado, two for a fire and so forth. The telephone system would also be useful for alerting volunteer firemen and other responders to a call. Smith said the system will cost $1,564 to set up and $1,314 per year. He compared that with a system in Alpine that cost $7,500 per year. Smith said the Connect-CTY system has a capacity of 3.5 million calls per minute so, even if someplace like Dallas had an emergency at the same time as Terrell County, it would still be able to handle the need. A discussion of the telephone alerting system came up last month as about 40 ranchers, first responders and other citizens attended a workshop on emergency preparedness. Smith called the meeting as a result of a three-day range fire that consumed an estimated 51,400 acres in northern Terrell and eastern Pecos Counties beginning March 14. A 98,200-acre fire broke out April 30 just north of the March fire, threatening two gas plants before it was brought under control. Smith said at the hearing last month that communication was the biggest problem fighting the March grass fire. Smith Monday praised the Terrell County Volunteer Fire Department, Road and Bridge Department and outside agencies that responded to the recent fires. He said the county might look into ways to compensate firemen for their efforts. “If there is a fire in town, they will all respond,” he said. “But on a grass fire, they don’t know whether they’ll be able to come home for two days or more.” Pool now open SANDERSON – The swimming pool at Bicentennial Park is now open for private parties and will open to the public on Saturday, May 31. Terrell County Commissioners Monday approved the hiring of Davis Stumberg as head lifeguard to add to the ten lifeguards hired last month. Pool Superintendent Mike Sanchez said Davis is the “most experienced” lifeguard he has. Sanchez said applications and rules for the use of the pool are available by calling 432/770-8991. People wanting the pool for a party will pay a fee, which will provide for lifeguards on duty. Regular hours for the pool will be 12 noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Adult hours will be 6 to 7 p.m. the same days. Adult swimming is limited to those age 18 and over. Aerobic classes, if scheduled, will also be during the adult hours. Lap swimming will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. and no slide or diving board activity will be permitted during this time. There is also a “baby time” for parents and babies two years old and younger. This will also be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and babies must use swimming diapers. “At this time, we ask parents to help us watch their children,” Sanchez said. “Lifeguards will be watching the lap swimmers at the deep end.” On Sunday, the pool will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. for all swimmers. Swimmers eight years old and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian age 16 or older. Back Smaller landholdings explored ALPINE — A workshop here next month will help West Texas landowners learn more about managing for wildlife habitat on smaller properties between two and 2,000 acres. For more than a century, rural Texas land has been owned mainly by farm and ranch families who lived on it. In recent decades, the countryside has been fragmented into smaller tracts owned increasingly by former urban dwellers or absentee owners seeking closeness to the remaining pastoral lands of Texas. The workshop is designed to address the growing problem of Texas rural lands being fragmented into smaller tracts, often involving owners who are interested in wildlife conservation but may lack experience in wildlife or land management. Land fragmentation is one of the main threats to wildlife in Texas. It crowds and impairs necessary living space, blocks travel corridors and disrupts access to feeding areas. The June 7 workshop will focus on helping landowners achieve their individual goals while managing property to benefit wildlife. Wildlife professionals from various agencies will give presentations concerning land and wildlife ideals, land-use in the Trans-Pecos, creating and improving habitat that benefit humans and wildlife. A session will include a landowner’s experience providing wildlife habitat. The workshop also includes a field visit to learn about native plants and water for wildlife. Texas Parks and Wildlife, Tierra Grande Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, Borderlands Research Institute for Natural Resource Management at Sul Ross State University and Sul Ross State University Range and Wildlife Club are sponsoring the event. It will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 7 in room 130 of the Turner Range Animal Science Center. The cost for the workshop is $25 per person which covers lunch, refreshments and materials. Registration is required by June 2. For registration information, contact Border-lands Research Institute for Natural Resource Manage-ment, Sul Ross State Univer-sity, PO Box C-16, Alpine, TX 79830, Call 432-837-8488. For local contact, call Steve Elfring 432/ 364-2673. For workshop information, contact Lois Balin, TPWD at 915/774-9603 or by e-mail at lois.balin@tpwd.state.tx.us. Back Picaso, Sanchez win drawings at abank SANDERSON – Paula Picaso and Lupe Sanchez of Sanderson were both $100 richer as a result of drawings at Sanderson State Bank recently. Picaso won a Mother’s Day basket with $100 in kitchen tools. Earlier, Sanchez won a $100 gift certificate at Miller’s Meats in Fort Stockton. The drawings were part of the bank’s “Customer Appreciation” events. Back Pavilion reservations mulled SANDERSON – While it might be desirable to reserve the pavilion in Bicentennial Park, its very open nature makes that hard to enforce. Terrell County Commissioners Monday took no action on a request for some kind of reservation system because of the enforcement question. News Leader Production Manager Kim Rapp had asked for help last month after scheduling a concert by an out-of-town band only to find a picnic already under way in the facility when the band showed up. County Judge Leo Smith said the county could buy some professional signs to be posted saying the facility was reserved. “But how are you going to enforce it?” he asked. ”We could put up a bulletin board but what if people don’t respect it? If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.” Road and Bridge Supervisor Mike Sanchez said some users have left a mess at the pavilion and surrounding area after an event and wondered if cleanup could be required. “If people are going to use it, they are going to clean it up,” Commissioner Charles Stegall said. Sanchez said some also are ignoring county rules against glass bottles at all parks. And camping is not permitted in Bicentennial Park, he said. Back Cactus Chat: Mothers coming and going By KIM RAPP News Leader Production Manager SANDERSON – Sunday was Mothers Day and many mothers came to visit while some went away. Diana Escamilla, along with daughters Missy & Kristy and grandsons Eli & Chris, traveled to San Angelo to see Georgianna Escamilla Valdez receive her nursing degree from Howard College. Also attending the ceremony were Grandmother Chelo Galvan and nephew Jonathon Calzada, also of Sanderson. Carlos & Roxanne Galvan of Sheffield also took the trip with charges Michael, Tiffany & Rachel in tow. All the way from Vacaville, CA, were her daughter Rachel and Air Force husband T/Sgt. David Marcovitch, bringing two new additions to the family. For the first time, the rest of the family was able to meet two and-a-half year old twins Nicholas & Nathan who were recently adopted into the family. Alex & Nora Escamilla made the trip from Del Rio with daughters Alexis & Anna, as did Grandmother Rosa Escamilla. Alex Escamilla III packed up wife Pamela and sons Bryce and Kisen of San Antonio. “It was a joyous occasion,” said Diana. “Being Mother’s Day weekend, we were also very happy and blessed to be welcoming our twin boys into the family.” “Truly an amazing weekend,” said Rachel. A few days later, Michael Galvan of Sheffield was spotted in town with brother Simon of Fort Stockton. The boys came to visit mom, Rosella Juarez, and play some pool with a few of the local boys. On another note, former Sandersonite Rocky McDonald has created a website for graduates of good ol’ Sanderson High. The 1978 graduate was inspired by his wife, Sherri, to create the site to keep in touch with old friends. There is no charge. Just go to http://shsexs.ning.com and the fun begins. Share photos, recipes or just say “hi,” he said. Back Aguayo named adviser ALPINE – Jose Aguayo of Alpine has been named Student Publications adviser at Sul Ross State University. A former reporter for Forbes Magazine and an editor in energy publications, Aguayo began his new duties May 8. He will supervise publication of The Brand yearbook and The Skyline student newspaper and oversee Photography Services for the Department of News and Publications. He replaces Barbara Richerson, who retired in August 2007. During the past academic year, Drs. Laura and Brad Butler served as co-advisers on an interim basis. Aguayo, a native of Cuyutlan, Col., graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He served as deputy director of the North American Free Trade Agreement Secretariat in Mexico City and later worked as a reporter for The Mexico City Times. He later joined Forbes Magazine in Houston, then worked as a senior editor for Platts Oilgram Price Report in New York City, producing daily price assessments and market commentaries and writing about oil prices and trading in the U.S. and Latin America. Later, he founded Templum, LLC, in New Jersey, publishing a technical analysis report focused on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Aguayo worked as an associate editor for United Communications Group in Rockville, MD, before moving to Alpine. Back

Smith said the county “can’t afford” to have a paid fire department but the county might consider providing something like recompense for lost wages during training. “We need to see what we can legally do,” he said. “I want to see that happen,” Commissioner Kenn Norris said. “It’s something we’ve got to address.” Smith said the response to the recent grass fires by agencies such as the Texas Forest Service was “pretty impressive.” And Terrell County is “blessed” by volunteers from surrounding counties including Fort Stockton, Sheffield, Iraan and Ozona. Convention center gets green light SANDERSON – The Terrell County Convention Center, held up because of uncertainty over how “Venue Funds” could be used to build it, cleared a final legal hurdle to move forward Monday. Texas Attorney General Gregg Abbott ruled last year that the county could use funds from a quarter cent “venue tax” approved by the voters in 2000 “only” in connection with a “convention center.” Rules did not permit the venue funds to be “commingled” with other county funds so Abbott was then asked to rule on whether the county could borrow money though a bond issue or other instrument, backed by the venue tax. “The county may borrow money to pay such costs, to be repaid from the venue project fund, only by ‘the issuance of bonds . . . or other obligations,’” Abbott wrote. Fine, County Attorney Marsha Monroe said. But she did not know what he meant by “other obligations.” County Judge Leo Smith said Monday attorney Doug Siegel of Austin, who has been representing the county before the AG, said the county could use bond funds or “anticipation notes” to build the center, to be paid back by the tax. If the Venue Tax “went away,” Smith said, the county could then use general revenue funds to retire the bonds. Commissioners agreed to ask George Williford of First Southwest Co. of Dallas, the county’s bond attorney, to meet with commissioners to advise them on the best way to proceed. Smith said he hoped to see ground broken on the new facility at Second and Oak within one year. The county acquired the land from Travis Roberts and has since cleared the site, with the exception of the “Little Green House,” which could be renovated as part of the facility. The court envisions a convention center with room to seat up to 500 for a dinner plus a visitor center, senior citizen facility and, perhaps, something for youth. Commissioners agreed to ask Williford to meet with them at his earliest convenience. Commissioner Charles Stegall said he is against borrowing money for the project but other commissioners indicated a desire to build the entire facility at one time, not build it “peacemeal” as might be necessary using current resources. County Treasurer Lynda Helmers said there is $558,000 currently available from Venue Taxes. Back Eagle cheerleaders named SANDERSON – Sanderson High School has named its cheerleader squad for the 2008-09 school year. They include Blakeney Chriesman, Taylor Johnson, Clarissa Brotherton, Roxanna Rodriguez, Lizette Ramirez and Alexa Davis. Ashley Hernandez was also selected but now plans to move away from Sanderson before the next school year. Cheerleaders are taking orders on Spirit Banners until May 18 and will start selling cookie dough soon to raise money for cheer camp. To place an order, contact any cheerleader. They will not order extra banners so those interested are urged to respond quickly. The high school cheer camp will be July 15 to 17 and the Junior high cheer camp will be August 12, 13, 14 and 15. The mini cheer camp will be August 13, 14 and 15. The high school and junior high school camps will be at Sanderson Junior High School and the mini camp will be at the gym. Back ‘Accelerated’ readers get trip SANDERSON – Sanderson Elementary School recently took its Accelerated Reader field trip to Fort Stockton for fun and a movie as a reward for reading. The fifth graders earned a total of 722.9 points led by Luis Garza who earned 110.2 points, followed by Marco Fuéntez with 103.7 points. Fourth graders read enough books to tally 653.2 points. Jesse Roberts earned the most points with 100.2, followed by Andrew Portillo who had 70.3 points under his belt. For the third grade, they totaled 641.2 points led by Mikey Shoemaker who earned 113.6 points. Close behind was Jaime Rosas with 107.3 points. The second graders read enough books to earn 794.2 points. Top reader for the class was Noah Aguilar who earned 115.6 points, followed by Luke Carroll with 79.6 points. Total points earned for the little guys in first grade were 322.6. Leading the group was Elijah Carrasco, who earned 68.6 points for his class and Wyatt Mills was close behind with 65.2 points. Sponsors on the trip were Dora Benavidez, Pam Deaton, Della Fuentes, Susie Grusendorf, Beth Hamilton and Irma Mendoza. The brave bunch accompanied 32 students who had read enough books to qualify for the trip. Each book they read is worth so many points. The students must acquire a certain number of points to be eligible for the trip. The bigger, more difficult the book, the more points the student can earn. They loaded up and headed to Fort Stockton for fun at the Annie Riggs Museum, bowling, video games and they even found time to take in a show. “Horton Hears a Who” was on the big screen before a few more video games and ice cream before heading for home. Back Court visitors send ‘thanks’ SANDERSON – Irma Mendoza and her second graders attended the County Commissioner’s Court meeting last month and this then put pencil to paper to thank the county leaders. Dear Judge Smith and Commissioner’s Court, I thank you for the drinks and video. I got a orange drink. We had a good time. Thank you. Sincerely, Fabian. Dear Judge Smith and Commissioner’s Court, Thank you for letting us come to Terrell County Court. I liked the Commissioner’s Court and by the way thank you for the Sprite. The video [of the March grass fire] was cool but a little sad. It was fun but I hope we come back soon. Keep up the very very good work. Sincerely, Chris Dear Judge Smith and Commissioner’s Court, Thank you for leting us see the Court. I want to go again. I had fun to see the jail and the safe. When I grow up I want to be a judge and thank you for the drinks and the best part was the fire video and the meeting. Your friend, Arlena. Dear Judge Smith and Commissioner’s Court, Thank you for the soft drinks. We loved the presentation about the wild fire. I agree with Ms. Rapp that we should call you on the phone to put us on a list for the pavilion. When I grow up I want to be a judge or a Commissioner. Sincerely, Luke. Dear Judge Smith and commissioner’s court, Thank you for the fire video and the refreshments. And I want to work there when I grow up. Then work hard for my country. Sincerely, Rutten. Dear Judge Leo Smith and Commissioner’s Court, I loved the videos and image’s. You where very nice and polite. Everyone had fun. We hope we can come back soon. Love, Buddy. Dear Judge Smith and Commissoiner’s Cort, Thank you for letting us go to the Commissioner’s Cort and the refreshments you gave us. I can’t believe that one match could start a wild fire that big! When I grow up I am going to work for my comunity to. Sincerely, Noah. Dear Judge Smith and commissioners court, Thank you for the soft drinks and fire video. I hope that me and my friends can come back. Yours truly, Daniel. Dear Judge Smith and Commissioner’s Court, Thank you for letting use come and talking all about the neat things. I like learning about the wildfire, thank you. Thank you for the video and drinks. Thank you for letting us come to the court house. Thanks for the pictures. Thank you for showing use everything. You friend, Andrew. Dear Judge Smith and Commissioner’s Court, Thank you for letting us to go to Terrell County Court House to visit. We liked the tour and the video and the beverage. It was fun there. I wish we could go back there Sincerely, Sean. Dear Judge Smith and Commissioner’s Court, Thank you for being so nice to us. Thank you for the drinks. Thank you for letting us come. I like the way you all did it. Thank you for letting us see the jail. I liked the pictures that you all showed us. My favorite was the fire video. Sincerely, Hunter. Dear Judge Smith and Commissioner’s Court, Thank you for letting us in the court house. It was nice in the court house we liked the video. Thank you. Yours truly, Xavier. Dear Judge Smith and Commissioner’s Court, Thank you for the soda pop I learnd a lot of stuff from you. Why do you have a automatic switch to open the jail dorrs? Keep up the good work. Why do the prisoners not get privacy when they go to the bathroom? Your friend, Lauryn. Dear Judge Smith and Commissioner’s Court, The second graders and I enjoyed the courthouse tour and the Commissioner’s meeting. Everyone at the courthouse always goes out of their way to make us feel welcome. We are truly fortunate to be part of such a caring community. Thank you for all you do. Sincerely, Irma Mendoza. Back Used plane for sale SANDERSON – It’s not every day you see a used airplane for sale on the streets of Sanderson. Gary Morgan moved here recently from Carter County, TN, and brought his small, home-built airplane with him. He bought property on Hackberry Street for a house at the recent county auction but has to wait six months before he can do anything with the property. In the meantime, he is living in the small building at Second and Oak formerly occupied by Aurora’s Fruits and Vegetables. The land he bought was sold to pay back taxes but state law gives the property owner six months to settle up. Morgan said he moved to Sanderson to get away from the drugs in Tennessee. “It got so bad, you couldn’t go to bed without locking all the doors,” he said. The airplane is a 1978 Sorrell Guppy, a kit plane, which he bought for $18,000. It is a biplane, meaning it has a lower wing. But Morgan said he detached the wing because with it attached, the plane would fly away at the slightest breeze. As currently configured, it has an 18 horsepower engine, which limits its single seat to a person of 150 pounds or less. But he has a 135-horsepower engine, which would eliminate the weight limit. It lacks a propeller. “I’ll take $4,000 for it,” he said. Morgan said he is trained in auto-body work but is doing all kinds of odd jobs to bring in revenue. Back

Smith said his biggest concern is a train derailment releasing dangerous fumes into Sanderson. He said the telephone system would be limited “strictly” to emergencies. “I don’t want to turn it into a telemarketing ploy,” he said. Back Tennis courts done SANDERSON – The new tennis courts behind Sanderson High School, the first of several projects to be financed by a $14 million bond issue approved last year, were completed this week. “We are putting the final touches on the six new tennis courts this morning,” Superintendent Gary Hamilton said Tuesday. The physical education class christened the courts Wednesday. “We are very proud of these new courts,” Hamilton said. “Many people do not realize, but we have more students participating in the tennis program than any other UIL sport or activity.  “That is the main reason we started on this project first,” he said. “This facility will be open to the public during after school hours. We hope every tennis player in the community will come out and enjoy the courts.” Back Poster proposal eyed SANDERSON – Terrell County Commissioners Monday discussed a proposal for a full color poster of cactus blooms to promote Sanderson and Terrell County as the “Cactus Capital of Texas.” Rick Vanderpool of State Art/US of Commerce, offered to do 5,000 posters for $8,900, which could be sold in the Visitor Center, the museum, banks and retail outlets. County Judge Leo Smith said his father, Leo Smith, Sr., is a professional artist and was “very impressed” with sample posters provided by Vanderpool. “This can be very successful as a marketing tool,” Vanderpool told the News Leader. “It can become that signature gift item and it is something people really are interested in.” He has done posters for Texas wildflowers, hamburgers, coffees and other topics and sold them in places like Canton’s popular First Monday flea market. “People like to buy them and put them on their walls,” he said. “They are bright and colorful.” Smith suggested some of the posters be framed and given to visitor centers, restaurants and motels in other cities to promote the county. “You can do a poster and give it away but if you expect people to hang it on the wall, you’ve got to make it something people will want to plunk down 20 bucks for,” Vanderpool said. Commissioners suggested the Chamber of Commerce review the proposal and provide its input. “It would be a very good project for the Chamber of Commerce,” Commissioner Charles Stegall said. “This would be a dynamite piece,” Vanderpool said. “The cactus will be more attractive with a larger layout, bigger images and little more lively layout.” He suggested about 90 to 100 cactus images compared to more than 200 on some of the posters he has done. “That sounds like a lot but the images will be striking,” he said. “It’s going to be very strong, a very striking poster.” In working up the proposal, Vanderpool spent some time in Sanderson and the Big Bend area, escorted by Dorothy Marquart. “I have not enjoyed anything more than coming down and spending time in Sanderson and the Big Bend area,” he said. Vanderpool said he has a large fan base and could provide many sales leads for a Cactus Capital poster. Smith said if the county sells posters, it would be through the Visitor Center. “But I’m more interested in promoting the county than making money,” he said. Back THC honors Francell CORPUS CHRISTI – The Texas Historical Commission has presented the John L. Nau III Award of Excellence in Museums to Larry Francell of Alpine. Francell, director of the Museum of the Big Bend, was honored at THC’s Annual Historic Preservation Conference here last week. He was recognized for helping transform the site into a primary destination for heritage tourism in Far West Texas. Francell’s extensive museum management experience and his understanding of the culture of the region provided the necessary blend of vision and leadership to transform the museum back to its original 18,000 square foot facility, THC said. Under his direction, a successful, five-year project raised $4.4 million to move the museum to a Civilian Conservation Corps stone building once considered for demolition on the Sul Ross State University campus. “Francell’s tireless efforts have made the Museum of the Big Bend a first-class operation that has a respected reputation throughout Texas,” said THC Executive Director Larry Oaks. The Nau Award recognizes an individual in the museum field for significant achievement in the areas of historical interpretation, museum education and conservation of collections and/or community involvement. It is named for THC Chairman John L. Nau, III, who also chairs the National Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The award includes a monetary stipend for the honoree’s museum. Back New endowment would aid SR freshmen ALPINE -- An endowment established by Trisha Pollard, the Sul Ross Local Committee chair of the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System, will offer additional scholarship opportunities for first-generation students at Sul Ross State University. To be eligible for the scholarship awards, beginning freshman applicants must be first-generation students fully admitted to Sul Ross. Returning students must maintain overall grade point averages of 2.5 or higher and be making normal progress toward degrees. “We thank Trisha Pollard for her generous contribution,” Morgan said. “This endowment reinforces the System’s educational goals and provides additional opportunities for deserving students.” Sul Ross endowments presently exceed $12 million, with over 210 scholarships. Back $9.04 halts restroom lighting SANDERSON – For lack of $9.04 it claimed Terrell County owed on its electric bill, First Choice Power would not initially provide power to new rest rooms at Legion Park recently. County Treasurer Lynda Helmers said she had sent the power company “more than $5,000 this month” but FCP showed a “past due” of $9.04, a figure Helmers said she could not find. “There was not a penny owed, according to my books,” she said. But a company official said the rest rooms could not be accommodated until the $9.04 “past due” was settled. Helmers said the rest rooms have now been connected to the power system. She attributed the problem to a “system error” in the power company’s computers. An FCP spokesman told the News Leader the incident “appears to be a computer error and a less-than-optimal customer experience.” Back Spiritual serpent slithers to session By KIM RAPP News Leader Production Manager SANDERSON – A prayer group got an unexpected visitor last week when a three-foot bull snake joined the ladies. “We were praying and praising the Lord,” Diana Escamilla told the News Leader. ”The front door was open and he came right in.” The ladies continued to pray as the slithering serpent made its way to her bedroom. Snake collector Roy Engldorf responded to the call for help and took the intruder into captivity. Now is the time to keep your eyes and ears open, Engledorf said. Snakes love this weather. “They’re out,” he said. Engeldorf has offered to come “collect” a snake if called. He was called to Escamilla’s house where he captured the creature with some help from a few locals. The animal was harmless enough but the ladies didn’t know that. The snake was removed and given to a loving home. A snake hunter was staying at the Outback Oasis Motel, which Engledorf runs with wife Ruth. The visitor was looking for a bull snake so it worked out to everyone’s benefit, he said. Engledorf said it is the time of year where we must pay close attention to where we walk, reach and especially where our children play. Several kids in town have gathered snakes and taken them to Engeldorf. Just last week, a nine-year-old boy presented him with a copperhead and, unlike the bull snake, this one is venomous. “Do not pick them up if you don’t know what it is,” Engeldorf urged kids and adults alike. Back A long line of graduates By STEVE LANG Sul Ross News and Publications ALPINE – As a little girl, Camilia Ortega visited family here and played on the Sul Ross State University campus. On Saturday, she became the 22nd member of her extended family since 1960 to receive her Sul Ross degree. Ortega, of Fort Stockton, joined her mother, two great-aunts, three great uncles and 15 cousins in graduating from Sul Ross. Thirteen became educators and seven also earned master’s degrees. Members of the Peña and Parada families of Sanderson began attending Sul Ross in the 1950s and Clotilde Peña Hernandez, Camila’s great-aunt, was the first to graduate, earning a BA degree in 1960. A year later, her husband, David Hernadez, Jr., received his BS degree and, in 1962, Higino Peña, Jr., Clotilde’s brother, earned a BA. Eight years later, he completed his Master of Education degree while his wife, Virginia, earned a BA in 1972 and a M.Ed. in 1973. Camila’s mother, Ramona Parada of Fort Stockton, received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1970 and a M.Ed. seven years later. At least one family member has received a Sul Ross degree in each decade since the 1960s. “It all started with my great-grandmother,” Ortega said. “She was only able to attend two days of school before she had to return home to help take care of the family. “When her children graduated from high school, she packed their suitcases, set them outside the house and asked, 'Where are you going to go to school (college) and what are you going to be?’” she said. Ortega’s own degree path was interrupted by the birth of her daughter. She returned to college and received an Associate of Arts degree from Midland College in 2002, then completed her Bachelor of Administrative Systems and Business Technology on-line from Sul Ross. She works for Sandridge Lariat Oil Co. in Fort Stockton. “My mom was very adamant about me going to school,” Ortega said. “As she has said, I’m a product of graduate research. “Sul Ross has put all my family through school,” she said. “They opened their arms to help me get my degree on-line. “I wouldn't trade this university for the world,” Ortega said. “It has been a blessing to my family and me.” Back