Slice Of Life

Signed & sealed: Adriana Gallaga

With a full scholarship Gallaga is set to attend Lee College in Baytown

By MICHAEL BARAJAS/Valley Morning Star

For having accomplished so much in the sport of tennis, Adriana Gallaga got a late start. Gallaga, 18 and a senior at Harlingen High School South, said she started playing tennis in seventh grade because her older brother played it and it seemed... Full story

Army Future: Joshua Barrera

San Benito student nominated for West Point

By TRAVIS M. WHITEHEAD/Valley Freedom Newspapers

Joshua Barrera is excited about being nominated to West Point Military Academy.Although he still has to be accepted, or appointed, a nomination by U.S. Rep. Solomon Ortiz, D-Texas, is a big step is in the right direction.“When I learned, I was... Full story

Rhythmic bark: Ed Harris

Harris brings his musician side to MMA

By COREY RYAN/Valley Morning Star

The cadets of Alpha Company get a heavy dose of discipline from their chief warrant officer.But the 12-year Marine Military Academy faculty member has a rhythmic undertone to his bark. That’s because Ed Harris is also a veteran musician with... Full story

Sharp edge: Gay Landry

Rio Hondo man develops custom-made knives

By FERNANDO DEL VALLE/Valley Morning Star

For Gay Landry, hunting’s a way of life.For years, he’s turned it’s tools into works of art.And after he bags his limit, he cooks up a scrumptious feast of wild game.“I do everything,” said Landry, a retired pharmacist.... Full story

Perfect shot: Justin Tijerina

Harlingen sophomore wins photo contest’s grand prize

By ELADIO JAIMEZ/Valley Morning Star

Justin Tijerina just wanted to be like his dad.So he picked up a camera.The rest, as they say, is history.Justin was about 13 years old when he started tagging along with his pop, T.J., to weddings and quinceaneras.T.J., a San Benito firefighter for... Full story

Just like home: Susan Hurley

Quebec native finds Valley is friendly and full of activities

By GABRIEL SALDAÑA/Valley Morning Star

Susan Hurley has visited the Rio Grande Valley for five of the last seven years and says that the region “feels like home.”“The first year (we came) we had a fifth wheel,” she said describing a truck bed trailer hitch.... Full story

Under the sun: Aurore Parent

Since retired, Parent enjoys warm Valley weather

By GABRIEL SALDAÑA/Valley Morning Star

Aurore Parent retired from farming pheasant in Quebec and now spends her winters in a swimming pool under the South Texas sun.When asked why she decided to come to the Rio Grande Valley, Parent replied simply, “for the sun.”She said she... Full story

Direct support: Heber Olguin

Olguin helps sixth to 12th grade students overcome problems

By FERNANDO DEL VALLE/Valley Morning Star

At a historic schoolhouse, Heber Olguin helps turn students’ lives around.During segregation, the Joe Callandret school taught the city’s black children.Years later, a state grant helped establish the Joe Callandret Positive Redirection... Full story

Horsing Around: Joe Riggs

Former outrider leads expeditions on the beach

By CARL PHILLIPS/Special to the Star

Joe Riggs has worked with horses all his life.“I don’t remember the first time I rode a horse,” he said. “It was probably before I was old enough to talk.”Both his parents worked with racehorses. His mother was a... Full story

Doing better: Connie Moreno

Moreno lives the life her parents struggled to give her

By FERNANDO DEL VALLE/Valley Morning Star

In Mexico, Connie Moreno’s parents gave her a gift she’s passing on to her daughter.“I tell my daughter you always have to do better than your mom,” she said. “My advice is not to get discouraged — to get an... Full story

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