LAREDO – The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) together with International Bank of Commerce (IBC) showcased some of Laredo’s talented dance teams and cheerleaders, in a virtual WBCA Youth Song & Dance Festival event that debuted Thursday via the Association’s Facebook page. The Highlight of the event was a surprise scholarship announcement for two lucky graduates.
The 2020-2022 WBCA/IGNC Abrazo Children Sponsored by La Posada Hotel also made a special guest appearance, marking their first official introduction as WBCA Ambassadors of the upcoming Celebration. Olivia Madison Palumbo and Michael Anthony Villalon, representing the United States; and, Valentina Gonzalez DeAnda and Joaquin Barragan Garza representing Mexico, recited the Pledge of the Allegiance. Valeria Lucia Montemayor, a Nixon High School VMT student and former 2015 Abrazo Child, sang the National Anthem.
“IBC Bank is proud to support the WBCA Youth Song and Dance Festival and the many participants involved. By showcasing their talent, we promote and nurture their future success,” said Gabriel Castillo, Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing for IBC Bank.
The two winning students, Carlos Emilio Ruiz and Victoria Alejandra Borjas, were selected to receive one $1,000 dollar scholarship each, based on their exceptional academic merits, community involvement and extracurricular activities in the performing arts.
Carlos Emilio Ruiz is a 2021 graduate of Martin High School and a member and leader of the Vidal M. Treviño Ballet Folklorico group. He graduated number 22 in his MHS graduating class. Ruiz also received the Achievement Scholarship to attend Texas A&M International University and the Woman’s City Club “Excellence in Character” Scholarship. Ruiz has shared his talents by performing at the 5 de Mayo Celebration hosted by the Mexican Consulate, the Laredo Independent School District Annual Posadas; and, also performed for charitable purposes at the local “Dancing with the Stars” event, as well as at other cultural events throughout the City of Laredo. He plans to attend Texas A&M International University to pursue a degree in Political Science and study Law.
Victoria Alejandra Borjas is a student of J.W. Nixon High School & the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communication and Fine Arts. She has an “A” GPA and graduated among the top 80 students in her class of more than 450. Her impressive resume includes her involvement in VMT Dance, the National Honor Society, Communities in Schools; and, the Nixon Cosmetology program. Additionally, she volunteered her time and talents to the Hispanic Festival, H-E-B Feast of Sharing, the Laredo Animal Care Facility, Regent Care, and at the Doctors Hospital Breast Cancer Awareness Event. She has a cosmetology license and plans to attend Laredo College to pursue a PA in Dermatology.
Thursday’s virtual event also launched an exciting online ticket giveaway extravaganza that will continue through July 4th. All who LIKE and SHARE Thursday’s Facebook video will be entered to win FREE tickets to the 2022 festivities. Winners to be announced every week!
The Washington’s Birthday Celebration, founded in 1898, is the largest Celebration of its kind in the United States. Throughout the years, the Celebration has grown to be over a month long and consists of parades, dazzling pageants, fireworks, a carnival, an air show, a sizzling jalapeño festival and much more. You can also stay up to date, win ticket giveaways and other prizes by following us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
For additional information, e-mail wbcalaredo.org, contact the WBCA office at (956) 722-0589, or visit 1819 E. Hillside Road in Laredo, Texas.
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