Laredo, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol recognized the Youth of the Month honorees for March 2022 with a virtual ceremony on Thursday, March 24, 2022.
Laredo Sector along with community partners, educators, and honoree families, came together to celebrate the incredible achievements and accomplishments of 11 honorees, all seniors from Laredo area high schools, and recognize them with the prestigious Youth of the Month Award.
District Attorney for the 49th Judicial District of Texas Isidro R. “Chilo” Alaniz opened the ceremony by congratulating the honorees and emphasizing the importance of leadership, “Leadership is not something you learn or are taught. It is something you develop in time. It’s about having vision and aim and the more you practice the better you will become. The overriding theme of leadership is the service you give to others. Continue to be great humans so you can be great leaders.”
Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini congratulated the honorees by reminding them why they were selected, “You were selected mostly because of three qualities you display in your everyday interactions – your leadership, your caring, and your love. You personify poet John Donne’s words that every man is a piece of a continent and a part of the main.”
Texas State Representative Richard Raymond commended the honorees by reminding that this is one of the great recognitions that they should be very proud, “You’re the leaders in the community and leaders in the schools. You’re going to set the examples for a lot of other students in years to come.”
Fanchon Stinger, evening news anchor for Fox 59 News in Indianapolis as well as co-Founder and Chairman of the board for her foundation Grit & Grace and PBR bull owner closed with the following for the honorees, “ I want to encourage you. God ignited in me what he purposed in me, and you are here for a mission and remember to pray about your purpose. God will use and take you to places you never dreamed of. You will make contributions that you cannot dream of. If there is anything you come against then purpose in your mind how to overcome it.” She also encouraged the honorees to submit and video for Grit & Grace scholarship to be given by her foundation.
Through the Youth of the Month program the Laredo Sector Border Patrol, in collaboration with community partners, educators, and family has recognized Laredo’s top high school seniors for 35 years. At the end of the school year, 11 Youth of the Month recipients are considered for the prestigious Border Patrol Youth of the Year award that is awarded in May.
