Success Stories: Knowing you've made a difference... makes it all worth it!

Cesar has grown up in a family who have always supported each other.  He has been the protection his family needs from the drugs and violence just outside his home.  He enjoys helping others and making sure his younger brothers and sister are safe at all times.  He feels the Club is a safe  haven for him and his siblings.

Eva is devoted to her family. They have had many tribulations from cardiac arrest, pancreatic failure to house fires. Through it all she has managed to stay in school. A Club member for 6 years she credits the Club as being her 2nd family. Eva is a senior at Edinburg North HS and plans to attend UTPA and pursue a career in nursing.

Elvia knows what it is like to overcome obstacles. With the deportation of her father, she has become a parent to her siblings, primary caretaker of her mother who is on dialysis and a “bread winner.” She does all of this while maintaining her grades at school. She sees the Club as her safe haven. She is a senior at EHS and would like to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Matthew knows what it is like to make tough decisions. The product of divorced parents and struggling with school, Matthew made a decision to move to Texas with his father. He spends his time at the Club becoming a role model and focusing on school. He is a student at the Idea Quest Prepatory and he plans to attend Yale University and pursue a degree in engineering.

Jennifer has been a devoted Club member for over seven years. She credits the Club for helping teach her respect, responsibility and honesty. She is a senior at EHS and is a star on her volleyball team. Jennifer plans to attend college and pursue a degree in education.

Robert is from a close knit family. His family’s foundation was shaken when only four months ago his mother passed away from cancer within two weeks of being diagnosed. Robert considers the Club family, a place where one feels safe and loved. Robert continues to work hard at school and maintain his honor roll status during this difficult period. He plans to honor his mother’s legacy by continuing his education. Robert is a senior at Edcouch Elsa High School. He plans to attend UTPA and pursue a degree in Law Enforcement.

Deidra is actively involved in the community and school. She is a member of Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, 4H, and the Tennis and Softball Teams. She is determined to be the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college. She is a senior at EHS and plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin and pursue an undergraduate degree in Biology. Her ultimate goal is to attend medical school and become a Dermatologist.

Nathan lost his moral compass when his great grandmother passed away. He had a difficult time dealing with her death. Joining the Club helped him focus on helping other kids who have gone through the same situation. Nathan plans on attending college at the University of Southern California to pursue an undergraduate degree in Political Science. His ultimate goal is to attend Law School.

Sandra Gonzalez can be described in one word, survivor. Born the thirteenth child out of fourteen children to alcoholic parents, Sandra encountered many hardships and managed to prevail. She grew up in the housing projects and in 2000 her brother tragically passed away in a fire trying to save someone. Sandra grew depressed, dropped out of school and became a maid cleaning bathrooms, washing dishes and mopping floors.

Fortunately, Sandra found much needed support and guidance at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. Staff members encouraged her to go back to school and to become involved. She volunteered at the Club and was soon hired as staff member, her confidence grew, she became a role model, teaching younger Club members the importance of education. She graduated in the top 10% of her class and was named the Youth of the Year for Edinburg and the South Texas Area for 2 consecutive years.

Today, Sandra attends the University of Bowling Green and was the recipient of the Edinburg Youth of The Year Scholarship & Boys & Girls Clubs Club Service Scholarship.

Joaquin Rodriguez knows what it means to overcome obstacles. Born in Mexico, Joaquin and his family, not knowing the English language, immigrated to the United States his freshman year of high school. Not only did he learn the English language, he graduated in the top 5 of his senior class.

A public speaker, Joaquin is known for his leadership abilities. With the support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV, he became an active member of the Keystone Club which supports community service, a Teen Court Attorney, and was named Youth of the Year for Edinburg and the South Texas Area. In addition, Joaquin was elected President of the Keystone Club and was selected to serve on the National Keystone Club Conference planning committee.

Today, Joaquin is a student at the University of Texas Austin and is the recipient of the Bill Gates Millennium, ConocoPhillips, and Edinburg Youth of the Year Scholarships.