Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2013: Favorites: News & Features

Mercedes players touch a rock called "Isaiah's Rock" after they head into the locker room as they prepare to play against Edcouch-Elsa High School Friday Oct. 25, 2013 at Tiger Stadium in Mercedes. Garza was involved in a car accident on Aug. 6, 2013 in Mercedes. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Ricardo Flores, right, dresses himself as he prepares to perform Algeria Temporada 2013 with members of the Ballet Folkorico UT-Pan American Friday Feb. 1, 2013, at the McAllen Civic Auditorium in McAllen. The 32 member dance group performs ballets, concerts, zarzuelas and musicals. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Africanized bees expert Luis Slayton smiles for photos as he gets covered by bees after a presentation about bees Sunday June 9, 2013 at The Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg. Children and adults had the chance to learn about the life cycle and the importance of honey bees. photo by Gabe Hernandez/ gabrielh@themonitor.com

People ride swings during the Mercedes Livestock Show Sunday March 17, 2013 in Mercedes. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Angel Munoz dances with a lasso in front of the Casa de la Cultura during the Abrazo with Rio Bravo Friday March 1, 2013 in Rio Bravo. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Dora Martinez gets comforted by neighbors and Pharr police officers after her parents home caught on fire Sunday April 14, 2013 in Pharr. No one was in the home at the time of the fire, but several animals died. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
A dancer performs during El Grito de Independencia y Feria Artesanal Sunday Sept. 15, 2013 at the McAllen Convention Center in McAllen. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Valeria Yepez Conde from the Prima Donna International Dance Studio wears traditional jewelry as she perform a Bollywood Mujra dance Sunday Nov. 10, 2013 at the McAllen Public Library in McAllen. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Immigrants wait under a tree after they were detained by Border Patrol agents Tuesday June 25, 2013 at a field in Edinburg. A total of 69 immigrants were detained. photo by Gabe Hernandez/ gabrielh@themonitor.com
Col. Frank Plummer is silhouetted as he talks about the dedication of the American Spire of Honor during the Veterans Day ceremony Monday Nov. 11, 2013 at the Veterans War Memorial in McAllen. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
McAllen firefighters transfer a man to an ambulance after a five car accident Wednesday Oct. 2, 2013 on East Expressway 83 near second street in McAllen. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Michael Balmarez does a back flip into the swimming pool during the 4th annual Back to School giveaway Sunday Aug. 18, 2013 at the Edcouch Pavilion in Edcouch. Children received school supplies, food and a free day at the pool before classes begin. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
The hearse carrying the body of Army Spc. Kevin Cardoza drives by as students from Santiago Garcia Elementary School wave flags Tuesday May 15, 2013 in Edcouch. Cardoza died with four other soldiers from El Paso’s Fort Bliss as the group was on patrol in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan. photo by Gabe Hernandez/ gabrielh@themonitor.com
Victor Romero, left, reaches to shake hands with Omar Garcia, right, as they prepare to go home on the last day of classes Wednesday June 5, 2013 at Alton Memorial Jr. High School in Alton. photo by Gabe Hernandez/ gabrielh@themonitor.com
Jessica Azua, 19, tries on a wedding dress as her sister-in-law Victoria Carrasco helps out Wednesday May 15, 2013 at Sposa Mia in McAllen. Azuna and her fiance, Tomas Carrasco, were chosen to receive "A Wonderful Wedding Wish" with the help of vendors in the Rio Grande Valley. Azua has been diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. photo by Gabe Hernandez/ gabrielh@themonitor.com
Anthony David Garza hugs his father E4 Army Specialist Anthony Garza after surprising him at his school during pep rally Friday Sept. 20, 2013 at Corina Pena Elementary School in Penitas. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Jared Sergeant looks at his friends as he gets his head shaved during the UCAS 2nd annual St. Baldrick's event Saturday June 22, 2013 at the University of Cosmetology Arts in McAllen. photo by Gabe Hernandez/ gabrielh@themonitor.com
Girls scream as they ride the Rainbow during Borderfest Sunday March 3, 2013 in Hidalgo. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com

2013: Favorites: Sports

Mission Veterans Julian Fernandez reacts after losing to Harlingen during the Weslaco Tony Rico Mid-Valley Tournament Saturday March 2, 2013 in Weslaco. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Pedro Lopez from team USA misses the the ball against team Canada during the 16th annual Can-Am softball game Thursday March 7, 2013 at Westside Park in McAllen. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Palmview's Jose Chapa slides to home as Edinburg's Michael Harrison reaches for the ball Monday April 29, 2013 at the La Joya ISD complex in La Joya. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Edinburg North's Fidel Orozco celebrates after stopping Edinburg Economedes' from getting a first down Friday Sept. 13, 2013 at cats Stadium in Edinburg. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
McAllen Memorial swimmers William Holmes, left, and Juan Rocha de Munga pose for a photo Tuesday Feb. 19, 2013 at Nikki Rowe High School. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Weslaco's head coach Griselda Fino talks to Summer Smith during a timeout against Sharyland during the 5-A area round game Friday Feb. 15, 2013 at Domingo P. Sepulveda Gym in Weslaco. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Sharyland's Sean Landez celebrates after stopping Harlingen from getting a first down during the area playoffs Friday Nov. 23, 2013 at Boggus Stadium in Harlingen. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Edcouch-Elsa's Noe Gonzalez fumbles the ball as he gets tackled by Roma's Jonathan Guzman Friday Sept. 27, 2013 at Gladiator Stadium in Roma. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Weslaco's Denisse Vasquez, right, and Summer Simth, left, fight for the ball against Wagner's Ashley Ross during the Region IV-5A semifinal at the UTPA Field House in Edinburg. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Sharyland's Luis Nunez falls to the ground after passing the finish line during the 800 meter run during the District 30-5A Track and Field Championships Saturday April 13, 2013 at Bennie La Prade Stadium in Donna. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
McAllen Rowe's Ryela Rodriguez, center, celebrates after scoring against McAllen Memorial Saturday Sept. 14, 2013 at McAllen Memorial High School in McAllen. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Hidalgo's Joel Ibanez Jr. poses for a photo Tuesday May 14, 2013 at Hidalgo High School in Hidalgo. photo by Gabe Hernandez/ gabrielh@themonitor.com
PSJA Southwest's Marco Martinez reaches for the ball against Mission Veterans Friday March 29, 2013 at Mission Veterans High School in Mission. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Rio Grande City's Noe Gonzalez III gets tackled against PSJA Southwest's Joe Benavidez Thursday Sept. 26, 2013 at PSJA Stadium in Pharr. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Palmview's Chris Rocha tags out Edinburg's Scott Theriault Monday April 29, 2013 at the La Joya ISD complex in La Joya. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Harlingen's Robert Davila reacts after losing to Sharyland during the area playoffs Friday Nov. 23, 2013 at Boggus Stadium in Harlingen. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
From left, Brian Beltran, Aaron Beltrn and Lico Beltran from Edinburg North pose for a photo Thursday Feb. 14, 2013 in Edinburg. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
PSJA Southwest's Martin Saldana runs the ball against Rio Grande City Thursday Sept. 26, 2013 at PSJA Stadium in Pharr. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
Edinburg North's Aaron Beltran drives the ball to the basket against Laredo United South's Ricky Cantu during the bi-district playoff game Monday Feb. 18, 2013 at Rio Grande CIty High School in Rio Grande City. photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com
McAllen High's Shaney Wilson reacts after losing to Brownsville Rivera Tuesday Nov. 12, 2013 at McAllen High School in McAllen. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com

Christmas in Nuevo Progreso

Angelica Maria Martinez Hernandez, center, receives gifts from Santa Claus as members from Los Amigos de los Niños de México in the Rio Grande Valley celebrate a special Christmas party for the children of Nuevo Progreso Wednesday Dec. 25, 2013 at Nuevo Progreso. Children receive fruits, candy, flavored drinks, food and all kinds of toys. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Margarito Cortez carries a stuffed animal after receiving gifts from Los Amigos de los Niños de México in the Rio Grande Valley as they celebrate a special Christmas party for the children of Nuevo Progreso Wednesday Dec. 25, 2013 at Nuevo Progreso. Children receive fruits, candy, flavored drinks, food and all kinds of toys. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Children play games after receiving gifts from Los Amigos de los Niños de México in the Rio Grande Valley as they celebrate a special Christmas party for the children of Nuevo Progreso Wednesday Dec. 25, 2013 at Nuevo Progreso. Children receive fruits, candy, flavored drinks, food and all kinds of toys. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Gilberto Coronado Martinez looks for candy after receiving gifts from Los Amigos de los Niños de México in the Rio Grande Valley as they celebrate a special Christmas party for the children of Nuevo Progreso Wednesday Dec. 25, 2013 at Nuevo Progreso. Children receive fruits, candy, flavored drinks, food and all kinds of toys. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Children play games after receiving gifts from Los Amigos de los Niños de México in the Rio Grande Valley as they celebrate a special Christmas party for the children of Nuevo Progreso Wednesday Dec. 25, 2013 at Nuevo Progreso. Children receive fruits, candy, flavored drinks, food and all kinds of toys. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Mission Veterans High School Ashley Smith

Mission Veteran's Ashley Smith smiles as she watches her teammates during practice Wednesday Dec. 18, 2013 at Mission Veterans High School in Mission. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Mission Veteran's Ashley Smith shoots the ball during practice Wednesday Dec. 18, 2013 at Mission Veterans High School in Mission. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Mission Veteran's Ashley Smith plays defense during practice Wednesday Dec. 18, 2013 at Mission Veterans High School in Mission. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com

Tamez-Rodriguez Family in Mission

Luisa Tamez-Rodriguez, right, lays her head on her mother Edith after waking up Friday Dec. 13, 2013 at their home in Mission. Luisa is in need of a double kidney transplant. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Luisa Tamez-Rodriguez removes medication near by her bed after waking up Friday Dec. 13, 2013 at their home in Mission. Luisa is in need of a double kidney transplant. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Luisa Tamez-Rodriguez prepares to take her pills after waking up Friday Dec. 13, 2013 at their home in Mission. Luisa is in need of a double kidney transplant. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Luisa Tamez-Rodriguez talks to her family Friday Dec. 13, 2013 at their home in Mission. Luisa is in need of a double kidney transplant. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Karina Tamez-Rodriguez, left, talks to her sister Luisa before going to school Friday Dec. 13, 2013 at their home in Mission. Luisa is in need of a double kidney transplant. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com