El Dorado Club debutantes honored

Alexandra Arredondo Eight debutantes were presented at the 42nd annual El Dorado Sweetheart Ball, which was held Feb. 27 at the Knights of Columbus Hall on North 14th Street.

Debutantes presented were Alexandra Arredondo, Andrea Reneé Cuevas, Elisha Marie De La Garza, Jacquee Lynn Duron, Daniella Marie Martinez, Camille Mora, Kaela Marie Pena, and Tiffany Vela.

The El Dorado Club honored Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Bazan, Major & Mrs. Hector “Lauro” Lopez (Ret.), and Mr. & Mrs. Edelmiro “Miro” Rodriguez.

The El Dorado Club debutantes were also awarded scholarships during the presentation.

The club would like to thank the merchants and foundations that have contributed to the scholarship fund.

The debutantes were introduced as follows:

Alexandra Arredondo

Debutante Alexandra “Alli” Arredondo is being presented tonight by her father Mr. Marcus Arredondo. She is the daughter of Marcus Arredondo and Debbie Brannon of League City, Texas. Her maternal grandparents are Mr. & Mrs. Efrain Chapa. Her paternal grandparents are Elvia Norris and the late Mr. Hector Arredondo.

Elisha Marie De La Garza Alli is an 18 year old senior at Clear Spring High School in League City. She, along with her classmates, will be in the first graduating class. She has been actively involved in various organizations throughout her high school career. She recently received her Silver Award – the second highest Girl Scout Award and is currently pursuing her Gold Award. She and her troop have been together since the fourth grade and have visited many places including Savannah, Georgia the birthplace of Juliette Lowe; founder of Girl Scouts. She also has participated in FFA where she had the pleasure of showing market rabbits. During her four years she has been a member of the of the Varsity Tennis Team and she has held the position of team Co-Captain for two years. She has also been active in the Culinary Arts Program. After being accepted to the Culinary Arts traveling team she has been competing against other teams throughout the Houston area. She also was chosen to be part of the competition baking team.

Jacquee Lynn Duron In addition to her many school activities, she also is a firm believer in community service. She has participated in many projects such as “Hearts Across America” where she and others donated cards to recognize and thank our nations heroes; “Hats for the Homeless” where she and others made hats and scarves to be donated to the Star of Hope mission to provide for the homeless, and “Caroling for Cans” a project to gather food for the less fortunate and bring a sense of community throughout the city. Her most recent and probably most memorable community service project was helping along the side of her family and hundreds of other volunteers to help build a home for The Extreme Home Make Over Show to be aired next month in Kemah, Texas. After graduation Alli plans to attend the University of Texas in San Antonio, to pursue a degree in education.

Andrea Reneé Cuevas Alli’s escort for the evening is Albert Chapa, son of Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Chapa of Rosenberg, Texas.

Alli’s dress was beautifully made by Mrs. Jilma Vidaurri. In addition, Noelia Chapa her grandmother, spent many hours embellishing it. Alli appreciates it and loves her very much!

Alli is proudly following the steps of her mother Debbie Brannon and Aunt Jackie Chapa-Guerrero who were both El Dorado Debutantes.

Alli would like to thank her grandparents, family and friends for the love and support they have given her.

Camille Mora Andrea Reneè Cuevas

Debutante Andrea Reneé Cuevas is being presented tonight by her father Mr. Roel R. Cuevas. She is the daughter of Roel and Laura Cuevas. Her paternal grandparents are Elias and Lalie Cuevas of Kingsville, Texas.

Andrea is a 17 year old senior at H. M King High School. She has been actively involved in various organizations and activities throughout her high school years. Andrea was in speech, public debate, children’s play, Business Professionals of America and part of both the Mighty Brahma and Badger band. She has contributed countless hours of community service in the Kingsville Area. She is currently employed at the King Ranch Saddle Shop as well as Acme Radiator and Muffler Shop. After graduation Andrea plans to attend Texas A&M University-Kingsville and pursue a career in anesthesiology.

Tiffany Vela Andrea’s escort for the evening is Ernesto “Nocky” Garza, son of Marty and Wilva West and Nocky Garza of Kingsville, Texas.

Andrea would like to thank Mrs. Emily Canales for making her dress.

Andrea would also like to thank her parents, grandparents, Savannah Garza-Drake and Mr. & Mrs. Marty and Wilva West for helping her prepare for this special evening.

Andrea would like to honor her grandfather the late Ricardo “Rico” Castillo, a founding charter member of the El Dorado Club, on this special night.

Elisha Marie De La Garza

Debutante Elisha Marie De La Garza is being presented tonight by her father Mr. Armando De La Garza. She is the daughter of Armando and Deborah De La Garza. Her paternal grandparents are Mr. Antonio De La Garza and Mrs. Vicky De La Garza of Premont, Texas. Her maternal grandparents are the late Mr. Rosendo Mena and Mrs. Virginia Mena of Harlingen, Texas.

Daniella Martinez Elisha is a 17 year old senior at H.M. King High School. She also attends Coastal Bend College where she is taking dual credit courses. She will graduate under the Distinguished Achievement Program. Elisha has been a member of the award winning Brahma Marching Band for four years playing her flute and cymbals with the drum line. As a sophomore and senior she marched in state competition at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. She has been a member of the Kings Ladies Drill Team for three years. As a sophomore she was first lieutenant and as a junior she was Co-Captain. She was also selected, two years in a row, to participate in the Capital One Bowl halftime performance in Orlando, Florida. She was also a member of the Lady Brahma Soccer team. After graduation, Elisha plans on continuing to take her basics at Coastal Bend College and then transferring to Texas State to complete her studies in Physical Therapy.

Kaela Pena Elisha’s escort for the evening is Jose Castillo, Jr., son of Jose and Olivia Castillo of Riviera, Texas.

Elisha would like to give an extra big thanks to Mrs. Emily Canales for all the special attention in making and hand embellishing her dress.

Elisha would like to thank her parents, brother, grandparents and family and friends for all the love and support they have given her throughout the years.

Jacquee Lynn Duron

Debutante Jacquee Lynn Duron is being presented tonight by her father Mr. Ernesto Duron. She is the daughter of Ernesto and Rosa Duron. Her maternal grandparents are the late Roman Mata Sr. and Elena Mata. Her paternal grandparents are the late Antonio Duron Sr. and Diria Duron.

Jacquee is an 18 year old senior at H.M. King High School. She also attends Coastal Bend College where she is taking dual credit courses. She will graduate under the Distinguished Achievement Program. While in high school she has been involved in various extracurricular activities. Jacquee has been a member of the award winning Mighty Brahma Band for four years. As a sophomore and senior, she marched in state competition. She was a drill instructor her senior year and was also recognized as a Marcher of the Week. She has made the district band the past two years and qualified for region this past year. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, inducted her junior year, and participates in community service projects with the organization. Jacquee also participates in UIL Computer Science and Accounting. Jacquee is also involved with her church choir at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church where she plays flute at mass. In the fall, Jacquee plans on attending Texas A&M University-Kingsville where she plans to pursue a career as a pre-vet major.

Jacquee’s escort for the evening is Anthony Riojas, son of Thomas Riojas and the grandson of Ann Maloney of Kingsville, Texas.

Jacquee’s dress was designed by Mrs. Victoria Garza and sewn and emblished by her mother Mrs. Rosa Duron with the assistance of Mrs. Emily Canales.

Jacquee would like to thank her family and friends for their help and support for tonight’s event.

Daniella Marie Martinez

Debutante Daniella Marie Martinez is being presented tonight by her father Mr. Marcos Martinez, Jr. She is the daughter of Marcos and Maryann Martinez. Her paternal grandparents are Mrs. Guadalupe Martinez and the late Mr. Marcos Martinez, Sr. of Port Isabel, Texas. Her maternal grandparents are Mr. Alonzo M. Garcia and the late Mrs. Graciela C. Garcia of Kingsville, Texas.

Daniella Marie is a 17 year old senior at John Marshall High School in San Antonio, Texas. She also attends Northwest Vista College where she is taking dual credit courses. She plans to graduate under the Distinguished Achievement Program with a 4.0 GPA. While in high school she has been involved in various extracurricular activities. She has been an officer of the Spanish Honor Society since her sophomore year. She has also been a member of the National Honor Society for two years. During her sophomore and junior years she ran varsity track and enjoys playing club soccer. She participated in the Tom’s shoe drive, which donates shoes to less fortunate children in Africa. She is also a member of the Culinary Arts Club and the student council. Upon graduation she plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio and major in biology.

Daniella’s escort for the evening is Jonathon Michael Garcia, son of Daniel and Maricella Ebanez of Tyler, Texas.

Daniella would like to thank Mrs. Jilma Vidaurri for making her dress.

Daniella is proudly following the steps of her mother, Maryann Martinez, who was also an El Dorado Debutante in 1984- 1985.

Daniella would like to thank her parents, grandparents, aunts, family and friends for the love and support they have given her.

Daniella would like to dedicate this night to her grandmother, Graciela Garcia, whom she loves and misses very much.

Camille Mora

Debutante Camille Mora is being presented tonight by her father Mr. Rene Raul Mora. She is the daughter of Rene and Melva Mora. Her maternal grandparents are Oscar C. Cruz and Eva Cruz. Her paternal grandparents are Mr. & Mrs. Rene F. Mora.

Camille is an 18 year old senior at H.M. King High School. While in high school she has been involved in extracurricular activities. Camille has been a member of the award winning Mighty Brahma Marching Band for four years. As a sophomore and senior she marched in state competition. Camille is also an active member of FFA and Student Council. She has served as president for the Kinenos 4-H Club for the past two years. She has competed in the Kleberg/Kenedy Junior Livestock Show for five years. She also competed in the Kleberg/Kenedy Queen’s contest for three years. For the past four years her homemaking projects have won 1st place. Camille is a swine exhibitor where she has won 6th place and 2nd place and made the sale. She has competed in the 2009 Rio Grande Valley Livestock Jr. Breeding Gilt Show and came in 1st place in the swine division. Camille plans to attend Coastal Bend College and will pursue a career in the dental field.

Camille’s escort for the evening is Vando Gonzalez, son of Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Gonzalez of Kingsville, Texas.

Camille would like to thank Mrs. Jilma Viduarri for her special kindness in making her dress.

Camille would like to thank her parents, grandparents, family and friends for the love support they have given her.

Kaela Marie Peña

Debutante Kaela Marie Peña is being presented tonight by her grandfather Mr. Luis Castillo, Jr. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Paul Silvas and Michael Ray Peña. Her maternal grandparents are Mr. & Mrs. Luis Castillo, Jr. Her paternal grandparents are Mr. Gonzalo Peña and the late Mrs. Frances Peña. Her great grandparents are the late Mr. Luis Castillo, Sr. and Mrs. Josepha Castillo.

Kaela is a 17 year old senior at H.M. King High School. She is a 4-year member of the H.M. King Mighty Brahma Marching Band. She is also a 2-year member of the Honors Band and was a 2006-2007 junior varsity cheerleader. She is a member of the student council and is an active member of the youth club of Our Lady of Good Council Church. She is currently an employee of Castillo Insurance Agency where she serves as a customer service representative. Her hobbies are shopping, singing, dancing and spending time with her friends and family. After high school graduation, Kaela plans to attend a 4-year college where she plans to achieve her goal of receiving her bachelors degree and becoming a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics. Kaela was the Millennium Junior Debutante of 1999-2000.

Kaela’s escort for the evening is Christopher Charles, son of David and Norma Charles of Kingsville, Texas.

Kaela’s dress was made by Mrs. Jilma Vidaurri.

Kaela is proudly following in the steps of her mother, Patricia A. Silvas, who was also an El Dorado Debutante in 1984-1985.

Kaela would like to thank her family and friends, and most importantly God, for all of their support in her life and helping make this night possible.

Tiffany Nicole Vela

Debutante Tiffany Nicole Vela is being presented tonight by her father Mr. David Vela. She is the daughter of David and Rosie Vela. Her paternal grandparents are Mrs. Olga Merrill and the late John Freeman Merrill Sr. Her maternal grandparents are Mrs. Eva Rivas and the late Jesus P. Rivas.

Tiffany is an 18 year old senior at H.M. King High School. She also attends Coastal Bend College where she is taking dual credit courses. She has participated in numerous extracurricular activities throughout high school. She has had the honor of being a member of the successful Mighty Brahma Marching Band for four years and advanced to state competition her sophomore and senior years. Tiffany also had the honor of being elected drill instructor her senior year. She was a JV cheerleader her freshman year and a member of the Lady Brahma Soccer Team her sophomore and junior years where she earned a position on the J.V. and Varsity team. After graduation, Tiffany plans to attend Texas A&M University- Kingsville where she will pursue a degree in physical therapy.

Tiffany’s escort for the evening is Daniel Reyna, son of Reynaldo and Martha Reyna of Kingsville, Texas.

Tiffany would like to thank Mrs. Jilma Vidaurri for her kindness in making her dress.

I would like to thank the Lord, my savior, Jesus Christ for all my wonderful blessings and a special thanks to my parents, grandparents, family and friends for always being there for me, and for the love and support these have all provided.

I would also like to dedicate this evening to my two grandfathers John Freeman Merrill Sr. and Jesus P. Rivas Sr., “I love and miss you very deeply.”