"...where cell phones and cappuccino meet homemade enchiladas and cowboy boots."
Sherra Cantu, Director, Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce
According to Sharra Cantú, the diversity of the people living in Uvalde is what makes the community great. "I am most proud of the people in Uvalde, because they make it unique," she said, noting that the assorted cultural groups add to the city's diversity. Cantú said that she was also proud of Uvalde because it has the aura of a small community. "My neighborhood has the National Night Out every year, and it's really great because the kids can play around and we don't have to worry about them," she said. "It's so important to have something like that for the community." National Night Out is a time set aside for neighborhood residents to turn on their porch lights, go outside and get acquainted with their neighbors. This year's event has been scheduled for Tuesday. "I feel safe in Uvalde, because people look out for each other," Cantú continued, "and the police do a good job." Cantú moved to Uvalde in October 1998 from Dallas when her husband, Andy, was relocated. She is currently working on her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and is employed as the executive director of the Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce.
Ramon Abarca, Superintendent, Uvalde Independent Shcool District
According to Ramon Abarca, who serves as the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent, he is proud to be a Uvalde citizen because of its exemplary school system. "I am proud to live in Uvalde because of the excellent students and teachers," he said. "I spend a lot of time in the classrooms, and I see them doing an excellent job. The staff works very hard." The superintendent also noted that he is proud of the community because of its many friendly people. "I think that any community is a result of the people in it, and the people in Uvalde have made me feel very welcome," he said, also noting that Uvalde is located in a great area of Texas. "Uvalde is just so nice. It is in a really beautiful area." Abarca came to Uvalde on July 26, 2000, from a position as superintendent at Slaton Independent School District, located near Lubbock. Abarca, who graduated with bachelor degrees from both Texas Tech University and Texas A&M-Kingsville, is married and has four sons.
Bill Dillahunty, Program Director, Sahawe Indian Dancers
One of the best parts of living in Uvalde is the abundance of friendly people, Uvaldean Bill Dillahunty recently said. "It's just a nice, friendly town," he said. "People are usually helpful, and if a problem arises, they are willing to help you whether it is good or bad." Dillahunty has had plenty of time to get to know the friendly faces of Uvalde, as he has lived in the community since 1946. "My parents decided to move here, and since I was 4 years old, I decided it was time for me to move, too," he said. "I also went to California for a little while to get rich, but I came back with less money than I left with." Shortly after his first move to Uvalde, Dillahunty joined the Sahawe Indian Dancers in 1950, which folded a few years later. Then, in 1962 he reorganized the group and has been serving as program director ever since. In addition to the friendly atmosphere, Dillahunty also noted that he was proud to be a Uvaldean because of the community's clean streets.
Linda Ramon, Vice President, First State Bank of Uvalde
According to Linda Ramón, she is proud to be a Uvaldean because members of the community care about each other. "Everyone cares about each other, not just during a disaster, but all the time," Ramón said. "It might be a flat tire or something, but someone always steps up." Ramón added that she is also proud of the community because it has generated several role models and its citizens are proud to be citizens of the community. "If you are in another state and you say you're from a small town south of San Antonio named Uvalde, someone always says 'I know Uvalde,'" Ramon noted. Ramón, who currently works as the vice president and compliance officer of loan review at the First State Bank of Uvalde, originally moved to Uvalde 16 years ago. Employed with the Texas Department of Banking, she first came to the area to review the bank. After being offered a job, she made the decision to move. Ramón also serves as the president of the Uvalde Community Chest, vice-president and treasurer of the Child Welfare Board, a director of the El Camino Girl Scout Council and a director of El Progreso Memorial Library. She is also involved with TEAM Uvalde and the West Main Project.
