06/16/2026
On Thursday, June 11, the Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville hosted its Scholarship & Appreciation Dinner. This celebration honored the achievements of our youth, volunteers, and community partners.
We had the opportunity to award scholarships to ten graduating high school seniors and a laptop to every student who submitted a scholarship application to help support their college and career goals. We recognized the girls of Girl Scout Troop 2031 for completing their first year of leadership, learning, and community service. Thank you to Melissa Dickinson, HACB's Youth Programs Coordinator, for leading these youth programs and for being a mentor to our HACB youth.
We also honored our Children's Book Club Guest Readers, Representative Erin Gamez, Mrs. Robin Cowen, Commissioner Linda Macias, and Mrs. Amanda Sampayo, whose commitment to literacy helps inspire a love of reading among our youth.
The local restaurants Pollo Loco, Bubba’s 33, and Canes were also recognized this evening for hosting Scholarship Nights throughout the year to help raise funds to support the HACB Scholarship Program.
Special thank you to the Honorable Judge CeriseRde Garduño for being our keynote speaker and sharing her special message with our graduates. Thank you to the City of Brownsville Commissioners Tino Villarreal City Commissioner At Large A, Nurith Galonsky, Gustavo De Leon, and Linda Macias, for being in attendance.
A special thank you to our Chief Executive Officer Ms. Carla Mancha de Juarez for her support and leadership in making this event possible. Ms. Mancha played an important role in recognizing our community partners, Children's Book Club Guest Readers, and our scholarship recipients. Thank you to HACB Chairman Luis E. Garduño for delivering the evening's welcoming remarks and helping set the tone for this special celebration. Thank you to Ana Trejo, HACB Supportive Services Director, for serving as Master of Ceremonies and guiding the evening's program.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our HACB Board of Commissioners Chairman Luis Eduardo Garduño, Vice-Chairman Jesse A. Miller, Commissioner Wendy De Leon, Commissioner Daisy Lopez, and Resident Commissioner Laura Villarreal for their unwavering support of the HACB Scholarship Program and resident initiatives. Your leadership and commitment to resident success help create opportunities that make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and families.