Foundation Names Heritage Awards Recipients

The Webb County Heritage Foundation has selected eight honorees to receive the prestigious Heritage Award to be presented at the Founders’ Day Luncheon on May 19^th at 12 noon at the Laredo Center for the Arts. Each year, the Webb County Heritage Foundation recognizes individuals, businesses, organizations, and families that have contributed to the unique architectural and cultural heritage of Webb County.

Because this year’s celebration is focused on honoring historic businesses in the construction industry, one of Laredo’s oldest businesses is being honored. Chosen to receive the Historic Business Award this year is: Villarreal Electric Co., Inc. which, this year, celebrates 80 years of service to the community.

Other awards being presented are as follows:

The City of Laredo, KLRN-TV, and Texas A&M International University will share the Luciano Guajardo Award for their collaboration in creating the documentary video “Rhapsody on the Río”.  

Barbara Gonzalez Cigarroa will receive the Jim Parish Award for Documentation and Publication of Local and Regional History for her new book, A Mexican Dream and Other Compositions. The Preservation of Folklore, Customs, and Traditions Award will be presented to Gabriela Mendoza-Garcia for her work in preserving our folk dancing traditions. The Elizabeth Gill and Sam Johnson, III Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Dr. Jerry Thompson for his lifetime work in chronicling and promoting Laredo’s history. The City of Laredo’s Utilities Department will receive the Environmental Preservation Award for the creation of the new Laredo Water Museum.

The Webb County Heritage Foundation is proud to present these worthy recipients with a Heritage Award in recognition of their services in preserving this region’s history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

The awards presentation will take place during the Founders’ Day Luncheon on May 19^th at the Laredo Center for the Arts, 500 San Agustin Avenue.

For luncheon reservations or more information, please contact the Webb County Heritage Foundation at (956) 727-0977 or heritage@webbheritage.org.