The Webb County Heritage Foundation presented ten honorees with the prestigious Heritage Award at the Inauguration of the President of the Republic of the Rio Grande Luncheon on March 9th at the IBC Annex Ballroom.
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.
The Jim Parish Award for Documentation and Publication of Local and Regional History was presented Dr. Maria Alma Gonzalez Perez for her publication, Apariciones, Voces, Ruidos y Cosas Inexplicables: An Anthology of Folktales & Personal Narratives from the Texas-Mexico Borderlands.
The Volunteer Service Award was presented to Kristina Soliz and Ernesto Riojas for their volunteer work during our 2023 Founders’ Day event.
The Archival Donor Award was presented to two recipients this year. Mrs. Emma Garcia for her donation of photographs from when Mario Moreno "Cantinflas" visited her home for dinner in 1979, when he was recognized as “Señor Internacional” by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) during the Washington’s Birthday Celebration and the Laredo Morning Times for their donation of bound volumes of daily newspapers spanning approximately six decades of Laredo history.
The Environmental Preservation Award was presented to Palo Blanco Farm and Ranch for bringing innovative and resource-efficient farming to Laredo, feeding their community, and continuing the vision and dedication of their ancestors to be good stewards of the land.
The Luciano Guajardo award was presented to Granaderos y Damas de Galvez for continuing to educate the public about Spain’s participation in the American Revolution.
The Institutional Historic Preservation Award was presented to Bishop James Tamayo of San Agustin Cathedral for the historic rehabilitation of the church.
Chosen to receive the Historic Business Award this year is Neel Title Corporation in recognition of their 99 years in business.
And the Historic Preservation Award for Organizations was presented to the Pan American Round Table of Laredo in recognition of their 102nd anniversary of service to the community.
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.
