By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
A Garfield Elementary School student was recognized during Tuesday’s city council meeting for a Del Rio-themed Christmas ornament he designed that will be displayed at the Texas Capitol in Austin.
Mayor Al Arreola presented Carlos Alejandro Quiroz, a student at
Garfield Elementary School with a certificate of outstanding achievement.
“It’s an honor for me to present this certificate to Carlos,” Arreola said before reading the text of the certificate as follows: “The city of Del Rio proudly recognizes Carlos Quiroz, a student at Garfield Elementary School, for his artistic accomplishment. His Christmas ornament was selected by the office of Texas State Representative Eddie Morales for display on the House Chamber Christmas tree at the Texas Capitol.
“The honor reflects an esteemed tradition of the Texas House of Representatives, allowing young artists to contribute to the festive spirit of the state’s Capitol. Carlos’ work not only showcases his talent, but also symbolizes the creativity and potential of our community’s youth.
“We commend Carlos Quiroz for his achievement and for exemplifying the artistic talents within the city of Del Rio,” Arreola read.
The mayor then asked the boy and his father, Carlos Quiroz, to stand in front of the council dais to receive the certificate. The father and son were also joined by Carlos’ art teacher at Garfield Elementary School, Lucy VanGoethem.
Carlos presented a copy of the colorful Christmas ornament to Arreola, who held it up for the council and audience members to admire.
The ornament depicts various area landmarks, including Lake Amistad and the statue of the Mexico and U.S. eagles at the top of Amistad Dam.
“He designed the ornament. They had an art contest for House District 74, and Carlos designed the ornament to enter in the contest. He and I worked together to paint the ornament for Representative Morales, and it has the Amistad Dam, and it also represents our sister city of Ciudad Acuña and Del Rio,” VanGoethem told the mayor.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com .
