Commerce Bank and IBC Bank-Laredo were the title sponsors of the Communities in Schools (CIS) 22nd Annual Golf Tournament, which was held on Monday, February 18.
This was the second year that the tournament was held in honor of Yolanda U. Urrabazo, a beloved educator who taught English literature for 32 years until just before her passing in 2016. Yolanda was the wife of Commerce Bank President and CEO Ignacio Urrabazo Jr.
“I am humbled and honored to sponsor this important event and organization in loving memory of my wife, Yolanda,” said Urrabazo. “She was a dedicated mother and educator, and was passionate about the importance of supporting the youth in our community. I am grateful that IBC and Commerce Banks’ commitments to ‘doing more’ and ‘making it happen’ allow us to support CIS in their mission of empowering students.”
CIS Executive Director Rosaura Rodriguez, said, “Yolanda Urrabazo exemplified good character, an inspiring spirit, and abundant patience. Like Communities in Schools Laredo, she believed all students can be successful if given the tools they need. Mrs. Urrabazo will forever be remembered by her students and community as not only an outstanding teacher but also as a phenomenal human being.”
CIS helps young people stay in school and successfully learn and prepare for life by coordinating the connection of needed community resources in the schools they serve. They currently serve 22 campuses and over 3,000 students across Laredo, Zapata County and Jim Hogg County.
CIS is partially funded by the state of Texas. As a non-profit the organization raises a large portion of its budget from the local community and businesses.
The annual golf tournament raises approximately $20,000 to $ 25,000. Proceeds are used to award scholarships to CIS graduating students.
Since 1996, CIS has awarded approximately $1.2 million to CIS students in the counties of Webb, Jim Hogg, and Zapata. Scholarships will be awarded to United Independent School District high P
For more information on CIS, visit www.cislaredo.org.
