Velasco grew up in Crane and wanted to make a difference.

“I wanted to start teaching because when I started working last year as a full time speech facilitator, I realized that this job was meant for me. I wanted to teach and be here for my students.” 

Velasco mentioned how she doesn’t play favorites.

“I do not have a favorite class; each one has its own atmosphere and culture.”

Velasco has lived in Crane for 33 years, but she did leave for a season. 

“I only left for a short while when my mom got her first job teaching in Odessa.”  

Velasco lived in Odessa for one year, and another year in Lubbock, then moved back to Odessa and, eventually, came back home to Crane.

Velasco does not plan on leaving Crane anytime soon. 

”I'm a loyalist and do not think I will ever leave until my kids do.”  

Some of Velasco's accomplishments are being there for her kids and graduating from UTBP. 

“It seemed almost impossible. And my last year there I worked full time, attending school online while being my husband's caretaker when he was sick. It was a lot, and I wanted to give up. I'm glad I didn't.”

When I asked what her favorite subject to teach is, Velasco said she likes them all.

“I do enjoy all three subjects. Theater is new to me, but I have high expectations for myself and the students, as well as for the kids in Spanish and Art. I want to push them to do great things and accomplish what they thought was impossible.” 

Velasco said she’s enjoying her job very much. 

“I love it!”

 

Velasco encourages students to get an education.

“My mom was my role model, so I saw that even though teaching is hard, it's very rewarding.”

When: Friday at 7:00

Where: Denver City 

Where: Sul Ross State University 

When: All day 

When: Monday, 3:30 to 9 P.M. 

Where: Crane High School

Where: Ira High School 

When: Saturday, Nov. 19. All day

On Saturday morning, we gathered at the cemeteries to collect the markers that the flags would be placed on. Before I went to find the section that I was assigned to, a clipboard with all of the veterans’ names was given to me so I could place a marker at each grave. 

I believe that patriotism is not represented very much in the younger generations. I thought that if I was to participate and honor the fallen veterans by putting out flags in the cemetery, that maybe it would encourage other students to show their appreciation for our country and the people who served so that we can be free. 

As I headed towards my assigned section, I pulled a wagon filled with the markers. I thought about how each of these markers would hold an American Flag. I thought about how all of these veterans earned this flag because of the sacrifices they made defending our country. 

When I put the first marker into the ground, I realized that I was marking someone's grave who served. I studied the dates on the graves, trying to figure out if this particular veteran died in battle or after coming home from the service. I thought about how every veteran— whether they served in war or not— deserved the flag I was placing there because they had been willing to serve this country. 

Before I knew it, all of the grave’s marked with a cross had received a marker with a place for a flag to be placed on it. 

Sunday morning rolled around, and the time came to place the American flags in the markers we had left behind the previous day. I took the flags that I was given and headed out to my assigned section once again. 

I started placing flags on the markers next to the corresponding grave. The flags had to be placed into a hole to hold the staff of the flag in place for Veterans Day. 

Once all of the flags in my section were placed, I took a few steps back to view the flags that were diligently flying in the wind and thought of everything these brave souls had done for me and for this country. The sea of flags took my breath away.

Arianna Escobedo, a junior at Crane High School, participated in placing the flags on the graves of Crane veterans. Escobedo said that it felt good knowing that she was honoring those who served.

This was Escobedo’s first year helping put the flags out. She added that this will not be her last year, as she plans on helping again next year.

Escobedo said that her motivation for helping honor veterans is to spread PTSD awareness.

“My cousin served in the Army and passed away from PTSD. I want to help honor veterans like him, and this is a good way to do it.”

All in all, I am very honored to have been able to attend this event and help honor the fallen veterans in the Crane cemeteries. This Veterans Day has taught me a lot about what these brave men and women have done for us so that we might breathe free.

If you see a veteran, tell them “Thank you for your service.” And a little advice—you don’t have to wait for Veterans Day to do it.

The girls put up a good fight and, unfortunately, one point cost them the win.

One of the seniors, Zithlalic Camacho, had a lot to say about this year’s basketball season.

 

“I’m extremely proud of my team,” Camacho said. “This was our first game, and I feel like we are off to a great start!” 

Just like any other team, there are obstacles they have to overcome. And they will need to work hard to get to where they want to be. So far, the Lady Birds have put in tons of time and are dedicated to succeed this year.

“We only had one day of practice together as an official team,” said Camacho. “We did our best with the situation and feel grateful. I can’t wait to make it a great final season.”

Camacho said that the team really appreciates all the support from family and the community.

“It means a lot.”

Don’t forget to come cheer on the Crane Lady Birds at their next home game Tuesday in the Tommy C. Jones gymnasium.

Be there, be proud! 

A song I truly enjoy in this album is “Spin about U.” This song has a great beat and leaves me feeling an overall good vibe after hearing it. I believe this album deserves a decent rating. 

I would give this album three Golden Cranes out of five. Drake did a great job on this album along with 21 Savage. I strongly recommend playing this album and listening to the awesome bops in it. 

Check in next week, where we will review another song, album, movie or book! 

How long have you been in education: 18 years

Where were you at before Crane: Mcamey

What do you do for fun: Work on my Jeep or play with my kids

What do you like most about working in education: To see how kids learn and grow

How many siblings do you have: 

I have one older brother, Ron. He is stationed in San Antonio. 

What is one of you hidden talents: I played bass guitar when I was younger.

Children/Grand Children: Three kids: Brinlee, 11; Natalie, 9; and Braxton, 3

Do you have any pets? If so, what types of pets and what are their names?: Two dogs: Samson and Trixie 

What is your dream vacation: It would be to go to Ireland and see where my family is from. It is a tiny peninsula in Ireland called Island Magee.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies: Mostly R.A. Salvatore books; The Ender Saga by Orson Scott Card; anything by David Dalglish. I have actually been reading the same series of books by R.A. Salvatore since I was 18-years-old .There are over 40 novels in the series.

If you won the lottery and decided to give up working in education, what would you do instead: Work on my Jeep and buy land so I could ranch and farm.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you: At one point in my life, I actually had hair.

What inspires you: My family

Is there anything else you would like to share:
My Family and I are really excited about coming back to Crane.