Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships - VAMOS

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

We are still not over the energy from our 30th Anniversary Celebration on August 22nd!

From our incredible alumni sharing their journeys to the community coming together to support the next generation of RGV leaders, it was a night for the history books.

Swipe through to see more unforgettable moments from the Bert Ogden Arena! ✨💫

09/04/2026

✨ What a milestone night! ✨

On Saturday, August 22nd, our community came together at the Bert Ogden Arena to celebrate 30 incredible years of empowering student leaders across the Rio Grande Valley. Under the theme "The Future is Bright," we honored three decades of educational equity, mentorship, and transformative impact.

With over $27 million in scholarships awarded to date, we are deeply grateful to our devoted Board Members, sponsors, volunteers, and brilliant alumni who are paving the way for our newest class of scholars! 🎓💼

09/01/2026

Grateful for Tony Forina's support during our 30th Anniversary Celebration! You are the BEST!

Tony Forina turned the live auction at the VAMOS 30th Anniversary celebration into more than a fundraising exercise, using humor, quick delivery and decades of experience behind a microphone to engage the audience while keeping attention focused on helping Rio Grande Valley students.

09/01/2026

✨🎉 30 Years of Impact, Dreams, and Transformation! 🎉✨

What an unforgettable night at the Bert Ogden Arena celebrating 30 incredible years of the Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships!

Since 1996, VAMOS has stood beside first-generation, low-income students across Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties, lighting a path toward higher education and professional leadership.

Reflecting on three decades of community dedication, our shared accomplishments tell a powerful story:
📚 $27+ Million awarded in renewable scholarships
🎓1,450+ first-generation students empowered
🌟 An incredible 96% graduation rate

From inspiring alumni returning as medical directors, educators, and top professionals to the unwavering support of our visionary board, donors, sponsors, and volunteers, this milestone belongs to the entire Rio Grande Valley community. Thank you for believing in our youth, breaking down barriers, and proving that "The Future is Bright" when a community unites behind education.

Here’s to the next generation of leaders!

08/28/2026

What a milestone night! ✨ On Saturday, August 22nd, we celebrated 30 incredible years of empowering student leaders at our 30th Anniversary Celebration and we are still glowing from our community's generosity!

A massive shoutout goes to our phenomenal auctioneer, Tony Forina! 🎤 Your incredible energy, charm, and talent on stage kept the room buzzing and drove our live auction to new heights. Thank you for making the bidding so much fun!

To our amazing LIVE AUCTION SPONSORS: Thank you for stepping up in an incredible way. Your generous contributions made our auction a standout success and laid the groundwork for unforgettable moments that night.

To everyone who raised their paddles and bid on a brighter future for VAMOS scholars: Because of your fierce commitment and open hearts, we are one step closer to making higher education dreams a reality for deserving local students. 🎓

Every bid, every sponsorship, and every cheer moves our mission forward. Thank you for investing in the next generation of leaders.

08/25/2026

Last Saturday, August 22, 2026 marked a monumental milestone as the Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS) celebrated its 30th Anniversary at the Bert Ogden Arena.

Under the theme "The Future is Bright," local civic leaders, business executives, and dedicated community partners came together to honor three decades of educational equity and transformative community impact in the Rio Grande Valley.

The evening beautifully illustrated the full-circle impact of the organization. Our program was led entirely by distinguished VAMOS alumni who serve our region as prominent professionals; including educational leaders Elizabeth Rosales, Principal at UTRGV-McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy and Karla Rodriguez, PSJA district Reading Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator; Dr. Lauro Tijerina, recently named to the incisal Edge magazine’s prestigious America’s Top 40 Under 40 list, placing him among the nation’s leading young dental professionals and our keynote speaker, Dr. Jose Cruz, Co-Medical Director of the DHR Oncology Institute.

Since 1996, our collaborative efforts have broken down systemic barriers, resulting in:
📚More than $27 Million awarded in scholarships
🎓 Over 1,450 first-generation students empowered
🌟 A remarkable 96% graduation rate

This success is a direct testament to the unwavering vision of our Board of Directors, led by Chairman Emeritus Alonzo Cantu and President Richard A. Cantu.

Thank you to everyone who invested in our mission, our students, and our collective future over the last 30 years. As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to expanding mentorship, financial literacy, and career readiness to foster the next generation of RGV leaders...the future is bright!

08/22/2026

✨ THE SILENT AUCTION IS NOW LIVE! ✨

The celebration starts early! 🎉 Bid NOW on incredible silent auction items as we get ready to celebrate 30 years of VAMOS tomorrow night!

📱 Browse. Bid. Win.
🔗 Silent Auction is LIVE now on Givebutter!

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of changing lives and creating brighter futures. 🌟

The Future is Bright! ✨

The Future is Bright