Balloon release

About 150 people filled the main gym at SMSA on October 2nd, 2023 to honor Alondra Vega Martinez. Attendees were given bracelets bearing Alondra's name and a program with her picture.  While the athletes sat as a team or stood holding candles in vigil, Athletic Director Diane Callis shared beautiful words with those in attendance, and was joined by Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, who also shared her memories of Alondra. Team Captains Gaby Rodriguez and Genesis Bordelies also took the podium and honored their fellow Team Captain by speaking to those assembled.  Coach Merah and Athletic Director Callis then presented Alondra's mother, step-father, and brother with a plaque honoring her as Team Captain and commemorative shirts from the volleyball team. Following the game, the team released balloons into the air with more special words and wishes from Athletic Director Callis. Pictures will follow when they are ready,

The reverse of the program ended with the poem "I Thought Of You Today" 

I thought of you with love today, 

but that is nothing new. 

I thought about you yesterday 

and days before that too. 

I think of you in silence, 

I often speak your name. 

All I have are memories 

and a picture in a frame. 

Your memory is a keepsake, 

from which I’ll never part. 

God has you in His keeping, 

I have you in my heart.