1. Volume 50, No. 2
April 2009
P ANA MERICANA
PAN AM REMEMBERS
ELENA REISNER
Elena Reisner, 86, the brand new reversible black and
wife of the late Sherwood green winter jacket, which kept
A LOOK INSIDE Reisner, the first headmaster me warm the three following
President’s Corner, 2 of Presbyterian Pan American years that I lived at Pan Am. I
School, passed away March have always said that most of
Scholarship Profile, 2 2, 2009 in Falls Church, what I do today is due to the
Alum Spotlight, 3 Virginia. great influence which Pan Am
She was born on June 1, had on my life while I loved,
Chapel Offering, 3 1922 in Inverness, Scotland studied and worked there,
Student Spotlight, 4 to John A. Mackay and Jane and especially Mrs. Reisner,
Honor Roll of Donors, 5 Mackay. who was like a mother for
Mrs. Reisner grew up in me. I thank Mrs. Reisner for
Staff Spotlight, 6 various parts of South America her influence in my younger
and Mexico until her family years,” he said.
Board of Trustees settled in Princeton, New Car men L. Gonzales
will live on in my creations. I
Jersey, where she graduated graduated from Pan Am in
Dr. Eugene F. Tims, Chair am so grateful that she cared,”
from high school. 1968 and returned to take on
Mrs. Patricia Turner, Secretary Suzanne said
She received degrees in the role of school secretary in
Rita Naranjo Gonzalez,
Mr. Dennis Whitley, Treasurer English from Wellesley College 1974. In 1988, she became the
Class of 1960, said that
and Columbia University.
Mr. Ruben Armendariz business manager.
Mrs. Reisner taught through
She was married for 44 years “The only thing I can say is
Mrs. Patricia Booth
religious literature, hymns,
to Mr. Reisner, who served as that I regret not being able to
Dr. Crayden Dennard
and prayer.
President for Pan Am from say goodbye to Mrs. Reisner.
Mr. Mike Douglas “Mrs. Reisner encouraged
1956 to 1980. He passed away She was my teacher, my boss,
Mr. James Hanna and taught correct posture,
in 1990. but most important my friend.
Ms. Edna Jackson dress, and table manners.
Mrs. Reisner ser ved as She was one very special lady to
Mrs. Barbara Kiser As seniors, we dressed and
interim president for Pan Am me and my family. She gave me
had tea at the President’s
from 1990 to 1991 and lived in
Ms. Jean Poe my bridal shower, my first baby
house. She was a wonderful
Kleberg County from 1957 to
Rev. Frank Seaman shower, and never forgot my
role model who continued
1999. She was an Elder in the birthday. I will always feel that
Ms. Lidia Serrata
to teach by example. I knew
First Presbyterian Church of I never thanked her enough for
Mr. Clifford H. Sherrod, Jr.
her for many years and she
Kingsville. all the things she did for me. I
Rev. John Wurster never stopped teaching, or
When thinking of Mrs. will always think of her as one
Mrs. Junie Ledbetter that is how I saw her. She
Reisner, prepositions class of the best friends I ever had,”
Mr. Stanley Cobbs was my teacher, my friend,”
sticks out the most for Suzanne Carmen said.
Rita said.
Rev. John Ed Withers Morales, Pan Am Class of Mrs. Reisner is survived
Rita was invited by Mrs.
1973.
Pbto. Hazael Campuzano by her daughter Ruth Brock
Reisner in 1990 to return to
“I will remember Mrs. of Falls Church, Virginia
Mr. Jorge Duran
Pan Am as the girl’s dorm
Reisner and prepositions. She and her son James Reisner
Mr. Louis Stripling
parent. The two worked hard
made her mission clear. She of Plano, Texas, along with
and long hours that year, Rita
was going to do whatever it four grandchildren and six
Please said.
would take to get her students great grandchildren. She is
Consider a Leopoldo Rodriguez Ardon,
to understand. She jumped also survived by two sisters,
Class of 1974, came to Pan
out of the classroom, under Isobel Metzger of Princeton,
Contribution to the desk, on the chair, in the Am from the tropical country New Jersey and Ruth Russell
PPAS of Honduras.
closet, all for the sake of of Columbus, Ohio and a
“I or my parents didn’t
our understanding. What an brother, Duncan Mackay of
think that I would need any
Desiree Gutierrez, Editor amazing teacher. I am one of Washington, D.C.
winter clothes. It was Mrs.
the seeds Mrs. Reisner sowed
Reisner who gave me my first
in her lifetime. Her teachings

2. PRESIDENT’S CORNER
~DR. JAMES MATTHEWS
for a while.” And the orthopedic
T his past month has been a
surgeon who sewed the tendon back
particularly challenging time for me.
together said “big life-style changes”
Needless to say, with the economy in
and I now realize he meant changes
the tank the school is struggling, but
for the rest of my life.
raising money to support this mission
It may have been foolish of me to
work has always been a challenge…and
be cavorting around in a young man’s
from all indications it always will be a
arena, but it would be even more
challenge. And needless to say, any
foolish not to learn something from
time you are faced with an accreditation
this injury…something about my own
review there are pressures that take a
personal limits to be sure, but even
toll on anyone in a leadership role, on
more profoundly about God’s timing.
their patience and sense of humor. So
can’t prove it, I probably even sleep You see, at exactly the time we have
why is this month any more difficult
hard, which is to say full speed ahead. had to face reality and slow down our
than any other month in the past
Literally speaking, my Achilles heel capital expansion campaign, God put
twelve years? Figuratively speaking,
turned out to be my Achilles heel, me on ice in order to give me a clearer
everyone has an Achilles heel. Mine
which I tore completely a few weeks sense of things.
has always been moderation, especially
ago diving for a shot on the racquetball I will never forget, as long as I live,
with regards to physical activity. I seem
court. At that moment I learned a new something a student said in prayer
incapable of doing things leisurely
speed – STOP. My doctor told me to during my first year at Pan Am. “Thank
or sedately: I walk leaning ahead; I
“put it on ice” and I don’t think he You Lord for problems, for without
ski straight downhill; I fish with total
just meant the foot. My secretary just them we would not know you and
intensity. My children claim that I have
chuckled and said “no more racquetball your power.”
two speeds…fast and sleep. While I
SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE
~REYNALDO TORRES
“The pastor told me Jesus is
“It’s a universal language and
As a sopho-
connected with the life of everybody,
important to get a job and have many
more at
not only me, but everybody,” he said. “I
opportunities in the future,” he said.
Presbyterian
feel better with myself when I go and
Reynaldo is the youngest of Rolando
Pan American
comfortable singing to praise God .”
and Rosario’s four children. All reside
School,
Although, Reynaldo has two years
two hours away in Valle Hermosa,
Reynald
before he graduates, he knows that he
except for Reynaldo’s oldest sister, who
Torres, 16 of
wants to major in chemical engineering
lives an hour away in Corpus Christi.
Valle Hermosa,
in the U.S., obtain a law degree and
Reynaldo’s father is a farmer and his
Tamaulipas,
study classical music to one day become
mother, a homemaker.
has been
a choir director.
At Pan Am, Reynaldo enjoys his
named to the President’s List twice
Reynaldo, like the majority of
math class and spending time with his
for maintaining an average of 95 or
students, earns good grades, stays
friends. His favorite, though, is singing
better.
active and works six hours a week on
as a tenor in the school’s Morris Chapel
Both times, he was the youngest
campus, to maintain his scholarship,
Choir.
on the short list of four students–the
allowing him to receive his education
“I like to sing and I am learning how
others being seniors.
at Pan Am.
to breathe correctly to demonstrate
“I am focused on goals and tasks.
“Those that support the school in
good notes while singing,” he said.
Being in school, studying and getting
order for us to receive financial assistance
Reynaldo not only enjoys singing but
good grades is one step closer to a
gives us students opportunities,” he
listens to a variety of genres as well.
good future. School always comes
said. “We are the future and they
Music helps him relax, he said.
first,” he said.
make it possible for us to become
Before Reynaldo came to Pan Am,
Reynaldo is spending his first year at
something.”
he was not a frequent churchgoer but
Pan Am and like many other students,
that soon changed.
came to learn English.
2

3. ALUM SPOTLIGHT
BARBARA ACOSTA ROZO
premedical school orientation, Barbara
him. His answer was, ‘Let’s try it for a
Since a young age, Barbara Acosta
transferred to Dordt College in Iowa
year, if you still want to go home by
Rozo, had longed to study abroad to
her sophomore year.
then, you may go back,’” Barbara said.
learn about different cultures and visit
That Christmas, Barbara visited home
“When my dad left, my perception of
new places.
and her father suffered facial paralysis
Pan Am slowly started to change. I got
Barbara, who was originally from
caused by stress. She decided to rethink
used to the hotness of the summer, but
Colombia but moved to Honduras, was
her life priorities—putting her family
far more important, I got to know the
told about Presbyterian Pan American
first.
heart of Pan Am—its people.”
School by a co-worker of her mother,
Barbara is currently in her fifth year
Barbara’s experience at Pan Am
Leopoldo Rodriguez, Pan Am Class
of medical school in Honduras, close
became an unforgettable one, she
of 1974.
to her family and studying hard to be
said.
“My family always saw Pan Am as
the best doctor she can to serve her
“I learned to appreciate my family, to
a blessing, an answer to our prayers,”
people, she said.
be thankful for all the blessings I had,
Barbara said. “It was the perfect
“I remember my experiences from
to share with others and to seek God’s
place to live and learn in a Christian
abroad as enriching. The people I met,
guidance everyday,” she said. “Leaving
environment, an opportunity for me
the places I visited, all of that makes
one’s family at a short age is hard, but
to grow as a person far from home but
me a better person, a well-rounded
sharing that with a hundred other kids
close to home at heart.”
individual,” Barbara said. “But I am
creates a special bond between them.”
But when Barbara arrived to Pan
thankful to the Lord for making me
After Barbara graduated from Pan
Am, she had changed her mind. She
understand there is more to life than
Am in 2003, she attended College of
would be alone and she wanted to go
growing as a person, because we achieve
the Southwest in New Mexico, majoring
back home.
nothing by growing if we do not share
in biology because she wanted to
“I remember sitting at the gazebo
our growth with others, especially our
attend medical school. Since College
with my dad and turning to him in
loved ones.”
of the Southwest did not have a
tears, asking him to take me back with
YOUTH GROUP DONATES
TO THREE CHARITIES
The youth of Presbyterian Pan programs that alleviate hunger and Pastor Josyph said.
American School have requested that poverty. Pennies for Patients is a program for
$500 of the offerings received at chapel “They chose the Heifer project because schools nationwide to raise funds to help
each Sunday be sent to each of the the family that receives the heifer must cure leukemia and other blood-related
following three charities, Heifer Project learn how to care for it and once that cancers. It is a two-week campaign in
International, Mission Presbytery and heifer has her first calf, then that calf is which students of all ages are encouraged
Pennies for Patients, on their behalf. passed on to another family and the cycle to donate spare change to The Leukemia
“They have chosen these particular is repeated,” Pastor Josyph said. & Lymphoma Society.
ones because they all represent mission Mission Presbytery is planning a Pastor Josyph said the students chose
opportunities that continue to give mission trip in July to build a church, Pennies for Patients because the search
beyond their one central gift and represent no bigger than a three-car garage, in the for a cure for Leukemia is an ongoing
the most people touched with their gifts,” village of Candelario in Guatemala for battle and affects so many.
said Pan Am Pastor Josyph Andrews. 104 church going Mayan men, women “I am so very proud that the students
This year, the youth group consists of and children, who have no church chose to give some of their money to
40 students. to worship in. Mission Presbytery, better the lives of others,” said Ellie
“It feels good to help other people,” Committee for Service and Support to Perez, Pan Am Counselor. “It came from
said Youth Member Jimena Hernandez, the Maya Quiche and the Guatemala their heart and for that I am proud to
17-year-old Junior. “We wanted to Partnership Team are asking for support be part of the PPAS family. I thank the
contribute and help more than one to fund the estimated cost of $29,000 to students for being so loving.”
charity so we chose three and they all get build the church, which will be named For Youth Member Ilse Ibarra, Pennies
the same amount.” Divino Libertad. for Patients is close to her heart.
Heifer Project International is an “The gift to the Mission Presbytery “Those kids may not have the resources
organization that helps impoverished Summer Project is a portion of a gift and maybe we can make a dream come
families worldwide through livestock to build a chapel in a remote village in true,” said Ibarra, 17-year-old Junior,
and training. Heifer International works Guatemala where there are over 100 “and we can make a difference.”
with livestock and agriculture to develop believers with no place to worship,”
3

4. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
~TANIA MARISOL BARREIRO
In her first year at Presbyterian but religion also plays an important
Pan American School, Tania role in her life.
Marisol Barreiro, 19, formed “When I got here, I became more
friendships quickly with her connected with God. Everyone
outgoing personality and even may have different ideas, but it’s the
earned the title of Cheerleading same— it’s God, its faith.
Captain. Pan Am thrives on their mission
“My father is in the Mexican to build young Christian leaders
Navy so I moved around a lot,” she and for Marisol, it does just that.
said. “We moved every two years so “It’s a great school and the
I learned to make friends fast.” mission is something that we need
While Marisol was in elementary for a better standard of life,” she
school, she changed schools every Marisol shares the largest suite said. “The institution helps you
year. In the fourth grade, she in the girl’s dormitory with four not just in academic life but also
attended a school in San Antonio other senior girls. Marisol keeps prepares you for real life.”
and in Maryland, both for four busy with her academic schedule Marisol is ready to start her future
months. In middle school, she including classes such as history, after she graduates in May of 2009.
attended four different schools. biology and math, which happens She has been accepted to the
Marisol, as she is known at Pan to be her favorite. In addition University of Texas-Pan American
Am, graduated from high school in to the cheerleading squad, she is in Edinburg, Texas and hopes to
Mexico, where she managed to stay also part of the school’s choir and take courses that will certify her
all four years, but enrolled in Pan youth group. to become a flight attendant for a
Am as a senior to learn English. “It was a surprise for me because major airline in Mexico.
As the oldest of three, she left I didn’t expect to get that position And thanks to the donations
her home in Mexico City, where but it was a great experience provided by the churches and
her family currently resides. and sometimes I had more individuals who generously support
“I knew it was a great opportunity responsibilities than the others,” Pan American School, Marisol was
for me to come and I was excited she said able to attend and have better
about the new experience,” she Out of a 16-member cheer squad, opportunities.
said. “And although I was sad the Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico “Those who donate to the school
because it was the first time leaving native was chosen. are helping students like me to
my family, growing is a part of Choir is fun for Marisol, she prepare for a better future. Thank
life.” said, although it is not new to her. you for making dreams possible,”
Marisol came to Pan Am in July She was in choir at her previous she said. “It’s amazing these days
of 2008 for Intensive English schools. Being part of the youth that good people still exist. They
Program and started the fall group, however, is new to her. are angels on Earth.”
semester in August. “It is amazing how you can be Tania Marisol Barreiro and
“I like living here on campus. It’s with God and have fun and the many others students at Pan Am,
great. It’s quiet and peaceful—a same time,” Marisol said. “I learned thanks to our supporters, are
change from Mexico City, where how one or two hours on Sundays preparing themselves for lives of
it’s noisy. It is the most amazing is nothing, compared to all the Christian leadership, to take their
experience being here and I’ve blessings that God is giving us.” places in God’s world and to do
learned to be more tolerant, Learning English and being so for His glory.
punctual and respectful,” she said. independent is essential to Marisol,
4

5. HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
JANUARY-MARCH 2009
Brenham Presbyterian Judge and Mrs. B.F. Coker Mr. and Mrs. Richard Matthews
Covenant Presbyterian, Lubbock Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Coughlen Dr. James H. Matthews
Faith Presbyterian, Austin, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Cross Ms. Jean McIntyre,
In Appreciation of Michael Murray Mr. Carlos O. Cuellar In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner
Finley Ewing Family Fund Dr. Crayden Dennard Ernest McNealey PhD and Earnestine
First Presbyterian, Bay City Ms. Sarah J. Dorna G. McNealey PhD
First Presbyterian, Cisco Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Dreyer W.T. Miller
First Presbyterian, Corpus Christi Mrs. Jeannette M. Early Dr. and Mrs. Pedro R. Miniel
First Presbyterian, Dallas Anne and David Eaton Mr. and Mrs. James N. Murray
First Presbyterian, Georgetown Rev. and Mrs. Charles R. Ehrhardt Mrs. Flor Nanez
First Presbyterian, Kingsville John C. Eisele, Mrs. Evelyn C. Nicol
First Presbyterian, Livingston In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nuss
First Presbyterian, McAllen Rev. and Mrs. David Evans Mr. Edgar Ortega
First Presbyterian, Mercedes Ms. Eunice Fernandez Dr. and Dra. Samuel Ortega
First Presbyterian, Norwalk OH Mr. and Mrs. David Frazier Ms. Zoe Ann Palmer
First Presbyterian, Odessa Mr. Barton W. Freeland Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Parker
First Presbyterian, Refugio Ms. Myrthala L. Garcia Mrs. Eloisa Perez
First United Presbyterian, Pemberville Rev. and Mrs. Osvaldo B. Garcia Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Perkins
Goliad Presbyterian Ms. Myrthala L. Garcia Mrs. Maurine D. Pettus
Grace Presbyterian, Houston Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Garner, Mr. and Mrs. John G. Phillips
Iglesia Presbiteriana Getsemani, In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner Mrs. Olive Jean Poe
In Memory of Zulema Leos Mrs. Elizabeth M. Garrett Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ramirez
Island Presbyterian, Corpus Christi Mr. Charles R. Gibbs Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ramirez
Jackson Woods Presbyterian Dr. and Mrs. David R. Gifford, Ms. Laurentina Ramos
Korean Church of Corpus Christi In Memory of Mr. Perry Reed,
McCracken Electrical Service Elena Mackay Reisner In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner
Music Club of Kingsville, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Glass Ms. Mary Reyes
New Braunfels Presbyterian Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Grant Mr. & Mrs. Donald K. Richards
Northwood Presbyterian, San Antonio Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Roger O. Green Ms. Myra B. Robinson
Pines Presbyterian, Houston Mr. William A. Grun Mr. Louis Rochester
Presbyterian Women - Circle 112, Marsha and Harvey Haack Mr. Robert W. Ruf
In Memory of Mrs. Nancy Francisco Mr. and Mrs. James Hanna Mr. and Mrs. Bob Russell,
Presbyterian Women, Bay City Mr. and Mrs. J. Arthur Hanna In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner
Presbyterian Women, Cameron Mr. and Mr. Paul D. Hanna, Jr., Mrs. Eva Salinas
Preston Hollow Presbyterian, Dallas In Memory of Paul D. and Nina F. Hanna Mae Dell Schiller
San Pedro Presbyterian Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hauenstein, The Rev. and Mrs. Frank Seaman
Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner Rev. Edward B. Seeger,
Spring Branch Presbyterian Ms. Catherine C. Henry, In Honor of Rev. L.J. Miller
St. Mark Presbyterian, Boerne In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner Ms. Lidia Serrata,
St. Mark Presbyterian, San Angelo Bruce and Cara Herlin In Memory of Joel Armendariz Rugerio
Westlake Hills Presbyterian, Austin Mr. Ross W. Hester Mr. and Mrs. Clifford H. Sherrod Jr.
Westminster Presbyterian, Odessa Mr. and Mrs. Noe Hinojosa Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Ben Sparkman
Mr. Wen Almanza Mr. and Mrs. James R. Hunt Mrs. Louise Stockton
Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Alsmeyer, Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Huser Dr. Barbara Stottlemyer
In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner Mr. David C. Ingraham Jr Dr. and Mrs. Eugene F. Tims
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ambs Ms. Doris V. Jamison, Rev. and Mrs. Jerry R. Tompkins,
Mr. and Mrs. Josyph A. Andrews In Memory of In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner
Mr. Ruben Armendariz A.E, Eva S. and Barbara J. Jamison Mr. Don Turner
Elizabeth H. Ballard Dr. and Mrs. Bill Johnston Rev. Joe and Mrs. Pat Turner
Mr. and Mrs. Xavier Barrera Mr. and Mrs. T.L. Karlos Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo Villalpando
Mr. and Mrs. Calvin R. Bast, Mrs. Tita Ketola Mr. Jay Philip Werner
In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner Mr. and Mrs. Milton Kimball Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Whitley
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Brock Mr. and Mrs. Don Kiser Elizabeth C. Williams
Mr. Felix Calvillo Jr. Mrs. V. Elizabeth Ledbetter and Mr. Mr. and Mrs. Bud Windham
Mrs. Reili Cantu Gaston M. Broyles Rev. and Mrs. John E. Withers
Albert A. Carrillo Ella L. Mastin, Mr. Lawrence W. Wolter
Mr. and Mrs. William Clark In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner Mr. and Mrs. Willis Raymond Woolrich III
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley L. Cobbs, Rev. Carla and Danny Mathews, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Yeager
In Memory of Elena Mackay Reisner In Honor of Claudia B. Harrel Mr. and Mrs. Ben W. Young
5

6. PRESBYTERIAN PAN AMERICAN NON-PROFIT ORG
SCHOOL U.S. POSTAGE
P. O. BOX 1578 PAID
KINGSVILLE, TEXAS 78364-1578 CORPUS CHRISTI, TX
PHONE: 361.592.4307 PERMIT NO. 8
FAX: 361.592.6126
www.ppas.org
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
~MARY REYES
Mary Reyes is not only familiar with Mary also has expectations for her
teaching Bible and Spanish at Presbyterian students. “I want students to stay in
Pan American School but has become school, apply the Biblical concept they
acquainted with the students because of have learned to their daily lives and
her job as girls’ dorm director. challenge them to graduate and pursue
The only difference—Bible and Spanish higher education,” she said.
class ends after 45 minutes and the To Mary, a teacher is a person that
responsibilities of being a parent to 55 wants to impart and share knowledge
girls does not. with a willing student and sees the results
“I felt that I could do a good job as a and changes in the students as they apply
Before coming to Pan Am, Mary was
dorm parent,” Mary said. “And it’s tiring at their knowledge to their lives.
the International Student Development
times but rewarding and satisfying too. It “Teaching is an inward calling,” she
Coordinator for Valley Baptist Academy
gives them a homelike atmosphere.” said, “and a good teacher is one who
in Harlingen. She came to Pan Am three
Mary, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, has sees the fruits of his or her labor being
years ago.
been teaching for 33 years. She attended applied in their lives of students in
“I prayed to the Lord to come to
Mary Hardin Baylor University, Ibero positive ways.”
a wonderful place like this,” she said.
American University, University of Madrid Every summer for the past 28 years,
“The campus is a unique place. The
and Southwestern Baptist Theological Mary has taken students to Israel and
faculty is friendly and easy to work with,
Seminary. She holds a bachelor’s degree Europe. This year, some Pan Am students
and they share common interests. The
in Bible and Spanish and a master’s in will go to England, France, Switzerland,
administration is cooperative, fair and
Spanish and religious education. Italy, Greece, Greek Islands and Turkey
stands behind you.”
“I enjoy the challenge and satisfaction for 20 days.
Mary is currently teaching two classes
of contributing to students’ future “I fell in love with traveling,” she
of the New Testament and sets goals for
Christian development,” Mary said. said, “and I will go to great lengths to
herself.
“Some of the students are different to further my students’ understanding of
“I strive to be the best teacher possible,
teach sometimes, but the potential they the teachings of the Bible. I have done
a positive influence to the students and be
represent is a daily challenge and I’m also everything that I’ve ever wanted to do
there for their problems and concerns,”
glad to be a part of their growth.” because of the Lord.”
she said.