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Outstanding Athlete : Mateo Tamezchallenges. These traits have been cultivated through consistent practice, guidance from his coaches, and the unwavering support of his family and friends.In addition to golf, Mateo enjoys fishing with his family and friends whenever possible, reflecting his appreciation for nature and leisure outside of sports. His family, including his parents and older brother, are his staunchest supporters, providing the encouragement and love thatfuel his ambitions both on and off the golf course.As Mateo continues to compete in local and regional golf tournaments, he looks forward to further achievements and experiences that will shape his future in golf and beyond. His story is one of passion, dedication, and the continuous pursuit of excellence, inspired by familial influences and a love for the game.MBy Sally Kalosateo Tamez, a junior at O’Connor High School and a prominent member of the Varsity Golf team,shares his journey and aspirations in golf, inspired by his Great Uncle Henry Salinas. Golf has been an integral part of Mateo’s life since the summer of 2021, when his uncle introduced him to the sport and recognized his potential.Mateo’s commitment and skill have led to several notable achievements. He is set to be inducted into the National Honor Society in November 2024 and has been a varsity letterman for three years. His dedication was recognized in his sophomore year when he received the “Work Ethic” Award from his coaches. Most impressively, Mateo won the player of the year award for the Beltway Junior Golf Tour this past summer and serves as the Golf Team Captain for the 2024-2025 school year.Beyond golf, Mateo is actively involved in other school activities. He is a member of SASO (Scholars and Athletes Serving Others), a mother-son organization that engages in community service and offers personal growth opportunities for young men. This involvement underscores his commitment to community and personalBehind The Scenes Of “My Rocking Chair”development.Currently undecided on his collegechoice, Mateo aims to continue improving his golf skills in hopes of playing at the collegiate level. He plans to major in architecture with a minor in communications, blending his interests in design and effective communication.Mateo’s favorite memory from his golf career thus far is making the varsity team as a freshman—an achievement that marked the beginning of his high school golf journey. The sport of golf, as Mateo describes, demands mental resilience, a strong work ethic, confidence, discipline, and the perseverance to continue despiteBy Sally Kalos“ M y R o c k i n g C h a i r ,” a profound film exploring the impact of mental illness on a young man’s life, first premiered on August 23, 2024, at City Base Cinema in San Antonio, Texas. The film’s journey from conception to screen owes much to the collaborative efforts of a talented trio: Mayte Ruiz, the Screenwriter; Alejandro Aldana, the Director; and Bert Lopez, serving as the Executive Producer. They aimed to shed light on the root causes behind crime stories, particularly focusing on the protagonist’s troubled upbringingand mental challenges.This independent film has not onlyresonated with audiences at its premiere but now also through streaming on Amazon Prime, earning accolades along the way. It’s garnered awards such as the Cine Paris Film Festival Award and was the official selection at various prestigious film festivals including the Berlin Indie Film Festival 2025, Lift-Off Filmmaker Sessions 2024, and the Santa Clarita International Film Festival 2024.Bert Lopez’s journey in filmmaking is deeply personal and reflective of his roots. Born in Laredo, TX, and raised on the Southside of San Antonio, his passion for acting and storytelling was kindled from a young age. Despite being raised in a single- parent household after the tragic loss of his father, his mother’s resilience and support fueled Bert’s dreams. This passion led Bert from re-enacting film scenes in their living room to acting alongside renowned actors like Damian Chapa and venturing into film production.Bert Lopez as Executive Producer balanced his professional responsibilities with his creative aspirations. “My Rocking Chair” represents a significant milestone in his career, challenging him to find suitable locations and craft a narrative that’s both respectful and engaging.Reflecting on personal experiences and professional milestones, his advice to aspiring creatives is to never cease pursuing your dreams. Engage in as much hands-on experience as possible, from church plays to professional training, to hone your craft and make your mark in the arts.Through“My Rocking Chair,”the talented trio aim to inspire and impact audiences,Alejandro Aldana, Director.Bert Lopez, Executive Producer.Mayte Ruiz, Screenwriter.drawing on the profound connections and narratives that film uniquely delivers. Their journey is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and collaboration in the face of adversity.10www.heloteshighlights.comDec. / Jan. 2024-25