Weslaco Men Inducted into Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame

WESLACO - Two Weslaco citizens were inducted into the 2011 Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 for their service and dedication to the community.

Noble Allen and Robert McAllen were inducted for their life achievements and significant civic contributions to the Weslaco community, Rio Grande Valley and South Texas.

Each year nominations are received from cities and chambers in the Rio Grande Valley and the inductees are then recognized during BorderFest at the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame dinner.  The 2011 Induction Ceremony and unveiling took place at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo.  Over 500 community members from the Rio Grande Valley attended the dinner.

Noble Allen has devoted his life in making Weslaco a better place to live and raise a family. He has been involved in many valley-wide efforts including Rio Grande Valley Partnership, Valley Congress of Jaycees, UTPA Alumni Association, the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville and more.  "The Jaycees taught us to get involved and as a lifelong resident, I knew the city deserved whatever I could do to help make it an even better place to live," commented Noble.  Allen's commitment to community service has shown through in many aspects of his life.  He worked long hours throughout the years to help create a stellar health care facility for the mid-Valley with his many years devoted to Knapp Medical Center.   The Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce chose Noble Allen as the chamber's inductee has he embodies the spirit of service above self in everything he has done for the community.  

Robert McAllen was recognized for his many years of leadership and service to the Weslaco community.  He has served as chairman of the board for Knapp Medical Center, past President of the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation and Boy Scout Council and was Outstanding Citizen of Weslaco.  He is a long-time member of Weslaco Rotary and an Episcopal Priest.  It his nature to serve his community and has taught his children to do the same.  McAllen said he is pleased and honored to be inducted into the Walk of Fame. "I'm pleased the city is taking the time to recognize ordinary folks that work and work for the community, but don't expect any glory."  The City of Weslaco chose to honor McAllen and his legacy of service with a permanent marker in the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame. 

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Photo Captions: 

1. Former Borderfest Ambassadors Carlos Guzman (left) and Joe Morales (right) present an engraved brick paver to Noble Allen (center).
2. Former Borderfest Ambassadors Carlos Guzman (left) and Joe Morales (right) present an engraved brick paver to Robert McAllen (center).