https://www.lmtonline.com/local/article/Trio-of-award-winners-honored-by-the-Imaginarium-14030300.php
Trio of award winners honored by the Imaginarium of South Texas
By Ashley Sanchez, LMTonline.com / Laredo Morning Times
Updated 10:37 am CDT, Saturday, June 22, 2019
Guests and Imaginarium of South Texas board members join honorees Arthur D. Santos M.D., center left, Linda LaMantia, center, and Rep. Tracy O. King, center right, as the honorees display their awards on Thursday during the Imaginarium of South Texas' ninth annual Imagine Award Dinner at the Laredo Country Club.
Guests and Imaginarium of South Texas board members join honorees Arthur D. Santos M.D., center left, Linda LaMantia, center, and Rep. Tracy O. King, center right, as the honorees display their awards on
Photo: Danny Zaragoza / Laredo Morning Times
The Imaginarium of South Texas held its ninth annual Imagine Award Dinner Thursday evening at the Laredo Country Club to honor their 2019 honorees.
This year's honorees were Dr. Arthur D. Santos for his involvement in science; Linda LaMantia, for her involvement in the arts; and Texas Representative Tracy O. King for his involvement in education.
"Award recipients are chosen for their leadership and promotion of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) careers," said Sandra Cavazos Ayala, executive director for Imaginarium. "We're so excited to have these three honorees and a community so supportive and involved in helping to achieve our goal."
Their theme this year was in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 as they had space shuttles and astronaut fixtures displayed throughout the room. Assisting with the Pledge of Allegiance was Rodolfo "Rudy" Lerma Jr., U.S. Navy E-3 Apollo 11 Recovery Vessel, USS Hornet.
Also starting off the special occasion was monsignor Alejandro Salazar from San Martin de Porres Church with a blessing; a presentation of colors by United Day School, pack 201, led by pack leader Dr. Roberto Ramos; the national anthem led by John B. Alexander High School drum major Kristopher Montemayor; and serene music played by Victoria Canales and Sophia Nance.
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Dr. Santos was introduced by Douglas G. MacDonald, president and CEO of Texas Community Bank, as he announced his biography and accomplishments. Santos was born in 1953 in Los Angeles, California and attended medical school at Loma Linda University from 1973-76, earning a Bachelor of Science in human biology. At just 22 years old, he earned his medical degree.
After many fellowships, training and residency programs in various states, Santos moved to Laredo and opened a private practice in 1996, totaling approximately 40 years of experience.
LaMantia was introduced by Mary Lamar Leyendecker, secretary for the Texas Cultural Trust. LaMantia is a well known civic leader and artist in the community who serves as a board member in various organizations. She is president of the Texas Cultural Trust and serves as the co-chair of TAMIU's Vision 2045 Committee and chair of TAMU PAC.
LaMantia has been a devoted advocate of higher education, and through her family's involvement with the STARS Scholarship Foundation she has assisted in providing the dream of furthering education to students in the community.
"The arts has always been an important part of every aspect of our lives … I'm passionate about the arts and what the arts and education do for our kids, such as keeping them in school, engaged and learning." LaMantia said. "It prepares them for the workforce with critical thinking, motivation, creativity, collaboration and communication."
Representative King was introduced by Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina informing the crowd of his biography. King graduated from Texas A&M, earning a Bachelor of Science in agricultural engineering.
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After many years as an entrepreneur and business owner of Beltone Hearing Aid Center, King was simultaneously active in public service for various organizations. King is the current chairman of the House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee and serves as a member of the Natural Resources Committee, the Edwards Aquifer Legislative Oversight Committee and the Energy Council.
Representative King has also served on committees such as Appropriations, Ways & Means, Calendars, Environmental Regulation, Land and Resource Management, Agriculture and Livestock, Border and International Affairs, and Culture, Recreation and Tourism, all during his tenure in the Texas House of Representatives.
"I'm extremely honored. This is a prestigious award and it just makes me feel good about being part of this community here," King said. "I was recognized for my work on education. Ironically, the Texas Legislature, Texas House of Representatives just had one of the best sessions they've had on public education in 20 years."
All honorees gave a special thank you to the Imaginarium board members and volunteers for all their hard work and dedication in providing a place of great asset to the children in Laredo.