McAllen, TX – The City of McAllen and McAllen Public Works recognized Alonzo Cantu with the inaugural McAllen SHINES Community Champion award for his lifetime work to improve and beautify life in McAllen.
In addition to the lifetime of community and economic contributions Cantu has made to the City of McAllen, the award recognizes his beautification efforts at Nolana Tower, located on the corner of Nolana and 10th Street in McAllen.
At the ceremony, Cantu was honored with two prestigious awards. The first, a reflective sign that will be installed at the Nolana Tower allowing community members to see themselves mirrored as future Community Champions, serving as an inspiration for acts of service. The second, a star-shaped personal award, symbolizing Cantu’s exemplary leadership and example for McAllen residents striving to make a positive impact.
“Alonzo Cantu is everything a McAllen SHINES Community Champion should be,” said City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Mr. Cantu is proud of who we are and where we came from, and it shows in his work.”
Mayor Villalobos and other McAllen city officials shared that Cantu’s impact extends beyond beautification. Through his leadership with organizations like Lone Star National Bank, DHR Health and Cantu Construction & Development Company, Cantu is one of the biggest drivers of economic development in the region. His efforts have created jobs, improved healthcare access, and provided essential services like housing and entertainment, leaving a lasting effect of progress and prosperity for the community.
“Alonzo Cantu’s work has transformed McAllen,” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “From creating public spaces that are warm and welcoming, to driving economic growth, he sets a shining example of leadership and community commitment. His contributions inspire all of us to take pride in our city and work together to make McAllen shine.”
The event concluded with a ceremonial lighting of the Nolana Tower Christmas Tree, symbolizing community unity and the beginning of the holiday season. Cantu accepted the honor, thanking his teams and others for their shared commitment to improving McAllen.
“McAllen is a city with endless potential, and I am humbled to be recognized as its first Community Champion,” said Cantu. “This award is a reflection of the hard work of many people who share a vision for a brighter, better McAllen. I hope this inspires others to continue giving back to our community.”
A McAllen SHINES Community Champion is an individual who exemplifies the values and mission of the McAllen SHINES initiative by making significant contributions to the beautification, growth and unity of the City of McAllen. These champions are recognized for their leadership and tireless efforts to enhance the city's quality of life—whether through improving public spaces, supporting community-driven projects, fostering economic opportunities or acts of kindness that inspire civic pride.
For more information about McAllen SHINES and the Community Champion Award, visit the McAllen Public Works website or follow McAllen SHINES on social media.
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About McAllen SHINES
McAllen SHINES is a city-wide initiative developed and managed by McAllen Public Works that is focused on promoting cleanliness, respect and civic pride throughout the community. Its mission is to engage citizens, businesses and city departments in collaborative efforts to keep McAllen beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming. Through various programs, events, and partnerships, the programs aim to foster a sense of responsibility and pride among all residents, encouraging everyone to do the right thing and contribute to the well-being of the city. Through McAllen SHINES, the City of McAllen is dedicated to making a positive impact on the city and inspiring others to keep McAllen shining bright.