Golden Apple Award: Cynthia Alaniz, Rio Grande City High School

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — CBS 4 and ValleyCentral are honoring teachers across the Rio Grande Valley who are committed to academic excellence.

For our final stop this school year, CBS 4's Marco Ramirez paid a visit to Rio Grande City High School to honor a teacher who has dedicated 25 years to the school.

Cynthia Alaniz is a science teacher and head of the Student Council at RGC High. She is beloved by both the students and staff.

Many of Mrs. Alaniz's former students were so inspired by her that they chose to become teachers themselves and now work alongside her.

“She is that teacher that you would gravitate towards," said fellow teacher Janette Treviño. "She has that winning energy and a heart of gold. She was actually not only my teacher, but my older brother as well, who is also a science teacher in this school."

As CBS 4 surprised Mrs. Alaniz in her classroom, she said the only reason she has stayed longer than expected is because of her love for her students.

"I want to retire soon, within the next two years. But because of the students and the people I work with, the science department has always supported me, and I'm so blessed because God has given me the energy and the ability to do everything that I've done."

However, the real reason she chose to take on student council is to inspire her students to be something bigger in life.

"I want them to be leaders one day," Alaniz said. "One day, maybe they'll remember the things that we did in class or the things that I tell them."

Mrs. Alaniz's students tell CBS 4 they have always found comfort in her since she is always supporting them in whatever they do.

"She's always been someone that encourages me to do something that I want," said student Rossy Garcia-Peña. "She's always been supportive. I want to go into nursing, and she's always been supportive of that.”

“Her drive for student council shows us how to be leaders in the world," said student Sarah Ramos. "I feel like I have been able to show myself and be more confident in what I do, and it's all thanks to her.”

Mrs. Alaniz said she is grateful for the constant support from her students and co-workers. She is in awe that she has inspired her students to become leaders in life.

"I'm so blessed to be with them because I got to see them when they were growing up. I've got to see them as adults, and now they're my colleagues," Alaniz said.