Yellow rose blooms: McAllen first grader’s selfless heart recognized

McALLEN — Rose Caroline Mendez is only in the first grade but already has the heart and passion to give back to her community.

Now, she’s received the Yellow Rose of Texas, an honorary commission by Gov. Greg Abbott for women for exceptional community service.

Wearing a yellow dress decorated with roses all over her, Rose was the first to get recognition at a McAllen ISD board meeting Thursday. A bit overwhelmed with excitement, Rosa said she felt good getting recognized by the district.

Rose is the second in her family to receive the award, with her great-grandmother Aurora Diaz Austin receiving the Yellow Rose of Texas in 2002. Rose received the award on March 3.

Rose Mendez walks with her grandmother Aurora Judith Austin at the McAllen High Auditorium Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

Her mom, Aurora Mendez, said her yellow rose dress is dedicated to her great-grandmother and all the Yellow Rose of Texas women in the past.

“We didn’t think that she would even get honored with that award and she got it at such a young age,” Aurora said. “They loved that she’s preserving history with her dress … She’s making way for the ladies from the past and for the future.”

At just 7 years old, Rose has a long and expanding list of all her community service, fostered by all the women in her family that always look for ways to give back and uplift other women.

On the Palmview Royal Court, Rosa is active in community outreach, public service and raises awareness for things such as breast cancer.

She has participated in fundraising events, educational campaigns and community walks to support the cause.

Another impact she was worked on is working with her grandfather Joel Garcia, known as the Blind Artist of the Rio Grande Valley, to work on paintings to give comfort and empowerment for those facing hardships.

Rose Mendez stands with her parents Aurora and Luiz Mendez after receiving recognition from the McAllen ISD school board for being awarded the Yellow Rose of Texas award from the state at McAllen High School Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Omar Zapata | The Monitor)

Rose worked with her grandfather, who died in March, to donate paintings to Mujeres Unidas, a nonprofit that works with victims of domestic violence, and cancer patients at the children’s hospital.

“She has a passion for helping out, and she wanted to help her grandpa and also volunteer’s on her own,” her father Luis Mendez said. “She goes to the library and tries to support the community, also donates. She’s always worrying about … the kids, the women, that are going through a struggle.”

Rose’s commitment to give back at such a young age also resulted in the city of McAllen proclaiming April 28 as Miss Rose Mendez Day.

Both of her parents said they are proud of Rose and that it truly comes from her heart.

“We see it so we kind of lift her up,” Aurora said. “We’ll be like ‘I think this is too much.’ But she’s like ‘Mom, no.” We want to help her and help her improve herself … as long she’s happy and if it comes from the heart.”

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