GUERRA
By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the NEWS
At the San Benito City Commission meeting on June 17, 2025, Commissioner Deborah Morales shared a heartfelt tribute to three remarkable women whose lives radiate resilience, joy, and profound impact.
In an email interview, Morales celebrated Callista Hernandez, Alyssandra De La Rosa, and the late Analisa Guerra, weaving a vibrant story of courage and humanity that pulses with heart.
“As for honoring Calli and Aly — it is always important to acknowledge our young youth,” Morales wrote. “These young girls could be doing anything — yet they stay focused and active. I applaud them. These are the future leaders! I’m excited…”
Hernandez, 13, is an energetic eighth-grade graduate of Berta Cabaza Middle School. “She participated in Silver Stars as a Major, played French horn in the band, and was active in basketball, tennis, and golf,”
Morales shared. Outside of the classroom, Callista played seasonal softball and flag football — a sport in which she made history.
She was named to the NexGen RGV All-Star East team, one of the league’s first girls-only teams. The team secured a 20–12 win. The daughter of former San Benito Commissioner Carol Lynn Sanchez and the late David Hernandez, Callista continues to train and compete in the San Benito league while working with VMA.
De La Rosa, 14, channels her drive through an impressive list of athletic accomplishments. “Alyssandra De La Rosa whose passion for sports began at 4, started tackle football at 9 with the TYFA San Benito Greyhounds,” Morales shared.
She now juggles a packed schedule at San Benito High School, where she participates in varsity cheer, wrestling, cross country, and softball. The daughter of Ramon and Maribel De La Rosa, Alyssandra’s determination marks her as a rising leader in both athletics and life.
Morales’ tribute to Analisa Guerra carried a deeper emotional weight. Honoring Guerra meant recognizing that she had accomplished so much, given the numerous challenges she faced. “I wanted her family to know she was valued and appreciated,” Morales said.
Guerra, who passed away on June 19, 2025, left a legacy rooted in joy, kindness, and quiet perseverance. “Analisa was a neighbor of mine a few years ago. She was always the first to greet you when she saw you! She always had such a beautiful smile…” Morales recalled.
Born in Harlingen to Guadalupe and Adriana Z. Guerra, Analisa was a beloved sister to Francisco, Daniel, and Larissa. She attended Frank Roberts Elementary, Berta Cabaza Middle School, and San Benito High School, where she graduated in 2009. Throughout her school years, she was an active participant in the Special Olympics.
Her faith was a central part of her life. She served as an altar server at St. Joseph’s/Queen of the Universe Church, helped with CCE classes, and volunteered at the funnel cake stand during the parish festival.
“Analisa may have had challenges in her life, but that never stopped her from achieving anything! One thing Analisa taught me and maybe the rest of our community is — never say never!” Morales wrote in an email to the NEWS. “Unfortunately, Analisa passed away on June 19, 2025. She may be gone, but she will never be forgotten. It was an honor to acknowledge her accomplishments at our city meeting.”
Morales ended with a poignant reminder. “Let me finish by saying this — ‘hold your kids a little tighter today’ because tomorrow is never guaranteed.”
Though Analisa is gone, her spirit endures in her family and the community she quietly lifted. Alongside Callista and Alyssandra, she represents the power of living boldly and loving fiercely. For Morales, this tribute was more than recognition — it was a celebration of three lives that continue to inspire.
1 comment
Lovely recognition to three young Latinas from South Texas, who have impacted their local communities and families in positive ways. I believe we are each called to the same in our communities and abilities.