Waxahachie names Wally Mendez honorary council member; Citizens Academy awards certificates

The Waxahachie City Council introduced longtime downtown resource coordinator Wally Mendez as its honorary council member for February and presented certificates to the 2025 Waxahachie Citizens Academy class at its February meeting.

Councilman Patrick Souter introduced Wally Mendez, saying Mendez has dedicated more than 25 years to the city and helped organize downtown events including the Texas Country Reporter Festival and the Cinco de Mayo celebration. "Wally's dedication to his family, his work and the city of Waxahachie has made him a respected and cherished member of the community," Souter said during the presentation.

Laurie, a member of the Convention and Visitors Bureau staff, and colleagues Monica Boyd and Danielle Gwynn were acknowledged for their roles supporting downtown programming. Wally Mendez accepted the honorary position and briefly thanked Councilman Souter: "Thank you so much for thinking about me," he said.

The council also recognized the Waxahachie Citizens Academy class of 2025, a shortened, six-month program that met twice a month beginning in September. Alice, who organized the class, said participants toured city facilities and departments and that several attendees have since applied for boards and commissions. Sandy Emmons, administrator at the Ellis County Museum and a class participant, told the council the program helped her and others better assist visitors and increased confidence in the city’s operations.

Council members praised the program and the longtime municipal service of Mendez. Councilman Michael Atkins and Mayor Billy Wallace congratulated the graduates and thanked staff who coordinated the academy and downtown activities.

The recognition concluded with a group photograph of graduates and the presentation of a certificate to Mendez.