"Plant a Tree, Plant a Memory!," said Utility Forester Jesus "Jesse" Alvear, who, along with AEP Texas employees, has been busy this spring planting trees and inspiring growth among elementary school students across the Rio Grande Valley in celebration of Arbor Day.

On May 19, AEP Texas donated and planted a Texas live oak tree at Sam Houston Elementary School in La Feria. Customer Service Account Rep. Mindy Rodriguez, Distribution System Supervisor Sam Coronado, and Line Mechanic-C Layton Lawson joined students, teachers, and families in planting the tree.

Just days earlier, on May 14, Alvear teamed up with Region Support and Resource Analyst Rey Moreno to plant another Texas live oak at Jane W. Long Elementary School in Harlingen, where Moreno's own children attended. Moreno's family was also present to take part in the event, adding a personal touch to the celebration.