Abrazo Children - 2026

Minnie Dora Rodriguez

Minnie Dora Rodriguez, the daughter of Mr. Enrique Rodriguez, and Mrs. Minnie Dora Haynes Rodriguez, is a third-grade student at United Day School.
Minnie is an energetic and multi-talented young girl. She participates in track and Girl Scouts, and is enthusiastic about tennis, swimming, ballet, and flamenco dancing. Musically inclined, Minnie also plays the drums and the piano. She loves spending time at her family ranch.

Minnie continues a family tradition of civic involvement and service to the community. Her maternal grandparents, J.J. and Minnie Dora Bunn Haynes were both directors of WBCA.

Her mother, Minnie Dora Rodriguez, has served on the WBCA Board of Directors since 2021. She is also an active member of IGNC, where she has served as President and is currently Parliamentarian.

This year’s honor is especially meaningful to Minnie and her family. In 1987, her mother served as an Abrazo Child, making this a sentimental and full-circle moment for both. Minnie is thrilled to follow in her mother’s footsteps and to be part of a family legacy rooted in tradition, leadership, and cultural pride.

Adding to that legacy, Minnie’s mother also served as President of the Society of Martha Washington and had the honor of portraying Martha Washington following in both her mothers and grandmother’s footsteps. Her great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother were both founding charter members of the Society.

As the 2026 Abrazo Child representing the United States, Minnie Dora Rodriguez is honored to symbolize friendship, unity, and goodwill. She looks forward to sharing this meaningful experience with her family and her community.

Dylan Valentine Puig

Dylan Valentine Puig is the nine-year-old son of Dr. John V. Puig II and Nancy E. Puig and proud older brother to Jack. He is the grandson of John and Ana Puig and Agustin Garcia and Guadalupe Gutierrez. Dylan is a fourth-grade honor student at United Day School, where he serves on the Student Council and participates in initiatives benefiting both his school and the community. He is a passionate athlete, playing golf, football, and practicing taekwondo, where he holds the rank of advanced red belt. In addition to sports, Dylan enjoys swimming, video games, movies, time at the family ranch, and cheering for his favorite team, the University of Notre Dame. When he is not speeding through life like his favorite character, Sonic the Hedgehog, he’s busy making people laugh.

Dylan is eager to continue his family’s longstanding tradition of civic and cultural involvement. His uncles, Jeffrey G. Puig and Jay Puig, have both served as presidents of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA). His grandfather, John V. Puig, was named WBCA Matias De Llano Honoree in 1981. His great-grandmother, Virginia Beyette Puig, was a founding charter member of the Society of Martha Washington.
His parents remain active in WBCA and IGNC, with Mrs. Puig currently serving on the IGNC Executive Board and as a member of the Society of Martha Washington. Their work includes the IGNC Christmas Project, providing newborn essentials to families in need in Nuevo Laredo.

Dylan is honored to follow in his family‘s footsteps as a 2025-2026 Abrazo Child representing the United States.

Maria Fernanda Lopez

Maria Fernanda Lopez is a talented 9-year-old student at Mary Help of Christians School, where she’s in the 4th grade. Daughter of Mr. Stephen R. Lopez and Mrs. Daniela Torres Lopez, Maria Fernanda enjoys dancing, singing, and spending time with friends. She’s part of a pre-professional hip hop travel team, showcasing her dance skills. Maria Fernanda will serve as the 2025-2026 Abrazo Child representing Mexico, continuing her family’s legacy with the Consejo Internacional de la Buena Vecindad (CIBV).
Her great-grandfather, Jose Luis Vazquez Cantu, served as CIBV’s president, and her mother, Daniela, was the Abrazo Child in 1996 representing Mexico as well. Her parents have been active CIBV members since 2023.

Maria Fernanda is honored to serve as an Abrazo Child representing Mexico and WBCA Ambassador in the 128th rendition of the WBCA festivities.

Eric Eugenio Galindo

Eric Eugenio Galindo, a 9-year-old student at United Day School, is the son of Mr. Eric Alejandro Galindo and Mrs. Brenda M. Galindo. Eugenio excels both in and out of the classroom—maintaining straight A’s while being a talented athlete in several sports.

In previous years, Eugenio has won city championships in both football and basketball. He recently helped lead his school to a National Championship in Monterrey, Mexico, where he was named to the All-Tournament Team. He also starts as shooting guard for Elite LTX, the premier club team in Laredo.

Moreover, Eugenio enjoys spending time with his friends, playing video games, and caring for his dog, Lucky.

Eugenio’s parents actively volunteer in organizations such as Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, Society of Martha Washington, and the Consejo Internacional de la Buena Vecindad.

Eugenio is honored and excited to represent his heritage as Mexico’s 2025–2026 Abrazo Child.