The Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center awarded two San Angelo ISD Difference Makers with prestigious awards at the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Banquet on September 16. The Hispanic Heritage Committee educates and provides public awareness of the Hispanic community’s impact throughout the past, present and future and honors those who have made a profound impact on our community. Rosendo Ramos, Mariachi Director at Lincoln Middle School and Lake View High School, was awarded the prestigious Captain Albert Tijerina Jr. Trailblazer Award. This esteemed award recognizes individuals who have made significant strides in their field, embodying the spirit of innovation and leadership. Lena Rivera, second grade teacher at Fort Concho Elementary, was honored with the prestigious Eva Camunez Tucker Service Award, which recognizes individuals whose exceptional contributions to community service and cultural education have made a lasting impact. 

“Teachers are life-changers and inspire our students to dream big through opportunities they may never have experienced otherwise,” said SAISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Moran. “Mr. Ramos and Ms. Rivera are two shining examples of what we hope for in every employee. They love what they do and care deeply for their students, demonstrated every day by the passion they bring to the classroom. Their reputations precede them and students want to be a part of their program as a result. I am thankful to serve with both Rosendo Ramos and Lena Rivera, heroes in our community.”

Mr. Ramos has made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of mariachi music education in San Angelo, Texas. His exceptional dedication and leadership have been pivotal in nurturing and promoting mariachi music among the youth in our community. Through his unwavering commitment, Mr. Ramos has inspired and educated hundreds of students across West Texas, rekindling the mariachi spirit within the San Angelo community. His passion for mariachi music, his students, and his program is evident in the continued success and growth of the mariachi programs he has established. 

Currently serving as the Mariachi Director at Lincoln Middle School and Lake View High School, as well as the Mariachi Instructor at Angelo State University, Mr. Ramos has achieved remarkable milestones:

• Led the Lincoln Middle School and Lake View High School Mariachi Orchestra to its first sweepstakes award in over a decade
• Guided the Lake View High School Mariachi Ensemble to the Texas UIL State Mariachi Festival for eight consecutive years
• Established successful mariachi programs at Lincoln Middle School and Lake View High School
• Created the first mariachi ensemble at Angelo State University
• Achieved Division 1 Superior Ratings at the UIL Region Mariachi Contest from 2017 to 2024

Through his unwavering commitment, Mr. Ramos has inspired and educated hundreds of students across West Texas, rekindling the mariachi spirit within the San Angelo community. His passion for mariachi music, his students, and his program is evident in the continued success and growth of the mariachi programs he has established.

Mr. Ramos exemplifies the essence of a trailblazer through his dedication to music education and his role in cultivating a vibrant mariachi program. His contributions have greatly enriched the cultural landscape of our community and provided invaluable opportunities for students to celebrate their heritage through music.

Ms. Rivera’s dedication to celebrating and preserving Hispanic heritage through cultural education and community involvement is truly commendable. Her commitment to these causes has significantly enriched our community, particularly through her innovative work with local students and cultural events. In 2021, Ms. Rivera was honored as Elementary Teacher of the Year, a testament to her outstanding commitment to education and her creative approach to teaching. That same year, she founded the Damitas y Charritos de Fort Concho, a program that introduced her 2nd-grade students to Mexican cultural dances such as the Mexican Hat Dance and Los Machetes. This initiative was first showcased at the Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff and has since become a cherished annual performance before Dia de los Muertos. Her dedication to cultural education led her to teach these traditional dances to all 2nd graders at Fort Concho in 2022, inspiring other schools to adopt similar programs.

Ms. Rivera’s efforts extend to her role in celebrating Dia de los Muertos. She leads a Dia de los Muertos celebration for 2nd graders at Fort Concho, helping them understand and appreciate the traditions of this important holiday. In 2024, Ms. Rivera volunteered at the Catrina Workshop, setting up her family altar and assisting with various duties, demonstrating her deep commitment to cultural celebration. Her involvement also includes coordinating the Dia de los Muertos Procession for this year’s event and previously assisting with the Catrina contest. As the volunteer coordinator for the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Banquet, Ms. Rivera continues to dedicate her time and energy to ensuring the success of this significant community event. Additionally, she supports her daughter Leah in becoming a Catrina for the Dia de los Muertos procession, with Leah achieving top-three placements for the past three years. Ms. Rivera’s exemplary service, unwavering dedication, and contributions to cultural education and community involvement make her a deserving recipient of the Eva Camunez Tucker Service Award. Her efforts have greatly enriched our community, preserved our cultural heritage, and inspired future generations.

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