DRC-Corrido.de.Tomas.Rivera A tribute in song: `Corrido de Tomas Rivera'
Isabella Pina-Hinojosa, Emilio outside To be a highly honored man
"Popo" Gonzalez and Sotero The people gathered Long live Rivera; Long live
Lozano wrote the lyrics to Asking the school board education
"Corrido de Tomas Rivera," a members
song about Dr. Tomas Rivera and To name the new elementary And this is how the school
the school Denton Independent school board voted:
School District named after him, In memory of an Hispanic Dr. Gerald Ponder—Yes
Tomas Rivera Elementary. The Who was born in Crystal City Charles Stafford —Yes
lyrics are translated from Long live Rivera; Long live Vicki Holt—Yes
Spanish. education Guy Jones—Yes
Jeff Krueger—Yes
- "On the 23 of June A man whom from below Dr. Jean Schaake—Yes
I recall With his will opened paths
Even though it was storming Triumphed over obstacles He came to be chancellor
Of the University of California Texas Woman's University
He was known by all University of North Texas
As an honorable man Father Sergio and Catholic
A persistent man Hispanics of Denton
_ A compassionate man League of United Latin
A role model for children American Citizens
To continue their education
Long live Rivera; Long live
education Conchita will be proud
In California
We extend our appreciation When she hears of the news
and "thanks" to: Or her beloved Tomas
NAACP Long live Rivera; Long live
Denton Housing Authority education"
_'L.U LAC
-From/1A The name serves as a re- In the year 2026, Anglo- and youths and the challer.
-ees were present to accept the minder of accomplishments Americans in Texas are expec- that that presents for the
honor. and contributions by Hispanic ted to become a minority, he ple of the state.
Dr. Rivera was a poet, educa- people, said Rick Salazar, pres- added. "And, for that world, tale
for and community leader who ident of the Denton County "We as Hispanic Americans sheer skills and compassion
was born in Crystal City, Tex- chapter of LUI AC. live in a world of great duali- people will need to rise to
as. The school, expected to "I think it will bring about a ty," said Dr. Rodriguez. "One is surface,"he said.
open in mid-June, is the first cultural sense of awareness for in the world of our own heri- Also at Friday's bangs
school in the Denton Indepen- all non-Hispanics,"Mr. Salazar tage and pride in our bilingual Adela Nunez, principal of R
dent School District named for said. and bicultural experience. The ra Elementary, received
a Hispanic. Dr. Rodriguez said it is criti- other deals with the bigger eco- Outstanding Hispanic Im
Years of efforts by members cal that ethnic minorities con- nomic and social issues of the Award for her contribution
of the community to have a tinue with their schooling, cit- state —a transitioning econo- "I feel very, very honor
-Denton school named for a His- ing a need for educated my, a transitioning decision- and I certainly will be work
panic culminated in the school minorities to contribute to an making inclusiveness and the very hard to live up to all of
'being named for Dr. Rivera. increasingly diverse society. concern for troubled families expectations,"she said.