Local school wins $500 for youth mariachi program

Cesar Chavez Elementary School won the December One Class At A Time Award for its youth mariachi program. It’s an after school program at the school lead by Mrs. Maria Hassan. While they have costumes and some instruments, they need a lot more for the full experience and for more kids to participate and learn.

“We tried to put a mariachi together, but right now we only have guitars, we don’t have trumpets or guitars,” Hassan said.

Now, with this 500 dollar one class at a time award from KESQ and the Walter Clark Legal Group, “Wow. We were in need great need of new costumes, instruments,” Hassan said.

“We know budget is usually cut for programs like this. It’s important for the community to have kids involved in this,” Walter Clark said.

Now, the future is bright for this program and the students involved.

“Culture is very important it helps them to identify themselves. They learn where they come from. It raises self esteem,” Hassan said.

“Me and my sister want to keep doing the tradition here, I like the music,” student Maysa Flores said.

“It’s incredible to know we can get new instruments to teach the other kids to play,” student Gema Gonzalez said.

To apply for our next month’s award, click here!