Semillas de la Tierra director Domingo Estrada
Domingo Estrada isn’t an educator in the traditional sense. He doesn’t teach history, science, math or English.
But that’s the beauty of the Adams State University Educator Highlight. It opens the door for educators like Estrada to be recognized for their work with students – in this case Estrada’s instruction of folklorico dance as director of Semillas de la Tierra dance group.
Estrada is the latest educator to receive the honor from the Adams State School of Education, which focuses on highlighting each month the excellent work happening in the San Luis Valley’s educational system by recognizing a teacher, or a custodian, or a nutritionist, or a dance instructor.
“This is an honor. I had no idea I would ever be considered a nominee for this, so to get it and to be totally surprised by it 100 percent, I didn’t expect this at all,” Estrada said during a surprise ceremony held Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the El Centro Student Lounge at Adams State.
Semillas de la Tierra has a long history on the campus of Adams State, dating back more than 50 years when Alamosans Patsy and Herman Martinez began the dance group. Estrada has been able to revive and grow the program into a popular after-school program for K-12 students as well as maintain the involvement of Adams State students and adult folklorico learners.
“His work with Semillas de la Tierra makes it accessible to our youth to participate in these types of programs. Aside from just teaching them dances, also teaching them heritage, the origins of why particular dances are danced a certain way. It’s really going beyond that non-traditional education experience with students, and college students as well,” said Marlene Garcia-Araiza, who nominated Estrada for the award.
At the awards ceremony there were young dancers who Estrada had instructed, there to celebrate with him. And there were other well-wishers who have seen the long hours, all-volunteer, that Estrada has put in to make Semillas de la Tierra dance group as strong and as popular as it’s ever been.
“Honestly to see the smiles on the kids’ faces, which is why we do it, and to develop into dancers and what they do and getting on stage and the courage to get on stage means a lot to me. I am beyond speechless.”
Adams State is in its third academic year with the Educator Highlight Award presentations. Each one is special and different and a reflection of the talent inside the school buildings across the San Luis Valley.
To make a nomination of your favorite teacher, or school administrator, or even the custodian and cafeteria worker in your school, email Paul Clark at pclark@adams.edu.
The Educator Highlight Award recognizes Adams State University School of Education alumni, prominent local teachers, and other educators working within or hailing from the San Luis Valley. In so doing, Adams State University hopes to build familiarity with the community as a serious destination for future educators.
Here’s a list of all the educators who have presented with the award from Adams State School of Education.
PAST EHA WINNERS
Presley Garcia, Monte Vista special education teacher
Nick Dionisio, Alamosa High English teacher
Aaron Miltenberger, Boys & Girls Club executive director
Anna Bishop, Center High School CLD teacher
Phyllis Vigil, Sierra Grande first-grade teacher
AlexAndria Moore-Guenter, Moffat Schools secondary counselor
Omar Gonzalez, Alamosa Elementary visual art and music teacher
Leanna Brazel, Alamosa Elementary kindergarten teacher
Freddy Lawrence, Alamosa Elementary custodian
Joe Guenther, South Conejos School District
Katie Turner, Del Norte math teacher
Edwin Mondragon, Monte Vista High School agriculture teacher
Aaron Williams, GOAL High School English teacher
Miriam Baines, Alamosa High School biology and math teacher
Rachel Kellum, Moffat Schools art teacher
Darlene Pinales, Sargent School District, food service staff member
Upward Bound summer faculty, Adams State University Review of Awardees
Erika Henderson, Alamosa High School chemistry teacher
Jay Sarason, Sargent High School aviation teacher
ABOUT THE EDUCATOR HIGHLIGHT AWARD:
This monthly award recognizes Adams State University School of Education alumni, prominent local teachers, and other educators working within or hailing from the San Luis Valley. In so doing, Adams State University hopes to build familiarity with the community as a serious destination for future educators. To nominate and educator email Paul Clark at pclark@adams.edu.
