During the event Masters of Ceremony Daniella Byrne welcomed all in attendance and presented the various speakers and performers including Mariachi Relampago and EPHS Mariachi Alumni, EPISD Board President Lupita Fuentes, Former Student Spokesperson Ruben O.Valadez, 1st EPHS Band Booster President Humberto(Beto) Garza and EPISD Superintendent Gilbert Gonzalez.
Mr. Gonzalez thanked his family , the EPISD Board of Trustees, administration, alumni ,colleagues, parents for their support and for being present during this important time in his life.
“ I want to thank the Lord for allowing me to come to Eagle Pass in 1981 and work with so many fantastic people and kids. I want to take the time and thank everyone who made this honor possible and all those people who have been involved in what we have accomplished throughout the years,” said Raul Gonzalez.
EPISD Board President Lupita Fuentes proceeded to officially pronounce the Fine Arts Center as the Raul A. Gonzalez Fine Arts Center at the dedication ceremony. “During his 22 year career with our district , Mr. Gonzalez created the foundation to the musical empire that we now have,” said Fuentes.
Raul A. Gonzalez headed the Eagle Pass High School program for 22 years from 1981 to 2003. During this time EP High School earned 22 consecutive 1st Divisions / Sweepstakes Awards, and garnered numerous accolades during his illustrious career.
In July 2015 Gonzalez was named to the Phi Beta Mu Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame.