[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 103 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING SALVADOR RUIZ ESQUIVEL'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIS COMMUNITY

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                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2023

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a true 
artist, community leader, and mentor of young people throughout the 
beautiful Espanola Valley in northern New Mexico--Salvador Ruiz 
Esquivel. Growing up in his native Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, he 
never dreamed he would become an American citizen, a leader in the arts 
and in the greater community, nor least of all to be mentioned in the 
halls of Congress.
  Salvador gave up his early years in dance when he came to the U.S. 
where he became a successful entrepreneur in the field of furniture and 
design. He returned to his true calling, though, when he and his life 
partner, former State Legislator Roger Montoya, joined together to 
found Moving Arts Espanola. Salvador had returned to dance when Roger 
asked him to teach Folklorico Dance and Visual Art in the public 
schools. Seeing that there were no after-school programs for the 
children, they co-founded Moving Arts Espanola to fill the void and 
serve children and families.
  Moving Arts Espanola has served thousands of community members 
through its regular classes, after school programs, and teaching of all 
the arts. Numerous young graduates return to be teachers themselves--
not as volunteers, but as paid staff. They relate to the students who 
see the possibilities for themselves in their young mentors. Also, all 
attendees receive a free hot meal.
  The Espanola Valley is a different place because of Moving Arts 
Espanola and Salvador's work. This is an area where many live below the 
poverty line and too many have experienced the tragedies of addiction. 
It's a place where grandparents often help care for extended family 
members. Moving Arts Espanola has helped students become more engaged 
in their education. School dropout rates, drug usage, and crime 
involvement for these young artists are measurably lower than in the 
broader community.
  Salvador's work has changed a generation of lives, and continues to 
do so. In 2019, Roger was nominated as a CNN Hero, and in 2022 Salvador 
received the Univisionario Award for his work. Salvador's role as both 
executive director and shepherd of the Moving Arts Espanola vision as 
well as his place in the community has made him one of my Congressional 
District's most outstanding citizens.
  When Salvador was a young boy in Mexico he learned a strong work 
ethic from his father. Never in search of glory or fame, Salvador has 
worked hard and brought others along with him through his journey. A 
gifted dancer in his youth, Salvador gave up his art when the obstacles 
seemed too great. Now he and Roger work to make sure young people do 
not face the same obstacles that Salvador encountered in his youth.
  Salvador always mentions that the best reward is, ``Seeing the smiles 
on the children's faces.'' Today, we offer our gratitude to Salvador 
himself who is the reason for so many of those smiles and who continues 
to make the community a vibrant place.

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