[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 169 (Monday, October 16, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING LAS VEGAS HIGH SCHOOL'S MARIACHI JOYA

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 
incredible talent and achievements of Las Vegas High School's Mariachi 
Joya. One of the top ensembles in one of the largest mariachi programs 
in the United States, Mariachi Joya brings music, joy, community, and 
culture to southern Nevada. I am proud to host them in our Nation's 
Capital in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
  Launching in 2018, Mariachi Joya is one of the newest mariachi 
programs in Clark County, but that hasn't prevented these talented 
students from becoming a premier ensemble. Over 250 students at Las 
Vegas High School participate in the school's mariachi program, and 
many audition for Mariachi Joya, which takes 20 young artists each 
year. These students, playing the guitarron, violins, and trumpets, 
have quickly made Mariachi Joya the top ensemble group representing the 
school.
  Mariachi Joya's skyrocketing fame has taken them around Las Vegas and 
throughout the country. The students perform locally at homecoming 
assemblies, sports games, Mexican Independence Day celebrations, and 
even at national conferences in Las Vegas. In celebration of Hispanic 
Heritage Month 2021, Mariachi Joya came to Washington, DC, to perform 
for the Mexican Embassy. The group made their State proud when they 
performed virtually at President Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration.
  Despite not being able to meet in-person during the pandemic, 
Mariachi Joya continued to rehearse and perform together. They recorded 
and produced an album virtually, ``Joya,'' which has nine tracks, 
including one original song.
  Director Stephen Blanco leads Mariachi Joya and is wholeheartedly 
dedicated to his students. Mr. Blanco moved from Michigan to Nevada in 
order to start Las Vegas High School's mariachi program. He has 
developed an incredible program and was a semifinalist for the 2022 
Grammy Music Educator Award.
  Mariachi Joya highlights the vibrant Latino history and culture in 
southern Nevada. It brings the Latino community together as it spreads 
the beauty of its music. Most importantly, it has an impact on the 
students who participate. It is giving kids a support system, turning 
them into model students, and it boasts an impressive 100 percent 
graduation rate. I am so honored to recognize this incredible program, 
its brilliant students, and its contributions to the Latino community. 
I look forward to seeing Mariachi Joya continue to grow and thrive in 
the years to come.

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