[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 80 (Wednesday, May 8, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING MR. EFRAIN CASILLAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2024

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable 
contributions of Mr. Efrain Casillas, the Coordinator of Music Programs 
for the Tolleson Elementary School District in Tolleson, Arizona. For 
the past 24 years, Mr. Casillas has dedicated himself to the education 
and enrichment of his students, serving as a public-school music 
teacher and imparting his passion for music to countless young minds. 
Mr. Casillas' own journey exemplifies what it means to break through 
barriers to achieve success through dedication and commitment. Mr. 
Casillas has beaten the odds and was named the Arizona Teacher of the 
Year in 2024 by the Arizona Educational Foundation, representing the 
state of Arizona at the national level among many more recognitions.
  Mr. Casillas has had a profound impact on countless students, 
pioneering innovative music programs, including the district's first 
Mariachi, Jazz, Marching, Concert, and Latin Jazz bands. As a native of 
Puerto Rico, Mariachi was not part of his musical heritage, but 
Casillas made it a priority to learn it because it is part of the 
culture of many of his students who are native to Mexico.
  Under Mr. Casillas' guidance, the Mariachi band has secured multiple 
awards, including the Tucson Mariachi International Conference Choice 
Awards for three consecutive years. Notably, his dedication led to the 
Mariachi band performing at the 2024 Annual White House Easter Egg Roll 
event and the marching band proudly participating in the Disneyland 
Parade. Additionally, Mr. Casillas directed the Tolleson Elementary 
School marching band in the Fiesta Bowl Parade for three consecutive 
years. Mr. Casillas' commitment and talent have garnered numerous 
accolades and awards, including being named the Tolleson Elementary 
School District Teacher of the Year in 2015 and nominated for the Life 
Changer of the Year Award in 2017. He has also received the Esperanza 
Award from Chicanos Por La Causa and Arizona's Esperanza Latino Teacher 
Awards in 2018, along with the 2019 Music Teacher of Excellence 
Foundation Award by the Country Music Association. Furthermore, he was 
honored with the Music Teachers of Excellence from the Country Music 
Foundation Award (CMF) in 2020 and featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show.
  Mr. Casillas' dedication to music education and advocacy for public 
education were further recognized when he received the Phoenix Arts 
Hero Award in 2022. Mr. Casillas' commitment to music education extends 
beyond the classroom, as he is an active member of many notable and 
impactful organizations. He has also served as a presenter for the 
National Symposium of Multicultural Music at the University of 
Tennessee in Knoxville in 2004 and as a clinician for the 2024 Tolleson 
High School Honors Mariachi Music Festival.
  The highest honor Mr. Casillas has received is having many of his 
former students return to assist in the music program as teachers or 
instructors. His impact is now extending to more students.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Mr. Efrain Casillas for his unwavering 
dedication to music education, his outstanding achievements as a 
teacher, and his tireless advocacy for public education. His passion, 
talent, and leadership have enriched the lives of countless students 
and inspired us all. I join my colleagues in expressing our deepest 
appreciation for Mr. Casillas' contributions and in wishing him 
continued success in all his future endeavors.

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