Fifteen Frenship educators, one from each Frenship ISD school, were nominated by their campus for the honor. Through the selection process, Sanchez was chosen to represent the district as Frenship ISD’s overall nominee for the LCU Distinguished Educator.

With 20 years of experience in education, five of those at Frenship, Sanchez has undoubtedly left his mark on the band program and students at Terra Vista Middle School.

“Last year, Roel’s dynamic leadership in the band program enabled a staggering 40 TVMS band students to qualify for the All-Region band,” wrote Terra Vista Principal Cale Bridges in his nomination letter for Sanchez. “The success and accolades of our band students are consistent, clear, and important; however, I also think it is safe to say that he would consider one criteria above all others as his main accomplishment – that he leads a band program where students’ lives are changed.”

On November 16, Terra Vista administrators along with his former student Kianah Aldoco surprised Sanchez during his band class to announce his selection as the district winner. Now a Frenship High School junior and drum major, Aldoco read a heartfelt tribute to Sanchez about the impact he has on students.

“Mr. Sanchez not only taught me music, but he also taught leadership, uniformity, and role modeling,” she read to the class. “Mr. Sanchez refused to let me give up. He helped me turn my mistakes into feedback and grow towards success. He allowed me to build confidence in my teaching and musical aspects. As a high school student this made me stand out of the crowd and gave me big opportunities such as being the 2022-2023 high school drum major. Without Mr. Sanchez I would have not been able to accomplish such high achievements in a high standard band.”

Sanchez was left shocked and humbled by the surprise announcement and visit from his former student. Just as the Frenship ISD vision states, “Seek Perfection … Capture Excellence”, Sanchez says his mission is to empower his students to reach their full potential and continue to excel even after they leave Terra Vista, like Kianah.

“There’s nothing they can’t achieve, and that’s the overall message of my program,” said Sanchez.  

Chosen as Frenship’s Distinguished Educator, Sanchez will join other area-nominated teachers for the chance to be selected for the overall LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching. That award recipient will be chosen later this school year.