1912-2004

We, at Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary take pride in our school.
Our school is named in honor of Mr. Roque Guerra, Jr. who has worked with many educators throughout our community.

The faculty and staff have great respect and admiration for such an outstanding leader and fellow educator.

Mr. Roque Guerra, Jr. was born December 11, 1912, in Roma, Texas.

At the age of 4, he moved with his parents to Hidalgo, Texas.

He attended school in Hidalgo until his High School graduation in 1928.

After graduation, he attended Edinburg Junior College and graduated in 1932 from

Pan American University with a B.A. degree in Public School Music and Instrumental Music-High School.

He then moved to Rio Grande City in 1932, where he accepted his first teaching position.

He was hired as a music teacher for Rio Grande City High School.

There, he started the first music program.

In 1932, he organized a High School Orchestra, which lasted four years.

In 1936, when the first football team was formed, Mr. Guerra began the first High School band program.

He led the High School band through numerous honors and accomplishments until his retirement in 1973.

One of his greatest challenges was during World War II when there was a shortage of teachers.

At that time, he worked as Band Director, Glee Club Director and Coach for the basketball and soccer teams.

Nonetheless, he was able to bring exemplary accomplishments to the Band and Sport teams.

In addition to this, Mr. Roque Guerra, Jr.'s accomplishments were numerous.

He was selected "Texas Band Master of the Year" in 1967.

He was the first Hispanic to receive this award.

He was honored at a State Band Directors Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
In 1951, the High School was moved to Fort Ringgold.

Mr. Guerra moved his band to the present day Middle School band hall.

The former high school became West Grammar Elementary.

After his retirement, he taught Public School Music for five more years at all the district's elementary schools.

In 1973, Mr. Guerra was elected county Commissioner, and therefore, retired from teaching.

He served as Commissioner for Precint 1 from 1973 to 1977. In 1977, he was appointed

Starr County Superintendent. He served as superintendent from 1977 to 1979.

On December 12, 1972, Mr. Alex Gabert, School Board Trustee proposed that

West Grammar Elementary be renamed "Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary" in honor

of our famous and dedicated band director.