In a moment filled with gratitude, applause, and pure excitement, two outstanding United Independent School District educators were handed the keys to brand-new 2025 Hyundai vehicles. The recognition reward, made possible by Charlie Clark Hyundai of Laredo, celebrates the district’s 2025 Teachers of the Year for their excellence in teaching and impact on student achievement.
Elementary Teacher of the Year, Marissa Garcia-Perez, a 4th-grade teacher at Roberto J. Santos Elementary, and Secondary Teacher of the Year, Alejandro Mireles, head band director at Raul Perales Middle School, received the keys in a special ceremony surrounded by family, friends, district leaders, and their students.
“I feel so honored to receive this award and the vehicle. I am still in shock,” said Garcia-Perez, who has served UISD students for over 23 years. “I love what I do. My goal is to make my students shine through their work and help them find their passion. This recognition just makes me feel so appreciated.”
Mr. Mireles, a UISD graduate himself and founder of the Oiler Band at Raul Perales Middle School, was equally moved by the experience. “I believe in the power of music to transform lives. Being recognized for doing what I love is an amazing feeling. I’m thankful to Charlie Clark Hyundai and the district for believing in teachers like me.”
This year marks the second consecutive year that Charlie Clark Hyundai of Laredo has partnered with UISD to support its Teachers of the Year with a one-year lease of new vehicles, one for the district wide elementary winner and one for the secondary winner.
“We are very proud that we can do this again. I would not be here without my teachers and mentors so I am very proud that we can give back in this way and to be able to give back, gives me a real sense of pride and makes me emotional,” said Charlie Clark, CEO of Charlie Clark Hyundai of Laredo. “Supporting education and celebrating our teachers is a top priority for me and my team. It’s an honor to show our appreciation.”
UISD Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz thanked Clark and the teachers for their unwavering commitment. “Our teachers are the heartbeat of our schools,” Dr. Cruz said. “Mrs. Garcia-Perez and Mr. Mireles represent the very best of what UISD stands for: dedication, innovation, and student success. We’re proud of them and grateful to community partners like Charlie Clark for investing in our educators.”
UISD would also like to give a special thank you to the J.B. Alexander High School drumline for welcoming guests with a high-energy performance. The R. J. Santos Dance Team, and the Raul Perales Middle School Dance and Cheer Teams were also in attendance greeting guests.
The new vehicles, both black Hyundai Elantras were revealed outside following the ceremony, where the honorees posed proudly for photos with their keys and their new rides. “I feel excited. I feel very blessed and I can’t wait to drive this new car,” added Mireles.
They have this message for their fellow educators or those joining the teaching profession: “Rely on your team of educators. Each one of us has something to bring to the table. You can’t do this job alone, I have an amazing team behind me. We support each other and it helps us get through those day to day challenges we encounter as teachers,” said Garcia Perez.
“You are blessed to be in a huge district that has amazing educators,” added Mireles. “Always remember why you got into this profession and know that there is a whole community behind you supporting you.”
They both plan to hit the road this summer and travel in their new wheels!
Guests also heard from Mr. Juan Medina, UISD’s 2024 Secondary Teacher of the Year who received a vehicle through this same partnership. He reflected on the impact of the gesture on his family and professional life.
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