Every week during Hispanic Heritage Month we are spotlighting a notable namesake of a Dallas ISD school.
Esperanza Medrano operated a small neighborhood grocery store near Sam Houston Elementary School. Through this store, she conducted her own community service, sharing an abundance of wisdom and encouragement to the children who stopped in every day after school. As the children would walk into the store, Mrs. Medrano would always ask, “Did you go to school?” or “What did you learn today?” and “Have you finished your homework?” She listened and helped every child and reminded them daily of the importance of an education.
Medrano was born in Mabank, Texas in 1921. She was known to have a quiet and serene demeanor but was also a strong pillar in her family and the surrounding community motivating all who she encountered. In 1940, she married Francisco “Pancho” Medrano. The couple had five children and they made sure that all of their children finished school. Mrs. Medrano believed in education first and foremost.
She also believed that everyone must contribute to make a better future. Mrs. Medrano led by example, she established a clothes pantry for children in need of school clothes, gave lunch money to students who did not have any money, and most important provided support, words of wisdom and inspiration.
The Medrano’s instilled in their own children the drive to fulfill their civic duties and continue the struggle for social justice. They have done just that – Robert Medrano is a former Dallas Board of Education trustee, Richardo Medrano is a former Dallas City Council Member and Pauline Medrano is a former Mayor Pro-Tem.
Esperanza “Hope” Medrano Elementary School is located at 2221 Lucas Dr.
“Children are our future, and an education is one of the key foundations for that future. Once you obtain an education, it can never be taken away from you.” – Esperanza “Hope” Medrano
