4:29 p.m. PDT June 9, 2016
If there is one word to describe Roberto Ramirez, a senior and soon-to-be graduate from North Salem High School, it is “hardworking.”
Whether he is playing his saxophone in the multiple ensembles he enjoys taking part in, dumping rain from his hat as he marches despite a storm, composing his own music, or applying for scholarships to pursue his post-graduate dreams, people who know Ramirez know he is determined.
“He has always been a great student and musician,” said Brian Bell, the band teacher at North Salem. “But his attitude and work ethic are really what sets him apart.”
Ramirez, 18, will graduate Friday from North Salem and plans to attend Warner Pacific College in Portland to pursue a degree in music education.
Born in Mexico, Ramirez came to Salem when he was 5 years old. He attended Hoover Elementary School, Parrish Middle School and North Salem.
He grew up wanting to pursue medicine, but said he was so inspired by teachers such as Bell that he changed paths. By becoming a band teacher, he said, he will be able to continue music while helping people as Bell helped him.
As the first person in his family to go to college, Ramirez said, he appreciated the help Bell was able to give him on scholarship and college applications. He was awarded a few scholarships for academics and music.
“It feels really good,” he said.
Ramirez said his mother helped him and his sister get where they are today “despite not having all the opportunities” others may have had, Ramirez said.
Although he is a little nervous for the graduation ceremony Friday, he is looking forward to his relatives coming to support him as he accomplishes this goal.
Tuesday, Ramirez said he couldn’t believe he was only three days away from graduating high school, his biggest goal before college.
He thought back on his favorite moments from his time at North, all of which were with the band.
“Roberto is representative of a lot of kids in (North Salem’s) band,” said Sam Skillern, a parent with the North Salem Band Boosters club who has known Ramirez for seven years.
“A lot of these kids have so much talent though they might not know it and the community might not expect it,” he said. “It’s been a joy to see him discover it.”
Skillern also spoke of Ramirez’s strong work ethic and dedication to become a successful musician, having won many titles, such as first in state with a quartet for state solo and ensemble.
He said, “(Roberto) is just a great, positive spirit in a world that can be so pessimistic.”
Natalie Pate is the education reporter for the Statesman Journal. Contact Natalie at npate@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6745, or follow her on Twitter @Nataliempate, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nataliepatejournalist or on the Web at nataliepate.com
Natalie Pate 