New mural celebrates school's Barrio Anita tie

This time, though, it was in celebration of over a century of history between the bilingual school and the adjacent Barrio Anita, a predominantly Latino enclave. Hundreds of students, parents and educators were present at the unveiling, which showcased in bright, Mexican muralist-styled colors several of the heroes who time and time again saved the surrounding communities from tragedy.

The art also notes the musical traditions of the barrio and the hope that education provides.

Muralist Luis Mena was present during the unveiling of his mural at Davis' auditorium. Mariachi Aguilitas de Davis, a children's mariachi directed by Jaime Valenzuela, sang Mexican folk classic songs such as "Guadalajara" during the ceremony.

Mena's mural showcases educators and musicians such as Alfredo Valenzuela, who for decades has taught several genres of Mexican music to local children and youths. The mural depicted Valenzuela in his full mariachi garb, playing proudly.

"Mariachi music has been a pathway to academic achievement," said Carmen Campuzano, Davis' principal.

Davis, an elementary school located at St. Mary's Road next to Interstate 10, is an entirely bilingual school - and proud of it, said Campuzano, who spoke in both languages to the crowd Monday.

She added that the school first opened during the late 19th century and began teaching students in Spanish.

At the heart of Davis is the school's willingness to work as a team with Barrio Anita, said Campuzano. Throughout its long history, the school has had a close relationship with the neighborhood, Campuzano said.

That is why, in addition to living mentors such as Valenzuela, the artist also depicted heroes such as Alberto García, who in 1935 used his own body as a human shield to save children from an exploding firecracker - losing most of his sight and hands in the process.

Or Aurelio García, his brother. When an explosion at the gas company threatened the surrounding community, he braved a 50-foot firefighter's ladder to shut off a valve that was spewing gas.

Aurelio Garcia suffered severe burns to his hands and arms, Campuzano said.

"The world has a lot of heroes," said Mena. "But at Barrio Anita, we can say that we have our own."

Contact reporter Joseph Treviño at jtrevino@azstarnet.com or at 807-8029.