Proud Products of Texas Public Schools

Andy Ramirez

Graduate of Oliver Wendell Holmes High School
Northside ISD

Born with a rare disability for which no cure has been discovered, Andres Ramirez has osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones), but he would be the last to suggest that he "suffers from it."

Ramirez is a greeter and information officer at San Antonio's AT&T Center, a tutor at Northside ISD's Raba Elementary School, and overall technology wizard. Stories about "Little Andy" abound, from the time he helped Dallas Cowboys legend Bob Lilly find his lost book to the time he recently shot and edited a movie.

Ramirez began school in Northside ISD by attending the district's school for the severely handicapped. By fourth grade he was determined to attend regular classes at John Glenn Elementary, followed by Pease Middle School and Holmes High School. He graduated from Holmes High in 1990.

Today he travels everywhere. His technology and digital photography skills take him where his legs may not go, but camping and fishing outings or trips to the deer lease are always a must.

As a volunteer at Raba Elementary, he teaches other handicapped students to excel. Ramirez was recently honored by the district with the 2007 Pillar of Caring Award.

"I love working with kids. I don't even care if I get paid or not paid. My payment is the laughter and the giggles and the smiles and the cheerfulness I get from the kids."

—Andy Ramirez