2024 Professional Awards Winners

With over two decades of experience at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Marco Vasquez has played a pivotal role as a Videographer/Editor since April 1998 and as Video Production Lead since 2021. Responsible for overseeing a team of five members, Marco collaboratively develops, shoots, edits, and publishes video features that employ storytelling techniques to meet the communication needs of the district. Managing complex video productions for events, from graduations to sporting competitions, Marco consistently delivers high-quality content, showcasing his remarkable versatility.

Marco’s coordination skills, technical expertise, and leadership during the live multi-cam productions at the PSJA Stadium have significantly contributed to the success of these broadcasts which involve a dedicated team of 15 members each football season.

Beyond his mastery of the craft, Marco serves as an invaluable mentor and educator for budding videographers, passionately passing on knowledge and nurturing talent. His commitment to excellence and proficiency in various video editing software reflects a decade of recognition through numerous TSPRA awards.

Vasquez’s creative, dedicated, and professional approach to school communications makes him deserving of the Professional Achievement Award.

For two decades, Marco Alvarado has displayed valuable leadership in various capacities within TSPRA. Most recently serving as the At-Large Vice President, Marco has shown a strong understanding of the organization’s strategic vision and has been instrumental in providing insightful perspectives, knowledge and experience.

His involvement in key committees such as the Strategic Initiatives Committee and Bylaws Committee, underscores his deep engagement and commitment to the continuous improvement of TSPRA’s policies and initiatives. As the Chair of the Celebrate Texas Public Schools Committee (CTPS) and Edulege Committee, Marco has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and utilizing outside resources to help further TSPRA’s goals around engagement.

Marco’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and mentorship is evident in his active participation in Lunch & Learn sessions and TSPRA Online Connections. Through these platforms, he has provided valuable content, served as a mentor and shared his expertise as a speaker, enriching the professional development of TSPRA members.

Marco’s long-standing membership and unwavering dedication to TSPRA reflect his passion and commitment to the organization. He is a valued member of the organization at the state level and a supportive mentor and colleague at the regional level.

For his steadfast support of public education throughout his tenure in the Texas House, and most notably for his courageous, consistent stance and leadership in the fight against vouchers, Representative Abel Herrero has served as a champion of the work that advocates, including the Texas School Public Relations Association, do to celebrate and support more than 5 million students, more than 300,000 teachers, and those who support and love them. While he represents District 34, his advocacy has benefited students statewide.

In April 2023, Representative Herrero filed an amendment to the Texas House budget that would prohibit funding for schools that are not public schools. The bipartisan, 86-52 vote signaled strong opposition to using public dollars for private education. Herrero has steadfastly held this position for at least 10 years and continued to advocate for public schools even as the atmosphere became increasingly polarized.