Our Alumni
Take a look at what some of our most recent alumni are up to!
Tanya Benitez
Tanya is in her second year of college and is currently dancing with Ballet Folklórico de Santa Clara University. She plans to be an Anthropologist by the time she graduates. She’s grateful for her time with the FNM Jrs.
Cynthia Contreras
Cynthia Contreras graduated from Pioneer High School in 2011 having participated in four years of basketball as well as softball and received a booster scholarship for Most Inspirational Player in 2011. Her passion for folklorico dancing remains strong and she keeps in contact with Ms. Elena who remains a major influence in her life. In the fall of 2011 Cynthia began college life at Northern Arizona University pursuing a Business Management degree. Cynthia is grateful for all the mentoring she has received from the group, attending fun and challenging performances, meeting new people and making lifelong friends along the way.
Emmeline Gonzalez-Beban
Emmeline graduated from Mountain View High School and the Juniors in 2010. She is currently studying modern dance at The Ohio State University with the help of numerous scholarships. Emmeline is grateful for the opportunities to serve the community through dance she received through Folklorico Nacional Mexicano Juvenil.
Sharon Benitez
Sharon Benitez graduated from the group in 2009. She went on to pursue degrees in English and Music at Santa Clara University. Her future goals involve acquiring a teaching credential and graduate school. She stills dances with a group she helps lead at Santa Clara University and teaches folklorico at Luther Burbank Elementary After School Program.
Claudia Gil
Claudia (Caui) Gil is currently a student at San Jose State University studying English teaching prep and minoring in Spanish. In the 4 years she was in FNMJrs, she learned many skills of life as well as appreciation for her Mexican culture and other diverse cultures. Ms. Elena Robles became her mentor and role model, proving that you can be an educated Latina woman and still hold on to your roots. This group has exposed her to many wonderful things and traditions she can now pass on to her daughter.