Editors note: This is the second of a multi-part series of columns on inductees for the 2015 International Educators’ Hall of Fame.
Frances has been a pianist, piano teacher and bilingual storyteller for 40 years. Her ancestors lived in San Juan Capistrano, and she is a descendent of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians – The Acjachemen Nation.
Frances expresses her love for her history, culture and passion for the arts by performing and teaching in small venues like libraries and for cultural events throughout Orange County. She believes music and the arts are important because they help children understand history and become patient, self disciplined, focused individuals.
Frances is teaching beginning music theory and piano to children who attend the free after school programs at the Bowers Museum’s Kidseum in Santa Ana. The program is attended by children from the surrounding low income inner city neighborhood. Frances is also teaching music and piano at the Women’s Transitional Living Shelter. Women and children living in this shelter are victims of human trafficking or seeking to end violent relationships. Frances hopes her music programs will promote emotional and psychological healing for children and women who are recovering from lives of significant chaos and abuse.
Frances Rios has dedicated her live to helping others and will be receiving the award on Saturday, October 24th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Grand Auditorium, at the Church of Scientology of Orange County, 505 N. Sycamore Street, Santa Ana, where several dozen educators from around the world and about 100 youths will be feted and honored at the 22nd Annual International Educators’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
The public is invited to attend and to have the opportunity to meet the various Hall of Famers, and the youths. For more information please visit our website: www.educatorshalloffame.org.
Read about other Hall of Fame educators: