Celebrating and Remembering Mike Ramirez
Madelin Arsate, Junior
As we navigate through this time of grief, many memories come to mind. Mike Ramirez was incredibly important to me, just as he was to everyone else. We are dedicating the final issue of the Blue Ribbon Rams Newsletter to him. We have asked fellow students here at DRHS to share their favorite memories and the things they loved most about Mike to create this special tribute.
Mike genuinely cared about us, kids. He greeted us every single morning, always told us to have a great day, and whenever we were down, he’d notice and give us some of the best life advice.
We have all lost someone truly significant, and while we will miss him deeply, we will continue to honor his legacy here at DRHS.
Mike once told me life only gets harder and that you have to push through, so for Mike, I’ll keep pushing through life and make sure I never give up. I know we all can.
Mike Ramirez and Rammy, Del Rio High School.
During lunch, when I’d be at the microwaves heating up my food, and Mike would be near the lunch lines, he never failed to make small talk with me, and we’d laugh over everything and anything. Mike was the type of person who never failed to make someone smile and could instantly lift up your spirits, no matter the time or day. I will forever miss our conversations and going up to him during lunch. You’ll be deeply missed.
Jannali Meza, Senior
My favorite memory of Mike is how he was always present whenever you needed someone; he was there. He offered a shoulder to lean on, and you could truly tell him anything. Another lasting memory is the way he brought light to the school. He always had a smile, maintained a positive attitude, and shared laughter with everyone around him. To him, we weren’t just students, we were his kids
Merzadis Hernández, Senior
My favorite memory of Mike Ramirez was every time my boyfriend and I walked by him, he would always tell me, "Take him to class, mija!" and I would always reply with a "Yes, sir, I will!" and he would leave us with a smile afterwards. Even on the days he knew I was sad, he would always tell me "smile mijaaa!" and I would. It's hard knowing everyone is going through a rough time with this, and he wouldn't want to see us like this. I thank Mike Ramirez for always making my day brighter when I felt down. He always made sure his students were okay. He made such a big impact on me and made me realize that life is very short, so live life to the fullest. I know he's in a better place and everything is God's plan in the end. I just wish I could've gotten the chance to say goodbye. We miss you, Mike. It's not the same without you.
Mireya Sanchez, Junior
My favorite memory of Mike was when I first met him. He made me feel so at home here at the high school, and he was just so energetic all the time, and always in a good mood. I never saw him in a bad mood, never.
Aiden Villegas, Sophomore
I loved how outgoing Mike was; no matter the day, he would always be laughing and happy. He was very funny and loved to joke around. I'll miss him.
Molly Velez, Sophomore
Mike was a funny, kind man. I would always see him during lunch, and he would make my day with positive comments. He would make people smile just with his smile. He would always wake up in school with a big smile and talk to you with confident words. I always saw him smiling and laughing with everyone, he really lit up Del Rio High School.
Sophia. S, Sophomore
My favorite memory is when he would give me advice about life and would help me calm down LLM
Alejandro Guerrero, Sophomore
I loved how whenever he saw me, he always said hi and made sure I was ok, especially after my grandparents' passing.
Laura Amezcua, Sophomore
Mike helped me when nobody would
Janie Rodríguez, Junior
Mike was the person that I would see in the halls and would always say hi to, even when I wasn’t having a good day. He was the type of person to always cheer someone up, even when he wasn’t trying to. I would always go to Mike at lunch and ask what they had, and he would always grab my shoulder and tell me what was in each line, and always said: “Okay, baby, have a good lunch.” Mike was always quick to let me go into his office and grab a water when he knew I forgot to take one to school. Anytime I would say I was hungry and say I wanted a cookie, he would tell me to go to his office, and whatever coins I found I could use to buy some food at the concession. I remember going to my law class in a not-so-good mood, not wanting to talk to anyone, and he would be outside with the buses, and he would always ask how my day was and how I was doing, and I always answered him with a smile on my face, and after that, my day would be a lot better. He showed he cared about all the students and would always make his best efforts to help people out and brighten their day. His amazing attitude and energy he brought to school every day will be with me every day until graduation, where I know he’ll be watching over us, proud of the people we will become. Everyone else in this school and I will forever miss you. Thank you for making school worth going to, even when I thought I wouldn’t be able to make it past the day.
Valentina Rivera, Junior
Coach Mike was the most supportive person out there! no matter what happened, he would always find a way to cheer you up! Even if he wasn't feeling it, he made sure everyone had a smile on their face, just like his. He was the definition of love and happiness. I’m grateful I got to share my youth playing volleyball with him as my coach. He was the happiest no matter if we lost or won. He was always proud of us. Two months before his passing, I showed him this picture of us two. He smiled and laughed. He said that he remembered. Thank you, Coach Mike, for everything. We love you! #Belikemike
Natali Rivera, Junior
I loved his work ethic, his undeniable support for Ram Baseball/athletics, and most importantly, his positive attitude no matter the circumstances.
Mason Hanselman, Senior
From an athlete's perspective, Mike was always the one who wished us good luck and showed up to practices for the extra help. He was the true definition of a coach, wanting the best for every athlete while also being a mentor. Staying extra hours just to help us get better was simply the best motivation talk. Queens Volleyball was so lucky to have someone like him who felt so deeply for the sport.
Devyn Casillas, Junior
One of my favorite memories of Mike was going to my classes in the 600 wing, and he would yell out, "Let's have a good day, everybody!!" Which I think is the most comforting thing, especially on days when I have bad mornings. I also loved how, no matter how dumb you felt, he never made you feel bad about it. He would encourage you to try hard and be the best you can.
Mike Ramirez was always a nice, happy, and proud guy here at school. I always remember him walking around, specifically in the lunch room. He would always help/tell me what was being served, and he was always nice and spreading confidence to students, brightening everyone's day whom he crossed paths with.
Jordan. B, Sophomore
I will always remember his positive energy, and the way he always carried a smile made me want to smile. I will always remember Mike and will be forever grateful for the impact he made at SFDRCISD. RIP Mike <3,
Alexa M., Senior
Mike was the kind of person who, if you were having a bad day, would be there to talk with his big smile. He always lit up Del Rio High School. I think he made everyone's day, no matter what, even if you were not in the mood, he would be there
Briza J., Sophomore 10th
My favorite memory of Coach Mike was that he was always so attentive to everyone, no matter where he was. I would mainly see him at the front of the lunch lines, trying his best to let every curious student know what meals they were having for the day. He was a man with a huge heart filled with nothing but love, a man you could rely on, and a man of great respect. I know not all students had the chance to personally interact with him, but even then, I could assure you that his joy could be felt from every corner. His presence left an everlasting mark across the whole district that will be missed dearly.
Nicole Marrufo, Junior
My favorite memories with Mike would be when I would always go to different lunches just to go bother him and see how he was doing. He always knew how to make me laugh and was the funniest person ever; he felt like family. There was never a moment where I couldn't count on him. He was always there. Two weeks ago, I was just in his office crying to him about things and he was there to lift me up and make me feel better, he reminded me how I was a smart, beautiful girl who deserved better. He always saw the best in everybody, and he will truly always be missed and forever be in our hearts.
Regina Bustillos, Sophomore
My favorite memories of Mike are the mornings he spent greeting me & friends and the afternoons when he would say goodbye. He had such a welcoming spirit, and I loved how he always made me feel like I truly belonged here at school. He put many smiles on our faces!
Anonymous Student, DRHS
My favorite memory of Mike was when I was in the cafeteria one morning with my friend Neriana, and he came up to us and started talking to us while saying to take our time to eat breakfast, but I never really got to actually get to know him, which sucks because he really seemed like a great man.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
Mike fue muy buena persona y muy carismática sus comentarios ocurrentes nunca faltaban los escuchaba mientras pasaba por los pasillos o cuando me los decía a mí una vez tuve un problema con una maestra y fui con mi consejera pero encontré a Mike y él fue quien me ayudó con eso esa vez y a él le conté y fue él quien resolvió en ese momento.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
He always greeted me when I would be late for my class. He wouldn't judge, just smile, wave, and always tell me kind words. My favorite memory was during the NHS school scavenger hunt. He let us into his office to collect some items that helped us get some points. I will never forget his kindness. Whenever I was shy to speak to him, he had that look, that look that he was welcoming with open arms. Truly someone special. Thank you, Mike. You truly are a soul that can't be replaced. I will miss your smile.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
Nobody could bring the same joy from just a pat on the back on each bad day. Rest well, Mike. ♡
Miss you so much, Mike.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
Mike was a very loving and caring person. He helped a lot of us throughout school, or with anything in general. We will miss him so much, LLM💙🕊️
Anonymous Student, DRHS
In trouble or not, in need or not, happy or not, Mike made sure every student at DRHS felt at home. He was a father to those students who didn't have that figure in their lives.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
Something I loved about Mike was his always checking up on everyone, giving hugs when they were most needed, and cracking jokes to put a smile on everyone's face. Even if he was in a rush somewhere, he would still stop what he was doing and take time to acknowledge you.
I liked how Mike used to always wish me a great day; he was always really happy, and that made me happy. He always had a big smile. He was a unique person, and he will always be missed, LLM.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
I remember a time when I was barely getting adjusted to the school, and Mike was the one to talk to when I didn't have anyone to talk to; it was really nice for me.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
My favorite memory has to be when he was the best dad figure to me. I feel like he really is a dad girl, but he would always make sure I was okay and ask “you, alright, mamas?” I never felt uncomfortable around him. He was the best dad to all the girls!
Anonymous Student, DRHS
Every time for lunch, I would walk up to him, and he would tell me all the options they have. He would always be positive and caring to all students.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
He was always a fun guy and would help me with volleyball so that I could get a better serve.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
He helped me get help to be allowed to use my headphones for my sensitive hearing.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
When I was upset, he came and said something that made me smile.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
When he would stay positive and greet everyone with kindness and respect
Anonymous Student, DRHS
He was always nice, and I spent like 2 months in total in ISS, so I saw him most of the time, but I think the nice thing he did for me was that while I was waiting in ISS, he let me go to CTE class last period, and that really made my day. At the time, not too many memories, but I remember that I always thought, “Why do the good people gotta go?”
Anonymous Student, DRHS
When it was lunch time, my friends and I would always see him directing the lunch traffic, and seeing his relationship with the students, I knew there was no way anyone could ever hate this man. He was always talking to someone with a smile on his face.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
My favorite memory about Mike is whenever I would have no idea what there was for lunch, and he would always tell my friend and me with a smile on his face. Rest Well, Mike.💙💙
Anonymous Student, DRHS
I didn't know Mike too well, but he'll definitely be missed. He was so sweet and nice to me. I'm going to miss you, Mike.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
A memory I always have in mind is walking from freshman to high school, trying to get to class, and Mike stopping me for a fist bump, smile, or a simple "how are you?" Those little details about him are what made him so special to everyone.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
I never met Mike much, but I know he was a great guy who always cared for others. A memory I have of him is whenever he would send my friends to the back of the line for cutting in lunch, and it was pretty funny seeing my friends walk back. But now, I don't know who is gonna be doing that anymore.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
During lunch, he would always stand in the middle of the lunchroom, and no matter if he just told another student he would repeat himself nicely with a smile on his face. He'd be in the office to open the door for me because I would stay after school because of UIL. Something I loved about him was that he always had a smile on his face.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
One of my favorite memories about Mike was that even though he was having a bad day, he always had a smile on his face. He would also give the best advice. When I was sad or not in a good mood, he would make me forget why I was sad, even just for a second. I appreciate everything he did for me, but one thing for sure I'm gonna miss is seeing him at lunch and in the mornings when he would say good morning. There is so much that Mike did for me, and I appreciate him being the loving and the patient person he is.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
Once during lunch, I told Mike he was so funny “please don’t go bald” (hint he is bald), and he said I could never go bald with this long, luscious hair of mine, and he pretended to flip it. It was so funny; he was the best. I’m so sorry for his family, and I wish them the best during this hard time. I miss you, Mike. You are in my prayers.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
I loved how he was such a kind and genuinely cool person. He had a lot of passion and love for his job, and it really showed in the way he treated people. He never went on a power trip for no reason, and he always treated everyone with fairness and respect. He always brought positive vibes wherever he was. I didn’t get to know him personally, but I would always see him in the mornings in the gym telling us to head to class, and he always told us to have a good day. Sometimes I’d see him in the ISS room, and whenever I did, he would talk to other students if there were any there, having fun, genuine conversations, and encouraging them to do better. I was only there a few times because I missed the bus for CTE. I also remember how he would guide traffic in the cafeteria or with the buses outside in the CTE drop-off and pick-up, and sometimes I’d ask him what was for lunch and he’d let me know. It’s just really sad that he’s gone now and we won’t see him again, but he’ll always be in our hearts and will be dearly missed.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
I didn't know Mike personally, but I could tell he had such a huge impact on others. Whenever I would see him, he would always have such a huge smile on his face. He was a very respectful, hard-working man, whom I'll always have respect for.
Anonymous Student, DRHS
Mike was a very bright and genuine person, and anyone could see that just by looking at him. There was never a time I passed him, and he didn't say hi. He was very known and loved by every student, coach, and teacher, and he left a big impact on many people. We never spoke for long, but he would always open the locker if we needed it or ask how we were doing. His loud and welcoming voice will be greatly missed because, no matter how far he was, he always said hi to everyone. There were times before practice when we would be eating dinner, and he would always stop by and say hello. He will be missed and remembered forever.
Anonymous Student, DRHS