KION - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News WeatherHometown Hero: Assistant Principal Raul Ramirez

Hometown Hero: Assistant Principal Raul Ramirez

SALINAS, Calif. - if you want to know about Raul Ramirez, listen to his students. They describe him as an enthusiastic man, who always roots them on and pushes them to their limits.

Ramirez is the assistant principal at El Sausal Middle School in East Salinas and at a tender age, when gang life is calling, these kids hear his voice a mile away.

His signature trademark is when he calls out "Spartan Pride!" He says Spartan pride is pride in your school and self.

"He makes me think I have someone else to think about, and someone else to try hard for," says eighth-grader Antonio Martinez.

It's these kinds of values he teaches to hundreds of kids. Proof he makes an impact, his office is adorned with trophies, medals and drawings from his students. What's most endearing, he doesn't think he does enough.

"I see too many failures," says Ramirez. "I see too many kids getting involved in gangs still. I feel honored but at the same time, I feel like I haven't finished I'm not where I need to be. We have to do more and I need to do more."

But he's doing just that, one student at a time.

"When you know you have a role model, it will help you push," says Martinez. "It helps you think of the good things that are here in Salinas."

"I can't say enough about him," says eighth-grader Ricardo Huerta. "He's just a great man"

Submitted by Azenith Smith, Central Coast News