CISD News
McMullan Enjoys Visit from Author
Posted 11/9/2009
Joe Hayes is known for telling the “Southwest in Stories”. He is a New Mexico resident who has been the state’s first full-time professional story-teller since 1979. He began telling his children the stories he heard from his father as a young boy, and his love of those classic folk tales from the Hispanic, Native American and Anglo cultures led him to begin writing bilingual Spanish-English tales that have earned him a distinctive place among America's storytellers.
Joe did not grow up in a Spanish-speaking home and he did not study it in school, but as a child he learned the language through his own curiosity and by reading. He said that during his time story-telling for schools and museums he realized how important it was for these folk tales to be translated into the Spanish language. Below is a list of just a few of the many awards and accolades Joe has earned for his story-telling and books.
- He was designated a New Mexico Eminent Scholar by the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education.
- In 1995 he received the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence and Achievement in the Arts, the highest honor accorded by the state for accomplishment in the arts.
- His bilingual book Watch Out for Clever Women/ Cuidado con las mujeres astutas received the Southwest Book Award and was nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Award.
- In 2003-2004 Juan Verdades was nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Award and the Land of Enchantment Award.
- El Cucuy won the 2005 Land of Enchantment Award
During his visit to McMullan Elementary School, Joe visited with classes from every grade level throughout the entire school day. The children were completely mesmerized by his charismatic and entertaining way of telling the classic folk tales. He brought to life the classic stories in both English and Spanish and even sang songs with the kids in both languages. The teachers and staff members at McMullan enjoyed his visit as much as the students. Joe said that the children at McMullan were a lot fun and he really enjoyed his time spent with them. Joe is pictured here leading the students in a humorous Spanish song.
Janet Herrera, a teacher at McMullan, was able to arrange the visit from Joe Hayes with the support of McMullan’s Librarian, Denise Williams, and McMullan’s Principal, Mike Niemeyer. Ms. Herrera noted that all the money necessary for the visit was raised by community donations and a raffle among the McMullan staff. In just two months, the school had enough money to bring a field trip to the school! McMullan would like to thank all the local businesses, community members, and employees who contributed. Donations were received from local businesses including: United Community Credit Union, Texas Bay Area Credit Union, Armenta's Restaurant, Mrs. Yanira Mendoza, Fiesta, Johnny Carino’s, El Tejano Restaurant, WalMart, Red Lobster, Academy, Iguana Joes, Coastal Teacher’s Supply, Delta Downs Casino, and Attorney Shari Glover. Ms. Herrera said, “It is great to know that even though times are tough and the economy is not doing well, the community cares enough to support our students.”