LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — April 7 is now Mariachi Alas Doradas Day in Clark County.
Students from Duane D Keller Middle School’s Mariachi Alas Doradas were celebrated Monday after winning first place at a national mariachi competition. The group competed against hundreds of students from across the country.
Clark County commissioners presented the group with a proclamation declaring April 7 as Mariachi Alas Doradas Day.
From cafeteria performances to national stage
The journey to national champions has been years in the making. Director Miriam Vazquez said the group has come a long way since their first performance five years ago.
“Going from five years ago, from their first performance in the cafeteria, where children threw food at them because they were not used to having a performing group,” Vazquez said.
AMPLIFIED: Keller Middle School mariachi group wins national competition
She said she stopped that performance and took the students outside to talk. Five years later, the community welcomed them back from nationals with banners, pom-poms, horns and flags.
“It was just so beautiful,” Vazquez said.
Community support pours in
After an earlier story about the group aired, support came pouring in. People reached out with messages, donations and hand-written notes.
“As of right now, thanks to the donations, we’ve sent some of our instruments to get repaired,” Vazquez said.
Just before their performance at nationals, the students focused on doing their best. That mindset paid off.
“I mean, I was shocked. I didn’t know how to react, and I was just yelling at the top of my lungs. I was super excited. I came up there to celebrate, and with all my friends, all my teachers,” said Leonardo Robledo, a seventh grader in the group.
Robledo said he loves playing mariachi because his mind goes blank when he plays.
Vazquez said the recognition from the county is meaningful.
“And just to see that recognition being brought back to them and saying thank you is the most beautiful reward we could ever receive,” Vazquez said.
The group is now focused on growing the program heading into next year. The mariachi group’s fundraiser website is still active. With budget cuts facing the Clark County School District, the group said any funds raised will help continue the program for years to come.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
