Arkansas Catholic reported that Dennis and Valeria Figueroa, parishioners of St. Raphael in Springdale, are pursuing higher education at Arkansas universities while maintaining strong ties to music. The siblings, who began singing in their home parish’s Spanish, Latin and English choirs during middle school, have advanced to collegiate levels.
Dennis Figueroa, 19, is a sophomore vocal music education major at the University of Central Arkansas. After a church pianist recognized his potential, he took piano lessons and later performed on keyboard and percussion at Don Tyson School of Innovation. His sister, Valeria, 18, entered the University of Arkansas as a pre-med student. She plays flute, piccolo and piano, and has joined the Razorback Marching Band this fall.
Their parents, Oliver and Sulma, immigrated from El Salvador in 2004 after participating in music abroad. Dennis stated that adhering to one’s passion ensures proper alignment in life, noting his own path would differ without such dedication. Their musical involvement mirrors their family tradition, having observed their father and grandmother singing in church choirs from a young age.
For more information, visit arkansas-catholic.org.