Sgt. Francisco Barrientes was born on December 5, 1947 in Edinburg, Texas. He attended Edinburg schools and is a 1968 Edinburg graduate. He served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1971. He also served in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969. Sgt. Barrientes received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Mr. Barrientes has left his fingerprints on the hearts of so many children in the Edinburg School District. Due to his commitment to students and the future generations of Edinburg, he was honored with numerous awards: “Heroes for Children” given by Texas Education Agency, and “Certificate of Recognition” given by The State of Texas House of Representatives.
Sgt. Barrientes is a respected individual who has won the hearts of our community. He fosters in everyone an appreciation for life. He passionately instills in children his motto, “Stay in school and get a good education, appreciate what you have, and don’t take it for granted”. He is a committed and dependable individual who will continue to contribute to this All-American City of Edinburg. He truly stands alone and is worthy and deserving of having our middle school named in his honor.