After devoting nearly 12 years, countless nights, and thousands of  morning practices to the school,  band director Manuel Gamez left the OFOD family Jan. 29.
He made many memories in the band room, on the marching field and competition.
“I will miss the kids the most. I love them,” Gamez said.
Gamez will be greatly missed, not only by his band students, but by his classroom partner, band teacher Armando Martinez.
“My reaction was bittersweet. I’m happy for him, it’s something that he’s been wanting to do. I’m not losing a colleague, I’m losing a friend,” Martinez said.
Martinez was named the Interim Band Director by Principal Carmen Crosse.
The day it was announced to band students that Gamez had acquired a new position as Director of Fine Arts for Mission Independent School District was an emotional day filled with pictures, tears, hugs and speeches. Gamez had a huge impact on the band.
“He taught me responsibility, discipline, how to be a team player; he taught me to be myself. I would not be the person I am today if I did not have this man in my life for the past four years,” senior Christina Boatman said.
“One Family, One Destiny,” Gamez said.