Mount Vernon folklórico and mariachi students visit Olympia

The Mount Vernon High School mariachi and folklórico groups performed Monday at the Capitol building in Olympia and met with Gov. Bob Ferguson.

Hosted by the Latino Civic Alliance, it was a day for civic engagement, cultural celebration and discussions with state leaders.

The Latino Civic Alliance works to ensure that the heritage and needs of the Latino community remain prominent in the 2026 legislative session.

According to a news release, the Mount Vernon High School mariachi and folklórico groups, directed by Ramon Rivera, performed traditional music and dance on the Capitol steps.

Student leaders held a meeting with Ferguson about the importance of arts education and continuing to represent Latino voices in state policies.

“It was a day filled with immense pride and I was happy to represent my community,” mariachi student Azul Perez said in the release.

Rivera said seeing the students perform at the Capitol, then meet the governor highlights the power of cultural identity in leadership.

“We are incredibly proud of the talent and professionalism displayed by our mariachi and folklórico ensembles,” Rivera said in the release.

Rivera is an award-winning educator who recently received a national fellowship that will expand his mariachi work.

Read the full online article here.