Martha Guerrero, with her husband Captain Abel in 2020
This San Pedrana has given her life and her love to her community and her roots extend deep down in the island's past and present. Martha Guerrero was born and raised in San Pedro, paddled dories in the sea during her childhood and helped mom in the kitchen and the laundry as a teenager. She was one of the very few fortunate to pursue a secondary education in Belize City and upon her return home, her first contribution to her community was in education as she taught for several years at San Pedro R. C. School.
Martha married a San Pedrano, Abel Guerrero, and nurtured an exemplary family of four, Abel, Gilmar, Jaime and Conchita. She spent the early years of her marriage as a housewife and in 1971 she joined forces with San Pedro High School where she became a Board of Director Member. He love and passion for children, soon got her into the classroom as a volunteer teacher. In due time she was appointed as Chair Lady of the Board, a post she served with distinction. During this time Martha was also volunteering her time as office secretary to principal Nunez as well as bursar in charge of all the finances of the institution. During her tenure Martha saw the growth and development of San Pedro High with science labs and department, business department, computer laboratory, sports, and the construction of classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students. Together with the principal, Martha saw the construction of the new building, sporting facilities, the school auditorium, and music department. Three generations of students coursed under her watch and the school grew from 25 to 600. This institution that Martha served with acclamation now serves three institutions comprised of San Pedro High, San Pedro Adult Continuing Education and San Pedro Junior College. Her signature is on hundreds if not thousands of diplomas a living proof of how this woman has impacted the lives of young Belizeans.
Martha has also dedicated great part of her life in the service of her church. For some 30 years she was responsible for taking care of our parish Catholic priest, Fr. Robert Raszkowski, with food, laundry and his general well being. She became a Lay Minister and has counseled parishioners in preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage. She has been honored with the title "Mother of the Year", many Lions Awards, a lot of high school Appreciation Awards, Justice of the Peace, among others.
Martha Guerrero, a role model mother, has truly touched the lives of everyone in this community.. Her roots have gone really deep and have touched lives in the past as well as the present. The impact of her love and dedication will be felt for a long time in the future. Hats off to this San Pedrana whose roots have provided strength and stability to this community.
Photograph by Shamir Photography, written by Angel Nunez
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