Rosa Rakay
Position: Principal
School: Sonia M. Sotomayor Early College High School
School District: Pharr San Juan Alamo Inedpendent School District
City, State: Pharr, TX
Support Rosa
Leave a comment
Get Updates
Rosa Rakay was nominated by her colleague, Lisa Gonzalez.
For the past five years, Mrs. Rakay has been the principal at Sonia M. Sotomayor Early College High School. The school has been in existence since early 1990, and was called TAPP (Teenage Parenting Program). The campus is designed to be a personalized alternative campus, a school of choice that serves every teenage mother or expectant mother ages 13 to 22. This comprehensive campus allows all of these at-risk students to graduate high school, attend college while in high school, receive up to 60 college hours or an Associate Degree from South Texas College. This was all made possible by Mrs. Rakay, when she was asked by her superintendent if her school was interested in becoming an early college high school.
Her attitude is always positive with the students and her staff. She leads by example and is always willing to make the campus culture one of college readiness. Mrs. Rakay got on board and changed how learning was delivered, constantly monitoring the level of rigor in the classrooms, and diligently having staff work towards meeting state accountability. For five years in a row since 2013, this campus has met standard for an Alternative Education Accountability systems, under the leadership of Mrs. Rakay.
As an exceptional educator and instructional leader, Mrs. Rakay has in-depth knowledge in pedagogy instructional strategies, academic and student support services. She provides guidance and mentoring to ensure the faculty is well-equipped to instruct their students to be successful as they transition to post-secondary education. Mrs. Rakay’s passion for student success and ability to communicate with her students is truly remarkable. Her tenure in education has provided her with the necessary education management skills to build teamwork, and work alongside her school and community. She approaches her work with enthusiasm, taking pride in her students and faculty accomplishments.
"Mrs. Rakay constantly strives to improve her educational leadership and professional skills, and she demonstrates exceptional people skills," Gonzalez said. "She is an intelligent lady with integrity and a hunger for excellence. Her ideas capture her intelligence and originality, and it is obvious that she is a people person who is well-liked among her students and staff for her outgoing personality and interest in others."
"In addition, her fine character, personal values and morals are evident in her place of employment and in our community," Gonzalez continued. "Mrs. Rakay sets a fine example as an exceptional role model for her students, and is deeply committed to their success. Her stellar dedication and passion for her students should be rewarded!"
Rosa Rakay In The News:
Fueron nominados 8 educadores al premio LifeChanger of the Year
Eight PSJA ISD leaders nominated as LifeChangers of the Year
Mrs. Rakay deserves this award because of the multitude of students she has helped since becoming an educator. Mrs. Rakay helps under privileged students, who would otherwise be forgotten in society, obtain the education to become successful in life. It is without a doubt that Mrs. Rakay has helped many students return to school and receive post-secondary schooling, but Mrs. Rakay also excels in teaching her students qualities and abilities that school might not teach. Mrs. Rakay's leadership and determination to create a generation of students who are knowledgeable makes her best person for the award. Mrs. Rakay has faced health issues in the past but did not let that overcome her teaching abilities. She is an excellent role model for her student and deserves this award.
Mrs. Rakay deserves this reward many times over and over. She is an inspiration to all students and staff and encourages us all to be the best she knows we can be. I've known her for a little over five years and she always inspires me to be a great role model and follow in her footsteps. Congratulations Mrs. Rakay!!!! So happy for you!
Mrs. Rakay created a culture change here at Sonia Sotomayor that has given teenage mothers every opportunity to succeed. She understands her students and staff which allows her to manage the campus in a way like no other. The students and staff love her for every ounce of energy she gives to this campus which is something everyone deeply appreciates and can carry with them. At the end of the day Mrs. Rakay has uplifted everyone and helped us grow as individuals. She is an awesome leader.
Mrs. Rakay is an inspirational leader and life changer, no doubt! She is very deserving of The LifeChanger of Year award. Mrs. Rakay has a way of motivating staff and students alike to work hard, and keep a great attitude. In spite of our students obstacles, her innovative approaches on education encourages our young mothers to strive beyond a high school diploma. Every student on our campus has different needs and she always finds a way to help them whether it is their education, personal or emotional needs. Her love and commitment for students and staff is evident. Mrs. Rakay is focused on continuously learning and developing best practices, she brings true professional attributes and genuinely cares about her staff and students. She is definitely a LifeChanger!
I been in Sotomayor for a very little while and she has done so much for me. Every time I have a problem I know that she will be there for me. Mrs. Rakay is a very good listener and gives great advice. she is great role model and she is very helpful with all the students in this school. she is so generous with everyone so she is the one that has to win this award.
Being a spouse to one of Mrs.Rakays students I feel that she deserves to win Life Changer of the year, because through out the years my spouse has attended her school she has helped her achieve many goals, and she has even encouraged her to start her college classes. Mrs.Rakay is the only principal that has encouraged and pushed my spouse to stay in school. Through all my 12 years in school I have never seen a principal that is so dedicated in helping her students succeed.
Thank you so much for everything you have done for my daughter I really appreciate it , I don't know what the girls will do without you and everything you do for them. You are the kindest person on Earth. Thank you Mrs.RaKay
Mrs. Rakay has been a life changer for many people for many years and deserves to be recognized based on her positive dedication towards everyone in her life. She is able to balance her marriage, principal duties, friendships, staff, and most importantly her students without loosing her cool. As a Hispanic female, she has become a role model for many students and parents seeking guidance with their life goals. She is able to accomplish this by being honest and truthful with everyone while maintaining her goal of improving peoples lives financially through education. Aside from Mrs. Rakay battling cancer, she was able to fulfill her duties as a principal while dealing with the emotional turmoil brought upon when loved ones have cancer. Her ability to continue being positive with all odds against her has reignited my desire to further my education, therefore, thank you Mrs. Rakay for changing my life and preventing me from dropping out of graduate school when things got tough. Your inability to quit keeps me fueled to become a positive role model for my family so that I too can one day be as strong as you have been for everyone.
Mrs.Raykay is an amazing educational leader. She makes her students keep going with their education, she will find a way to help you with what you need she should be the life changer of the year she will be a great example to others.
Mrs. Rakay is an awesome principle because shes always making sure everyone is on time with there stuff and checking up on us.
There is no doubt that the LifeChanger should be Mrs.Rakay. Not only to say that she is the best principle form all High Schools but she is a strong person for always coming back to school even when she had to drive all the way to San Antonio for her radiation treatments. She is always there for ALL the girls from school shes always giving a helping hand. I personally thank her for helping me when I didn't have any pull-ups at home she was there to provide them for me , no other principle would do that for any girl. You are a truly Lifechanger Mrs.Rakay :)
Mrs. Rakay , is an amazing principal for her school , very responsible , caring , & loving to her students and her staff as well . she pushes her students to have a better education for the future of her students and their children. She is hands down the best principal ever, im thankful for all her hard work and dedication.
Mrs. Rakay , is an amazing principal for her school , very responsible , caring , & loving to her students and her staff as well . she pushes her students to have a better education for the future of her students and their children. She is hands down the best principal ever, im thankful for all her hard work and dedication.
Mrs. Rakay is a great principal, she cares deeply for each and every one of her students. She does everything in her power to help students engage in class activities, to every student she is a kind and is a hard worker. She sacrifices a lot in her favor to provide her students a better education and a better future. She deserves this chance to be LifeChanger of the Year, because she has and will keep inspiring more mother or future mothers in the following years.
I feel that Mrs.Rakay should be chosen for Life Changer of the year, because she is a very motivated principal that has very high expectations for all of her students. Being one of her students has been the best years of my life , I have left the district many times, but I always come back because nobody else has pushed me harder to do better and move forward with my education than she has. She is the only principal I have ever had that is actually dedicated to her students and their education. She has helped in every way she can for all her students and I. She has this positive energy to make almost every student want to stay in school and continue to do better in life.
Mrs. Rakay is a great principal, she cares deeply for each and every one of her students. She does everything in her power to help students engage in class activities, to every student she is a kind and is a hard worker. She sacrifices a lot in her favor to provide her students a better education and a better future. She deserves this chance to be LifeChanger of the Year, because she has and will keep inspiring more mother or future mothers in the following years.
As a mother of a student that attends Sotomayor I thank you for being very helpful when my daughter needed help that I couldn't provide there's no doubt that you deserve this LifeChanger award you are that and a whole lot more. Gracias Mrs.Rakay
Mrs.Rakay is an excellent principal! She always makes sure all of us girls are okay and our babies too! She always helps us with everything she can. Such a loving person and leader!
Mrs. Rakay is an amazing person who does so much for all her students, including her students kids. She helps and encourages us to get where we need to be in order to be successful. Despite all of the problems one can bring by being a teen mother she never gives up on us and she most definitely wont allow us give up on our self. Thanks to her my daughter attends a child care center so i can get the education i need, she is bringing a head start to our school where our children can attend for free. she is an excellent principle, I'm grateful for all she does and is doing.
She has helped me in everything she has supported me and give me advise that graduating is the best choice. She is a really nice person she helps us the girls in school. She is a model to follow she always has a smile in her face.
Mrs. Rakay is the best person for this reward. She is the nicest, most caring person ever. She listens to us when we have a problem and not only that, she always gets out of her way to help us get through whatever it is we're going through. She always gives without expecting to receive. She is a great leader and a great admirer. I look up to her a lot and hope to be like her one day.
Mrs.Rakay there is no doubt that you are life changer of the year due to the fact you've helped not only me but all the girls here in school and the ones that have graduated, without your help most of us wouldn't have been able to get an education cause we would've never had that extra push to keep going that you provided for us when we felt like giving up. Life changer of the year is an award that you deserve cause there are no other words to describe you and how helpful you are and how much you've provided for us teen moms, we love and thank you Ms.Rakay!
Mrs . Rakay has been such a great leader to all the girls here at psja Sotomayor she always goes out her way to help us and find things to make the school fun as possible she should win the award because not only will the money go to her but it will go to the stuff here at school and the stuff she wants to help us out with she is the best role model because even if she can be having a bad day she always has a smile on her face shes always real positive and I truly adore her for everything shes done .
Mrs.Rakay has been such a great principle. She has also helped us with everything we ever need . I really think Mrs.Rakay is the nicest person i have ever met. Therefore i think she should win this award . We all love you Mrs. Rakay.
Ms.Rakay is an awesome lady. She supports all her students with their needs and always finds a way to satisfy them. Today was the first time meeting her at her school and her first impression was marvelous.
Mrs.Rackay has been so helpful to all of us girl.
Mrs Rakay is our own personal cheerleader. Super supportive,motivational and always the first one to believe in you. Inspiration to all here at Sonia Sotomayor ECHS.
Mrs. Rakay is an amazing principal, she takes the time to help others out. She inspired me to take college classes.
My principal Mrs. Rakay is the best because, she always help the students and the staff and also she is a good leader because, she put us first ....give her hand and after think about her. Also she is dedicated and she works always in the school and after school also she come sometimes on Saturday for work and nobody do that.
I am so profound of her because she also inspire me for finish my High School and continue with my college and she always help me with everything.
No doubt the LifeChanger of the Year should be dedicated to Mrs. Rakay. She has a heart of gold. Not only is she an inspirational to many but she is the true definition of a fighter. Mrs. Rakay has experienced a cancer scare about a year ago and even with this she managed to be at school during her treatment. Even with all her personal struggles from her to her husband to her sister she has managed to build resiliency. That is amazing. She is very dedicated to her students and staff. Her leadership skills is exceptional. She puts everyone before herself. Mrs. Rakay leads by example through this she has manage to change a culture of young pregnant teens to that of a positive, rewarding, and college ready environment. With this said, I don't see a better fit for this award than her........truly exceptional, truly inspirational, truly a life changer.
Mrs. Rakay is an amazing educational leader. I had the great pleasure of working under her leadership for many years. As a principal she creates a positive campus culture in which the community, staff, and students all work together towards the same vision and mission. Mrs. Rakay gets to know her students personally to make sure their needs are met and their goals are accomplished. She is a great role model with a special passion for what she does on a daily basis. Over the years she has faced challenged and obstacles but she has always prevailed. Mrs. Rakay is an inspirational leader who is very deserving of this recognition.
Mrs. Rakay is a great role model with excellent leadership skills. Always working hard for her students and staff and will always put them first instead of her family. She's an amazing person with a BIG heart and always smiling no matter the situation.
Well deserved Mrs. Rakay.....BEST OF LUCK with this great accomplishment!
Congratulations Rosie, if anyone deserves this award it is you. No one can match the dedication and hard work you have done for your students, staff and PSJA. This has been proven over and over again by you going to work early almost every day, staying late until it’s time to lock the gates and by opening up on weekends so the students can get tutoring or for your staff to catch up on their work so they were ready for the students.
Your dedication was also tested about a year and a half ago while you were being treated for breast cancer. Getting radiation treatments in San Antonio everyday for 6 weeks required you to make a 4 hour drive. Instead of taking a leave of absence you chose to make this drive everyday. You decided to do this so you could still work half a day each day so you could stay in contact with your students and staff and make sure they had what they needed.
Congratulations again and good luck in the future.
Mrs. Rakay is a person with a great heart that makes her students feel at home, always with a smile when receiving them, supporting them to a great extent, motivating the girls to get ahead with their studies.
Mrs. Rakay is a true example of excellence. Her dedication and professionalism to the young ladies of our campus is demonstrated in every word she says and in her actions. One of her primary goals she has shared is to meet the needs of our students in the academic, social and emotional areas. Mrs. Rakay goes above and beyond in her leadership skills to educate and motivate the young ladies to believe that they can reach any post secondary endeavor they set their hearts on. She is truly an exceptional leader. The students, the faculty and the staff are blessed to be part of a campus whose leader has knowledge, charisma and faith in this young ladies to assist them in becoming successful citizens of our community.
Awesome leader!
She knows her students really well and takes the time to learn about her community.
I couldn't agree more with Mrs. Gonzalez as to Mrs. Rakay's dedication, character, and leadership skills. Serving as her assistant principal for the second year, I have learned so much professionally and truly value her expertise in running a facility that incorporates several different dimensions. She has a deep commitment to both her students and staff in regards to professional development and leadership. I could not have a better leader and role model.
To Whom It May Concern:
Ms. Rakay is an awesome leader at PSJAISD--I have never worked with her only when I was a Science coordinator and she rocked! She always had her door open for us and always eager to learn. She was tough but loving to her students and expected only the best. I believe it is time she receive this recognition. She has not only impacted students from elementary but also has worked very hard to make sure her students at Sotomayor complete school and receive their degree. She not only pushes students to do their best but also her teachers. Her teachers love her intelligence and soft soul.
Mrs. Rakay is a phenomenal leader and always has her campus welcoming with any student that walks into the door. No matter if you are her colleague, parent, or she makes you feel part of the Sotomayor family. Congratulations Mrs. Rakay!!! You deserve this and more!
Mrs. Rakay is a leader like no other. I was blessed to have worked with her during my elementary teaching years. She leads by example and always has the best interest of her entire campus in mind. She is a true educational leader and great role model. Congratulations Mrs. Rakay, you are a winner in my heart!
Mrs. Rakay is an exceptional leader who leads by example always willing to do whatever job is necessary to run the school. She treats her staff in a world class manner and is willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed in every aspect of their lives.
Mrs. Rakay is leader amongst leaders. Her dedication to her job is based on how to improve our students educational needs. She is a focused and energetic individual that reflects in all aspects of being a principal. Mrs. Rakay's demonstration of leadership not only affects her students successes but also motivates her staff to grow professionally and individually. I am honored to be part of her staff.
Mrs. Rakay is an amazing leader always thinking about her students and teachers first. Her passion for learning is clear and transpires throughout the campus.
