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Remembering Nacho Estrada: Spreading Love and Kindness Through Ventriloquismyour local geico agent makes bundling simple.Home + Auto = easyLOCAL OFFICERod Musslewhite210-673-2391¡Hablamos Español!Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_633312129By Sonny MelendrezIfirst met Nacho Estrada in a most unusual way, when he visited my morning radio show on KTFM in the 1980’s.After being introduced by producer/ co-host Lisa Gonzalez, I cracked the microphone to go on the air and suddenly, there was loud feedback. I asked everyone in the studio to turn down their headphones, to no avail. The high-pitched sound was still there. Then, Lisa told me that Nacho was a ventriloquist!From that moment on, we became the best of friends.“Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Estrada, the beloved ventriloquist, passed away recently, at age 77, but not before leaving a leaving a legacy of love, laughter and kindness.Born in Edinburg, Texas, Nacho’s journey through life was marked by a commitment to making the world a better place, one smile at a time. From a young age, Nacho discovered his talent for ventriloquism, and he honed his skills throughout high school, laying the foundation for a remarkable career that would touch countless lives.Nacho was not just a ventriloquist; he was a beacon of positivity and hope. With humor and charm, he tackled important issues such as bullying, drug use, and the significance of education.One of Nacho’s most beloved characters was “Maclovio,” a colorful personality that accompanied him on his journeys to schools and events across Texas and beyond. Nacho believed in the inherent worth of every child, and he made it his mission to ensure they felt valued and cherished. “You can’t fool a child. They know if they are loved or not,” he often remarked, reflecting his profound understanding of the innocence and sensitivity of youth.Nacho’s legacy transcends generations,as adults, across Texas and beyond, fondly recall the joy and inspiration they experienced during his performances in their own childhood. Yet, amidst his success and acclaim, Nacho remained grounded in his Christian faith and devoted to his family, who were the cornerstone of his life.As we mourn the loss of Nacho Estrada, let us remember his remarkable spirit and the profound impact he had on the world. His life serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, kindness and love have the power to uplift and transform lives.Farewell, my dear friend, may your light continue to shine brightly in our hearts.Sonny Melendrezis an award-winningmotivational speaker,Hall of Fame radio/TV host and author,based in San Antonio.For more of his enthusiastic brand of inspiration and speaking information, visit www.SonnyMelendrez.com and listen to his podcast.We Want Your Good News!210.548.6448Submit Your Story To info@highlightspub.comLooking To MakeBusiness Connections?We are about cultivating business relationships, educating and inspiring while opening new doors leading to long term professional relationships.Get Connected! Call Today for more information210-744-3488or visit ar151ba.comI Spy With My Little Eye... ContestBy Sally KalosPlease look carefully on each and every page, scanning up and down, left and right, from front to back, and then back to front. Don’t give up!If you can find the hidden bunny drummer, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win $50! Just email the page number and location where you spotted the bunny drummer to contest@highlightspub.com.The deadline is March 9, 2024. We hope you’ll have fun with our version of a mini-scavenger hunt within our pages. Good luck!Congratulations to our FebruaryI Spy winner Pamela LehmannMarch 2024www.heloteshighlights.com 5