Sometimes tragedies bring out the best in people. Everado “Larry” Savala, Pasadena ISD’s newly appointed board member, is one shining example of that.
Savala’s son, Larry, was tragically killed about six years ago. In memory of his son, Savala affectionately spearheaded efforts to bring about change to the Pasadena community so others would not have to endure the same painful experience.
“My family and I decided to use this as an opportunity to help as many people as we possibly can,” he said.
A Pasadena resident for 25 years, Savala was sworn in as the newest board member for the district, filling a spot vacated by Jerry Ross Speer, who resigned after serving on the board for 14 years.
“One of my main goals is to listen to parents,” he said. “As a Spanish speaker, I have a unique opportunity to hear the visions parents have for their children and help make decisions that meet the needs of students.”
A husband, father of four and grandfather of five, Savala understands the importance of raising awareness about issues affecting families in crisis and their surrounding communities.
In 2004, Savala developed the Hispanic Family Conference to educate professionals on how to effectively communicate and serve the Hispanic community. Through this annual conference he has trained over 1,000 counselors, social workers, probation officers, community, government, and faith based organizations who attend the conference from cities across the U.S.
Savala believes that a strong community is the foundation for success in a school system and has developed groups for agencies seeking a better understanding of Hispanic communities.
He partnered with the U.S Department of Education and the U.S Department of Health and Human Services to bring key Hispanic leaders together for insight on serving Hispanic families across the nation. Savala was honored by Congress, the City of Houston and received the President’s award for volunteerism. In 2006, he was selected by the U.S. Department of Education to have a part in the “Helping America’s Youth Conference”
He also founded the “Latina Expo,” a conference that takes place in Pasadena and inspires middle school girls to achieve educational success. Over 3,000 middle school girls attended this conference during the spring.
He often shares on the important role fathers have in the development of their children. In 2009, Savala gathered leaders in the fatherhood and healthy marriage movements to connect them with government leaders in Texas for a summit on families in their communities. Strategic partnerships were developed at the summit and those partnerships are having a great impact in Texas communities.
His love of family is the driving force behind all his efforts and accomplishments. Shortly after Savala’s son died, he created the Larry’ s Gift Foundation in his honor, in which Pasadena families in crisis receive pre-wrapped gifts and celebrate with food and games. But most importantly, the event gives Savala and his wife Molly, an opportunity to reach out to families and show their support in their time of need. The event takes place annually in December.
Savala and his wife Molly have been married for 35 years. Molly is a public school teacher and also holds a certification in School Counseling.
Savala believes there is hope for our nation, cities, and our families. As a new face on the board, Savala plans to bring about hope right here at home.
“I am ready to listen,” Savala said. “Parents have a unique position, as the first teachers of their children, and have a great responsibility to help them create their dreams for a wonderful future.”
Learn More about Larry Savala
- He is a founding member of Calvary Commission, a faith based organization reaching out to men and women incarcerated in the U.S and other countries around the world.
- He spent five years in Mexico leading disaster relief teams to victims of two massive earthquakes and created medical and food teams that reached out to poor villages throughout Mexico.
- Larry worked with Communities in Schools, Juvenile Probation, and Houston Independent School District.
- He attended the public school system in Houston and attended Southwestern A/G University.
- He is a member of the National Alliance for Hispanic Families and the Houston affiliate Director for the Father and Families Coalition of America. He spearheaded Urban Strategies effort to inform the Hispanic community in Houston about health care in 2013. During this effort he developed key partnerships with the faith based community in Houston and brought them together for this cause.