Mariachi Scholarship Honors Teen Who Died Young, Inspiring 10 Teachers

Times of India · good-news

Eighteen-year-old mariachi singer Elisa Gastellum died in a car crash in 2006 before she could move to Las Vegas. Her parents established the Elisa Gastellum Memorial Foundation to support young mariachi musicians. The foundation has awarded 27 scholarships, with 10 recipients now becoming mariachi teachers themselves. Elisa's brother, Javier, also moved to Las Vegas and has taught mariachi for two decades, continuing the musical legacy. The program provides financial aid, instrument assistance, and access to mariachi conferences.