Four Laredo Independent School District administrators walked in their university’s graduation ceremonies to formally receive their doctoral degree diplomas. Dr. Virginia Juarez, Dr. Karen Picazo, Dr. Higinio “Gene” Reyes, Jr., and Dr. Gloria Rodriguez celebrated the completion of their research, rigorous academic challenges, and camaraderie with fellow scholars.
Dr. Juarez earned Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. A proud product of LISD, Dr. Juarez is a 2004 graduate of Raymond and Tirza Martin High School and has dedicated her career to serving the very community that helped shape her. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in 2015, and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University in 2021. She is currently pursuing her Superintendent Certification, which she expects to complete in May, 2026.
She began her professional journey with the District in 2015, as an elementary educator teaching kindergarten and elementary school grades. Throughout her teaching career, she was deeply committed to student enrichment, serving as the sponsor for the National Elementary Honor Society, Robotics Club, and University Interscholastic League (UIL) Ready Writing. As a true reflection of her dedication to student potential and success, she also sponsored the school’s Chess Team, which under her leadership grew to over 80 members and made history by qualifying the first kindergarten student for tournament competition.
Dr. Juarez currently serves as Assistant Principal at Santa Maria Elementary School, where she continues to lead with passion and purpose. She is also an active member of the LISD Curriculum Advisory Team (CAT), where she collaborates with district leaders and educators to improve curriculum design and instructional practices across all campuses. Dr. Juarez’s work in instructional leadership, student growth, and campus culture earned her the distinction of 2024–2025 Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year for Laredo ISD. As a result of her leadership, experience, and commitment to developing others, Dr. Juarez has been selected to begin a new role as a mentor for newly appointed assistant principals in the District, an opportunity that allows her to give back by guiding and supporting the next generation of school leaders.
Behind every accomplishment, Dr. Juarez credits her greatest support system—her family. She is especially grateful to her husband, Carlos E. Juarez, and to their four children who have been her constant motivation and inspiration.
Dr. Picazo graduated from The Academy of Global Business and Advanced Technology at United South High School in the Class of 2002. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from TAMIU in 2007. While completing her pre-graduation practicum at J.W. Nixon High School with Communities in Schools, Dr. Picazo discovered her passion for working with students. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in education, and she obtained her teaching alternative certification through A-Step. As a teacher, she strived to instill a love for reading in her students and serve as a positive role model.
Shortly after earning her certification, Dr. Picazo was hired as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at M. B. Lamar Middle School. She dedicated six years to the ESL program and four years to the Reading Language Arts department. Over her 10-year tenure at Lamar, she was nominated for Teacher of the Year, served as a Teacher Leader, and collaborated with the Literacy Design Collaborative to develop high-quality, standards-aligned instructional materials focused on strengthening students’ reading, research, and writing skills. Her outstanding work led to a nomination to attend the prestigious 2014 Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers National Convening in New Orleans. The leadership opportunities inspired her to pursue a graduate degree.
Dr. Picazo graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Science in Education Administration in December, 2015, from Texas A&M International University. During the 2018 school year, she applied for the position of Secondary Reading Dean with LISD’s Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Department. She was selected for the role and has since served in this leadership capacity, continuing to impact literacy instruction across the district. In 2022, Dr. Picazo took the next step in her educational journey by pursuing a doctoral degree from Capella University. Through dedication and discipline she completed two courses every 10 weeks while managing extensive research workloads after work hours and on weekends. She successfully earned her Doctor of Education with a Specialization in Reading and Literacy in March, 2025. She completed the program within the recommended timeframe, demonstrating her commitment to learning and educational excellence.
Dr. Picazo is a lifelong learner and the first in her family to earn a doctoral degree. She hopes her journey serves as an inspiration to her three children, Summer, Megan, and Riley, reminding them that with determination and faith in God, all things are possible. Throughout her educational and professional pursuits, she has been blessed with the unwavering support of her parents, Maria Teresa and Armando J. Picazo, whose help with childcare, constant prayers, and words of encouragement have provided a solid foundation for her success in the field of education.
She holds multiple certifications, including English Language Arts and Reading 4–8, Generalist 4–8, Bilingual Education Supplemental–Spanish 4–8, English as a Second Language Supplemental 4–8, and Principal Grades EC–12. Her most recent professional goal is to pursue a School Superintendent Certification program in the near future. She remains committed to collaborating with fellow educators and leaders to make a lasting impact on student achievement and educational excellence within the community.
Dr. Reyes is a Laredo native and product of LISD. He attended Jesus A. Kawas Elementary School, Louis J. Christen Middle School, and graduated in 2004, from Martin High School. Dr. Reyes enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2005, to defend our nation during a time of war. Dr. Reyes honorably served for over eight years and successfully obtained the rank of Sergeant. Dr. Reyes was battle-tested in four separate combat deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). Dr. Reyes is the recipient of two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals with Valor, two Combat Action Ribbons, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and many other awards.
Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he returned to serve his community by becoming a Texas Peace Officer. Dr. Reyes's exceptional leadership was evident as he was the recipient of the Iron Eagle award for being the top cadet of his police academy. Dr. Reyes has over 12 years of experience in law enforcement. Dr. Reyes has served as an Academy Instructor, Patrol Officer, SWAT Operator, Civil Process Officer, and Investigator. Dr. Reyes holds multiple Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certifications, including Master Peace Officer, Advanced Instructor Proficiency, School-Based Law Enforcement Officer, Mental Health Officer, Sexual Assault/Family Violence Investigator, Firearms Instructor Proficiency, Active Shooter Training Instructor, and SWAT Certificate.
Nonetheless, Dr. Reyes pursued his passion for education by utilizing the Montgomery G.I. Bill, Post 911 G.I. Bill, and Texas Hazelwood Act benefits. Dr. Reyes holds an Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Laredo Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from TAMIU, where his thesis research was published as the first author in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, a prestige peer review journal article as “Perceptions of police brutality: Does audio matter?’. Dr. Reyes earned his Doctor of Strategic Leadership from Liberty University, where his dissertation research focused on examining leadership tenets under the title, “Effective leadership training and the impact on employee retention.” Dr. Reyes possesses an extensive subject matter expertise in tactical operations, safety and security awareness with over 20 years of experience.
In his spare time, Dr. Reyes is an active member of his community by volunteering extensively in organizations leading in charity, service, and fellowship. He served as Toys for Tots Coordinator and is an active member of the Marine Corps League, Knight of Columbus, and Laredo Rotary Under 7 Flags. Dr. Reyes and his wife, Kimberly Ann Reyes, established and provided two scholarships at his alma mater to two graduating seniors to help with their academic endeavors. Most importantly to Dr. Reyes, he is a proud husband to an LISD educator and father to two LISD students, Liliana Grace Reyes and Jeremiah Brandon Reyes. Dr. Reyes embodies every sense of the words “Leading with Heart!”
With much joy in her heart, Dr. Rodriguez crossed the stage at Texas A&M University at Kingsville to accept her Doctoral Degree in Bilingual Education last December. She is currently a Human Resources Administrator responsible for the hiring and staff needs of LISD’s 20 elementary schools.
She earned her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Laredo College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interedisciplinary Studies/Bilingual Education with a minor in reading, and her Master of Science Degree in Bilingual Education from TAMIU.
She is certified as a Bilingual Generalist for Early Childhood through Fourth Grade, and has served as a Lead Reading Practitioner, Literacy Coach, Bilingual Teacher, and a Human Resources Payroll Specialist with the City of Laredo Police Department. She is also an Adjunct Professor at TAMIU. She was named a Martin High School Tiger Legend in 2025.
Dr. Rodriguez is deeply grateful for the support offered by her family including her husband, Tiburcio “Tibo” Rodriguez, and their three children, Fabiola, Andres and Manny Rodriguez.
For more information, please contact the LISD Office of Communications at 956-273-1730.