2024 Outstanding Exes
John Rice
Class of 1964
Even though John’s childhood may have been tough, his outlook for life has been positive. His positive outlook has allowed him to accomplish much and he has touched many lives.
During college life John was named Secretary-General of the largest student run Model U.N. He was asked to set up a program at the United Nations in New York, where students from around the world would come together and learn from each other. The program was called “A Venture in International Understanding”.
After graduating law school and becoming a full fledge attorney, John founded the first privately-owned public interest law firm in Arizona.
John was the originator and developer of the thrilling breakthrough WinCrafting ideas and methodology. The emphasis is for individuals to use their creativity and during conflict are effective. In short, individuals do not give into negativity, but overcome their conflicts.
As an attorney in Arizona, John was one of the first three individuals that advocated mediation. He became the Director of the International Mediation Association.
In 1985, he founded the Win-Win Institute. John taught students from around the world how to become effective when in conflict.
In 2023, John’s book WinCrafting was published. He has taught at annual conferences of the American Psychological Association and American Bar Association. He also taught the staff of the National Education Association.
In 2024, he was selected as Who’s Who in America.
John is married to his wonderful and amazing wife Jean. John became one of the first “Mr. Mom”, so that Jean could continue her practice of law. They have two sons, Johnny (wife Jessica) and Chris (wife Lianna).
Paul "Pablo" Salcido
Class of 1974
Paul “Pablo” Salcido attended E.B. Jones Elementary School and was a proud graduate of El Paso High School, Class of 1974. During his years at El Paso High, he participated in band, football, and was Student Body President. His true devotion was community service, which not only included El Paso, the United States, but the whole world.
After graduation he attended Austin College and was a member of Chi Delta Eta. In 1978, he was awarded Graduate of the Decade, Key Recognition. He joined the Peace Corps and sent to Honduras where he touched thousands of lives, including special needs children, and hurricane victims.
He received his Master’s Degree from the University of Texas, LBJ School of Public Affairs. Joined San Antonio’s City Government under Henry Cisnero’s term and played a part in the Economic Development Team which brought Sea World to Central Texas. His hard work paid off when El Paso Mayor Jonathan Rogers and the City Council appointed Paul as the first ever Economic Development Director. His work included international marketing campaigns and his knowledge of municipal government took him and his family on two tours to Honduras. Becoming the Director of International City Management Associates, he supervised projects in Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, and larger projects in Ecuador and Guyana.
He became the General Manager for Spanish Languag Univision KINT-TV. A Project and Plant Manager for EDM Juarez. He ran a maquiladora in Monterrey, Mexico. Returned to El Paso in February 2006, to become the CEO of El Paso’s Housing Authority. In 2007, became President and CEO of the Regional Paso Del Norte Group. In June 2008, assisted the Tigua Indians with their affairs. Soon after he was diagnosed with cancer. Paul left his mark in Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl Salcido Ginhings, his children Jordan, Briana, and Alyssa. His brothers, Ruben, Juan, Benny, Raul, and sisters Carmen, Noemi, Rebecca, and Anna.
Jaime Mendez
Class of 1988
Jaime Mendez admits that throughout his four years at the "Lady on the Hill" he was given many tools and resources for success that helped shape who he is today. While at EPHS he participated in the Army JROTC Program under the late Major Joe R. Moore and was immensely involved in the Exhibition Drill Team, Sabre Guard and Orienteering Team.
This connection was an impactful one during that stage of his adolescent life. For context, he had lost his father to cancer a few months before starting 9th grade and was subsequently relocated (along with his younger brother) to live with his sister and her family in Austin, TX due to some additional factors his mother was dealing with. As a result, the first two months of his freshman year were completed at another high school. However, due to his mother's resilience and insistence in coming back to El Paso, he enrolled at EPHS in November of 1984.
His first choice for post-degree career paths was to join the Marines and access a college education through this route. Unfortunately, this plan was derailed when he suffered a dislocated kneecap during a final exhibition drill competition, at Jones Stadium, two weeks before graduation! Despite his injury, he helped the JROTC win the overall sweepstakes trophy. After high school, Jaime was the first to attend college in his family.
In the years post-high school graduation, Jaime has been able to continue using the lessons learned to complete his Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at The University of Texas at El Paso. He has also been able to impact thousands of students through the different initiatives that he has led at UTEP (over a span of 23 years) that included being Director of New Student Programs that was comprised of Freshman Orientation, the Transfer Center and Honors Program. Since 2022 he has held the title of Assistant Dean of Students for the UTEP Division of Student Affairs. Jaime also advises the Student Government Association. Jaime also volunteers with the El Paso Community Foundation as a planning committee member for the Plaza Classic Film Festival that happens in late July of each year.
Nationally, he is currently a facilitator for the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA). He also recently completed his 3-year term as president of the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education (NODA).
Overall, he has been able to support, encourage, and impact students in higher education through the tools and resources he has acquired through his own educational and professional journey. He can say, without hesitation, that this all began at El Paso High School in 1984 during a very emotionally challenging time in his life.