A lifelong Sterling resident and dedicated educator, their 2026 Fiesta Parade Grand Marshal has deep roots in the community. Karina Valdez was nominated for her commitment to the community, the Latino culture of the Sauk Valley, and her lasting impact on local students and their families.
As a bilingual educator and mentor, she has inspired generations of young people to pursue their dreams, whether in education, healthcare, law, the trades, or other career paths. She regularly gives her time to community events and makes an effort to attend concerts, graduations, ceremonies, and other milestones to support local youth and young adults. Through her work and service, she has helped create an environment where students feel encouraged, supported, and empowered to build their futures.
A lifelong Sterling resident, Ms. Valdez graduated from Sterling High School in 2000, with family roots in the community dating back to the 1960s. Generations of her family have participated in the Fiesta Parade over the years. Ms. Valdez began her teaching career with Sterling Public Schools in 2008 and has spent 18 years serving students as an ESL/Bilingual educator, history teacher, and now Spanish teacher at Sterling High School. She is proud to give back to the community that raised her and to continue making a difference in the lives of its young people.
Numerous Grand Marshal applications were accepted for the 73rd Annual Fiesta Day Parade. Community members were invited to submit nominations to the SVACC Hispanic Business Leaders Committee, who then voted on all nominations.
The 73rd Annual Fiesta Day Parade will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 19th. All are encouraged to attend and celebrate Hispanic culture in the Sauk Valley! For more information on the parade, including line up and route map, visit saukvalleyareachamber.com/fiesta or call 815-625-2400.
