RICARDO ARIZA

Class of 1977
​Inducted in 2026

Ricardo was inducted into SHSAA Hall of Fame in 2026.

After graduating in 1977, Ricardo attended UNO on a Goodrich Scholarship.  Ricardo has a master’s degree in social work which lead him to serve in many community-based positions.  He has volunteered at the Boys Club in South Omaha, as a mental health counselor to inmates at the Lincoln Regional Center, a family teacher at Boys Town, and an educator at Creighton University.  His current role is as an educator and career specialist at the UmonHon Nation Public School in Macy, NE.

Ricardo drives 140 miles each day to teach at Macy.  He has been offered to teach at schools closer to home, but in his mind and heart UmonHon Nation School, their community and his students are his home.

Ricardo envisioned a “Farm to School Program”.  He and his students came up with a project that would not only benefit themselves educationally, but also improve their health, contribute to their school as well as their community.  Macy is considered a food desert (an urban area in which it is difficult to buy affordable or quality fresh food).

With an agreement between the Tribal Council and Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), the “Three Sisters Farm” began.  Currently, there are approximately 50 students that plant, tend to, and harvest crops.  Vegetables are provided to the school for their lunch program, as well as sold at their farmers market during the week.  Students have also learned how to use the produce to can pickles, sauerkraut, salsa and bake zucchini bread to add to their menu.  Nothing is wasted.  What doesn’t sell at the farmers market, or is not used by the community, is brought to Omaha and sold to an organization associated with USDA that provides food to pantries.  The proceeds are then put back into funds for the farm school program. 

Ricardo’s program has gained national recognition, with a documentary and numerous articles written about its success.  The program recently acquired another 14 acres which is planned to exclusively grow native corn which is a customary staple of produce used in indigenous cooking.  Through their success and word-of-mouth, they have been blessed with donations and have written numerous grants to support and expand the program.  The Farm to School program is featured at the new Peter Kiewit Luminarium as an exhibit and has been well received by visitors.  This program has been presented many times to other schools, indigenous communities and has proved successful. 

Umoho Nation Public School Superintendent, Stacie Hardy, wrote, “I recommend Mr. Ricardo Ariza with the highest confidence and without reservation.  He is a passionate educator, a visionary leader, and a true advocate for both students and the community.  Any program, institution, or initiative will be strengthened by his presence and contributions.”