FRANCISCO "PACO" FUENTES

Class of 1977
​Inducted in 2008

Francisco "Paco" Fuentes was inducted into the SHSAA Hall of Fame in 2008.

Paco spent 20 years in the Air Force before retiring as Master Sergeant.  He joined Boys & Girls Clubs (B&GC) of the Midlands eight years ago and is currently South Unit Director and Training and Professional Development Director.  While in the military he served during Dessert Storm and received many awards and medals, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.  He also has achieved success during his tenure with B&GC, where membership has grown from 600 to nearly 2,600. 

In 2005 the South Omaha Club ("SO") was named one of the top 25 Clubs in the nation.  In 2006 SO won the prestigious "Honor Award" for best overall programming, beating out the more than 4,000 other clubs throughout the nation and overseas. 

Fuentes was honored by B&GC of America as 2004 Midwest Youth Professional of the Year, and in 2005 received the William R. Hinckley Distinguished Service Award.  His other honors include 2005 Boy Scouts Volunteer of the Year - Lewis & Clark District; 2006 Latino of the Year at the 2nd Annual Latino Heritage Awards; and a 2002 Certificate of Recognition from the Mexican-American Commission. 

​Fuentes' other activities include being the Founder/President in 1999 of the Greater Omaha Mexican American Club; serving on the 2002 St. Agnes/Guadalupe School Board; 2003 Governor Johanns Children's Task Force; 2005, 2007 and 2008 SO Weed & Seed Committee; 2006 Scholarship Committee for the Heartland Latino Leadership Conference; 2006-07 SO Scoutreach Advisory Committee; 2007 Metropolitan Community College Advisory Committee on Diversity and Equity; 2007 Third Annual Latino Heritage Awards Banquet Committee; and 2008 Clarkson College Community Outreach Advisory Board.