Virco Enterprises announced that its founder, William Virchis, will be honored as a “Pioneer” for his pioneering contributions to Latin-Hispanic theater by the Bonita Business and Professional Association (BB&PA) on September 29.

Mr. Virchis, a longtime educator, activist, visual and performing arts administrator, critically acclaimed theater director and volunteer, will receive BB &PA’s award for contributing to the betterment of Bonita in his field.

Coming on the heels of two other distinguished honors this year, Mr. Virchis, known as “Bill” to many, was recognized as one of 22 “Remarkable Mexicans” by the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego for his significant contributions to the region. The announcement, made earlier this month, is part of an effort to raise awareness of Latinos’ achievements and impact in multiple fields and disciplines.

In a move that made history, the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) dedicated “The William Virchis Visual and Performing Arts Department” in February, marking the first time that a district department has been named after an individual. With more than 30 years of service as an educator and administrator in SUHSD, he founded the renowned department on his belief that the arts are an integral part of a student’s education and contribute to overall academic success. As an administrator, Mr. Virchis assembled the nation’s largest mariachi and folklorico program and reestablished the “All District Annual Summer Play Institute.”

Bill is an alumnus of local schools including Chula Vista Junior High, Chula Vista High School, Southwestern College and San Diego State University. He was and still is considered a beloved professor as well as a prolific director at Southwestern College, and continues to serve as a mentor to many students at his alma maters. Bill, who credits his success to the support of his own family and friends, understands the impact of a mentor, stating, “I personally believe that no one climbs the ladder of success without the help of others; being surrounded by experienced individuals who consistently challenge you to achieve your best is the key to a higher wisdom.”

An icon in San Diego’s performing arts community, Bill is the artistic producing director of Teatro Máscara Mágica, a nonprofit organization he co-founded in 1989 to increase the production of multicultural theatre and to provide professional theatrical opportunities to underrepresented segments of the population; and co-founder of Teatro Meta, the Old Globe Theatre’s award-winning, bilingual in-schools theater program. He is founder and CEO of Virco Enterprises, a local theater production company. A longtime community leader and activist, he is currently a member of the Public Arts Committee in National City, the Working Arts and Culture Group for the San Diego Foundation, Shakespeare Society of San Diego and many other community organizations. Bill has been recognized for his volunteer contributions with the United States Congressional Award for Citizen of the Month and George W. Bush’s Presidential Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

Mr. Virchis will participate in the Bonitafest 40th anniversary celebrations, including the Bonitafest Parade September 29 and the annual Bonitafest Melodrama September 26-28.