This past Wednesday, the Massachusetts State House hosted the 4th Annual Latino Educators Shine: 2025 Awards. The awards honor Latino educators nominated by their state legislators for the trailblazing work they do in the classroom every day. For his nomination, 16th Middlesex State Representative Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell) nominated Andres Lopez.

With over 12 years of experience in education, Andres Lopez has dedicated his career to teaching, coaching, and empowering youth through both academic and community-based initiatives. He currently serves as a Health Teacher in Lowell Public Schools, having previously spent six years as a Physical Education teacher and Department Head in Lawrence.

Andres holds Master’s degrees in Health and Wellness Management from Merrimack College and Educational Leadership from Endicott College, shaping his holistic approach to student development and school leadership.

Lopez also holds Master’s degrees in Health and Wellness Management from Merrimack College and Educational Leadership from Endicott College, shaping his holistic approach to student development and school leadership.

Andres is committed to uplifting Latin voices, leading Latin Affinity groups within Lowell Public Schools and actively participating in Fortaleza, a nonprofit advocacy organization for the Latin community. He organizes community events, such as free end-of-year and back-to-school tournaments in Centralville, partnering with Community Connections and the Afro American Community Collaborative. Additionally, he serves on the Board of the LatinX Community Center for Empowerment, where he advances programs for local youth and families.

A passionate coach and mentor, he has led cross country, soccer, volleyball, and basketball teams at Robinson Middle School. He also coaches’ basketball for the free AAU programs; Tripple Threat Organization and New England Rebels, both of which support underserved youth in Lowell.

One of his proudest achievements is co-founding a free Leadership Summer Program (LYLP) at Greater Lowell Technical High School, designed to enrich youth through activities that foster their physical, emotional, and social development.

He teaches a 1-credit college course in partnership with Middlesex Community College, providing young LYLP employees with valuable college experience and leadership skills.

Andres Lopez’s work is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of education, athletics, and community engagement, making a lasting impact on the youth of Lowell. His unwavering dedication to fostering leadership and inclusivity in education makes him an outstanding Latino Educator.