By Marco Alvarado
Special to the View
Santana. For many in and around the ‘live music capital of the world,’ the name quickly conjures up images of a Grammy-winning, Latin superstar known for his colorful rhythms and soulful wincing that accompany his unique style of guitar playing.

But for those who work in the Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD), there is only one Santana. And while she’s no guitar hero, this Santana can do some ‘shredding’ of her own, firing up handmade favorites such as tamales, Texas King Ranch Chicken, and even roast pork in beurre blanc sauce. But ironically, it may be her modest demeanor, selfless attitude, and impeccable service that ring out the loudest throughout LTISD. Come to think of it, this Santana rocks too.
Known to her friends and colleagues simply as ‘Santana,’ Santana Jaimes first arrived in south Austin via Chilpancingo, Mexico with her husband Raul and son Bertín in 1973. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Florida where Santana worked as an orange picker. She then returned to Texas in 1981 and landed her first gig at Molcajetes restaurant in south Austin. For Santana, the experience would be the start of a long and rewarding career in the culinary arts.
“I became a legal resident in the mid-80s,” shared Santana, choosing to speak almost entirely in her native Spanish. “My sister-in-law Rafaela (Benitez), who was already employed with the district (LTISD), suggested that I put in an application at Lake Travis (ISD).” Santana was ultimately hired as a food server for a district, which in its own right, had also just set sail on a journey of independence, discovery, and improvement.
“In those days, we had less than 600 students (enrolled in K-12) attending one school,” recalled Santana. “The central kitchen was housed in a portable building.” (Note: Once a part of the Dripping Springs Independent School District, LTISD was formed in 1981 to build an educational program which would better meet the needs of the students from the Lake Travis area. All K-12 classrooms were housed in a single building with portables located in what is now the District’s Educational Development Center off Ranch Road 620 and Kollmeyer Drive.)
Having received no formal U.S. schooling, Santana didn’t speak a word of English, resulting in confusion and frustration in her new environment.
“All (cooking) instructions were in English,” remembered Santana. “At first, I felt so intimated by the culture shock; I was very scared. However, each week, my boss would give me a list of commonly-used kitchen terms that I would take home and study. Little by little, that’s how I started learning English.” Santana, whose three children are graduates of Lake Travis High School (LTHS), proved she could stand the heat and stayed in the LTHS kitchen for 15 years. In 1999, Santana became the ‘headlining act’ as the school’s food service manager.
In 2003, as a way to generate additional income for the District’s Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) department, LTISD administration launched a full-service catering program. Without skipping a beat, FANS Director Barbara Galaway-Patrick tapped Santana for the role of catering manager. However, the duties would be in addition to Santana’s responsibilities as LTHS food service manager. It was a challenge she embraced and one that would ultimately pave the way for her success both professionally and personally. In 2007, Santana transferred to Lake Travis Middle School (LTMS) where she currently serves as food service manager and lead caterer for the District.
“Santana works harder than anyone else I’ve ever known,” said Galaway-Patrick. “She leads with her heart, and it’s evident in everything she does.” That hard work has resulted in unexpected dividends for the catering program. “During our current fiscal year (2008-2009), the (catering) program has reaped nearly $70,000, the most in one year since its inception,” added Galaway-Patrick. “Santana is an indispensible member of the FANS team. It’s obvious why her colleagues boast of her skills and talents in epic proportions, giving her an almost rock star-like persona around the district.”
Whether it’s migas in the morning or enchiladas in the evening, the District’s catering program has become a hit, both in and out of the district. From district staff development to community and civic events at the Lakeway Activity Center, Santana often goes at it solo, juggling multiple events in a single day. “It’s hard work, but I love what I do,” admitted Santana, who at times begins prepping for catered events as early as 4 a.m. There’s even an item on the catering menu named after her, The Santana Wrap, which includes Santana’s homemade chicken salad and fresh veggie garnish wrapped inside a tortilla.
While success has been sweet, Santana admits she recently faced a major fork in the road. “After years of working in this industry with pen and paper, I was told by (LITSD) management I needed to make the transition to a completely computer-based, food service operating system. Naturally, I doubted my abilities. I became very sick and depressed, thinking that perhaps I may not be able to continue (to work).” Realizing she had traveled so far, Santana decided to act and got the help she needed. In 2008, Santana took a one-semester course in computer programming basics at El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission, a social service organization located in south Austin that provides integrated health care, emergency food, advocacy, leadership, development, and basic education for working, low-income Hispanic families.
“Earlier that year, I took a one-semester course in English to learn to how to speak and write better,” Santana proudly stated. “God has been with me every step of the way. I am not afraid any more,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Last month, Santana was selected among her peers as the “2008-2009 LTISD FANS Manager of the Year,” a designation which she believes has validated her long, arduous tour. “I felt special and appreciated,” smiled Santana.
“It was one of the biggest moments in my life which proved to me that all the effort was worth it,” she said. “I have always believed that without passion and love in one’s work, there can be no true reward. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the many smiles on the faces of our students and staff as they’ve made their way through the serving line.”
With 25 years of dedicated service to the District, Santana hints at treating the 2009-2010 school year as her own farewell tour of sorts.
“Upon retirement, I plan to open a restaurant in the Lake Travis area that will bear my name. I hope that one day others will know who I am, and that maybe my legacy will live on, even if it’s just through good Mexican food.”
In the meantime, Santana will continue her handy work in the school kitchen. There will be no intermission for this quiet and unassuming superstar who literally gives testament to the adage, ‘the proof is in the pudding.’ She’s made a name for herself, one that will reverberate throughout LTISD for many years to come. In fact, Santana is the first name in food service excellence.
For more information about the LTISD catering program, visit www.ltisdschools.org, or call (512) 848-6872.