Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation: A Legacy of Empowering Education in San Antonio

The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for San Antonio's youth. Since its establishment in 1947, the Foundation has been dedicated to providing financial assistance to deserving students, enabling them to pursue their dreams of higher education. Inspired by the legend of El Rey Feo, a symbol of resistance against exclusion, the Foundation embodies the spirit of community empowerment and educational advancement.

Origins and Inspiration: El Rey Feo

The story of El Rey Feo traces back to medieval Spain, where common people, feeling alienated from the ruling elite, chose one of their own to be "The Ugly King," also known as "The People's King." This tradition represented a challenge to the monarchy and a celebration of the common person. The concept was revived at La Feria de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico, before making its way to San Antonio.

In 1947, members of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Council No. 2 in San Antonio established the Rey Feo celebration with the express purpose of raising scholarship money for underprivileged youth. This initiative sought to bridge the gap in educational opportunities and empower students to achieve their full potential.

The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation: A Texas Non-Profit Corporation

The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation, a Texas Non-Profit Corporation and 501c3 charitable foundation (“RFSF”), provides deserving local high school students a $2,000.00 annual scholarship ($1,000.00 each per fall and spring semester) to attend the college, university or trade school of their choice. The scholarship is renewable each semester over four years that the recipient maintains a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and takes at least 12 semester credit hours.

The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation aims to financially assist deserving students in pursuing a college, university, or vocational education, regardless of their race, color, religion, or gender. The Rey Feo Scholarship Program awards deserving high school seniors with financial support to attend a College or University.

Growth and Impact: Transforming Lives Through Education

Since its inception, the Rey Feo scholarship program is iconic having been established in 1947. Since its inception, over $8 million has been raised for scholarships awarded to over 7,000 students. The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation has grown significantly over the years, enhancing its influence in the community. Despite challenges like the pandemic, the foundation has stayed strong, continuing to support deserving students in their educational pursuits.

The fall 2019 semester was a record mark for the RFSF with 200 scholarships awarded. Despite the ongoing pandemic and no events fundraising for 2020-2021, the Rey Feo scholarship program has persevered. For the fall 2021 semester, 83 scholarships were awarded, 76 to renewal applicants. The RFSF has mostly sustained its renewal applicants since the fall 2020 semester.

Every year these funds are distributed through renewable awards by the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation to approximately 150 high school seniors and college students in the form of a $2000 annual scholarship for books and tuition.

Rey Feo and Fiesta: A Royal Celebration of Education

In 1980, Rey Feo was invited to Fiesta, San Antonio's famous annual celebration, and was given a parade, Paseo Del Rey Feo. Today in San Antonio, Rey Feo has been awarded “official royalty” status by the San Antonio Fiesta Commission, along with the Reina de la Feria de las Flores Queen, who is Rey Feo’s official queen and fellow scholarship fundraiser. As official royalty, Rey Feo participates in all aspects of the annual Fiesta San Antonio 10-day celebration to commemorate the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. As official Fiesta Royals, Rey Feo, La Reina De La Feria De Las Flores and Reina Linda take part in all major Fiesta parades, celebrating the city's vibrant culture.

Fiesta is a grand 10-day festival each April that commemorates the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Rey Feo Royalty plays a crucial role in promoting education, philanthropy, and the Fiesta spirit, making a lasting difference in the community. Rey Feo, his court and queen will ride in the Fiesta parades and be treated like royalty, but Rey Feo still remains popular as “The People’s King”.

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The Role of Rey Feo: Ambassador of Goodwill and Education Advocate

Each year, the foundation selects a prominent businessman as Rey Feo. The Rey Feo's primary duty is to fundraise for the scholarship program. Throughout the year, the donor of the Rey Feo Scholarship Program is deemed a goodwill ambassador for the city. Rey Feo, La Reina De La Feria De Las Flores and Reina Linda do more than ceremonial tasks; they are goodwill ambassadors, visiting schools to motivate youth to seek education and excellence.

During his reign, Rey Feo visits more than 60 elementary schools to encourage thousands of young people to stay in school, respect their teachers & parents, be good citizens, and pursue a higher education.

The Rey Feo Consejo: Supporting the Legacy

After being crowned, Rey Feo becomes a former Rey Feo and joins the Consejo Real de Reyes Feos Anteriores, also known as the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation. Founded in 1982, this organization of former Rey Feos aims to support the current Rey Feo and the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation annually. Each year, new members can join through an application process.

The Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation was founded by Rey Feo XXXII Logan Stewart in 1982. It was through Logan Stewart’s efforts that the Rey Feo was formally invited to be a part of Fiesta in 1980. The Rey Feo Consejo and its members underwrite and produce both the free, public crowning of the Rey Feo at Main Plaza and the Crown Celebration after-party to help kick-off Fiesta! In 2010, the City of San Antonio awarded the organization the contract to produce and manage a 10 day event at Market Square now known as Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square. The second major fundraiser is the annual Noche de Los Reyes Gala held every November. The Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation encourages it members to support the Rey Feo candidates campaigning for the reign.

Past Rey Feos: A Lineage of Leadership and Philanthropy

The following is a list of past Rey Feos who have contributed to the Foundation's success:

2024 LXXVI (76) Fabian Castillo
2023 LXXV (75) John McFadden
2022 LXXIV (74) Laurence S. Kurth
2021 LXXIII (73) Augustine Cortez Jr.
2019 LXXII (72) Thomas Aguillon
2018 LXXI (71) Dr.
2008 LXI (61) Charlie Garza
2007 LX (60) Fernando Reyes
2006 LIX (59) Brian L. Weiner
2005 LVIII (58) Ronnie Gabriel
2004 LVII (57) Robert D. Tips
2003 LVI (56) Tom Sineni
2002 LV (55) Dr. Leonel Reyes
2001 LIV (54) Charles T. Barrett, Jr.
2000 LIII (53) Jose E. Martinez
1999 LII (52) Mike De La Garza
1998 LI (51) Pete R. Martinez
1997 L (50) Henry Munoz
1996 XLIX (49) Kirk Colyer
1995 XLVII (47) Antonio “Tony” Flores
1994 XLVI (46) Carlos R.
1992 XLIV (44) Dr.
1977 XXX (30) Naun “Del” Delgado
1976 XXX (30) Naun “Del” Delgado
1975 XXIX (29) Gerald Henckel
1974 XXVIII (28) Manuel Ortiz
1973 XXVII (27) Joe Cortez
1972 XXVI (26) Manuel Davila
1971 XXV (25) Arturo Arranga
1970 XXIV (24) Joe T.
1961 XV (15) Dr. Jose San Martin
1960 XIV (14) Peter Reed
1959 XIII (13) Rudy Esquivel
1958 XII (12) Al Garza
1957 XI (11) Eugene Ramirez
1956 X (10) Joe Arizola
1955 IX (9) Manuel Leal
1954 VIII (8) Charles Barrera
1953 VII (7) Joe Casanova
1952 VI (6) Arcadio Garza
1951 V (5) Larry Mazer
1950 IV (4) James Tafolla
1949 III (3) George D.

Reina de la Feria de las Flores: A Royal Partnership

The Reina de la Feria de las Flores Queen is Rey Feo’s official queen and fellow scholarship fundraiser.

2012 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Lauren Osterman
2011 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Alanna Sarabia, WOAI
2010 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Natalie L. Tips
2009 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Jaz Spring Muckleroy
2008 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Monica Garcia
2007 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Stephanie Flores
2006 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Dana Kurth
2005 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Natalie Ortiz
2004 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Marissa Gonzaba
2003 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Allison Kara Reyes
2002 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Sevilla I.
1995 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Lorrie Flores
1994 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Cristina Teresa Cue
1993 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Gina Quarve
1992 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Imelda Olivarri
1991 Reina de la Feria de las Flores Laura K.

Rey Feo LXXVII: Damaso Andres Oliva, Jr.

On Friday, we officially introduced Rey Feo LXXVII, Damaso Andres Oliva, Jr.; Reina de la Feria de las Flores 2026, Karina Aguillon; and Reina Linda XII, State Representative Liz Campos at a heartfelt gathering hosted at Rosario’s. Surrounded by Consejos, the RFSF Board, former Rey Feos, and members of past and present courts, the morning celebrated the enduring legacy of community, education, and service.

Damaso A. Oliva, Jr., M.D., aka Danny, grew up in San Antonio and is proud to have settled and made his career and family life in the Alamo City. Danny was born in Havana, Cuba, during the Cuban revolution and was fortunate enough, along with his parents, Damaso Oliva, Sr., and Ofelia Oliva, to escape the communist regime on a Red Cross boat headed for the United States.

Danny attended elementary school in San Antonio at both Colonies North and Mount Sacred Heart. He is a proud 1979 graduate of Antonian College Preparatory High School. Go Apaches! Both of Danny’s children and his son-in-law are also proud Antonian graduates. Danny then earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in biology from Saint Mary’s University. He traveled to Mexico to attend the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara’s medical school, where he earned his M.D. degree. He returned to San Antonio after medical school to complete his Residency Training in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio

Since 1996, Danny has owned and operated his private psychiatric practice in downtown San Antonio, Alamo Psychiatric Care, P.A., where he specializes in adult and geriatric psychiatry. His private practice consists of both outpatient care in his private office and inpatient hospital care. Danny is the Chief Medical Officer at Cedar Hills Behavioral Hospital. In 2017, Dr. Oliva assisted the University of the Incarnate Word in implementing and developing a Psychiatric Residency program for UIW’s then fledgling School of Osteopathic Medicine. As such, he served as Associate Program Director from August 2017 through March of 2021. He is currently an instructor and attending physician for the residency program.

Danny Oliva and his wife of 34 years, Bridgette Sopper Oliva, a local attorney, met in March of 1990 on the St. Mary’s Street strip and were married in 1991. They raised two children, Maureen Elizabeth and Daniel Patrick, here in San Antonio. Their daughter, Maureen, and her husband, Nicolas Migliore, were married at San Fernando Cathedral in August 2021. Danny and Bridgette instilled the importance of education in their children. Maureen obtained her Master of Science degree from Texas Tech University and is a Forensic Scientist at the Bexar County Crime Lab, and her husband, Nicolas, also obtained his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of the Incarnate Word and is an auditor for Wells Fargo Bank. Danny and Bridgette’s son, Daniel Patrick, obtained his Master's in Education Degree at the University of Texas in Austin, where he studied Sports Management. Daniel is currently an Account Executive for the San Antonio Missions Minor League Baseball Club.

Danny loves his hometown and is a firm believer in giving back to his community. Fiesta brings the San Antonio community together each year. Danny is a member of the Fiesta Commission and has sat on its Board as an Elected Commissioner. Dr. Oliva also sits on the Board of Directors of Jaiden’s Journey Foundation, a charitable organization founded to help children with brain disabilities. He has also been a past member of the Child Abuse Prevention Services Board. Dr. Oliva also believes that the community needs and deserves strong financial support for small businesses from the banking industry, and as such, he sits on the Board of Directors of Lone Star National Bank. Danny is an active member of the Rey Feo Consejo, an organization founded to support the fundraising efforts of the Rey Feo, and the organization that nominated him to be Rey Feo 77. Danny is grateful to The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation for choosing him to be Rey Feo LXXVII, and he is honored to serve the community in this way. The Rey Feo raises money to provide scholarships to young, deserving San Antonians to attend college, university, and trade schools.

Reina de la Feria de las Flores 2026: Karina Aguillon

A standout student at Cornerstone Christian School and dedicated volunteer with over 110 hours of service at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Karina will proudly serve as Reina de la Feria de las Flores 2026.

Reina Linda XII: State Representative Liz Campos

Elizabeth “Liz” Campos is a proud lifelong resident of San Antonio, Texas, born and raised on the Southeast side of the city. Although Reina Linda XII, Liz Campos was unable to attend, she was warmly recognized as a trailblazer in Texas legislation, championing mental health, education, and underserved families.

The Future of the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation

As of today, Rey Feo 74/75 have raised a total of $500,074.75 to replenish the Rey Feo scholarship fund so it is possible to not just return to its scholarship levels as seen in the fall 2019 semester but grow stronger so more deserving high school students can achieve their dream of attending college. Today the program is becoming known as an “Economic Development Enhancement Program” for Bexar County and the City of San Antonio based on the positive community impact of hundreds of students receiving a college degree. The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation aims to financially assist deserving students in pursuing a college, university, or vocational education, regardless of their race, color, religion, or gender.

The Rey Feo is a year-round Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation ambassador and Fiesta royalty who achieves the reign by raising at least $250,000 for scholarships in a friendly competition against another candidate.

The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education. It was inspired by El Rey Feo, a symbol of resistance against exclusion. The legend of El Rey Feo began in medieval Spain, where common people named one of their own "The Ugly King" to challenge the ruling elite. This tradition spread to Aguas Calientes, Mexico, during La Feria de San Marcos. In 1947, the foundation started its Rey Feo competition to fund scholarships for San Antonio's youth.

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