In Loving Memory of Chad Ishiyama, BES Executive Director

Chad Ishiyama, 1983-2016

Chad's love of the beautiful Spanish language began in secondary education, culminating in his B.A. in Spanish from Boise State University. His biggest influence in learning the language was the year he spent as an exchange student in Alicante, Spain. Chad quickly fell in love with the culture, food and people of the country and immediately felt at home. His travels took him all over Spain and introduced him to friends for life. Upon his return to the States, Chad parlayed his love of Spanish by starting with BES as a teacher in 2006, then becoming elected as Executive Director in 2010.

BES is honored to be a part of Chad's legacy, and under the request of the Ishiyama family, we are accepting donations in his memory to continue to keep alive the program to which Chad gave so much of his time and energy. If you have a favorite memory of Chad and would like to list it on this page, please email boiseelementaryspanish@gmail.com.

Boise Elementary Spanish is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. 
All donations are tax-deductible.

Boise Elementary Spanish is forever indebted to the tireless work and unconditional dedication of Chad Ishiyama, both in his role as teacher and as executive director. Chad lived and breathed BES, and his pure love of sharing Spanish with children at a young age was evident. He was so proud of this program and of the many Boise children who were given the gift of language and culture because of his commitment, particularly his students with whom he remained close over the years who also developed a passion for Spanish. 

All the words in all the languages fail to express the deep loss that Chad leaves in our organization and in this world, but here is my best attempt: Chad's heart for this work was unparalleled; he is truly irreplaceable. 

Mil gracias, Chad, para abrir tantas puertas al mundo para los niños de nuestra comunidad. 

-Leah Victorino, BES Board President

¡Los números! Chad's BES class counts the numbers out loud in Spanish.