A Regis faculty member since 2009, Mr. Santiago Ripoll serves as a Middle School Spanish, French, and Religion teacher.

Originally from Spain, he grew up in a seaside town near the Mediterranean called Cartagena. He later studied business and marketing at ESIC Business School in Madrid and began his career working in the trading and exporting industry before moving with his family to Texas to start a career in education.

In addition to his time in the classroom, Mr. Ripoll also teaches an after-school course, Spanish for Spanish Speakers, further enhancing Regis' native Spanish-speaking students' knowledge of Spanish grammar, literature, and culture. He is an avid soccer fan and player and can frequently be found at break on the soccer pitch with his students.

In his free time, he loves to keep an active lifestyle. You can find him either swimming, playing soccer, or going on sightseeing adventures with his wife, Teresa, and their three daughters, Elvira, Teresa, and Eugenia.

Q: For you, what is special about working at an all-boys school?

A: Well, I think it is very special as an educator to participate in building their character. I am a big boy at heart, and I enjoy mentoring them. The boys thrive in this environment because they can freely be themselves.

Q: Which one of the five Sacred Heart Goals inspires you the most as an educator at Regis?

A: Goal I – a personal and active faith in God. I think that God gives meaning to our lives, and it's important that the boys make God a center of their lives while they are at school and beyond. 

Q: If the boys were to give you a superlative, what would it be? 

A: Most likely to be on the soccer field. It's a highlight of my day when I can go outside with the boys during break or recess and play soccer with them. 

Q: What is your favorite Regis school event or tradition?

A: El Clásico without a doubt. It's the annual soccer match between the eighth graders and the faculty and staff. It's an old tradition here and a lot of fun. 

Q: How would you describe your teaching style?

A: Well, I don't know if it's teaching style per se, but I find it important to try to engage the boys. Everything I do is to get their attention and engage them as much as I can, especially with activities that keep them on their feet. 

Q: If you could take your students on a field trip anywhere in the world, where would you take them?

A: It may come as no surprise, but I would love to visit Spain with them. First on the trip would be an exploration of the cities just outside of Madrid. We would visit Toledo, known as the "City of the Three Cultures," where all three cultures and religions – Christianity, Judaism, and Islam – thrived and resided together. And then to Segovia, where there's an incredible Roman aqueduct. We would cap off the trip by heading to the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona to catch a soccer game. 

Q: As an educator, you are the one teaching. But what have the boys taught you?

A: They have taught me the power and virtue of forgiveness. They forget offenses quickly, and they don't hold grudges. It's a simple concept that is hard to practice, but I think our boys do a great job giving grace. 

Q: What do you think the boys would be surprised to learn about you?

A: I have done the running of the bulls in my hometown. Many people think it's just in Pamplona, but it's a cultural tradition in many areas across Spain. I would say it was one of the most adrenaline-inducing moments of my life. 

Q: Aside from being a teacher, what would you pick for a career?

I would be a naval officer. It's in my family's history. My father and grandfather were in the Spanish Navy. I loved the idea of defending the land from the sea and read so many books about it as a young boy. But it's probably best that I am not a naval officer, though, because those ships are small, and I am 6'7". I would probably hit my head a lot.  

Q: Final question - if you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: It's a hard toss-up between Texas brisket and tiramisu, but I would go with Texas brisket. Around the world, there is grilled meat, but the way Texans have perfected barbeque is unique and unparalleled.