By Nina Crowder
Superior Sun
Former Superior High School graduate Patrick Contreras is now an Immigration Customs Agent in Dallas, Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative agency in the Department of Homeland Security. They are responsible for enforcing the nation’s immigration and customs laws. ICE has more than 20,000 employees working in 400 offices in the United States and around the world. ICE agents contribute to the safety and security of our country.
Patrick has fond memories of growing up in the small town of Superior. After graduating from Superior High School in 1980 Patrick attended Central Arizona College in Apache Junction and Arizona State University in Tempe. In 1980, he received an athletic (tennis) scholarship to attend St. Mary’s College, Dodge City, Kansas.
Patrick worked at Magma #9 shaft from the summer of 1981 until it shut down in 1982. For the duration of 2001-2005 he was the Vice Mayor of the town of Superior, and was the Mayor for a short period of time.
Patrick’s wife, Roberta, was born and raised in Superior she graduated from Superior High School in 1985. They both were very involved in the church, and prior to their departure earlier this year from Arizona, they ran the soda and water booth at the Fiesta’s for 7 years.
Patrick is also a Professional Photographer, and has a company of PD Contreras Photography, www.pdc4you.com. In the past he has provided the Superior Sun with photos, performed at weddings, family photo sessions, etc. Having his own children inspired him to be creative with the camera.
Patrick commented, “Superior is a place of comfort and strength. My parents taught me work ethic and how to respect others, that it is good to say I love you every opportunity you have. To honor God, Country and being second generation Mexican-American. The two most important things my parents taught us were to live life with no regrets and to believe in yourself. Although it is very hard for us being days away versus minutes away, the love I feel for my family and my hometown not only brings me comfort, it also bring me plenty of smiles too. No matter how far I away I am, it is enviable that I will run into someone that is either from Superior or knows someone from there. Superior, for all it goods, and not so goods, is and will always be my hometown.”
Patrick’s parents, Patrick and Josephine Contreras, are longtime residents of Superior. His father was born and raised in Superior and worked for Magma for 30 plus years. Josephine was born in Miami and moved to Superior after marriage. Josephine owned her own beauty shop for 25 years, plus worked for Motorola. They raised seven children, have 25 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Patrick would like his parents to feel pride in raising good children and thank them for all they have done.
Congratulations to the Contreras family for raising a good family in a small town like Superior and for all they do for the community!