His many years of dedication to civil service deserve both acknowledgement and appreciation. Sanchez was a pioneer for the Mexican American community. he was the first Latino to serve in a Presidential administration as the Director of the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity. an impressive feat. Sanchez was born on July 28. 1929. He is the son of Mexican migrant workers. who settled in the small town of Pinedale in Californias San Joaquin River Valley. A student at the nearby Clovis High School. he founded and edited the school newspaper. Graduating salutatorian in 1946. his accomplishments garnered the superlative "Most Likely to Succeed." an obvious indicator of his future successes.