SAN ANTONIO — Arielle Moody was one of many little Selenas dancing and singing at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School’s third annual Selena talent show. 

“I’m inspired by her, and maybe one day I can be like her,” Arielle said. 

That’s part of Selena’s charm; 10-year-olds, like Arielle, feel like they knew her even though they were born decades after her death in 1995. 

“I have a lot of clothes and T-shirts of her. My phone wallpaper and my iPad wallpaper is of Selena because I love her so much,” Arielle said. 

Wilson Elementary specialist Rosa Narvaez felt Selena’s impact when she moved to San Antonio in 1993. 

The Puerto Rican born educator was the one who started the talent show. 

“Three of the girls that got up there singing have never performed in front of the school at all,” Narvaez said. 

Yet, there they were dancing and singing in front of a sold-out crowd. 

Narvaez says tryouts and months of practicing occurred beforehand. 

“If we see they are going to be way too nervous and freeze, then I invite them to dance,” Narvaez said. “That’s why I created that final number.” 

Arielle took home the first place trophy along with a boost of confidence and the love of her peers. 

She was met with a long hug from her friend before receiving the trophy. 

“Her name is Valeria Maldonado, and I thanked her for believing in me because I didn’t think I was going to win,” Arielle said. 

Narvaez says that’s the influence of music — of Selena. 

“Her music is amazing, and it’s going to continue to be amazing for generations to come,” Narvaez said.