Hispanic Heritage Month
Collective Heritage:
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Reception 5:00 p.m. | Program 5:30 p.m.
Central Office, 131 West Broad Street
3rd Floor Conference Room 3a/b
This year's theme is 'Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future', which highlights the significant history and accomplishments of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx people who have shaped the world we know today. At the celebration, the Board of Education and school administration will honor RCSD students of Hispanic origin with a cumulative unweighted GPA of 4.0 or higher with a high academic achievement award. A brief reception for awardees and their families, and additional awards, including a Latino Community Impact and the Roberto Clemente Achievement Award (RC8), will also occur during the celebration.
2025 Observance Program
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Brenda Torres-Santana, Chief of Schools, Mistress of Ceremonies
Camille Simmons, President, Board of Education
Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of Schools
Roberto Clemente Student Award
Arieal Buggs, Roberto Clemente School No. 8
Presented by Stephanie Thompson, Principal
Volunteer Youth Award
Destiny Dalmau Gonzalez, School of the Arts
Presented by Alan Tirré, Principal
Community Service Award
Nadia Paulino
Presented by Alicia Fonseca, Executive Director of Bilingual
Education & World Languages
Live Performance
Borinquen Dance Theater
Llorona (Choreography by Jayme Bermudez)
Dejala Quemar (Choreography by Damaris Santos)
High Academic Achievement Awards
Presented by Brenda Torres-Santana, Chief of Schools
Closing Remarks
Beatriz LeBron, Commissioner, Board of Education
Observing Hispanic Heritage
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18.
This month, we invite you to learn more about what makes this 30-day celebration so meaningful. Together, we can all show our love to the Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx communities in this country, this month and every day.