Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Observing Hispanic Heritage
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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.
Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month
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The Law Library of Congress has compiled guides to commemorative observations, including a comprehensive inventory of the Public Laws, Presidential Proclamations and congressional resolutions related to Hispanic American Heritage Month.
2025 Observance Program
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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/bThis 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 one for Community Impact and the Roberto Clemente Achievement Award (RC8), will also be presented during the celebration.
Choose 'expand all' below to see this year's award high academic award recipients listed by school:
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2025 Recipients
East High School
Emily Walkiria Galindo
Carlos Alexander Gaston Lopez
Gypsy Rose Malave
Mitchell Nieves
Justus Ewald Robinson
Yadel Richard Apud RodriguezEdison High School
Ni-Yana Ortiz-Billins
Joqmean Vega
Arthur WilliamsJames Monroe High School
Lisneris Bermudez Franco
Delenis Leyva Sanchez
Michel Dayan Raba
LiJoel Cruz Peralta
Padilla High School
Janiya Mendez
James Rafael Pichardo
Edgardo O Rosario Davila
Josdiel Omid VelazquezRochester Early College
Jhonathan Barrero Martinez
Yeriel Ortiz
Siomy Josiel Pena-Concepcion
School of the Arts
Flor Jelani Ayala-Pound
Luna Magdelena Brumaghim
Esther I Laracuente
Yahaira Medina
Cheyla Morejon Martinez
Maximo Salinas-Miner
Emily Quintana
Niyah Shae Yawn
School Without Walls
Edwin Otoniel Mendez
Arileyda SierraJoseph C. Wilson Commencement High School
Beya Bounasri
Andres Cadenas
Mathena Gabrielle Jimenez
Sophia Quintana
Isabelle Soria
World of Inquiry
Javier Sosa