Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

  • 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.
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  • 2025 High Scholar Student Recipients

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

    Choose 'Expand all' to see this year's high academic award recipients listed by school.

    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.