(October 15, 2025) The Rochester City School District proudly celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a special event honoring students for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service to the community.
Hosted at the District’s Central Office, the celebration brought together families, educators, and community members to recognize scholars who exemplify the values of excellence, pride, and perseverance that define the Hispanic community.
This year’s theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” highlights the rich history and lasting contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx individuals whose accomplishments continue to shape our world.
During the program, students and community members were recognized with special honors, including the Roberto Clemente Award presented to Arieal Buggs from School No. 8, the Volunteer Youth Award presented to Destiny Dalmau Gonzalez from School of the Arts, and the Community Service Award presented to Nadia Paulino. Each recipient was celebrated for their commitment to academics, leadership, and community engagement.
Honorees included:
East High School
Yadel Richard Apud Rodriguez
Emily Walkiria Galindo
Carlos Alexander Gaston Lopez
Gypsy Rose Malave
Mitchell Nieves
Justus Ewald Robinson
Edison Career & Technology High School
Ni-Yana Ortiz-Billins
Joqmean Vega
Arthur Wiliams
James Monroe High School
Lisneris Bermudez Franco
Delenis Leyva Sanchez
Michel Dayan Raba
LiJoel Cruz Peralta
Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School
Beya Bounasri
Andres Cadenas
Sophia Quintana
Isabelle Soria
Padilla High School at the Franklin Campus
Janiya Mendez
James Rafael Pichardo
Edgardo O Rosario Davila
Josdiel Omid Velazquez
Rochester Early College International High School
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 Sierra
World of Inquiry School No. 58
Javier Sosa
“Our collective heritage is more than history; it is alive in our classrooms, in our communities, and in the energy and pride our students bring to everything they do,” said Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of Schools. “The achievements we celebrate tonight reflect not only individual talent but also the support of families, educators, and mentors who help our students dream bigger and aim higher.”
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed each year from September 15 through October 15, serves as a time to honor the cultural diversity and achievements of the Hispanic community in the United States. First established by Congress in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, the observance was later expanded to a month-long celebration in 1989 to recognize the growing influence and contributions of Hispanic Americans nationwide.
