(Holyoke – 10/30/2022) In October Senator John Velis and Representative Patricia Duffy recognized the hard work and dedication of three educators from the Holyoke Public Schools system, Janet Morales, Sacha Garcia-Mailloux, and Roberto Vicente. The three educators were selected as honorees for this year’s State of Latino Education Summit at the Massachusetts State House on October 5th.
Hosted by Latinos for Education, the event focuses on the opportunity gaps that Latino students still face in Massachusetts’s education system and celebrates the resilience and leadership of Latino educators who have been working to ensure educational equity for all students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was the largest gathering of Latino educators in Massachusetts State House history.
On Tuesday, October 25th, the offices of Senator Velis and Representative Duffy visited Kelly Elementary School to present Roberto Vicente with Senate and House citations in recognition of his honor during a small ceremony. On Thursday, October 27th, the offices visited the Lt. Sullivan School to present Principal Sacha Garcia-Mailloux with citations and then Holyoke High School to present Janet Morales with citations. The ceremonies were attended by Mayor Garcia, Superintendent Sotos, HPS staff, and students.
“Our entire Holyoke Public School system has benefitted from the dedication and passion that these educators have for their jobs and for each student who passes through their classrooms. Janet, Sacha, and Roberto have gone above and beyond to help all of our students access the educational opportunities they deserve and reach their full potential,” said Senator Velis. “With all of the difficulties that the pandemic has presented over the last two years, their leadership and commitment to HPS students has been more important than ever. I know that their past and present students have seen that compassion day-in and day-out and I am grateful that these educators are getting this well-deserved recognition.
“The goal of the State of Latino Education Summit was to spotlight the critical role that Latino educators and leaders play in achieving educational equity for Latino students. There are many challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated, but with educators like Janet, Sacha and Roberto and leaders like Senator Velis, we can tackle those challenges and chart a new path forward for Latino education,” said Amanda Fernandez, CEO of Latinos for Education
“The Latinx educators we are celebrating this month play a critical role in reaching educational equity for Latinx students,” said Dr. Jessica Huizenga, Interim Executive Director, New England at Latinos for Education. “The positive impact they are making on the future generations of our country does not go unnoticed.”
To learn more about Latinos for Education, please visit: https://www.latinosforeducation.org/
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