To recognize the contributions made by Hispanic and Latino Americans and celebrate the group’s history, heritage and culture, the U.S. celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The dates were chosen to encompass the anniversaries of independence in eight Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and Belize.
The North Hempstead Town Board honored nine local Hispanic-American residents at Town Hall on Sept. 29 for positively influencing the community in many ways.
Dr. Cecilia Escamilla, a social worker in the Port Washington School District, was honored by Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio. Dr. Escamilla is a native of El Salvador and is an active member of the community whose vision goes beyond the school setting. She has created different programs for the students and their parents. Most recently she created College Pioneers Mentoring Program for students who will be the first in their family to attend college.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognized. I loved the experience,” said Escamilla. “Latino heritage month is a great opportunity to share with our community and country the positive contributions of Latino Americans in this great nation. I’m one of thousands who believe in service, of giving back and helping others reach their potential.”
The College Pioneers Mentoring Program was created as a response to a need. “We realized that some students being the first ones in their family to attend college needed the support, guidance and mentoring to not only attend college, but remain there until graduation,” Escamilla said. “Our mentors are amazing human beings who have committed to connect and guide our young pioneers.”
Escamilla and her colleagues believe everyone needs a mentor to achieve their potential. “Many of them are doing this because they recognized that they too made it because of a mentor or mentors throughout their lives,” said Escamilla. “This program would not be possible without our mentors.”
Escamilla feels blessed to be able to serve her community through her profession and that her contributions are a reflection of the district and town’s commitment to supporting all students. “By constantly assessing the needs and creating programs to address these needs, we can empower our students to become all they can be, and to make positive changes in their present that can have an impact in their future,” Escamilla said.
Response to the mentoring program from students and families has been great. “One of my [7th grade] students gave me a card expressing how proud she was and how one day she hopes to be just like me—a successful Latina,” Escamilla said, adding that it really touched her heart. Read more about the College Pioneers Mentoring Program at www.portnet.k12.ny.us/domain/867.
Port Washington resident Francisco Villagran was honored by Supervisor Judy Bosworth. Villagran was born in Mexico city where he began his career as an artist, most notably in 1974, when he won second place in etching in the National Contest of Mexico. One of the newest members of the Town of North Hempstead’s (TONH) rejuvenated Arts Advisory Committee, Villagran has had his work displayed in galleries throughout New York City and Long Island. View his work at www.fvillagran.com.
This year’s other honorees were Tiffany Gonzalez of Westbury, Mateo Flores of Westbury, Juan Barrios of New Hyde Park, Ines Corona-Diaz & Luis Diaz of Garden City Park, J.A. Hernandez of Manhasset and Chairperson of the Long Island Hispanic Coalition Maria Elisa Cuadra-Fernandez.
Speaking of the evening’s honorees, Supervisor Bosworth said, “These individuals took great risks, as either they or their parents moved here from another country in order to gain a better life in America. Like many other Hispanic-Americans in our country, they in turn provided a stellar example for those in our community to follow with all they have accomplished in their respective fields.”
After the awards ceremony, attendees stepped outside to enjoy a sampling of several Latin American dishes, including empanadas, rice and beans, chipotle chicken and a tres leches cake.
For more information about the honorees or Hispanic Heritage Month, please call 311 or visit www.north hempsteadny.gov.
