Congratulations to our February You Are The Light! recipients of the 2023-2024 school year! On Monday, February 12, 2023, more than 50 members of our learning community were recognized for their contributions to their school and classrooms as Trendsetters, Classroom/Community Catalysts, or Quiet Heroes.
We also recognized business leader and 1992 Louis E. Dieruff High School graduate David Davuth Thor as the alumni honoree. Mr. Thor is a Penn State University graduate and is the owner of Allentown restaurants China King, 1901 W Hamilton St., and China House, 1527 Lehigh St. which his family has operated since 1987.
Attendees were treated to fantastic performances by the South Mountain Middle School Band and Step Team!
Please help us celebrate & congratulate:
Trendsetters
- Isatu Barrie, Central Elementary School
- Susan Hartkorn, Facilities Department
- Olivia Resnick, Lehigh Parkway Elementary School
- Alexander Otero, Mosser Elementary School
- Angel Rabelo, Raub Middle School
- Isiaris Santos-Zamora, Raub Middle School
- Anthony Josue Mora Lopez, Roosevelt Elementary School
- Darilis Castro, Secondary Newcomer Academy
- Joshua Reyes, William Allen High School
These trendsetters are members of the Allentown School District’s Learning Community who Utilize opportunities to create new paths for themselves, peers, colleagues, or members of the ASD community; Contribute to the development and/or improvement of programs, services, or curriculum; Foster staff and student growth, effectiveness, or professional development; Student trendsetters are people who demonstrate leadership within their schools/classroom to collaborate with administrators and staff to improve student experiences in the Allentown School District.
Classroom / Community Catalysts
- Nancy Peacock, Central Elementary School
- Eyan Alraei, Dieruff High School
- Sarah Ongiri, Dodd Elementary School
- Ruth Leonor, Dodd Elementary School
- Linda Schafer, Hays Elementary School
- Lydializ Gonzalez, Hays Elementary School
- Hanana Kashee, K-6 Newcomer Academy
- Eva Concepcion, Lehigh Parkway Elementary School
- Amy Fatzinger, Ramos Elementary School
- Lori Friebolin, Sheridan Elementary School
- Whitney Magee, South Mountain Middle School
- Tyler Martin, Trexler Middle School
- Jai'Lynn Bermudez, Union Terrace Elementary School
- Emily Blumetti, Union Terrace Elementary School
- Jaymon Rivera Green, Washington Elementary School
- Destiny Denson, William Penn (Alternative Education)
These individuals continue to champion change in their classrooms, school, and community. Contributes to student success by closing achievement gaps, measuring progress/using assessments, implementing interventions, or student engagement. Student Classroom/Community Catalysts advocate for their peers by using their voices and talents to create change within their school communities. This may or may not be through the creation of or participation in student government, clubs, athletics, the arts, etc.
Quiet Heroes / Heroines
- Michelle Muraro, Admin Building
- CJ Schmied, Building 21
- Adyna James, Building 21
- Ariel Parker, Dieruff High School
- Nancy Batarick, Facilities Department
- Jeseka Neamah, Harrison Morton Middle School
- Eddie Otero, Harrison Morton Middle School
- Aalaiah Mejia, Jackson Early Childhood Center
- Lisa McDermott, Jackson Early Childhood Center
- Josephine McPhillips, Jefferson Elementary School
- Surelys Rivera, Jefferson Elementary School
- Bushra Jarrah, K-6 Newcomer Academy
- Lydia Perez, Mosser Elementary School
- Rachelle Stinvil, Muhlenberg Elementary School
- Yadiel Pereyra Altagracia, Muhlenberg Elementary School
- Jaylene Gomez Martinez, Ramos Elementary School
- Angela McCallum, Ritter Elementary School
- Aiden Martin, Ritter Elementary School
- Natalie Borosky, Roosevelt Elementary School
- Faidd Bintikangere, Secondary Newcomer Academy
- Carla Neamah, Sheridan Elementary School
- Caleb Santiago Perales, South Mountain Middle School
- Patricia Smith, Trexler Middle School
- Josiah Colon, Virtual Campus
- Ashley Castillo, Virtual Campus
- Jillian Emert, Washington Elementary School
- Doris Vazques de la Rosa, William Allen High School
- Darren Golembeski, William Penn (Alternative Education)
These individuals might not live in the spotlight, but they are members of the Allentown School District’s Learning Community who continue to nurture those within their schools and departments. Staff Quiet Heroes develop successful partnerships and outreach to parents, businesses, or neighborhoods; provide community services or service-learning projects; display outstanding responsiveness, customer service, or customer satisfaction. Student Quiet Heroes contribute to the culture and climate of their school/community by supporting other students, staff, and families as a role model of active kindness, cooperation, and teamwork.