Congratulations to our November You Are The Light! recipients of the 2023-2024 school year! On Tuesday, December 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 posthumously recognized Dieruff High School Alumni John Hughes for his dedication and commitment to Allentown students. Attendees were treated to fantastic performances by the Harrison Morton Middle School Choir, the Raub Middle School Cheerleaders and Dieruff High School band!            

Please help us celebrate & congratulate:  

Trendsetters

• Angel Toro Cancel, Building 21
• Kaylani Jordan-Clayton, Dodd Elementary School
• Diane Riffle, Hays  Elementary School
• Colleen Corcoran, Jefferson Elementary School
• Griselle Rosario, Lehigh Parkway Elementary School
• Christopher Snyder, Muhlenberg Elementary School
• Williams Ozoria, Ramos Elementary School
• Karelyn Amparo,  Raub Middle School
• Amaris Recker,  Raub Middle School
• Jenielyz Martinez-Rodriguez, Sheridan Elementary School
• Angela Loban,  Union Terrace Elementary School
• Zaire Vaughn, Washington Elementary School
• Alisha Keiser, William Penn (Alternative Education)

These trendsetters are members of the Allentown School District’s Learning Community who utilizes opportunities to create new paths for self, peers, colleagues or members of the ASD community; Contributes to the development and/or improvement of programs, services, or curriculum; Fosters 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 ASD.

 Classroom / Community Catalysts

• George Nonnemacher IV, Building 21
• Laura Beck, Dodd Elementary School
• Wislenny Morillo, Hernandez K-6 Newcomer Academy
• Kimberly Craig, Lehigh Parkway Elementary School
• Maximus Jimenez, Muhlenberg Elementary School
• Sarah Benjamin,  Ramos Elementary School
• Rubi Cayetano, Secondary Newcomer Academy
• Ricardo Luciano, Sheridan Elementary School
• Gregory Jean, South Mountain Middle School
• Morsal Khashee, Trexler Middle School
• Louis Gabriel Encarnacion Adorno, Union Terrace Elementary School

 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

• Sara Aurich, Central Elementary School
• Elisa Paulino, Central Elementary School
•  Melissa Petronio, Dieruff High School
• Juan Rosario, Dieruff High School
• Stacy Ellis,  Harrison Morton Middle School
• Zavier Washington, Harrison Morton Middle School
• Layla Sanchez, Hays Elementary School
• Mildred Pruna, Jackson Early Childhood Center
• Yeriana Rodriguez, Jackson Early Childhood Center
• James Pugliese, Jefferson Elementary School
• Monique Shetayh, K-6 Newcomer Academy
• Rosemary Mendez-Vicoso, Mosser Elementary School
• Kelly Whalen, Mosser Elementary School
• Jennifer Alraei, Ritter Elementary School
• Elias Zimpfer, Ritter Elementary School
• Christine Giandomenico, Roosevelt Elementary School
• Benjamin Ramos, Roosevelt Elementary School
• Yvette Fallacaro, Secondary Newcomer Academy
• Janiel Dominguez Guzman, South Mountain Middle School
• Daniel Brown, Trexler Middle School
• Esmerlin Nunez, Virtual Campus
• Rohanny Veras, Virtual Campus
• Cassidy Dion Garcia, Washington Elementary School
• Demiya Blakey, William Allen High School
• Andy Heck, William Allen High School
• Lisbeth Rodriguez Hernandez, 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 continues 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.