AllentownSchool District

You Are the Light - October Winners

You Are the Light - October Winners
Posted on 11/15/2023
Congratulations to our October You Are The Light recipients of the 2023-2024 school year! 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. This group was celebrated on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at Trexler Middle School. Please help us congratulate our October Winners: 

Trendsetters
Louise Harris, Harrison Morton Middle School 
Helena Nakhlah, Hays  Elementary School 
Natalie Saunder, Mosser Elementary School 
Eileen Cruz, Ramos Elementary School 
Mia Alexka Rodriguez,  Raub Middle School 
Angelina Rodriguez, Sheridan Elementary School 
Cavyn Drayton, Union Terrace Elementary School 

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
Magen Witkowski, Building 21
Selena Recinos Amaya, Central Elementary School 
Hillary Inga, Dieruff High School 
Victor Hunt, Dodd Elementary School 
Khamanii Drummond, Jefferson Elementary School 
Derik Vega Ventura, K-6 Newcomer Academy 
Lucas Romero, Lehigh Parkway  Elementary School 
Maya Perez, Ramos Elementary School 
Emanuel Ulices Ramos Ramirez, Roosevelt Elementary School 
Michelle Tasker, Secondary Newcomer Academy 
Taryn Scott, Union Terrace Elementary School 
Brooke Butler, Washington Elementary School 
Samantha Collaro, William Allen High School 
Kristina Meihofer Basile, William Penn (Alt. Ed.)

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 
Robyn Green, Administration Center 
Justin Matias, Building 21
Erica Acevedo, Central Elementary School 
Bobbie Jo Gildner, Dieruff High School 
Scarlet Romig, Dodd Elementary School 
Kirk Hines, Facilities Department 
Dayshon Keich, Harrison Morton Middle School 
Jaiya Gaynair, Hays Elementary School 
Adbigail Martinez, Jackson Early Childhood Center
Madeline Noriega, Jackson Early Childhood Center
Melinda Yi, Jefferson Elementary School 
Leslie Ramos, K-6 Newcomer Academy 
Lisa Schaeffer, Lehigh Parkway Elementary School 
Karla Rosa-Lopez, Mosser Elementary School 
Derick Ortiz, Muhlenberg Elementary School 
Sasha Ishak, Muhlenberg Elementary School 
Mika Gatling,  Raub Middle School
Ilyana Jimenez, Ritter Elementary School 
Jeffrey Lumsden, Ritter Elementary School 
Josephine Day, Roosevelt Elementary School 
Roseline Cine, Secondary Newcomer Academy 
Valerie Ramsaywack, Sheridan Elementary School 
Kai Galvez, South Mountain Middle School 
Suzie Yacoub, South Mountain Middle School 
Haley Kloap, Trexler Middle School
Oscar Quinones, Trexler Middle School
Gilbert Garcia, Virtual Campus
James Fullerton, Virtual Campus
Cassidy Dion Garcia, Washington Elementary School 
Federico Zayas, William Allen High School 
Janiya Ortiz, William Penn (Alt. Ed.)

These individuals might not live 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; displays 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, families as a role model of active kindness, cooperation, and teamwork.