8th Annual Latino
Achievement Night
Friday, May 16, 2014
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Amherst Regional Middle School
Auditorium
170 Chestnut Street Amherst, MA 01002
The 8th Annual Latino
Achievement Night is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2014 in the auditorium
at Amherst Regional Middle School, 170 Chestnut Street. The free event
will begin at 6:30 p.m.and the community is encouraged to attend.
Dr. Marta Guevara, Director
of Equity and Achievement, coordinates the event with support from ARPS Family
Center staff and community partners. Latino Achievement Night is aligned with
the social justice commitment of the Amherst-Pelham & Regional Public
Schools and aspires toward equity of opportunity, inclusion, respect and
community-building.
“Latino Achievement Night was envisioned nine years ago with
the establishment of the Latino Initiative group. At that time, data revealed
that Latinos were performing at significantly lower levels than other students.
A series of recommendations was
formulated to address this critical issue and close the achievement gap.
Latino Achievement Night was created as a direct result of these discussions
and provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate accomplishments of
Latino students. This event parallels the customs of many Latin American
countries as it includes traditional dance, song and music,” states Guevara.
Latino students in Kindergarten and Grades 6, 8 and 12 are nominated
by school staff and recognized for academic achievement, community spirit,
effort, leadership and progress. Each student receives a Certificate of
Excellence from their school’s principal.
In addition to student awards, State Representative Aaron
Vega (Holyoke, MA Fifth
Hampden District) will be recognized for his contributions to the community.
Elected in 2012, Mr. Vega also serves on the Joint
Committees for Higher Education and Economic Development and focuses his work
on providing constituent services, lessening student debt and creating
affordable college options.
Superintendent Maria Geryk adds, “We are thrilled to celebrate
the accomplishments of our Latino students in such a meaningful way – with
family, staff and the greater
Amherst community.”
