Milton Elementary spotlights Hispanic community leaders
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, Milton Elementary students welcomed inspiring community leaders for classroom visits.
Youngsters had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the achievements, experiences and contributions of Hispanic leaders in various fields.
For a school-wide walkthrough event, students prepared presentation stations so all grade levels could learn about the lives and accomplishments of remarkable individuals who had visited. The showcase gave students a chance to reflect on what they learned and recognize the rich contributions of Hispanic Americans.
Kindergarten students met with Delaware State Police Officer First Class Elizabeth Zambrano. Born in Ecuador, Zambrano moved to the United States when she was 10 years old. A graduate of Montclair State University, Zambrano is now the school resource officer for Mariner Middle, Milton Elementary and H.O. Brittingham Elementary schools.
First-graders received an in-person lesson from painter/muralist Gilberto Rodriguez. Having moved in 1995 from Mexico to the United States, Rodriguez has spent most of the last 30 years in Ellendale. One of his vibrant murals inspired by Latino/Hispanic culture adorns the side of the Linda Vista Real Estate Services building on High Street in Seaford.
Second-graders visited with Ismael and Jonathan Perez-Roblero, the owners of La Rosita Bodega in Milford, a store that carries a variety of Latin-inspired products. Students were able to learn firsthand what inspired the brothers to open the store, and the types of merchandise they offer their customers every day.
Students in third grade spent some time with Celso Morales, the owner of Guanacos Melting Pot Food Truck. Some 16 years ago, Celso moved from El Salvador to the United States. He opened his own food truck in 2022 and has been providing customers with authentic tastes of Salvadoran and Mexican dishes ever since.
Aida Wasserstein shared her unique story with fourth-graders. Wasserstein first lived in Europe and spoke Yiddish before moving to Cuba and learning Spanish. When she moved to Florida, she learned English, and then attended college and law school in the United States. Now an accomplished bilingual author, Wasserstein was Delaware’s first bilingual lawyer. She also served for 21 years as a Family Court judge.
Fifth-graders met with Maria Ramirez Montero, a local respiratory therapist who is originally from Guatemala. Ramirez-Montero said she sees herself as a bridge between two cultures and loves to be able to help those in the community who may not speak English. She encouraged students to find ways they too can help each other, their families and the community.
“Introducing and engaging students with real-life role models helps bring history and culture to life,” said Dr. Clara Conn, Milton Elementary School principal. “We are proud to provide these experiences that highlight the impact and achievements of the Hispanic community, and encourage our students to learn and celebrate their stories.”
