Robla School District hosted a memorable and inspiring event to celebrate Latin Heritage Month at Main Avenue Elementary on Thursday, October 3, 2024. The Parent Empowerment Dinner brought together families from across the district to recognize the power of community, celebrate Latin culture, and empower parents through meaningful connections. The event also featured an impressive lineup of live entertainment and a beautiful display of student artwork.
A highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Sacramento City Councilmember Eric Guerra, representing District 6. Councilmember Guerra shared his personal story of resilience, starting from his childhood in a small agrarian town in Mexico, where his family lived a simple life, making fresh corn tortillas daily. Faced with financial challenges, the family moved to the United States, where they worked in agriculture in the Sacramento region.
Guerra recalled working long hours in the fields, earning just $3 per hour, and emphasized how his family found strength through community. He highlighted how his mother’s advocacy for farm workers helped educate farmers about the dangers of pesticides and how she later earned her early childhood education degree at the age of 55. Guerra encouraged parents to unite and be resilient, emphasizing the importance of teaching children to solve problems productively and overcome challenges.
The evening was filled with cultural performances, including a lively performance by Mariachi Los Gallos and a beautiful Baile Folklórico performed by students from Glenwood Elementary School, adding to the richness of the celebration.
During the event, Robla School District also honored its Dolores Huerta Character Award winners. This prestigious award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, resilience, determination, effective communication, and community engagement, values that reflect the legacy of Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW). The student award winners from each school are as follows:
- Bell Avenue: Samantha Luna, Mireya Castelon Prado
- Main Avenue: Starla Bliss Passaro, Audree Khamphoumy-Reyes
- Taylor Street: Monica Terrazas, Yaretzi Vazquez
- Glenwood: Joseph Montoya
- Robla Elementary: Natasha Diaz Dagio, Matthew Lorta
The evening would not have been possible without the support of the Roberts Family Development Center, a valued partner in the event, as well as the Robla School District Food and Nutrition Services, Grant High School Justice Students, and the Robla School District Custodial Team, all of whom contributed to making the event a resounding success.
Robla School District is grateful for the support of its community and looks forward to continuing to empower families and honor the rich diversity of its students.
For more information about future events and opportunities to get involved, please contact your child’s school.
View the event photo album at: https://bit.ly/2024LHM2024DinnerPix