Emily Rodriguez, an eighth grader at Robert Frost Middle School, was recently named a runner up in the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest, earning a new iPad as her prize. For the contest, sponsored by Optimum and Univision Foundation in celebration of Hispanic Americans’ diverse histories, cultures and contributions, Rodriguez’s wrote an essay titled “The Most Colorful Time in Ecuador.”
Optimum representatives visited Robert Frost for a presentation ceremony, which was attended by the Rodriguez family and school administrators. Optimum additionally presented the school with a $500 gift card to DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization that allows teachers to submit requests for needed materials or supplies.
“Emily is an incredible young lady who is always ready to learn and to partake in activities both in and outside of the classroom,” Spanish teacher Meredith Telese said. “When presented with the opportunity to create an essay for this contest, based on the impact that Hispanic culture and traditions have had on her life, she was eager to begin. Her essay was well thought out and truly captured the influence that her Hispanic culture has had on her. She was able to capture the beauty and emotions experienced during Ecuador’s Carnival, making her entry very unique and special. I am so proud of Emily, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for her.”
Date Added: 1/14/2025