Allentown, PA – December 10, 2025 – On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the Allentown School District hosted its first You Are The Light celebration of the 2025-2026 school year.
Our December celebration was held at William Allen High School, featuring performances by Harrison Morton Middle School Band and Raub Middle School Choir. You Are the Light recognizes the incredible staff and students in ASD schools for their roles as Trendsetters, Classroom/ Community Catalysts, National Family Engagement Month in Education, and Quiet Heroes within their learning community.
- Trendsetters are those who seize opportunities to lead, grow, and improve effectiveness for themselves, their peers, and the broader community. Student Trendsetters show leadership by working with staff to enhance the student experience
- Classroom/ Community Catalysts drive positive change in schools and communities, using their voices and talents to advocate for their peers.
- Quiet Heroes build prosperous partnerships with families, businesses, and neighbors, showing exceptional dedication to service. Student Heroes help shape a supportive school culture through kindness, cooperation, and teamwork.
We would like to congratulate December’s You Are The Light winners:
Trendsetters:
- Victoria Beers, Bridgeview Academy
- Tiffany Cupp, Ruby Bridges Early Childhood Center
- Argelyn Dominguez, Sheridan Elementary School
- Kielty Glennon, Union Terrace Elementary School
- Aniya Holder, Dieruff High School
- Nola Jaminson, Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy
- Iris Jarjous, Harrison Morton Middle School
- Petra Pena, Food Service Department
- Cinthya Russel, Sheridan Elementary School
- Jennifer Teti, Washington Elementary School
Classroom/ Community Catalysts:
- Nestor Azor-Rodriguez, Central Elementary School
- Virleiny Del Carmen Rojas Rosario, Bridgeview Academy
- Soleil Laboy, Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy
- Jhandry Rodriguez Filpo, Jackson Early Childhood Center
- Julio Ramirez, Virtual Campus
- Milvia Ramirez, Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy
- Sarah Palma, Mosser Elementary School
- Dr. Dana Nicholson, South Mountain Middle School
- Santiago Salgado Arrieta, Muhlenberg Elementary School
- Mia Novae Sweeney, William Allen High School
- Jarrett Weiss, Ramos Elementary School
Quiet Heroes:
- Nestor Azor-Rodriguez, Central Elementary School
- Virleiny Del Carmen Rojas Rosario, Bridgeview Academy
- Soleil Laboy, Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy
- Jhandry Rodriguez Filpo, Jackson Early Childhood Center
- Julio Ramirez, Virtual Campus
- Milvia Ramirez, Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy
- Sarah Palma, Mosser Elementary School
- Dr. Dana Nicholson, South Mountain Middle School
- Santiago Salgado Arrieta, Muhlenberg Elementary School
- Mia Novae Sweeney, William Allen High School
- Jarrett Weiss, Ramos Elementary School
The month of November was National Family Engagement in Education Month, and as a district, we believe it is essential to celebrate the significant roles families play in educational success and the well-being of their children throughout the year.
National Family Engagement in Education Month: Erlinda Aguiar, Dieruff High School, Community Member; Sheila Alvardo, South Mountain Middle School, Darian Colbert, Sheridan Elementary School, Community Member, Amy DeLong, Dodd Elementary School, Community Representative, Sonia Hadid, Ritter Elementary School, Parent (PTG President), Jessica Hernandez, Jefferson Elementary School, Parent, Shalayna Howard, Ruby Bridges Early Cildhood Center, Parent, Felicia Liciaga, Ramos Elementary School Parent, Mildred Molina, Washington Elementary School, Parent, Rebecca Osorio, Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy, Parent, Karen Pooley, Trexler Middle School, Lehigh University, Yaritza Rivera, Mosser Elementary School, Accepting on behalf of the Tyrese 4 You Foundation, is Pam Rynearson. She is the mother of Tyrese Martin, Brooklyn Nets Forward, and William Allen Alumnus, Dr. Frank Schewighardt, William Penn (Alternative Education), Community Member.
Congratulations to our winners! The next You Are The Light Celebration will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.