LYNN — Scores crowded the Lynn Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday evening for the city’s eighth “Proud of my Hispanic Heritage” event to highlight the achievements and cultural significance of Hispanic cultures throughout the city.
The evening featured performances from the Lynn English Concert Choir, Lynn Classical High School’s Classical Band and Concert Choir, Lynn Tech’s Concert Choir, The Lynn All-City Band Ensemble, Breed Middle School’s music class, and the Harrington Elementary School Chorus.
The night also included speeches from state Sen. Brendan Crighton, and state Reps. Peter Capano and Dan Cahill, as well as remarks from Mayor Jared Nicholson, Superintendent of Schools Evonne Alvarez, and former School Committee member Maria Carrasco.
“The goal of this celebration is for Latino children and youth to feel proud of their Hispanic heritage, because 70% of the Lynn Public Schools student body are Latinos,” Latina Center Maria Director Magalie Torres-Rowe said.
In an email, Torres-Rowe said that she began organizing these events after she started teaching Spanish at Breed Middle School.
She said that many students with Hispanic heritage at the school did not want to speak Spanish. When she asked them why that was, they told her they were embarrassed because people would make fun of them.
“It made me cry because they feel embarrassed for their ancestors also,” she said.
Each year, she said she invites professors from colleges like Harvard, Boston College, and MIT to be guest speakers to inspire the students to study hard.
Torres-Rowe thanked Breed Principal Julie Louf for supporting her in organizing the event at its old location, the middle school’s auditorium. Since last year, Torres-Rowe added, it has been hosted at the Lynn Memorial Auditorium so the whole city can attend.
The following individuals were presented with the Outstanding Latino 2023 Award:
Dr. Evonne Alvarez
Dr. Solsire Cusicanqui,
Carla Estela Chirinos
Dr. José Martinez-Reyes
Gianpiere Alcantara
Daniela Gallegos
Cecilia Bardales
Saritin Rizzuto
Walquiria Leguisamon
Ana Flamenco
Isabel Martillo
Wilfredo Palma
Adiel Lopez
Lennin Pena
Neftali Matul
José Cardenas
Erwin Castillo
Christian Torres
Ramiro García
Gary Torres
Danny Acosta
