Allentown, PA– February 19, 2026– On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Allentown School District hosted its third annual You Are the Light celebration of the 2025-2026 school year.
Our February celebration was held at South Mountain Middle School, featuring stellar performances by South Mountain Middle School cheerleaders and Ritter Elementary School band. You Are the Light recognizes the remarkable staff and students in ASD schools for their roles as Trendsetters, Quiet Heroes, and Classroom/Community Catalysts within their learning communities.
- Trendsetters are those who seize opportunities to lead, grow, and improve effectiveness for themselves, 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.
The Allentown School District would like to congratulate February’s You Are the Light winners:
Trendsetters: Tania Cordero, Ruby Bridges Early Childhood Center; Luna Daughtry, South Mountain Middle School; Kevin De Los Santos, Union Terrace Elementary School; Jose Galindez, Raub Middle School; Motique Hicks, Jackson Early Childhood Center; Christy King, Hays Elementary School; Garett McDivitt, Washington Elementary School; Marcos Nieves Felix, William Penn (Alternative Education), Nova Orellana, Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy; Issac Ramos, Central STREAM Academy; Jayla Rosario, Dieruff High School; Nancy Ruiz, Admin Building; Noah Swint, Roosevelt Elementary School; Johanny Ventura, Food Service Department and Zorally Ventura Jaquez, Food Service.
Classroom/ Community Catalysts: Noah Arndt, Roosevelt Elementary School; Masaki Bolte, Bridgeview Academy; Eugene Clay, William Allen High School; Melissa Cole, Lehigh Parkway Elementary School; Yelitza Franco, Mosser Elementary School; Peyton Gomez, Jefferson Elementary School; Azier Mateo, Hays Elementary School; Alyssa Mehnert, Raub Middle School; Damien Ott, Ramos Elementary School; Michelle Pichardo, Central STREAM Academy; Ana Sainz de la Pena, Admin Building amd David Thor, William Allen High School.
Quiet Heroes: Aisha Alfaro, Sheridan Elementary School; Kevin Cabascango, Washington Elementary School; Daniel Carr, Ramos Elementary School; Nicole Heckler, South Mountain Middle School; Serenity Jallah, Ritter Elementary School; Ashley Koren, Jefferson Elementary School; Carly Landis, Harrison-Morton Middle School; Maria Lapinksi, Dodd Elementary School; Julie Leboutiz, Dieruff High School; João Miguel Lourenco Figueiredo, Jackson Early Childhood Center; Laia Marte, Lehigh Parkway Elementary School; Gyriel Milliner, Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy; Cynthia Ortiz, William Penn (Alternative Education); Claire Patterson, Facilities Department; Rossy Pena, Mosser Elementary School; Zeilanny Ramos, Ruby Bridges Early Childhood Center; Jessica Rivera, Ritter Elementary School; Tamara Rotach, Dodd Elementary School; Maan Sallit, Trexler Middle School; Sharon Schwalm, Muhlenberg Elementary School; Diego Soto, Muhlenberg Elementary School; Akendry Trinidad, Virtual Campus; Leah Triunfel Garcia, Bridgeview Academy; Jeily Uruchima Lema, Trexler Middle School; Kelly Verenna, Union Terrace Elementary School; Jayda Weeks, Harrison-Morton Middle School, and Sue Wigfield, Sheridan Elementary School.
Congratulations to our winners! Our next You Are the Light Celebration will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Winners of the Superintendent’s Reading League and our Black History Month/Women’s History Month Writing Contests will also be recognized.