Allentown, PA (May 2, 2016) On April 25, students from William Allen High School and Newcomer Academy participated in the 15th Annual Multicultural and Diversity Awareness Conference which was held at Kennett High School in Kennett Square, PA. At the event, Trexler Middle School Assistant Principal Ferdinand Surita was honored and Newcomer Academy student, Karelyn Jiminian Perez won a first place competition.
Accompanied by Mr. Surita and Raub Middle School Parent Liaison Maria Surita, the students participated in a day of diversity awareness workshops and had the opportunity to hear the keynote address by Pedro Cortez, Pennsylvania Secretary of State. Workshops included “Defining Diversity”, “Leading Real Social Change”, and “The Art of Dancing to Promote Diversity & Empowerment” to name a few.
During a special presentation, Mr. Surita was honored with a plaque in appreciation of his tireless efforts and continued support for the conference and for the positive impact he has on the lives of young people. Before becoming Assistant Principal at Trexler, Surita taught at William Allen High School for 10 years and is the founder of William Allen’s Latino Leadership Club. He is involved with The Future Empresarios Foundation and Multicultural Conference at Lehigh University. He is the Education Dean for Word Up! at El Shaddai Bethlehem Ministries and teaches at the Northampton Community College.
A Talent Show Competition closed out the day’s activities. Newcomer Academy 11th grader, Karelyn Jiminian Perez took top honors in the competition with her rendition of Beyoncé’s Listen which Karelyn sung in Spanish. It was the perfect ending to an exceptional day.
About Allentown School District
ASD serves more than 16,000 students in a network of 22 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools located throughout the City of Allentown, PA. The Allentown School District is the third largest urban school district out of 500 districts in the Commonwealth. A shared vision of the community, parents, guardians, staff and faculty focuses on “Empowering Students for Life,” providing ASD students with the skills and academics they need to realize their aspirations whether they be college, career or technical focus. ASD goals are aligned and compatible with the Pathways to Success Framework while providing a balanced education to all students. Allentown School District employs approximately 2,200 teachers, staff and administrators. The District, founded in 1866 and celebrating its Sesquicentennial throughout 2015-2016, serves students from 43 countries speaking 26 languages with nearly 90 percent of households qualifying as low income. ASD is committed to providing safe learning environments in which all students have equal access to education programs and resources.
Information provided by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
