Jadrian Muniz-Colon Wins Award for Speaking Out about Hunting Park Violence
Jadrian Muniz-Colon is an intelligent and impressive 8th grader at Esperanza Academy Charter School. This month, Jadrian received some exciting news: he has been selected by the U.S. National Campaign to Stop Violence as the “Do the Write Thing” essay contest winner and National Ambassador from Philadelphia!
As the essay contest winner, Jadrian will spend four days, all expenses paid, in Washington DC. This July, he will meet with the Supreme Court Justices and deliver his essay to them in person. Congratulations to Jadrian!
Talking with Jadrian is like talking to a college-ready senior in high school. Jadrian always has expressed himself best through free writing. The “Do the Write Thing” essay contest provides middle school students an opportunity to examine the impact of youth violence on their lives. After taking Ms. Gabriel Moshier’s English class at Esperanza Academy, Jadrian took a more critical look at youth violence in Philadelphia. He felt compelled to speak out about how violence in Hunting Park impacted his life.
While he’s hesitant to accept praise and positivity, Jadrian’s teachers at Esperanza Academy and his family celebrate and laud him for his accomplishments. After winning the writing competition, Jadrian was awarded a plaque, certificate, and gifted a new bicycle for his achievement.
Ms. Moshier, Jadrian’s English teacher, describes him as “a brilliant and sweet kid.”
Jadrian says the Ambassador Award was “something I wasn’t expecting.” Jadrian explains that he wrote the essay and feels motivated to visit D.C. because “people don’t understand what we deal with on a daily basis in a poverty-stricken environment.” Jadrian feels that writing can help him best advocate for others’ needs.
Jadrian, a parent or guardian, and Ms. Moshier will travel to D.C. this July 13-17 and present his essay to the Supreme Court. Help wish Jadrian the best of luck and congratulations on this prestigious feat!
Esperanza College hosts Youth Summit at Teatro Esperanza led by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Esperanza College of Eastern University (ECEU) hosted a Youth Summit and Career Fair brought to Hunting Park by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC). The Youth Summit was held on May 17, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Summit empowered students from predominantly Latino high schools as they consider next steps after graduation. The Summit provided students an opportunity to meet professionals of color who represent the numerous future paths open to young students as they plan for higher education and careers. We were thrilled to host the GPHCC at Teatro Esperanza and look forward to more great collaborations in service of our young people.
Colleges, companies, organizations, and professionals throughout the region mentored and networked with more than 150 students at Teatro Esperanza. The GPHCC hosted an interactive panel, where Hispanic leaders in education and the sciences talked about professional skills students will need in their future careers.
The event offered students the opportunity to meet with speakers, attend workshops and talk with potential employers while visiting Esperanza College. Best of luck, especially, to our Esperanza Academy students as they decide on the next steps in their journey!
Teatro Esperanza Events Roundup: Regla de Tres to Close Out 2018-2019 season!
The curtains will close on our first Teatro Esperanza season as a new center of arts and culture in Latino Philadelphia! The theater will officially close for the summer with one final performance by the phenomenal Curtis Institute of Music, Regla de Tres. Although this will be the last performance of the season for Esperanza, we are proud that our engagement of Regla de Tres will mark the kick-off of The Curtis Institute’s upcoming tour of music throughout Latin America. Join us for what is certain to be a captivating afternoon of music on Sunday, June 9, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Curtis Institute of Music will present music led by Director Robert Diaz to kick off a full Latin American tour. We hope you’ll enjoy our last live, public performance at Teatro Esperanza until the 2019-2020 season! Grab your tickets today!
Esperanza Partner Spotlight: Presser Foundation
Esperanza makes a difference in the lives of so many because of the dedication of our amazing supporters. The Presser Foundation is a leader in music education and arts philanthropy in the Philadelphia area. The Foundation is a new mission supporter with Teatro Esperanza, after supporting our AMLA music school for many years. The Foundation has invested in Teatro Esperanza’s classical music programming, building capacity for Esperanza to deliver programming of the highest caliber to the people of Hunting Park. We are so thankful for their support of our work! Thank you to the Presser Foundation!