Posted: 9/27/2024

On September 25, the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce (FHACC) held its annual Hispanic Heritage Awards Celebration, honoring nine exceptional students and two teachers from the Palm Beach County School District with awards and scholarships.

“The Hispanic Heritage Awards is of great significance as it provides students with scholarships,” said Dr. Patricia Ordonez-Feliciano, Executive Director, Multicultural Education & School Transformation. “These students have excelled in academics and receiving these scholarships helps them start their post-secondary education knowing that hard work and dedication is recognized. Additionally, it provides a sense of connection to the community and inspires them to give back.”

The students recognized during the event were all high-achieving seniors with stellar academic records. They each received the Hispanic Heritage Award 2024 – Academic Achievement:

Alfredo Calcurian – 12th Grade, John I. Leonard High School
Alfredo is an outstanding student in the International Spanish Academy Program where he has excelled academically, taking multiple AP and AICE courses. As the president of the International Spanish Academy (ISA) Club "La Casa de las Américas," he has played a pivotal role in promoting cultural awareness and fostering a sense of community among his peers. His leadership extends to his role as Vice President of the Student Government Student Council. He is also the Boys Volleyball Varsity team captain. Additionally, he works as a photographer and interviewer for the school yearbook.

Sarai Congote – 12th Grade, John I. Leonard High School
Sarai is in the top 3% of her graduating class, a reflection of her dedication to academic excellence. Sarai has maintained her place on the honor roll throughout all four years of high school. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she has leveraged her bilingual skills to excel as a team leader in the Finance Academy and as a valuable member of the National Honor Society and the Future Business Leaders of America. Sarai has been an active participant in the Norton-Guía Program, which further underscores her passion for education and community engagement.

Fabiana Durán Henao – 12th Grade, Park Vista Community High School
Fabiana excels academically, demonstrates strong leadership skills, and is deeply committed to her Venezuelan heritage and community. Her numerous awards and active involvement in school clubs and community service initiatives showcase her dedication and passion. As Vice President of Latinos in Action and the Multicultural Club, Fabiana has played a pivotal role in promoting cultural diversity and fostering a sense of community. Her leadership extends to her roles as a Safe School and Cobra Ambassador, where she ensures a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. 

Daniela Domínguez Hernando – 12th Grade, Boca Raton Community High School
Daniela has an outstanding dedication to community service. As an active member of Scouts BSA, she recently spearheaded a year-long project to renovate and relocate a food pantry, significantly improving its accessibility for local residents. Daniela has been an active member of the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at Boca High for the past four years. She has consistently excelled in her coursework, taking a majority of AP and AICE classes while maintaining straight A’s. Daniela has passed all her AICE and AP exams, earning near-perfect scores. She has earned the AICE diploma along with the AP Capstone diploma. 

Enoc Martínez – 12th Grade, Lake Worth Community High School
Enoc is an AICE Diploma Candidate, a JROTC cadet, and a member of the Medical Academy at his school. His academic dedication and community involvement make him a standout candidate. Enoc has maintained an impressive GPA throughout his educational journey, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to academic excellence. His work as President of the Student Government Association has led to significant improvements in student life. Through his service on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee, he ensures that student voices are heard. 

Jamie A. Aguilar Martínez – 12th Grade, Lake Worth Community High School
Jamie's leadership roles in community organizations are a testament to her ability to take on responsibilities and make a difference. She showcases academic excellence and a passion for learning. Her bilingual abilities in Spanish and English highlight her adaptability and communication skills, essential in her role as a member of Latinos in Action and the Spanish Honor Society. Jamie's leadership in organizing events such as community fairs and cultural celebrations, as well as tutoring younger students at Highland Elementary School reflects her commitment to fostering community engagement and mentoring. 

Angélica Ramírez – 12th Grade, Palm Beach Central High School
As president of the Honors Leadership Strategies class for two years, Angelica has consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills, guiding her peers and taking initiative in various school projects. Her experience as an intern at the District Welcome Center has been especially rewarding for her, as it allowed her to give back to families with a bilingual background like her own. Angelica is actively involved in community activities with the Latinos in Action class at Palm Beach Central High and has been recognized by the District as a standout athlete. 

Andrés Sepúlveda – 12th Grade, Wellington Community High School
Andres came to the U.S. in eighth grade. The language barrier made different topics more difficult for him, but as he joined sports groups and made new friends, learning became easier. Today, he proudly serves as the Vice President of Latinos in Action, a leadership class focused on empowering Latino students and giving back to the community. He also has different leadership roles in numerous clubs including Spanish Honors Society and the National Honors Society in which he works to uplift others and create opportunities for them to be successful in achieving their goals. 

Domingo Diego Tomas – 12th Grade, Lake Worth Community High School
Domingo is currently a student in the Academy of Medicine where he has maintained an outstanding academic record with excellent grades. His dedication and passion for medicine are evident in his daily work and the effort he puts into his studies. In addition to his academic performance, Domingo is an active member of the group Latinos in Action. His Spanish and English language skills have allowed him to obtain two AICE certificates in Spanish Language and Literature. Domingo has also served as a tutor at an elementary school, where he has helped children learn and understand English. 

Two teachers were each honored as Hispanic Heritage Awards 2024 – Teacher of the Year, acknowledging their excellent histories of supporting students, families, and the community:

Gonzo Carcache – Coral Reef Elementary School, Physical Education Teacher
Coach Gonzo Carcache has been a valuable part of Coral Reef Elementary School for nearly 30 years. He inspires his students to lead healthy, active lifestyles and to strive for their best. His dedication to his students and his ability to foster a positive learning environment has made him a beloved and respected figure in the eyes of his students and colleagues. Beyond his classroom responsibilities, Coach Carcache has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service and community engagement. His positive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to lend a helping hand creates a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. 

Maria De La Cruz-Gutiérrez – Lake Worth Community High School, LIA/SGA Teacher/Dual Language Coach
Maria De La Cruz-Gutierrez is the epitome of an outstanding educator. With more than 27 years of experience in secondary education, she has excelled as a Spanish teacher and taken on leadership roles as a Dual Language Coach and World Language Department Chair. Her dedication to cultural exchange is evident through initiatives such as organizing Latin dance lessons and multicultural activities that highlight the rich traditions of Latin America. Her fluency in English and Spanish allows her to build strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering a culturally responsive environment that enhances student achievement. 

"For over 10 years, the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce has been recognizing our high school Hispanic senior students because their efforts and desire to excel academically cannot be taken for granted,” said Santos Arroyo, Founder and CEO of FHACC. “Several of these students have overcome language, financial, and social barriers to reach their goals. We want to be part of their success and acknowledge their families for raising good and productive citizens.”

The Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce was established in 2005 and energized by a group of volunteer professionals. The Chamber works closely with local Hispanic and non-Hispanic members of the educational, cultural, and business community.