Diplomas given to 1st graduates of new ESL program for seniors at Hispanic Center in Reading
Sep. 15—After receiving their diplomas in a ceremony Friday morning at Mami Angie's Casa de la Amistad Senior Center in Reading, 12 graduates of the center's inaugural ESL program used their newly acquired English language skills by singing "Stand by Me."
The joy expressed on the faces and in the voices of the graduates testified to how much it meant for this group of Spanish-speaking seniors to become bilingual.
They worked hard to learn English, Michael Toledo, president and CEO of the Daniel Torres Hispanic Center, said before the ceremony. The Hispanic Center at Second and Washington streets houses the senior center where Spanish-speaking residents of the greater Reading community go to socialize and connect to services.
For some, Toledo added, it was the first time they have received a diploma of any kind.
The ceremony officially kicked off the center's observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which began Friday and continues through Oct. 15.
Though still learning the nuances of their second language, some of the graduates dared to say a few words, accepting the offer of the mic from senior center director Jeannie Rubero when they were called up to receive their diploma.
"I am happy," said Emerita Maldonado, 67.
In addition to her diploma, Maldonado, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, received a certificate of special recognition from the ESL program for helping their teacher in the classroom throughout the past year.
She also received, as did the other graduates, a certificate of achievement on behalf of state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, who presented the certificates and made brief remarks.
The teacher, Lucy Martinez, planted the seed for the ESL program, officials said, and for that she was also recognized.
Martinez began the class last year with four students, and now has over 30 regular students attending.
Prior to retirement, Martinez worked in New York in the medical field. She began teaching ESL classes in Reading while serving as president of the Glenside Resident Council.
While attending Mami Angie's Senior Center she noticed a desire by other seniors for an ESL class. She approached Rubero about starting one.
Rubero, who was given an apple from her class, spoke briefly at the ceremony.
She said she's been teaching ESL for 20 years and thanked the Hispanic Center for the opportunity to bring a program to the senior center.
Twelve of the first 15 graduates of the program attended Friday's graduation ceremony.
Rubero implored the graduates to keep setting goals.
"I am so proud of all our graduates of ESL," Rubero said. "Keep moving forward. Reach for your dreams and goals."
