Sierra Vista High School senior Kiara Aparicio was recognized as the high school first-place award winner for the National Association for Bilingual Education's (NABE) 2022 National Essay Writing Contest, earning her a $500 reward, a NABE certificate and the highly-coveted NABE Shining Star Trophy.
Aparicio presented her award-winning essay to more than 1,000 attendees on Feb. 9 during the annual NABE 2022 Conference and Awards Ceremony, held Feb. 7-10 in New York. She received a standing ovation from the audience.
In her essay, Aparicio discusses the struggles and obstacles she has overcome as an immigrant, and how she is determined to succeed for herself and her family.
Aparicio was joined by Sierra Vista High School teacher and mentor Charlene Fried, Board Member Christina Lucero and Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement Dr. Angela Salazar. The City of Baldwin Park mayor Emmanuel J. Estrada also traveled to attend the conference and support Aparicio as she received her recognition.
“Baldwin Park Unified is exceptionally proud of Kiara Aparicio for all of her hard work and dedication to her education,” Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza said. “Kiara represented the entire Baldwin Park community on a national stage with so much enthusiasm and pride, and we cannot wait to see where her talents take her.”
Aparicio moved to the United States in 2019 and she has since not only learned English, but has continued to develop her academic Spanish. Aparicio plans to become a medical doctor, and she hopes to serve the bilingual community of Baldwin Park.
Aparicio will begin her post-secondary education at Río Hondo College.
NABE is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to representing and advocating for bilingual and multilingual students, and bilingual and dual language educators.
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BPUSD_SVHS Aparicio_1: Sierra Vista High School senior Kiara Aparicio was recognized as the high school first-place award winner for the National Association for Bilingual Education's 2022 National Essay Writing Contest. SVHS teacher and mentor Charlene Fried traveled with Aparicio to support her as she received her award.
BPUSD_SVHS Aparicio_2: SVHS senior Kiara Aparicio received her first-place honors in New York City Feb. 9, alongside BPUSD Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement Dr. Angela Salazar.