As Kakiat STEAM Academy closed out Hispanic History Month on Friday, the grand finale to the month-long celebration took place on Friday when our eighth graders warmly welcomed Judge Roselina Serrano into the gymnasium. Judge Serrano talked about her childhood, and how her single mother encouraged her to believe in herself and always strive for excellence. The long road to becoming the first Latina Judge appointed in Rockland County was a hard one, but she persevered through the many obstacles and challenges to succeed and realize her dreams.

Role models can be inspirational for children to live meaningful and purposeful lives and can show them how to live with integrity, optimism, hope and determination. Learning about Judge Serrano’s important role in Rockland County’s judicial system can be very inspirational for thousands of Hispanic students throughout East Ramapo Central School District.