Congratulations to Jezzmariah Almodovar ‘27 for winning Congressman Jim Himes’ Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest! Students from Southwestern Connecticut were invited to participate by submitting an essay detailing how a Hispanic/Latino leader has inspired them. Jezzmariah wrote about Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City.
Jezzmariah chronicled Pura’s groundbreaking work to bring Puerto Rican and Caribbean stories into classrooms and libraries. Pura’s work had a profound impact on Jezzmariah and she wrote, “Belpré motivates me to use my own love of writing to inspire others. Like her, I want to create spaces where people feel seen, where voices, no matter how small, have pride, hope, and maybe a little bit of “watch out, world” energy.”
In his congratulatory letter, Congressman Himes wrote, “Your essay is a reminder of the principles passed through generations and the cultural inheritance that makes this country great.” We are so proud of Jezzmariah’s achievement! Click here to read her full essay.
