Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. More than 34 percent of MCPS students are Hispanic or of Hispanic descent. This month brings an opportunity to highlight the contributions and rich diversity of the many Hispanic cultures across Montgomery County. It also gives us a chance to celebrate some of our wonderful staff members and leaders who are of Hispanic heritage.

• Daysi Castro, instructional specialist in the Community Schools
• Steffany Lizama, STEM teacher and girls’ flag football coach at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
• Nancy Valenzuela Enriquez, media assistant at Montgomery Blair High School
• Oscar Amaguana, Wheaton High School boys’ varsity soccer coach
• Karla Silvestre, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education 
• Edgar Perez, security team leader at Northwood High School

Oct. 9, 2024

Daysi Castro

Daysi Castro is an instructional specialist in the Community Schools, where her dedication and passion have transformed the lives of students and families. MCPS has 53 Community Schools that provide wraparound services that address barriers to learning and success. 

She mentors new Community School Liaisons, leveraging her experience for personalized professional learning. With 13 years of experience in MCPS, Castro embodies the spirit of community and the importance of representation in education.

Castro’s story is deeply intertwined with her Hispanic heritage. She was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States at just 2 years old. Her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic and commitment to education. “They wanted me to go to university,” she recalls. “They taught me that with hard work, I could achieve anything.” She says this foundation drives her dedication to helping students and families navigate their educational journeys.

Castro’s impact on the community is echoed by her supervisor, Hope McGuire: “Daysi honors her Hispanic heritage through her dedication to families, helping them access resources while respecting their culture.” 

“When I started as a student, there weren’t many Latino role models,” said Castro, a Wheaton High School graduate. “Today, we see more representation in different roles, and that’s crucial for our students.” 

Kathy Oliva, one of Castro’s colleagues, said: “Daysi is incredibly personable and connects with everyone. Her approachability reflects the diversity in MCPS and enriches her work within the community.”

Looking ahead, Castro aims to ensure that all students are prepared for college or the workforce. “My goal is for families to achieve their aspirations,” she said. Her belief in the power of collaboration between schools and families is at the core of her mission. “When kids see that school and parents are a team, it makes a difference.”

Oct. 2, 2024

Steffany Lizama

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month—celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15—MCPS is highlighting the contributions and diversity of the many Hispanic cultures across Montgomery County.

Steffany Lizama, a STEM educator and girls' flag football coach at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, empowers students to challenge stereotypes. “I think being a Latina leader is very important because many Latino students don’t necessarily see teachers like me in the STEM field,” she said. “They might see them teaching Spanish classes.”

Lizama is passionate about introducing students to the world of engineering and computer science. She actively encourages her students to explore these fields, demonstrating that anyone can succeed in STEM.

Lizama's personal journey has shaped her commitment to supporting Latino students. As a first-generation Salvadoran immigrant, she understands the challenges and opportunities that come with being a Latino in the United States. A graduate of Seneca Valley High School and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Lizama strives to inspire her students to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence.

Lizama's dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom. As a girls' flag football coach, she provides opportunities for young women to participate in sports and develop important life skills.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, she emphasizes the importance of celebrating diverse cultures and breaking down barriers. “I love highlighting individuals from all Latino countries,” she said. “These are physicists, engineers, chemists and they are making a change,” she shares with her students. “Be proud of who you are… and be powerful in the field that you go into.”

Oct. 1, 2024

Nancy Valenzuela Enriquez

Nancy Valenzuela Enriquez is a media assistant at Montgomery Blair High School. Originally from Peru, Valenzuela arrived in the U.S. at 23 years old and has dedicated the last 16 years of her career to MCPS. Her journey is a testament to resilience and dedication, showcasing how effort and support can open doors in a new environment.

Valenzuela’s journey has been one of growth and overcoming challenges. She began her career as a building services employee at Blair, where she had the opportunity to learn and adapt to her new surroundings. Her coworkers encouraged her to apply for the media assistant position, and she says that without their support, she wouldn’t have achieved it. Through hard work and the trust she cultivated with teachers, she became a critical member of the team.

Valenzuela’s work transcends mere technical assistance. Sometimes, she takes the time to listen, serving as a trusted adult to students who are having a difficult time in school, considering leaving and needing someone to talk to. “I [would] talk to them and say that they need to decide with a clear mind, because the choices they make now [would] impact their future,” she shares. Her ability to connect with young people reflects the deep sense of community she fosters at the school.

Valenzuela’s love for her Hispanic culture is evident. She enjoys hearing others speak Spanish and takes pride in her heritage. In addition to speaking English and Spanish, Valenzuela also communicates in Quechua, an Indigenous language of Peru.

Assistant Principal Adriana Burgos-Ojeda, who wanted to highlight Valenzuela’s journey, describes her as generous, intelligent and a role model.

Her story reminds us of the importance of supporting those who, like her, arrive in new places with dreams and aspirations.

Sept. 27, 2024

Oscar Amaguana

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The story of Oscar Amaguana, Wheaton High School boys’ varsity soccer coach, is one of perseverance and achievement.

Originally from Ecuador, Coach Amaguana came to the United States at 8 years old. As a young immigrant and student, he found solace and purpose in “the beautiful game” of soccer. After graduating from the University of Maryland, his passion for the sport led him to a successful career as a coach, where he has mentored countless young athletes for more than two decades. Coaching is more than just a job for Amaguana; it's a passion. "I grew up with soccer. It is part of me; I played at the college level. When I got into teaching, I was able to become a coach and I loved it. I have been doing this for 25 years."

His journey as a Latino coach and leader in MCPS has been marked by challenges and triumphs. As a Latino teacher, Amaguana has experienced the importance of support and opportunity. "This is my 34th year with MCPS. I think the support, the avenues and the opportunities that they have given me here are great," he says. He credits MCPS for providing him with the platform to grow and achieve his goals.

"I am proud of who I am,” he says. “I am proud of my Latino culture. It means a lot to me and my family." For Hispanic Heritage Month, Coach Amaguana's message to students is clear: "Don't let the challenges define you. Find a way to persevere." His journey is an example of the achievements one can reach with determination and hard work.

Sept. 25, 2024

Karla Silvestre

As the president of the Montgomery County Board of Education, Karla Silvestre has been instrumental in shaping the district's policies and priorities. Her perspective as a Latina in a diverse community provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing education today. Ms. Silvestre shares her insights and experiences in this Hispanic Heritage Month Q&A.

Tell us about your Hispanic/Latino background.

I was born in Guatemala and came to the U.S. when I was 8 years old because of the civil war. My father is Mayan, so I identify with my Indigenous heritage as well. On the U.S. Census, I mark multi-race because that most accurately reflects my heritage (Indigenous, European, and African). I speak Spanish, though I am still working on learning to write it well. I encourage students to take Spanish in school so they can learn to write the language even if you speak it at home.

Why is your Latinidad so important as a leader?

I think representation matters in all levels of leadership. I bring my unique background and perspective as a Latina and an immigrant to decision-making. When you have a district as diverse as MCPS, it is important to know the people you serve. Everyone can learn to be more culturally and linguistically competent but if you have the lived experience from the start, the impact is more immediate to the people you serve. Because I am aware of this, I try to learn about all of our communities in the county.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?

I have been in this country for many years and my family is far away so it is a time to stop, reflect, and celebrate our culture, heritage and contributions. Latinos are a diverse community with rich traditions and people contributing to our society in a myriad of ways. It is important to celebrate this throughout the year in everything we do and also during Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month.

What has been your experience in MCPS as a Latino leader?

I am often the only Latina in the room and I strive to put systems in place to change this. I am proud to represent my community and hope that it will inspire others to serve others. I strive to make our school system better for all.

What do you want to share with MCPS students and staff as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month?

Be proud of who you are and where you come from. Take time to learn more about your family, your background and your language. Embrace it and bring your whole self to MCPS. Take advantage of everything MCPS has to offer and have high expectations for yourself and the system. Getting a good education will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Sept. 19, 2024

Edgar Perez

This week, we are featuring Edgar Perez, security team leader at Northwood High School.  Perez has a clear mission—to build strong relationships with students and to help them succeed in school by keeping them safe and secure.

At school, Perez has proven to be a leader for the faculty and staff, and a support for the students. According to Assistant Principal Larissa Amador, Perez builds bonds with the students and his kindness makes him an example to follow.

You will often find him in the hallways chatting with students about their homework or families. He works hard to build strong and respectful relationships with the students. “Mr. Perez is kind and helps us whenever we need it,” said Welner, a Northwood student. 

Perez says that MCPS has always been an essential part of his life. His parents, 

Cuki and Gloria Perez, both worked for MCPS for 40 years. Cuki and Gloria Perez left their native countries of Panama and El Salvador to follow the American dream. Perez credits his dedication to them and to his Latin roots.

“I've been in MCPS schools since the 1980s, running around with my parents and that gave me my work ethic,” he said. 

Perez, who graduated from Springbrook High School, said that education was the foundation for his future. Perez has been working at MCPS for 10 years and, prior to that, he spent nine years in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic.

Perez is most passionate about being able to help Latino students through high school. His work is appreciated by his colleagues and students. “Thank you for all the things you have done for us; we appreciate it,” said student Danyi. “You are the best!”