PUBLISHED WORDS FROM CARLOS
ROSARIO SCHOOL EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR AND CEO
LETTER FROM THE CARLOS ROSARIO SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR
ALBERTO GOMEZ
I have been a proud supporter of the Carlos Rosario School for many,
many years and a board member since 1998. Through the years I have
seen the heart and hard work that Sonia has poured into the School
to see it grow and flourish. And for the past 20 years throughout the
School’s triumphs and challenges Allison has been there working side
by side with Sonia.
ALLISON R. KOKKOROS
Today we warmly welcome Allison to this new role of Executive
Director and CEO. She has demonstrated a unique combination of
the leadership qualities and experience that we need to take the
School forward. She is a passionate advocate for adult education and
immigrant integration. We are confident in her abilities to lead the
School in providing immigrant students with the education, resources, and support that transforms
individuals, families and communities.
As we look ahead to a bright tomorrow, I am proud to share with you the successes of the Carlos
Rosario School over the 2013-14 school year. This time of transition is fruitful for reflection and for
honoring the legacy of those who have come before. With a solid foundation and a clear vision, the
future is ripe with new opportunities for advancement.
“I am very fortunate to find myself doing work
that I love. When you are happy every day
to come to the School and see the students
determined to learn and realizing their dreams,
see our amazing teachers and counselors
putting their hearts into their work, it is uniquely
fulfilling.”
LETTER FROM THE CARLOS ROSARIO
PRESIDENT EMERITUS AND SCHOOL FOUNDER
SONIA GUTIERREZ
Legacy is defined as what we receive from those before us. This idea is
one I’ve been reflecting on over and over this past year. Carlos Rosario,
a compassionate Latino activist and my mentor, brought me in 43 years
ago to work with the Program for English Instruction for Latin Americans,
from which the Carlos Rosario School grew. He instilled in me a deep
respect of and appreciation for all immigrants. Over the past decades
I have seen our school grow from a small grassroots program to the
national model in adult education that it is today. This past fall we
inaugurated our new campus in northeast D.C. dedicated to workforce
development. This building represents the forward motion of the school.
I am so honored to be the namesake of the Sonia Gutierrez Campus.
MESSAGE TO CARLOS ROSARIO SCHOOL
STUDENTS
“Be an example to your children, not only in
how hard you work, but also in your commitment
to education (both yours and theirs), your
advancement in the workplace, and in engaging
in your communities and contributing to the
Greater Washington Region and to this country.
This country relies on the innovation and vitality
that immigrants bring to it. So this country is
relying on you to be part of its engine of growth.
Become American, in the highest and best
sense of the word. Believe in yourself and in the
possibilities that this country offers you. Reach for
your dreams, and you will achieve them.”
I couldn’t be prouder of the role I have been able to play in the lives of the tens of thousands of students
who have come through our doors. It has been my life’s work to cultivate in our students a commitment to
serving the community and to unlock their innate potential.
It is now after 43 years of service to the immigrant community that I am thrilled to pass forward the torch
to my dynamic protégé and esteemed colleague Allison R. Kokkoros, who has been named Executive
Director and CEO of the Carlos Rosario School. Allison and I have worked together for 20 years and I
have known for a long time that she should be directing the School into the future. She is an extremely
qualified professional totally committed to our school mission and our students.
Although my role at the Carlos Rosario School is changing, the work here is very close to my heart, and
I will never be far. I will continue as advisor to Allison and to serve on the School’s board of trustees. It is
with great pleasure that I reflect with you over the many accomplishments from the 2013-14 school year
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particularly as we look ahead to our bright future. Will you turn the page with me?
– Translated from Washington Hispanic,
published September 5, 2014
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