News - Celebrating a Historic Street Naming

DSC_1134As of June 5, 2015 the 500 block of V Street NE is commemoratively named Sonia Gutierrez Campus Way in honor of Carlos Rosario School founder Sonia Gutierrez and of the impact the school has had on the lives of tens of thousands of immigrants over its more than 40 year history.

Community and school leaders along with students and alumni turned out in force to celebrate this historic event: the first time a street is named for a Latina in Washington, DC.

“I appreciate everything that Sonia Gutierrez did to have this school, to help people from different countries to learn English and to be successful. I am thankful to be part of Carlos Rosario School,” said student Ana Escobar.

At the event Mayor Bowser gave remarks championing effective adult education and workforce programs. Chairman Mendelson, Councilmember Anita Bonds, Councilmember Vincent Orange, Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, Councilmember Brandon Todd, U.S. Representative (Shadow) Franklin Garcia, Shadow Senator Paul Strauss, Shadow Senator Michael Brown expressed support for Sonia’s vision and the hard work and dedication of the Carlos Rosario students.

In the true spirit of the school, the celebration that followed the street sign unveiling included a student-led Mariachi band, Ethiopian dancers, and food prepared by the culinary arts career training students.

“It is only fitting that we honor the great work of the institution and recognize the newly built campus and its mission to prepare our diverse immigrant population to learn and succeed in a nation where immigrants have played an integral role in the foundation of America,” said Councilmember Anita Bonds who co-introduced the act along with Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie.

 

**Photo courtesy of Beverlie Lord/Satsun Photography