The 2013 Steering Committee of the Montgomery County Executive Hispanic Gala (MCEHG) announces the first of three awards to be presented during the gala celebration on September 12, 2013 to take place at The Fillmore Silver Spring.
Montgomery County Public Schools ESOL Counselor Maria Socorro Garcia will be the recipient of the “Educator of the Year Award”.
“Ms. Garcia represents a living example of the passionate, dedicated, hands-on educator that we need in every school, especially in those with elevated percentages of minority students,” said Lorna Virgili, Chair of the 2013 MCEHG.
Ms. Garcia has been a school counselor since 1998 and she serves the Hispanic student population at two MCPS High Schools, Gaithersburg and Watkins Mill. She works solely with non-native English speakers and is legendary for assisting over 300 students in completing FAFSA forms and providing college and financial aid workshops in the Latino Community.
“I wholeheartedly agree with Nelson Mandela, education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” said Ms. Garcia.
School Counselor Maria Socorro Garcia was born in New York of Puerto Rican descent. She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and education from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in counseling from George Mason University.
The Montgomery County Executive Hispanic Gala is a volunteer-run event committed to assisting Hispanic youth achieve a high level of education. Funds raised support the Maryland Hispanic Achievement Scholarship Program which provides financial assistance to Hispanic students enrolled in Maryland higher learning institutions.
The “Advocate of the Year” and “Public Service” awardees announcements to follow.
To become an event sponsor or to purchase tickets, visit: www.montgomeryhispanicgala.org
