Everything Nac

Michele Siqueiros, president of The Campaign for College Opportunity, will serve as the keynote speaker for Noche De Gala, which will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14 at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Dr. Griselda Flores, SFA assistant director for OMA, explained the importance of this event.

“The Latinx population continues to increase, especially in Texas,” Flores said. “It is critical to understand the diverse culture, history and heritage of this population and learn to appreciate and respect all it has done for this country, as well as the influence it continues to make in the Americas.”

Keynote speaker Michele Siqueiros, president of The Campaign for College Opportunity, will discuss the importance of learning and appreciating one’s culture as it relates to college access. Siqueiros also will highlight issues affecting the larger Latinx community while motivating students to pursue their education and goals.

At The Campaign, Siqueiros works to influence California policymakers and college leaders so more students can attend college and graduate. She also acts as a voice and advocate for students as she seeks to eliminate racial inequities in higher education. The Campaign’s mission is to ensure all eligible and motivated students in California have the opportunity to go to college and succeed.

Additionally, event attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy Latinx-infused music and performances that showcase the beauty and diversity of the Hispanic-Latinx culture, according to Veronica Weaver, OMA director.

Tickets will be available beginning Aug. 28 at the information desk on the first floor of the BPSC. Admission is $4 for students and $6 for faculty, staff and community members. Dinner will be provided with admission. Attendees should dress to impress.

For more information, contact the OMA at (936) 468-1073.

Dean of Stephen F. Austin State University’s James I. Perkins College of Education Dr. Judy Abbott, right, presents Maria Landeros, a senior studying early childhood through sixth grade education, the 2017-18 McCathey Dressman Education Foundation Scholarship.

“Receiving this scholarship has granted me the wonderful opportunity of achieving one of my dearest goals in life, which is becoming a certified teacher,” Landeros said.

Landeros is enrolled in SFA’s online completer program, and this semester she is completing her clinical practice (student teaching) through the Nacogdoches Independent School District. Dr. Judy Abbott, dean of SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education, is serving as Landeros’ mentor.

“Maria is a dedicated non-traditional student who is focused on finishing her degree and meeting all necessary requirements to be eligible to apply for teacher certification from the Texas Education Agency,” Abbott said. “She has maintained a high GPA while pursuing her goal of becoming a teacher and has served as a strong role model for her children. I am impressed with her enthusiasm, energy and content knowledge.”

Landeros is no stranger to the classroom. She has worked for Nacogdoches ISD as an instructional and bilingual aide for more than 10 years.

In 2003, she began working for Nacogdoches ISD as a paraprofessional permanent substitute assisting in a bilingual first grade classroom at Nettie Marshall Elementary School. She also served as a bilingual paraprofessional at Thomas J. Rusk Elementary School for six years. During that time, Landeros served as the test administrator for the Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey and as a bilingual interpreter.

“My passion to teach and to help children motivated me to study and become a certified teacher,” Landeros said.