May 31, 2002

To : Board, Local Advisory Councils, Aspirantes, Parents and Staff

From : Raul A. Martinez, President and CEO

Subject : Dra. Antonia Pantoja Memorial

By this time I'm sure you have read the news regarding the passing away of Dra. Antonia Pantoja. Although saddened, we rejoice in the fact to have given witness to one of Puerto Rico's finest women. Dra. Pantoja's prospicience, vision of education for all, inspired thousands of youth to pursue a career in higher education. Her services to our community and society is only parallel to the likes of Eugenio María De Hostos, the father of Puerto Rican and Latin America pedagogy.

Dra. Pantoja could have chosen a lucrative career in private practice. Enhancing her life and wealth, but instead she chose to enrich the lives of thousands of Puerto Rican school age children arriving to the mainland. Her landmark decision of ASPIRA vs. the Board of Education transformed the learning and teaching process for non-native English speaking students in America, paving the way for ESOL type instruction for young and old throughout every public school in America.

ASPIRA of Florida, Inc. was very honored to have Dra. Pantoja as the keynote speaker at our Young Latinas Conference. We also, had Dra. Pantoja with us in the dedication of the ASPIRA Night School in Homestead named the "Dra. Antonia Pantoja Education Center". The Aspirantes were blessed by having her speak in our classrooms regarding the human rights issue of Vieques, and the staff and volunteers were further inspired to carry out the ASPIRA mission through her speeches.

Immediately following the news of Dra. Pantoja passing away all staff Directors and Principals have taken the initiatives to dedicate a moment of silence at their respective Youth Awards Ceremonies and Middle School graduations. During the next few months I will be speaking with staff, students and Board regarding the renaming of the ASPIRA South Charter School to the Dra. Antonia Pantoja Charter School. I will also commission Sculptor Tony López to create a bust of Dra. Antonia Pantoja for a dedication by the next school year.

In loving memory, your Aspirantes. Que descanses en paz. ¡Pa’lante!