Conexiones News
Feli Solá-Carter Receives Award for Outstanding Education Advocate from Governor
On October 15, 2014 Governor O'Malley hosted a reception in Government House, Annapolis, MD to celebrate Maryland Hispanic Heritage Month. Thirteen awards were presented to outstanding Marylanders who have served the Hispanic community. Feli Sola-Carter, representing Conexiones, received the award for Outstanding Education Advocate.
Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation by Howard County
On October 6th 2014, the Howard County Council Presented a Proclamation to Conexiones in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Annual Hispanic Achievement Awards
On Wednesday May 14, 2014, several hundred people gathered in the auditorium of Long Reach High School to celebrate the accomplishments of 104 soon-to-be high school graduates. These aren't just any students; they are 104 of Howard County's accomplished, intelligent driven Hispanics who have been recognized for their dedication to academics, serving the community and overcoming life obstacles. This year students from each of Howard County's 12 public schools were honored.
See a complete report by Sara Martinez, including the names of all the awardees.
Here also is a slide show from the festivities.
Howard County Proclaims May 14, 2013 as Conexiones Day
In honor of Conexiones 12th anniversary of supporting promising Hispanic students, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman proclaimed May 12, 2013 to be Conexiones Day. To see a copy of the Executive Proclamation follow this link.
Dr. Murray Simon at Local Author Showcase
 Dr. Murray Simon, founder of Conexiones, a WW II Veteran, lifetime educator, husband and father of three daughters, was featured with three other authors at East Columbia Library's Local Author Showcase on May 9th. Dr. Simon talked about his experiences as a combat veteran, international educator, and contributions to Howard County as founder of Conexiones. One point he was sure to make was "that when you give, you are sometimes, a beneficiary of that unselfish act".
Murray Simon talks about his life history as published in his three memoirs
Robyn Scates, Murray Simon, Nathan Leslie, and William Sells discuss their latest books, answer questions, and share tips about the publishing process
Feli Solá-Carter Testifies at School Budget Hearing
A public hearing about Superintendent Renee Foose's proposed $721 million operating budget for fiscal 2014 was held on January 31st, 2013. Feli Solá-Carter, President of Conexiones, testified in favor of additional 2.5 Hispanic Achievement liaisons. For more see...
Conexiones and Friends Testify Before Board of Education
On April 25, 2013, Ted Martinez, Conexiones Board member, Francisco Ramírez, the father of two students in Howard County schools, and Daniela Sánchez Reyes, an 8th grader at Oakland Mills Middle School, spoke at the Public Forum session of the Howard County Board of Education. Their eloquent statements call for the academic achievement of Hispanic students in the Howard County Public School System and for support of the Hispanic Achievement Liaisons in particular. See their testimony and pictures from the hearing.
Elisa Montalvo Selected for a Howard County Human Rights Commission's 2012 Award
Elisa Montalvo, Hispanic Achievement Specialist, Howard County Public School System, was selected for a Howard County Human Rights Commission's 2012 Award. Elisa is the official liaison to Conexiones and we are very proud of her accomplishments. See more...
Conexiones Board Testifies Before Superintendent Dr. Renee A. Foose
On October 9, 2012, Conexiones Board members and supporters met with Dr. Renee A. Foose, Superintendent of the Howard County Public School System. Ms. Sue Mascaro, Chief of Staff, and Ms. Elisa Montalvo, Hispanic Achievement Specialist, also participated. During this excellent exchange, we shared the Conexiones advocacy goals for the 2012-2013 school year:
- High academic expectations and achievement for all Hispanic students.
- Decreased dropout rate of Hispanic students.
- Increased participation of Hispanic students in the Gifted and Talented Program and Advanced Placement courses.
- Increased staffing of Hispanic Achievement Liaisons in proportion to the growth in the Hispanic student population.
Felícita Solá-Carter, Featured in the Beacon
Felícita Solá-Carter, President of Conexiones, is featured in the May, 2012 issue of the Howard County Beacon.
Conexiones and Friends Testify Before Board of Education
On April 12, 2012, with over 100 Hispanic students and families in attendance, David Rodriguez, Conexiones Board member, Sofia Zenker, the mother of two students at Phelps Luck Elementary School, and Kevin Moreno, a Junior and President of Hispanic Voices, the Hispanic student club at Wilde Lake High School, spoke at the Public Forum session of the Howard County Board of Education. Their eloquent statements call for the academic achievement of Hispanic students in the Howard County Public School System and for support of the Hispanic Achievement Liaisons in particular. Below are images from the April 12 public forum with links to the testimonies.
Latino Health Fair
Conexiones participated at the March 10, 2012 Latino Health Fair at the Wilde Lake Inferfaith Center.
David Rodriguez, Cindy Miller, Gus Mendez, Paul Gleichauf, Ana Liesch, Feli Sola-Carter |
David Rodriguez, Ana Liesch, Gus Mendez, Feli Sola-Carter |
David Rodriguez, Battalion Chief Jose Sanchez, Ana Liesch, Feli Sola-Carter |
Ana Liesch receives CPR instruction |
Conexiones Board Member Honored by Howard Magazine
David Rodriguez was featured in the December issue of Howard Magazine as one of five Men Making a Difference. The magazine highlighted five men who are making Howard County a better place to live through their efforts. Congratulations David!
Advocacy for Hispanic Students in Howard County
On November 30, 2011 Conexiones met with the HCPSS Board of Education and HCPSS officials to discuss the status of Hispanic student graduation rates, participation in Gifted and Talented programs, and evaluation of the Newcomers' Program. On January 23, 2012, Conexiones presented HCPSS officials data in support of these areas. Conexiones presented HCPSS the following achievement goals:
- Meet the State graduation goals within 3 years and
- Increase Hispanic student enrollment in Gifted and Talented programs from 4% to 6%
Achievement Awards
Conexiones held its 10th Annual Hispanic Achievement Awards ceremony and reception on May 18, 2011 at Long Reach High School in Columbia.
See an article about the event including a list of the awardees and a slideshow from the event...
See also the Keynote Speech by Carlos Lopez who shared his story with the awardees.
Advocacy for Hispanic Students in Howard County
On March 22, 2011, Conexiones Board members met with the Board of Education and the Howard County Public School System officials to advocate for action to lower the dropout rate and increase the participation rate of Hispanic students in Gifted and Talented and Advanced Placement programs. The data presented is available for viewing. 
Elisa Montalvo Honored
Elisa Montalvo, the Hispanic Achievement Specialist for the Howard County Public School System and liaison to Conexiones, was honored by the Horizon Foundation for work with Hispanic community. See the article in the Baltimore Sun.
From left, Msgr. Michael Schmied, Mrs. Diane Martin, Mrs. Daniela Shuffler, Ms. Elisa Montalvo, Ms. Marty Cifrese, Mr. David Rodriguez, Mr. Roger Lerner
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