Milton Elementary Hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Walkthrough Tour

Milton Elementary School (MES) recently hosted a series of inspiring Hispanic community leaders who visited each grade level throughout Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). During these visits, students had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the achievements, experiences, and contributions of Hispanic leaders in various fields, who live here in our community.

The month-long celebration culminated on Friday, October 17, 2025, with a school-wide walkthrough event. During the 30-minute activity, each class visited the presentation stations prepared by the other grade levels, giving students the chance to explore and learn about the inspiring Hispanic leaders featured throughout the school. This interactive event gave students a chance to reflect on what they learned and showcase the stories of these remarkable individuals and provided a meaningful opportunity for students to celebrate diversity, deepen their understanding of the Hispanic community, and recognize the rich contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Kindergarten students met with Delaware State Police Officer, Trooper First Class (TFC) Elizabeth Zambrano. TFC Zambrano is from Ecuador and moved to the United States when she was ten years old. She graduated from Montclair State University and is now the School Resource Officer (SRO) for Mariner Middle School, Milton Elementary School and H.O. Brittingham Elementary School.

First grade received an in-person lesson from Painter/Muralist, Gilberto Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez moved to the United States from Mexico in 1995 and has spent most of the last three decades in Ellendale. He is known for his incredible Latino/Hispanic inspired murals that can be found throughout Sussex County. Perhaps most notably, the mural on the side of the Linda Vista Real Estate Services building located on High Street in Seaford, Delaware.

Second grade visited with Ismael and Jonathan Perez-Roblero, the owners of La Rosita Bodega, a Latin store located in Milford, Delaware. La Rosita Bodega sells a variety of Latin inspired products. Students were able to learn first-hand what inspired the brothers to open the store, and the types of products they are serve their customers every day.

In third grade, students spent some time with Celso Morales, the owner of Guanacos Melting Pot Food Truck. Celso is from El Salvador and moved to the United States 16 years ago. He opened his own food truck in 2022 and has been providing customers with an authentic taste of Salvadoran and Mexican dishes ever since! He was recently honored for his achievements with an award from the Delaware Business Times.

Aida Wasserstein shared her unique story with fourth graders. Ms. Wasserstein first lived in Europe and spoke Yiddish before moving to Cuba and learning Spanish. When she moved to Florida, she learned English and then attended college and law school here in the United States. Ms. Wasserstein is now an accomplished bilingual author and was Delaware’s first bilingual lawyer. She also served as a Judge for 21 years.

Lastly, fifth graders met with Maria Ramirez Montero, a local respiratory therapist who is from Guatemala. Ms. Ramirez-Montero sees herself as a bridge between two cultures and loves to be able to help those in the community who may not speak English. She encouraged fifth graders to find ways that they too can help each other, their families and the community.

“Introducing and engaging students with real-life role models helps bring history and culture to life,” said Dr. Clara Conn, Principal of Milton Elementary School. “We are proud to provide these experiences that highlight the impact and achievements of the Hispanic community and encourage our students to learn and celebrate their stories.”