The Air Products Salute to Diversity in Education Awards recognize teachers in the Bethlehem Area School District who celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion by sincerely demonstrating a commitment to create a safe and supportive community within their classroom.

Among the many nominations that were received for the award, Laurie Gostley Hackett from Air Products along with a BASD committee including Dr. Roy selected three recipients to include one at the elementary level, middle school level, and high school level. Each winner was surprised with the award at their school. We are excited to share the winners with you. Our high school recipient is Kristin Vazquez a school counselor at Liberty High School. Ms. Vazquez was nominated by her principal, Dr. Harrison Bailey. Ms. Vazquez leads the Latino Youth Leadership Club which empowers Latino students to make connections to their diverse culture and to give back not only to the school but to the community. The Latino Youth Leadership Club is the only cultural/activity club at Liberty that brings awareness to the staff about another culture/tradition and allows them to see Latino students in leadership roles. Ms. Vazquez provides opportunities for her students to grow and learn from others and display leadership and cultural pride.

Dr. Roy stated, “I am proud of all three of the recipients. Each recipient, in their own way, serves our BASD students through the lens of equity and anti-racism. We are thankful to Laurie Gostley Hackett and Air Products for making this possible.”

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