By Sara Solimani, Opinions Editor
Revered Spanish teacher, Hispanic Hawks club sponsor, and mentor, Dr. Kayra Alvarado wraps up the last of her teaching career at River Hill High School.
After teaching for 4 years at River Hill as a Spanish teacher, Dr. Alvarado says her goodbyes as she starts a new chapter in her life at the World Language Office in Howard County Public Schools as the new World Language resource teacher. At the end of quarter 3, Dr. Alvarado will have taught her last day at River Hill. To commemorate and show appreciation for her, the club that she co-sponsors with Mrs. Irby and Sra. Souidi, the Hispanic Hawks, held a banquet for her on the 24th of March.
Many of her students and friends at school are sad to see her go, especially without finishing the school year, but they are excited for her to be able to expand her horizons. Fernando Barker, vice president of the Hispanic Hawks, shared that, “I’m sad to see her go but her help is really appreciated and I’m glad she has this new opportunity even though she will be missed.” Officer of the Hispanic Hawks, Sophomore Angela Malla mentioned, “I’m saddened by her departure because although I haven’t had conversations or spent time with her, I have heard how much she’s contributed towards the club and what a lovely person she is.” Wishing her the best, Dr. Alvarado’s students are reluctant to say goodbye.
After spending all of these years teaching at this school and in the River Hill community, Dr. Alvarado is also reluctant to leave soon. She reminisced on the fond memories she made here, “My best memories are the genuinely funny community moments that have occurred in my classroom that are the kind of humorous events that only happen when the class has built that comfort over time…when it feels more like family.” Dr. Alvarado mentions that what she will miss the most is being able to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the students that she teaches, but also for the students that have developed a friendship with her.
Stepping away from River Hill has its challenges, but accepting this promotion comes with its benefits as well. Dr. Alvarado is excited to make a change from her new position in ways that will positively benefit World Language students everywhere in Howard County. While she is sad to part ways with her students, she shared that, “Even though there are kids in the future that I may not meet, I hope that something that I’m doing in my new role will ultimately benefit them” Along with this, Dr. Alvardo continues, “I’m excited that I now have the capacity to spread my vision on what it feels like to interact with students in the classroom community.”
The Hispanic Hawks have worked with Dr. Alvarado for 2 years now and will deeply miss her presence as the co-sponsor. In order to show how much they appreciate her contribution, the club wanted to host one last banquet for her, called the “Fiesta de Despedida para Dra. Alvarado.” At this banquet there was food, music, gift giving, and students were able to say short speeches. Students were able to share appreciation and their gratitude towards Dr. Alvarado at least one more time before she embarks on her new adventure.
Fernando offered some insight towards their intentions as he said, “We wanted to leave her with good memories and thank her for everything so we decided to put this together for people to get her gifts and get to say thank you and good bye.” Officer Gina Dhaliwal, a sophomore, adds on that, “We wanted a happy event, one that is fun and enjoyable for everyone, less of a goodbye and more of a good luck.”
Dr. Alvarado shares these feelings and discusses how, “I’m super excited for the Hispanic Hawks banquet. I’m just so proud of this small organization that genuinely is filled with passion, driven to establish an impact… I’ve just really seen how it is a club that is committed to being helpful and to build cross-collaboration among different clubs,” She explained how the Hispanic Hawks are another aspect of River Hill that she will dearly miss.
Dr. Alvarado is determined to reach new heights at her new job with lots of excitement. It’s safe to say that the students here at River Hill wish Dr. Alvarado a happy and promising future.