You are the Light is a recognition program in the Allentown School District that celebrates staff and students. Each month, the district nominates and selects staff and students in three categories -- trendsetters, quiet heroes/heroines, and community catalysts. The district randomly selects some of the honorees each month to be featured on LehighValleyNews.com. Here are those selected for January:
Emmanuel Quinones, South Mountain Middle School
Emmanuel Quinones is a sixth-grader at South Mountain Middle School. He is receiving You Are the Light recognition for his talent and compassion for others. His nominating teacher remarked that Emmanuel displays kindness toward his peers and is always willing to help. He impacts the school through his willingness to help and his kindness toward all his classmates. Emmanuel was selected as a Quiet Hero.
Student Quiet Heroes contribute to the culture and climate of their school/community by supporting other students, staff and families as a role model of active kindness, cooperation and teamwork.
Emmanuel enjoys cooking for his family and is known to share tasty step-by-step family recipes with classmates and teachers.
Jaime Cavouto, Central Elementary School
Jaime Cavouto is the math specialist at Central Elementary School and was nominated for You Are The Light recognition for being intelligent, helpful and selfless. Jaime’s professionalism was noted as well as her reputation for going above and beyond to improve the betterment of math instruction at Central.
Individuals selected as classroom/community catalysts continue to champion change in their classrooms, schools and community. They contribute to student success by closing achievement gaps, measuring progress/using assessments, implementing interventions or student engagement.
Ms. Cavouto is known for being an approachable part of the school’s administration team and “is always there to assist teachers with anything with which they may need extra help."
Paul Williams – Alum, William Allen High School
Paul Williams, William Allen High School Class of 1979, is this month’s Alumni You are the Light award recipient. He graduated from Kutztown State College in 1983 where he earned a business administration degree with a concentration in management and was a varsity letter winner as the catcher for the baseball team.
He is a successful insurance and marketing career professional and started the William Allen Entrepreneurial Series in 2022 to create opportunities for high school students to hear local leaders share their stories and career paths. To date, more than 25 business owners and professionals and more than 200 students have participated.
He is a member of the Allentown Chamber of Commerce Board, Small Business Council Board, Easton Chamber of Commerce Board, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School Board, Cetronia Ambulance Board of Trustees and has participated on the Notre Dame Admissions and Marketing committee.
He is also especially proud to serve on the Allentown School District Strategic Plan Steering Committee. He is a proud lifelong Canary!