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the Newsletter of the Spanish American Center
August 2026
Summer Youth Edition
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Summer Job Spotlight:
José Villaseñor
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A graduate of SAC youth programs, José is currently on orders as a firefighter on the Westfield Air National Guard Base. Although “it’s a little stressful being the new guy” Jose has become EMT certified and will soon be licensed to work in a civilian fire department.
A self-described “adrenaline junkie” who is able to stay cool in situations of chaos, José gained an interest in firefighting when he interned at District Attorney Early’s Office and met the MA State Police Fire Investigator. He credits this encounter and input from his parents and family members in the service with choosing to pursue firefighting and the National Guard. José’s broad and demanding range of interests include law, law enforcement, and nursing, none of which he excludes as a future career.
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Summer Internship Spotlight:
Meron Eshete
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Crossroads participant Meron interned at the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, where she learned more about the legal system and the inner workings of a law office through observing court proceedings, interacting with prosecutors, and presenting arguments in mock trials.
Before the internship, Meron sensed that she wanted to “pursue something in the legal field.” The experience confirmed her hunch and increased her self-confidence in herself and her abilities. As a rising high senior, Meron is motivated to “find [her] ‘why’” as she takes on the future. In her own words: “I’m interested in studying either Business Law or International Business in college, with the goal of eventually attending law school and pursuing a career in law.”
| | We wish Meron and José all the best and fully expect to hear more about how they will change their workplaces and the world around them for the better! | 🧬🔬🚀 A STEM-Powered Summer 🚀🔬🧬 | | According to Verano Alegre’s 2026 parents and kids, the engagement activities were a highlight this year, with some participants reluctant to leave at the end of the day. STEM/STEAM activities included battery and bulb circuits, homemade ice cream, and S’mores with solar ovens which the older kids made. The younger kids enjoyed art projects and dramatic storytelling. Youth also went roller skating at Roll On America, saw a game at Polar Park, watched butterflies hatch, and participated in a science series with guest scientist Jim Zebrowski at Mechanics Park in which they examined meteors, launched stomp rockets, and learned about the International Space Station (ISS). | |  | |
Youth volunteer mentors passionate about STEM really stepped it up too: Bhavya led the kids in extracting DNA from a cheek swab and turning it into a take-home necklace, and Miguel and Jeziah directed a chemistry workshop inflating balloons with vinegar and baking soda. Our teens are leading the way!
These activities helped create an active, engaging, and low-tech summer experience for our youth (less screen time and more time outdoors, learning, socialization, and at play). Besides being a lot of fun, Verano Alegre programming helps to address “summer slide” or learning loss when out of school by incorporating STEM/STEAM, reading, and teambuilding into each action-packed day.
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This year's edition of the Block Party was an end-of-summer smash hit. Special thanks to:
Leominster Cultural Council and the town of Leominster, Elianna Rodriguez, United Way of Central and North Central MA, Project Bread, and raffle sponsors Beauty Design, DB Beauty Bar, Redemption Nails, Dominican Nails Art, Applebee’s Restaurant, GazBar, Great Wolf Lodge, and La Reina Bakery. What better way to end summer with a smile than a SAC cookout, community resources, and family quality time? Check out the photos below.
| | The Spanish American Center historically has cultivated not just youth participation, but youth leadership. These photos tell a story of "events that were sponsored by the Center but organized and led by kids. Clockwise from top left: Peace March in 1996 to demonstrate against drugs and violence. ¡Fumar No Más! anti-tobacco activism, Venceremos HIV and AIDS prevention parade in 2001, and neighborhood cleanup group Pa'Lante in front of St. Cecilia Church, Leominster. | |
Finally, Thank You to our Gala Sponsors.
Your support means children and youth programs can continue to thrive!
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Estrella Sponsors - $2,500
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Leyenda Sponsors - $1,000
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Your support matters.
HERE'S TO THE NEXT 60 YEARS!
| The mission of the Spanish American Center is to respond to the social, health, educational and cultural needs of the Leominster community and surrounding areas, especially the Hispanic/Latino community limited by language, poverty and access. We foster economic self-sufficiency, equal opportunity, and active participation in community related activities for better quality of life. | | | | |
