On Thursday, October 7, Superintendent of Chelsea Public Schools Dr. Almi G. Abeyta and Berkowitz Elementary School Principal Blanca Restrepo were recognized with awards at the State of Latino Education Summit as presented by Latinos for Education.
Dr. Abeyta received the La Lucha Award, which is presented annually by Latinos for Education. The award recognizes Dr. Abeyta’s continued advocacy for Latino students and families in Chelsea, and her fight for equitable education for the students of Chelsea Public Schools.
Restrepo was honored with the LatinX Educator Excellence Award for the contributions, leadership and unwavering commitment that she continues to make towards the education of Latino students at the Berkowitz School in Chelsea.
For over 20 years, Dr. Abeyta has worked to improve teaching and learning for students in urban education. In addition to her work as Superintendent of Chelsea Public Schools, she previously served as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in three school districts: Somerville Public Schools (2017-2019), Santa Fe Public Schools (2012-2017), and Boston Public Schools (2009-2012). Past honors for Abeyta include receiving the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Latina Administrator of the Year award in 2015, and being named one of El Planeta’s 100 Most Influential People in the Massachusetts’ Hispanic Community in 2007.
Restrepo’s role as principal of the Berkowitz Elementary Schools is part of a 26-year career as a Chelsea educator. She has lived in Chelsea since a young age, immigrating from Colombia and starting her time in CPS as a third-grade bilingual student. She rose through CPS, graduating from Chelsea High School, and completing a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Language and Literacy and a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language from Salem State. She also has a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in administration from the University of Massachusetts.