During a recent government meeting, a poignant plea was made by Liat Raef, a seventh grader from Hamilton International Middle School, urging officials to reconsider proposed school closures and the elimination of option school programs. Raef, an alum of John Stanford International School (JSIS), highlighted the importance of language and cultural education for immigrant families, particularly those like hers, who are Venezuelan.

Raef, accompanied by fellow students and alumni from JSIS, emphasized that many of them live outside the designated geozone for the school, yet they have benefited immensely from its Spanish immersion program. She shared personal anecdotes about her family's commitment to maintaining their cultural heritage, illustrating how the school’s curriculum has been vital in fostering her connection with her roots and family.

The students' testimony underscores the broader implications of educational policy decisions on immigrant communities, particularly regarding access to language programs that support cultural identity. Raef's heartfelt message serves as a reminder of the critical role that schools play in bridging cultural gaps and nurturing connections within families.