Dr. Antonia Pantoja, founder of ASPIRA in New York (1961) was inducted into the Legacy Walk of Fame on October 11, 2012.
This momentous occasion was celebrated with the unveiling of a bronze plaque commemorating her life's work and significance. The plaque, affixed to one of the signature pylons located in Boystown in Chicago's Lakeview Neighborhood was unveiled by ASPIRA Board Chair, Fernando Grillo and Dr. Wilhemina Perry, Dr. Pantoja's partner for the last 30 years of her life.
Students and staff from ASPIRA Antonia Pantoja High School as well as ASPIRA board members and administrative staff were on hand to take part in the unveiling. Also on hand was Lillian Jimenez, producer of the acclaimed documentary "Antonia Pantoja ¡Presente!"
Asked why she chose to nominate Dr. Pantoja for the Legacy Walk, Dr. Lourdes Torres, professor at DePaul University explained, "when Victor Salvo (Founder and Executive Director of the Legacy Project) asked me for nominations for the Legacy Walk the first person I thought of was Antonia Pantoja".
A delegation of educators from the country of Kyrgyzstan (Central Asia) made a visit to ASPIRA of Illinois Haugan Middle School on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, to learn about Charter Schools in America but in particular, about ASPIRA Inc. of Illinois Charter School campuses. Mr. Jose Rodriguez (President/CEO of ASPIRA Inc. of Illinois), explained the history of ASPIRA and the vision of each of its campuses. Iris Taylor, (Chief Instructional Officer of ASPIRA Inc. of Illinois), gave them an overview of the curriculum and vision for the future. The Delegation visited all of ASPIRA Haugan's classrooms and observed our teachers and students in learning action!
