Mayra Orozco

.orozc0 got his driver’s license today! 🚗🎉

One less child to Uber around, but one more worry to carry. Watching you grow into a smart, diligent, and thoughtful young man has been one of my greatest joys. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or now behind the wheel, you always rise to the occasion. So proud of you, mijo. ❤️ Drive safe and enjoy this new chapter!

How time flies… I am a proud mama of an adult child. I still remember bringing home after 27 hours of labor that resulted in an emergency C- section. Now here we are 18 years later celebrating his high school graduation and his transition to CBU in the fall. I am so privileged to have watch you reach this milestone and can’t wait for many more to come. I love you forever, I love you for always, as long as I am living, my baby you will be.

Yesterday, we celebrated graduation from Centennial High School. 🎓

Watching you grow into the young man you are today has been one of the greatest joys of my life. You have challenged yourself academically, balanced athletics with excellence in the classroom, and faced every opportunity with determination and humility.

Your kindness, quiet confidence, and commitment to your goals make us incredibly proud. As you begin the next chapter, remember that success is not measured only by achievements, but by the impact you have on others. We know you will continue to make a difference wherever your journey takes you.

Congratulations, Diego. Your hard work, perseverance, and character have brought you to this moment, and we cannot wait to see what comes next.

Cen10 Class of 2026.

My journey at is coming to an end. Last night’s awards was filled with powerful moments of resilience, reflection, and joy. Love my scholar familia. Thank you for empowering and embracing us with the power of the pen. , Dr. Gipson, Dr. Luschei, and Dr. Reagan. Shout out to my besties .veekativhu, Dr. Ramirez, and Dr. Hanson

Thank you for the High School Scholarship!

When Dra. Bermúdez called me Doctora en Educación in Spanish…

She honored me with more than a title.
She honored my parents.
Their sacrifice.
Their journey.
Their belief that something greater was possible.

To my chair, Dr. Claudia Bermúdez, thank you for seeing me, guiding me, and helping me carry this work forward.
To every family who came to this country for opportunity…
sí se puede.

After years of study, sacrifice, and purpose, I successfully defended my dissertation:
When hearts beat in two languages: Biliteracy Recognition in TK-8 schools.

This moment carries the love and sacrifice of my family, especially the time we gave up together to make this dream possible. It carries the strength of my parents and all families who came to this country in search of opportunity, believing in something greater for the next generation.

I am deeply grateful to my dissertation committee, my scholar familia, my friends, my colleagues —your guidance, belief, and community carried me through.

This work is for our students.
For biliteracy.
For every child whose language is power, not a barrier.

De ELD a Ph.D.

Six years later, we’re back at . Family, traditions, and memories galore. Until next time.