New writers for the Royal Courier as well as returning editors combed the campus wanting to find out how ILS is thinking about this year’s motto, better known as the Salesian strenna, Dare to Dream.
Mrs. Rebecca Sordo, Math Teacher “For me it means to go beyond your limits and achieve as much as you can. My dream this year is for my daughter to do well in school. Dare to dream to me means pushing past your limitations. You can’t be scared to do things as you never truly know what you are capable of until you try it. One of my dreams was to become a teacher here at ILS and here I am—- truly a dream come true for me.”
Ms. Emily Garzon, Math Teacher “For me it means that if you dream you can achieve anything. My dream is to achieve a good learning relationship with my students where I learn and they learn, too. Dare to dream means that anything that you want to do can happen if you work hard. My dream is to be happy and to spread peace and love.”
Mr. Wesley Tobitt, Business Teacher “For me it means to see my student trying in class, such as on projects and assignments. My dream would be to see my students do well.”
Ms. Meghan Cohen, French Teacher “The courage to do something outside your comfort zone. My dreams include to work on my Spanish, and live in a French-speaking country.”
Mr. Cotter Lamb, History Teacher “It means taking risks. My dreams are for a family and children.”
Mr. Gabriel Suarez, Curriculum Specialist “I think that the school motto means doing things you really want to do, but don’t have the time.”
Dr. Cristina Lopez-Hernandez, Theology Teacher
“Dare to dream means finding a goal that may seem challenging or overwhelming and having the courage to do what it takes to reach that goal. My dream is to find a healthy balance between my work and family life, to be there for my students and my kids and family at the same time.”
Sister Teresa Gutierrez, FMA
“Don Bosco’s dream was to save the young people. Patience and kindness will help the young people. My dream is that students at ILS learn to choose good friends, learn about God because He will be with them their whole lives, and lastly, that they came here in the choosing of Our Lady.”
Mrs. Marielena Douaihi, Main Office Receptionist “Dare to dream is like a challenge that God is giving us to start dreaming. What can we change? What can we expect? My dream is to have more peaceful and better families. If God is in the center, we can have better families and a better world. It is like a challenge that God is giving us to start dreaming and asking what can we do and what can we expect and what can we hope. What can we change in ourselves and in the school? My dream is to have more peace and better families in the whole community. If God is in the center of our lives, we can have better families and have a better society and a better world. Dare to dream is a challenge to dream for new hopes, expectations, and purposes. My personal dream is to be able to pray by the shores of the Galilee.”
Ms. Diaset Cabrera, Advancement Office “I think it’s about reaching a goal, envisioning a dream, and making it a reality with positive thoughts and positive work towards it. My dream is to be at peace in all areas of life, and to maintain good health.”
Coach Anthony Vuono, Assistant Athletic Director “Dare to dream means to be different than everybody else. Don’t follow the norms. My dream is for everybody to care for others and wake up better people.”
(Valentina Lanza)
Gabriel Ferrer, Senior “Dare to Dream is a motto that means, ‘to not be afraid to work and push yourself past the limits,’. My personal dream is to get into Embry Riddle and study aviation.”
Nicholas Kleinerman, Junior “Dare to dream means empowering students to dream and inspiring them. My dream is to be successful.”
Mrs. Milagros Beltran, Director of Campus Ministry “Dare to Dream symbolizes possibility and opportunity. I recognized I was called here to teach dignity and destiny. My dream is for my children to be happy, fulfilled, and faithful, and for my students to embrace life and become agents of real change.”
Coach Carmen Grosso, Advancement Office “Dare to dream is very simple. We discussed the students and our goals and objectives. We spoke about academics, athletics, etc. Above all, it is about doing the right thing in life. An important aspect is to listen to Sister Kim’s speeches in the morning. It will help us in the future and give us guidance. In terms of my dream, I visualize as a coach because to be successful as a coach, you have to imagine leading your team to victory. My dream is to move on with my life and do the right thing in my life. Everyone needs to do the right thing no matter their age.”
Isabella Baena, Sophomore “For me it means to do things even if you’re normally afraid or intimated. It means to step out of your comfort zone. My dream is to go to college with my friends.”
Mr. Neil Kjeldsen, English Teacher “Dare to Dream means that everyone has the capacity to do what they want. My dream is to see my two sons happy and well.”
Mr. Robert Piacenti, IT Department “It gives a reason to think about what you can accomplish. My dream is to live a fruitful, healthy life.”
Lorenzo Buttice, Senior “Dare to Dream gives us hope for the future. My dream is to design my own home.”
Lily Blanco, Junior “My thoughts on the school motto is if you set your mind to something you can do it. My dream is to be the best possible person I can be.”
Mr. Eddy Fernández, Theology Teacher “When I think of the school motto, all I can think of is that if you have a dream, then dream high because there are so many people who don’t have the chance to dream. My dream is to make it to heaven.”
Mr. Danilo Recinos, Theology Teacher “I think the school motto is a true testament to Don Bosco’s vision and mission. It places the needs of children as our primordial responsibility as educators. My dream is the fulfillment of the Gospel on Earth.”
Naomi Gilmore, Sophomore “Dare to Dream means go for goals and never give up. My dream is to find a job I love and to travel the world.”
Mrs. Lianne Rodriguez, Theater Teacher “Dare to Dream means thinking of your biggest goal and working on achieving it. I am living my dream.”
Evan Mirtle, Freshman “Dare to Dream means to take risks in life and to be able to live your dream. My dream is to travel the world and create my own company.”
Mrs. Elizabeth Vuono, Director of Student Activities “Dare to Dream means to have the courage to take risks. My dream is to raise my daughters in a society that is based on Catholic values.”
Mr. Habib Khawan, Math Teacher “Personally, Dare to Dream means never giving up no matter what. No matter how hard you think something is, believe in yourself. My dream is to be seventeen again. It was a difficult decision for me to leave and go back to my country again.”
