[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 168 (Friday, October 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING LIZZETTE MARRERO FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 13, 2023

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, Lizzette Marrero was born in 
Bayamon, Puerto Rico, where her passion for education was deeply 
influenced by her parents' dedication to teaching as well as her 
maternal grandmother. She graduated from la Universidad de Puerto Rico, 
Recinto de Rio Piedras, with a bachelor's degree in secondary 
education, majoring in Spanish. In 1987, she became a Spanish teacher 
at a local Catholic school while pursuing a master's degree in 
curriculum and teaching, specializing in Hispanic studies.
  Upon graduation, Marrero welcomed her first child, prompting a 
challenging decision to relocate with her family to Central Florida. 
Carrying her dreams, faith, and a profound sadness for leaving her 
homeland in a suitcase, she embraced this new chapter alongside her 
soulmate, Marcos Barreiro. As her family expanded with the addition of 
two more children, she adapted to a new culture, language, and 
community where Christmas lasted only two weeks.
  In 1997, Marrero joined the Osceola County School District as a 
substitute teacher and was soon hired as a fifth-grade teacher at Boggy 
Creek Elementary School. The following year, she was appointed as a 
Spanish teacher, dedicating her professional life to her passion: the 
Spanish language, Hispanic literature, and Hispanic culture.
  Marrero was among the original educators who established the Osceola 
County School for the Arts in 2003. Over the past 20 years at OCSA, she 
has excelled in nurturing a deep love for learning and culture in her 
students, both inside and outside the classroom.
  Collaborating with her exceptional students, Marrero created and 
directed a vibrant Hispanic Heritage Festival that has captivated 
audiences for seventeen years at the Osceola Performing Arts Center. 
She also served on the Affirmative Action Committee in Osceola County, 
where she contributed to funding scholarships for graduate programs for 
fellow teachers in the county. Furthermore, she initiated and sponsored 
the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica: Capitulo Jorge Ramos and has guided 
students to compete at the Florida State Spanish Conference since 2007, 
achieving numerous awards.
  Marrero's dedication to teaching AP Spanish Language and Culture has 
recently led her to become an AP Reader and Table Leader for the 
College Board. She firmly believes that setting high expectations paves 
the way to success and that it is an honor to be a Spanish teacher for 
so many wonderful humans.

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