September 30 – Christopher Alvarez, who graduated valedictorian from the Henry Viscardi School (HVS) at The Viscardi Center last spring, was one of seven honored by the Town of North Hempstead in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month this week. Councilman Peter Zuckerman selected Alvarez as an exemplary Hispanic-American who has “positively influenced and enriched the North Hempstead community,” and recognized his achievements at Town Hall in front of Supervisor Judi Bosworth and other councilmembers.
Alvarez, who was born with a rare skeletal condition, hasn’t let his physical challenges get in the way of his dreams. He was captain of the Viscardi Cougars Varsity basketball team and a member of National Honor Society during his time at HVS before graduating at the top of his class with an Advanced Regents Diploma. Alvarez is currently a freshman at Adelphi University, where he majors in communications and pursues a career in broadcast journalism.
“Christopher believes life is a short gift and that we should take advantage of it by living each day to the fullest,” read a program statement from the event. “Every day, Christopher proves that no matter what your condition or disability may be, anything is possible.”
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 to commemorate the independence-day anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua in 1821, and lasts until October 15.
About the Henry Viscardi School
The Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center is a New York State supported school that offers parents of children with severe physical disabilities and who often require life-sustaining medical treatment throughout the day, a traditional educational setting option that provides rigorous academics and opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Its specialized, accessible educational setting provides a fully-enriched academic program, a variety of therapies, assistive technology and medical supports to students who may otherwise need to receive instruction in their homes or a hospital.