Written by Communications Department Intern Dalesha Jeanty
Maine West held its second annual Inspira Summit in March, inviting for the first time students from Maine East, Maine South and Frost Academy to celebrate career pathways and Latine culture.
“The Inspira Summit was created to increase a sense of belonging, visibility and representation, and to celebrate the Latine community within our district,” shares Maine West Psychologist Dr. Flores-Rodriguez. “It provides a platform for connection and community building.”
The event was held in the Maine West auditorium, starting with a musical performance by Guardianes del Llano and a dance performance by Maine West’s West Side Dance Company. The performances were followed by welcome remarks and an opening ceremony of parade flags, drum performances by 11th graders Jade Ferrer and Mateo Maisonet. The morning also featured keynote speaker Victor Gomez (Illinois Teacher of the Year 2025 – Leyden High School).
The event continued with a community-building activity and a panel of Latine professionals in various career fields. There was also a college presentation introducing Hispanic-serving universities and scholarship grant information. As students enjoyed lunch, there were more musical performances by middle school students from District 62 playing alongside the Maine Township High School Mariachi Band.
There was also an award ceremony recognizing students for their accomplishments, discipline, involvement and good character at school. Recipients included:
MAINE EAST
Amy Mishell Montano Cantos (10th grade)
Daniel Cisneros (12th grade)
Joanna Cisneros (10th grade)
Isabella Solano (11th grade)
MAINE SOUTH
Joshua Deltoro (10th grade)
Layla Nayeem (10th grade)
Nahia Talia (10th grade)
Dominic Wynne (10th grade)
MAINE WEST
Jairo Acosta (10th grade)
Miguel Uribe Chavez (10th grade)
Camila Herrera (11th grade)
Jianna Perez (11th grade)
Benjamin Jimenez-Srain (11th grade)
Valeria Wandemberg (11th grade)
The festivities ended with a lively musical performance by the Tamborazo band and closing remarks.
“The 2026 Summit didn’t just celebrate culture,” mentions Maine West Counselor Eliadez Hernandez. “It empowered a new generation of leaders to see their heritage as their greatest strength.”
This event was organized by members of the Inspira Summit Committee, including Dr. Yahaira Diaz (Maine West School Psychologist), Dr. Sandy Flores-Rodriguez (Maine West School Psychologist), Eliades Hernandez (Maine West School Counselor) and supported by subcommittee members Jazmeen Rivera (Maine East Social Worker) and Mark Zambrano (Maine South Counselor). They also received support from the District 207 Administration and the Maine Township High School Foundation.