Imagine moving to a new country, adjusting to an new environment and culture while trying to piece back together the shattered fragments of your old life. Now, imagine trying to start this new life while communicating in a language alien to your own. This is a situation that countless students and their families face each year as they transfer into the Multilingual Learners (ML) program. However, fortunately for them, many had a cheerleader in their corner, Ana Pereira, Spanish Language and Family Liaison.
Pereira helped comfort students while forming personal connections with them as they transitioned to life at South, Christine Anderson, Assistant Director of Multilingual Learners, said.
“She just stuck out from that whole team because she had such a bright smile and spirit,” Anderson said.
Pereira succumbed to health issues and passed away on Jan. 12, Principal Dr. Barbara Georges said.
Pereira began her Glenbrooks journey as a graduate of North. Her duties at South evolved from working in Student Services, the Dean’s Office, and the enrollment office, until she ultimately ended up as a Family and Language Liaison, according to the District Board Meeting honoring Pereira on Jan. 26.
Pereira would always greet a variety of students in the hallway and leave her office door open for anyone who needed to talk, Ismael De Luz, Language and Family Liaison, said.
“She was very loving,” De Luz said.
Additonally, Pereira was a cornerstone of the ML program and, over time, advocated for its expansion, De Luz said.
“She wouldn’t take a no very easily,” De Luz said. “She would always find a way to make and bring the support to whoever needed it.”
Pereira not only worked hard to evolve the ML program, but also involved herself in the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC), Anderson said. She would encourage parents to become more involved, help the committee generate ideas, and even attended their parent summit last spring, Anderson said.
Even though she is no longer with us, Pereira’s legacy of kindness will live on in the halls of South, Georges said.
“While she will be deeply missed, her life of service has touched countless generations of Titans,” Georges said. “Her legacy will continue to live on in our halls, our classrooms, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.”
