Annual Report 2006-07 | Page 5

B. School Program Introduction Sonia Gutierrez, CEO and founder of the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, was chosen by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools to be a 2007 Hall of Fame inductee. As a member of the inaugural group of inductees, Ms. Gutierrez was honored for her pioneering efforts in the development and growth of charter schools as well as for her inspiring work on behalf of adult immigrants. In addition, District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty declared May 18, 2007, “Sonia Gutierrez Day” to recognize Ms. Gutierrez’s 35 years of dedicated service. The entire community celebrated her considerable accomplishments, and, among the honors awarded during an evening ceremony, she received a letter from President Bush and was entered into two Congressional Records. Sonia with Culinary Arts students A visionary who has been a civil rights activist throughout her career, Ms. Gutierrez is known for her unwavering commitment to excellence, for her extraordinary compassion, and for her fierce determination to unlock the potential of each one of her students. Seen internationally as a unique, holistic model for adult education programs and for student support services, Carlos Rosario has received considerable acclaim. Recognizing it as a national model, for example, the United States Department of Education, Office of Adult and Vocational Education, named the school as a finalist of the Secretary’s Award for Outstanding Adult Basic Education Programs. In 2006, Carlos Rosario also received an award from the DC mayor as one of the 10 best charter schools in the city. [