Overview
Since 1998, the Hispanic Youth Foundation of Northern Virginia (HYF of NOVA) has dedicated its financial resources to helping Hispanic students achieve their full potential by developing and implementing creative education solutions to overcome poor academic motivation, cultural isolation and other barriers. In 2007, the HYF Board of Directors decided to exclusively focus their financial resources on the Victoria D. de Sanchez Northern Virginia Teacher of the Year Award as a way of recognizing and encouraging teachers who have demonstrated exemplary results in working with Hispanic students in Northern Virginia.
The Victoria D. de Sanchez Northern Virginia Hispanic Teacher of the Year Award is endowed by Marymount University, a private, comprehensive Catholic university, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Guided by the traditions of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, service to others, and a global perspective. Marymount is known for small classes, personal attention and a strong focus on student success. A Marymount education is grounded in the liberal arts, promotes career preparation, and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. A student‐centered learning community that values diversity and focuses on the education of the whole person, Marymount guides the intellectual, ethical, and spiritual development of each individual.
Our Mission
To encourage Hispanic students in the Northern Virginia public school systems to excel academically, graduate high school and pursue higher education.
Our Vision
To motivate our children to achieve their full potential by honoring role models among Hispanic teachers in Northern Virginia who inspire students to succeed through their example.
History
Raising the sights of Hispanic students to achieve their full potential.
In the fall of 1997, a group of Hispanic business owners in Northern Virginia began a What if we …? conversation. What if we could help our schools address the critical issue of low-performing Hispanic students who are at risk to drop out? What if we could positively impact the futures of our children, and the communities where we live, work and serve?
Early in 1998, 26 Hispanic CEOs with a single vision formed the non-profit Hispanic Youth Foundation of Northern Virginia, dedicated to supporting educational programs for at-risk Hispanic students. In 2007, the board of directors decided to focus their financial resources on an annual Hispanic educator award to recognize excellence in teaching, community leadership and dedication to the profession.
To achieve this goal, the non-profit entered into an alliance with Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, to establish an endowment with MU for the annual award.
The Victoria D. de Sanchez Northern Virginia Hispanic Teacher of the Year Award, presented annually at the Marymount School of Education and Human Resources awards banquet, honors an exemplary Hispanic teacher who strives to improve the lives of children and their communities through education.
PreK-12 Hispanic teachers from the following 12 school systems in Northern Virginia are eligible to apply for the Victoria D. de Sanchez Hispanic Teacher of the Year Award.
- Alexandra City Public Schools
- Arlington County Public Schools
- Fairfax City Public Schools
- Fairfax County Public Schools
- Fauquier County Public Schools
- Falls Church City Public Schools
- Fredericksburg City Public Schools
- Loudoun County Public Schools
- Manassas City Public Schools
- Manassas Park City Schools
- Prince William County Public Schools
- Stafford County Public Schools
Board Members & Selection Committee
Victoria Elena Sanchez
Chairperson
Granddaughter of Victoria D. de Sanchez
Alexandria, Virginia
Leveo V. Sanchez II
Son of Victoria D. de Sanchez
Founding Member, Hispanic Youth Foundation of Northern Virginia, 1997
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Mike Sierra
Founding Member, Hispanic Youth Foundation of Northern Virginia, 1997
Round Hill, VA
Jose “Pepe” Figueroa
Founding Member, Hispanic Youth Foundation of Northern Virginia, 1997
Alexandria, Virginia
Dr. Ana Lado
Professor Marymount University and Hispanic Youth of Northern Virginia Selection Committee Member since 2007
Alexandria, VA
Melissa Elena Stites Miller
Great-granddaughter of Victoria D. de Sanchez
Hispanic Youth Foundation of Northern Virginia, Member since 2015
Washington, D.C.
Celestino M. Beltran
Founding Member, Hispanic Youth Foundation of Northern Virginia, 1997
Ashburn, VA
Fllory Correa
Application Development Consultant since 2013
Annandale, Virginia
Victoria D. de Sanchez was a pioneering Hispanic educator in both North and Latin America in the mid-twentieth century, impacting countless teachers and millions of schoolchildren. Read More
I motivate my students to motivate themselves. Education is so important, I want my students to always look at what’s next for them, not to be stagnant.
2010 Andrea de Gatica
Fairfax County, Virginia