FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2026
Philadelphia, PA — Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS) is thrilled to announce that its National Honor Society (NHS) students won 1st place in the Safer, Cleaner, and Greener Category of The Philly Service Award, which comes with a $20,000 grand prize. The Philly Service Award provides the funding and resources needed to bring student-led service projects to life, giving Philadelphia’s youth the opportunity to make a difference in their city.
The group’s project was entitled “How Vaping, Weed, and Hookah Threaten Teen Mental Health,” an issue that the students have seen harm many young people in their community. They researched the underlying causes, symptoms, and long-term consequences of substance use and worked to raise awareness. They presented their findings to their fellow students in a town hall-style event and also shared their work with community members at the Esperanza Health Fair at Esperanza College last month. In addition, they created an app that helps users track their progress, including how many days they have been vape- or smoke-free and how much money they have saved along the way.
The National Honor Society members involved in this award-winning project are Engels Acosta Paulus, Lianny Torres-Sanchez, Andrea Aguilar-Rodriguez, Deion Moya-Almendarez, Emelyn Barona-Rodriguez, Jacqueline Vasquez-Rodriguez, Yoeleiny Hernandez-Rodriguez, Zahory Panneflek Castillo, Genesis González Rivera, and Laurene Maria.
Dr. Evelyn Nuñez, CEO/Superintendent of Esperanza Academy, expressed the significance of this achievement:
“I am beyond proud of our high school students. Their project reflects not only their academic excellence and innovation, but also their deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of young people in our communities. By creating an app that empowers teens to make healthier choices, our students demonstrated the power of youth leadership, creativity, and purpose-driven learning. This achievement is a shining example of what Esperanza students are capable of when they use their voices and talents to create meaningful change.”
Rev. Luis Cortés, Founder and CEO of Esperanza, also praised the students’ accomplishment:
“Congratulations to our Esperanza students on this well-deserved 1st place win. This achievement is a beautiful reflection of who they are — young people who think critically, care deeply, and take action for the good in our community. At Esperanza, we believe that true education shapes not just the mind, but the character and the conscience. I couldn’t be prouder of what these students have accomplished.”
As Esperanza Academy continues celebrating 25 years of educational impact, the school is excited to see how this project will continue positively impacting the health and well-being of young people in its community.
About Esperanza Academy Charter School:
Esperanza Academy Charter School is a K–12 charter school located in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia. The school is dedicated to providing a quality education that develops critically thinking, socially capable, spiritually sensitive, and culturally aware young adults who can use English, Spanish, and technology as tools for success in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.esperanzaacademycs.org.
About Esperanza:
Esperanza was founded in 1986 to serve “the least of these” and to strengthen Hispanic communities and all who live within them. Today, Esperanza has grown into a $114 million organization with 680 employees serving approximately 35,000 individuals annually.
We carry out this mission through programs in education, housing and economic development, arts and culture, and social change. Esperanza is committed to building an opportunity community in Hunting Park, one of Philadelphia’s most underserved neighborhoods, where safe streets, quality schools, thriving small businesses, affordable housing, and a vibrant cultural life create pathways for all to thrive.
By addressing the systemic barriers that have historically limited progress for Latino communities, Esperanza provides access to education, skills, and opportunities that serve as on-ramps to economic mobility and long-term success.
For more information, visit www.esperanza.us.
Media Contact:
Jael Conde
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
marketing@esperanza.us
(215) 324-0746
EACS Media Contact:
Joana Díaz
Director of Educational Technology
jdiaz@neacademy.net
(667) 380-3574