09/30/2026
EASTERN National Hispanic Heritage Month Student Spotlight: Sophia Reyes, Allied Health
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the achievements and sharing the inspiring stories of our Hispanic students. This week, we are excited to feature Sophia Reyes, a first-year student in EASTERN’s Allied Health program and a senior at Abington Senior High School.
When Sophia thinks about National Hispanic Heritage Month, she thinks about her family and the importance of representing and celebrating her culture. “My family is a big part of my life,” said Sophia. “We are proud of who we are and are not afraid to show it.”
Sophia’s father is from Zacatecas, Mexico, while her mother was born in Philadelphia and comes from a Puerto Rican family. Her father is one of 14 children, so family gatherings are always filled with plenty of love, laughter, and celebration. Sophia especially enjoys visiting Mexico to spend time with relatives she does not get to see often. Last year, Sophia and her family traveled to Mexico for Christmas, giving her the opportunity to reconnect with extended family. One of her favorite parts of the experience was, of course, the food. “Food is such an important and wonderful part of my Mexican heritage,” said Sophia. “At Christmastime, we just went from house to house, and each one had a different meal.”
In addition to her trips to Mexico, Sophia makes an annual trip to Puerto Rico to visit her grandmother, great-aunts, and great-uncles. These family traditions and connections have helped Sophia develop a strong appreciation for her Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage and the importance of celebrating where she comes from.
“My parents are my inspiration,” said Sophia. Her mother is a Spanish and culture teacher at a middle school and has instilled in Sophia the importance of education from an early age. Her father, who had to leave school to begin working, has inspired Sophia to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to her.
Sophia chose EASTERN’s Allied Health program because she wants to help others and make a positive impact on their lives. “I want to be the nurse that patients can trust and feel comfortable with,” said Sophia.
At Abington Senior High School, Sophia is a Link Crew Leader, where she helps freshmen adjust to high school and feel more comfortable in their new environment. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Environmental Club and Spanish Club.
After graduating from EASTERN and Abington Senior High School, Sophia plans to continue her education in the nursing program at Gwynedd Mercy University, where she hopes to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). She plans to specialize in orthopedics and pursue a career helping patients through their recovery and improving their quality of life. Abington School District
