¡Presenté! Pearl McGivney honored
Posted on March 1, 2023, by Kathy Wright SL
On a beautiful sunny day in Auburndale, Fla., I attended a ceremony held by a group of Young American Dreamers to honor Pearl McGivney’s work with them. Auburndale is where Pearl worked for so many years. People gathered to sing her praises and talk about what a difference she made in their lives as well as the lives of their parents and children.
The Dreamers have established a garden of butterflies to remember their ancestors and people like Pearl who have been supportive and influential in their lives. The program says, “As we pay tribute to our ancestors, we must also honor the trailblazers who’ve paved the way for us, and, in turn, ensure that those who’ve passed will never be forgotten. As Sister Pearl was a protector of farmworkers and immigrants, we now place our loved ones who’ve moved on under her care.”
That statement created an image in my mind of Pearl continuing her caring ways even now with people she loved.
The group also honored a young Dreamer, Enrique Hernandez, who was killed when he was hit by a car while walking to high school one morning.
These Dreamers will fly their flag — a lovely green flag with a hand reaching for the stars — the week of Pearl’s birthday and during the week of each birthday for those who have passed on to say “Presenté!” and remind all that those who have gone on are still here with us in many ways.
Alicia Zapata was there to receive the award, and she also received an award for her many years of service to the Dreamers community in Florida.
After the moving tributes there was a great celebratory meal shared by all in attendance.
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