For the past year, Jean and I have spent a few minutes before breakfast listening to birds. We held to this routine during our trips to Ireland, England, Boston, the west coast, and Puerto Rico. We anticipated and heard specific species at each location. Sometimes, we caught the joyous sound of a new bird. Unexpected, yet welcome.
Hermandad welcomes new chances to help. In the last month, we welcomed two opportunities. I opened an email a few weeks ago from one of the past International Science Fair students we supported. Through our memorial fund dedicated to Puerto Rican youth, we had helped with expenses for two students’ Los Angeles trip. Martín A. I. Stella Nieves, currently an undergraduate civil engineering student at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, works on the Concrete Canoe Team 2026. Their goal seeks to “secure first place” in a March 2026 regional competition at Florida Atlantic University. Hermandad sent a donation. You can learn more by following this link. https://linktr.ee/uprm.concretecanoe?
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Our second opportunity has allowed us to help seven young students participate in a Coding Maker Club Program. Their ages span from 10-years-old to their upper teens. Each student wrote a compelling essay identifying their desire to attend and offered their learning goals, application of learning the technology and how this experience could be used for their future educational and professional ambitions and plans. A majority of these students attend public school in Puerto Rico and do not have access to learning coding, video games, and robotics. This program will promote team work and sharing of ideas.
Your gift to the Jack and Eunice Knight Memorial Fund helps us expand our reach as new needs surface. Because of you, Hermandad helps youth initiatives take flight.
On December 6, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., Hermandad will host “Así Suena Puerto Rico” at Divinity Lutheran Church, 1220 Providence Road, Towson, Maryland 21286. Tito Padilla and the group will present both “Christmas favorites” and “classics by Puerto Rican composers.” Our December event stands as the primary fundraiser for Hermandad’s memorial fund. Your continued support helps us to expand our ability to help the youth of Puerto Rico and expand their learning opportunities for a brighter future.
Donate here. Get your tickets now.
Thank you.