December 19, 2007, Yarmouth, Maine: Each year, Heidi O'Connor has a request of her North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) seventh grade Spanish class. She asks if anyone has a friend or family member who speaks Spanish and would be willing to talk with the class. This year, student Hannah Hearn invited family friend Dr. Amber Pena to NYA. Dr. Pena is a medical doctor who specializes in internal medicine and whose family is originally from Cuba. She practices medicine at Lewiston Medical Associates and lives Auburn, Maine.
Pena’s mother was pregnant with her when she immigrated to America. Castro had moved her family from their home to another, giving their home to a family with ten children. This prompted some members of her family to leave Cuba for America. Pena discussed Cuba in detail with the students, covering topics including cuisine, politics, customs, immigration, economics, flora and fauna, climate, family, parties and education. O'Connor said, "The students were particularly interested in photos Dr. Pena shared – cars, vegetation, food, dance as well as the political climate in Cuba."
North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational day school serving students in grades 6 through 12. NYA is dedicated to fostering integrity, character and intellect in young adults.
For more information, please contact:
Kristi Belesca
Director of Community Development and Communications
North Yarmouth Academy
148 Main Street
Yarmouth, ME 04096
207-846-2380 ext. 9327
kbelesca@nya.org