Mariachi band to serenade Sunset Park councilwoman

January 31, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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Councilwoman Sara Gonzalez has received plenty of awards during her time in public office. But has she ever been serenaded by a mariachi band?

She soon will be!

A local mariachi band will perform for Gonzalez (D-Sunset Park-Red Hook) at a meeting of the PTA at P.S. 503, a Sunset Park elementary school. Gonzalez will be the guest of honor at a celebration by the PTA. The celebration will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the school, 330 59th St., starting at 6 p.m.

The PTA and school administrators recently received notification that the school would receive various grants totaling more than $50,000 to fund programs in music performance and composition. The funding will also go toward the construction of a new dance floor.

Gonzalez advocated for the grants on behalf of the school.

The school will express its gratitude by serenading the councilwoman with a local mariachi band and issuing her a personalized plaque that will be presented by student ballerinas, PTA President Bob Hudock said.

Studies show that arts education gives students important cognitive skills that boost their ability in many other subject areas, according to Hudock. “Our students need and deserve these enrichment programs to help them succeed. We are deeply grateful that Sara Gonzalez came through for us,” he said.

Gonzalez was raised and educated in Sunset Park. Prior to serving in the City Council, Gonzalez was the chairman of Community Board Seven, where she emphasized education and youth programs, environmental justice, and waterfront development.