Students, staff share favorite memories of Alfa Aquino

June 13, 2026

Spanish teacher Alfa Aquino made a lasting impression on staff and students during her time at Bronx River High School.

My favorite memory of Ms. Aquino is when I came to the Spanish/Hispanic club after school one day and she told everyone that I’m like a daughter to her.
Ms. Aquino has always pushed me to be the best that I can be and experience something new whenever I get the chance to. When I had her for Spanish in 10th grade, she told me that I should continue pursuing Spanish as another language, and always gave me feedback to improve on myself. When I was having trouble with a friendship, she stepped in to give her perspective from a more mature standpoint and gave me a new lens on the situation. I’m forever grateful for the impact that Ms. Aquino had on me, and the effects will last a lifetime.

Honestly every moment I had with her was my favorite. When I had so much going on in my past relationship, she helped me, prayed for me and gave me different advice to navigate through the situation. I loved when we had Spanish club, and you helped share your culture through dance, music, and sometimes even food. You always made sure we (Jamaican squad) was okay at any given time. You helped me become better, both education wise and in the real world. I’ll never forget you and I hope you know how much your girls love you and miss you.
As my first Spanish teacher she helped me discover skills I didn’t know I could achieve. She helped me build more and more each day. Some said she may be strict but honestly if you were doing what you were told she wouldn’t be harsh on you. I loved when she’s being strict, soft, and even loving. I love the life you live, I love your soul and I know you will be looking down on us. I wish for you to come visit me at any time. I wish to dream about the afterlife and see you. I love you forever my sweet Aquino.

Honestly, I truly looked up to Ms. Aquino. She was the true definition of woman empowerment. She was so strong and always came to work with a smile on her face. She was an amazing person, has lived a great life and I know God has been with her throughout all of it. She always told students not to pity her because of her condition and I know even now she would want us to do the same in her absence. It is so sad that she wasn’t able to see her first ever class of students at Bronx River walk the stage; however I know she will be with us as we do. May her soul rest in peace.
Ms. Aquino definitely showed me the true meaning of not letting anything get in your way, always staying strong, following your dreams and always having confidence. She always believed in me and made sure I knew that I was special.

Ms. Aquino was one of those rare people who welcomed all with a smile and open arms. She was an amazing colleague who will be sorely missed.
Ms. Aquino reminded me what a true fighter looked like. She embodied courage and strength. I will never forget that.

During June Regents week of 2025, Ms. Aquino and I had a break from proctoring, so we sat and spoke together. I mentioned how I wanted to take my daughter to Disney for her 5th birthday but was weary for a few reasons, financially and professionally. She encouraged me to go and make memories with my kids, and I did. My children had a great time and we made such beautiful memories all because of her encouragement to live for today.

It was Ms. Aquino’s Birthday. My friends and I wanted to make her a basket. We ended up not having enough time to do so. Instead I was able to get her a birthday card with a heartfelt message. In which I stated how her determination to show up to work regardless of what she was going through is very inspirational and I assured her she was very inspiring.
Ms. Aquino’s first year teaching was also my very first class at BRHS. Learning she had cancer made it more honorable to be in her class and she has definitely shown others what it was like to have great strength and grit.

One time I was in Ms. Aquino’s class and I felt like I embarrassed myself in front of students and special visitors. I started to cry with my head down minutes after. Then, Ms. Aquino called me over to her desk to talk to me. She had a conversation with me about always keeping my head up and to not let anything or anyone bring me down because she saw value in me. Ms. Aquino was always there to support me in every way. From that day on I felt more confident, spoke up more, and worried less about what other people thought of me.

Ms. Aquino greeted me with a smile and kind words in the hallway every day. Even when she may have been struggling she still took the time to ask how I was. It wasn’t one single moment but the steady warmth and positivity she brought to our school that I will always remember.

I met Ms. Aquino my sophomore year of high school when I was enrolled in Spanish 1. She was enthralling and reassuring with everyone in class. She made sure everyone was learning at the same speed and had fun with learning.
She had a lot of fight. A beautiful inspiration of what a strong woman is and what a woman can accomplish. She is and always will be amazing. It was hurtful to know she passed, I wanted to tell her thank you before I graduated but I didn’t get to. But, thank you Ms. Aquino, you made me realize I can and will do good in this world even when I go through things so heart breaking. I know she is in a better place now and I hope she gets a sweet place in heaven .

A favorite memory I had with Ms. Aquino is when she told me that I reminded her of her younger self and that I impress her every day every time I step in the classroom. I’m glad I got to dance with her.
A specific moment when Ms. Aquino made a difference in my life is when she told me not to let others get in my way, I made a bracelet inspired by this and I’m sad I didn’t get to give it to her in time.

When I was a sophomore here at Bronx River, this was Ms. Aquino’s first year teaching Spanish in our school. She always had a positive energy towards herself, her students, her friends and herself. What I loved more was the projects that she assigned. Even though those projects gave me stress, I have learned more about Hispanic culture including my own. My favorite project was the one where we had to make Hispanic food and show the steps on how to create the unique dish.
As a senior right now, Ms. Aquino gave me and other seniors the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy in which students are recognized for understanding, communicating, reading, and writing fluently in both English and another language. For this, I had to make a presentation in Spanish about why I should have recognition. At the end of my presentation, I was expressing my feelings towards my family and Ms. Aquino said, “Your presentation will forever be in my heart.”

Bronx River News