Elizabeth Huebner
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and we’re celebrating by spotlighting several Arlington ISD staff members about their Hispanic heritage. Today, we’re highlighting Elizabeth Huebner, the principal at Kooken Educational Center, the district’s only all-pre-K school. Huebner is in her 30th year with Arlington ISD. She’s been a teacher, instructional coach, academic dean, associate principal, and finally the Kooken principal for the last five years.
We caught up with Huebner and asked her a few questions about her Hispanic heritage and time in Arlington ISD.
〉 What do you love most about your role in Arlington ISD?
What I love most about my role in Arlington ISD is being able to serve our community! It is an honor providing Koalas and their families with their very first exceptional learning experiences as they enter the district! Additionally, it is an absolute privilege to learn from, and alongside, the most knowledgeable, dedicated, and passionate leaders.
〉 What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is very near to my heart as a proud Cuban American. I am the first generation in my family to be blessed to be born and raised in the United States – Texas no less! My parents worked ceaselessly throughout their lives for my brother and me to love and celebrate our Cuban heritage, while learning all that we can about the great liberties carried in doing our very best to build the American dream they held for us.
〉 How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by spending time with the little family I have here in the States, as well as communicating with family still in Cuba.
〉 Do you have a favorite tradition, dish, etc. from your heritage?
My family’s favorite dish is paella, more from our paternal Spaniard Cuban side. My personal favorite is lechón, or roast pork, served plantains and a black bean and rice dish during the December holidays.
〉 What do you hope to pass on to the next generation about your heritage?
What I hope to pass on to the next generation is that with diligence, hard work, family, faith, staying true to values and oneself, anything is possible!