by Dr. Mily Cepeda
The month of March is designated as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. In observance, Dr. Mily Cepeda and the school community of Louise A. Spencer Elementary School hosted the Second Annual Wacky Hat Day Celebration on March 26, 2026. Staff and students participated by designing creative, colorful, and unique hats.
Carol Gutierrez-Camacho, a Special Education Teacher, shared her observance that the school community worked together to support the event. Before Wacky Hat Day, students participated in a class meeting to learn about hemophilia and its impact. Since Wacky Hat Day, students use creativity to design their hats and show support. Carol explained that the event was a team effort among students, paraprofessionals, and staff and she described the experience as meaningful and rewarding.
Our School Principal, Mrs. K. Venezia, shared, “Our students and staff truly embraced the spirit of this event, showing that something as fun as wearing a wacky hat can make a meaningful difference.” She added, “We are proud to support the Hemophilia Association and to help raise both funds and awareness for such an important cause, one that was inspiring to see our school community come together with creativity and a shared commitment to helping others.”
Mily stated, “The day before Wacky Hat Day, I wore a hat decorated with the word “Love” and my son’s infusion caps. On Wacky Hat Day, I wore another hat filled with small items that represented personal meaning, including toys and gifts. I also wore a traditional Puerto Rican Hat (pava), which represented my culture and family traditions. Hats represent the many roles we take on in life, and each one is important.”
