Thirty-five years ago, was the beginning of the traditional recognition of a Waterbury Resident as the Puerto Rican Mayor of the Day. However, the pride and enthusiasm of maintaining this long tradition remains intact. Therefore Ms. Nancy Acevedo-Gordils was honored on Friday, July 22, 2022, as the Puerto Rican Mayor for the Day at the annual Puerto Rican Flag-Raising Ceremony at City Hall. Ms. Acevedo-Gordils also had the honor of raising the Puerto Rican Flag in an emotional ceremony to the sound of La Borinqueña. The honoree was accompanied by her daughter Julitza Marie and her son, Carlos Alberto. In represents of the mayor of the city of Waterbury was Paul Pernerewski, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Aldermen. Also in presents was State Rep. Geraldo Reyes, Jr., Víctor López, Jr., Waterbury City Alderman, and Executive Director of The Hispanic Coalition, among other colleagues.

Ms. Acevedo-Gordils, who was born in Puerto Rico, developed her educational career on the Island as a teacher, school director and university professor. But her professional aspirations led her to reside in Connecticut in 1995, where she continued her goals as an educator in the city of Waterbury schools. In 2018, Ms. Acevedo-Gordils retired from the Waterbury Public School District. She continues her legacy within the community as a devoted supporter of many families, children, and colleagues who seek her help.

In attendance was the Rivera Hughes Cheerleaders in which they performed a dance as part of the event and a lunch of traditional Puerto Rican food was held after the ceremony.