a PARKER JANE PBC- LOCAL STORYTELLING series

Rivera and Hughes

Back in 1990, Waterbury lost two real ones.

Firefighters Eddie Rivera and Howard Hughes died in the line of duty on May 10th, when their fire truck lost its brakes responding to a false alarm. That crash on West Main Street shook the whole city. Two men who ran toward danger — gone just like that.

But the South End ain’t the type to let a tragedy define us. We built a legacy.

What started with a few candles and community mourning turned into something powerful: Rivera–Hughes Memorial Park — a permanent reminder that these brothers didn’t die for nothing. That they still stand with us.

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From Pain to Purpose: The Rivera Memorial Foundation

That same year, out of the heartbreak, came hope. The Rivera Memorial Foundation was born. Built to uplift the next generation — to protect and guide the youth the way Rivera and Hughes did for this city.

For 35 years, this Foundation’s been a lifeline. A South End institution. A place where young people find support, structure, and straight-up love.

Programs include:

• After-school tutoring
• Licensed summer camp (Campfire Enrichment Program)
• Youth sports
• Cheerleading
• Scholarships
• Cultural enrichment
• Community leadership programs

And more. All real. All still active. All still making a difference.

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South End Cheer: Tradition, Spirit, and Sisterhood

Right after the tragedy in ‘90, a group of girls performed a cheer in honor of Rivera & Hughes. Nobody knew that little tribute would turn into a full legacy.

Today, the Rivera & Hughes South End Cheerleaders are still going strong — performing across Connecticut and New York, teaching young girls pride, discipline, and unity.

The squad is now led by Dr. Jessica Ocasio, Executive President, and a powerhouse team of parent volunteers. Their time, love, and leadership keep the spirit of this program alive and thriving.

It’s more than cheer — it’s family.

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$15,000+ in Scholarships: Investing in the Future

The Foundation awarded 16 scholarships totaling over $15,000 — breaking records, changing lives.

These scholarships hit every corner of the community:

• Rivera & Hughes Memorial Scholarship
• Joseph Cortes Medical Scholarship
• Volunteer Excellence
• Academic Achievement
• Leadership & Community Impact
• And more

Even the Miss Rivera & Hughes Memorial Park Pageant is back — crowning a young queen who leads with purpose and awarding a $1,000 scholarship. It’s about more than looks — it’s about heart, hustle, and vision.

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Campfire & Culture: Safe Summers Done Right

While some kids are out here wandering in the summer heat, the Rivera Memorial Foundation’s Campfire Summer Enrichment Program is holding it down.

Licensed, safe, and structured, the camp mixes fun and development: reading, arts & crafts, sports, cooking, field trips, and character-building — all under one roof.

Every program has a mission: keep kids safe, keep them sharp, and keep them supported.

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35 Years Later: We Still Outside

This Saturday, August 9, 2025 (12PM–4PM) at Rivera-Hughes Memorial Park, the whole city is invited to celebrate:

• 35 Years of Legacy
• 35 Years of Love
• 35 Years of Lifting Up the South End

Pull up. Bring your family. Bring your lawn chairs. Bring your gratitude. This is more than a party — this is sacred.

Expect music, food, vendors, youth performances, and a whole lot of community pride.

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Why We Still Tell This Story

This isn’t just about Rivera & Hughes. It’s about what they stood for — service, sacrifice, community, and love.

In a world that moves fast and forgets quick — we remember.

We build on it. We grow from it. We pass it on.

Because 35 years later, the Foundation is still standing. The park is still breathing. And the names Rivera and Hughes are still teaching kids how to live with honor, pride, and purpose.

That’s Waterbury. That’s the South End. That’s legacy.