Sonia Sotomayor, the nation's first Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court justice, is the focus of this year's NYSUT Hispanic Heritage Month poster.

"Justice Sotomayor's outstanding academic and professional background exemplifies the benefits of hard work, determination and a solid education foundation," said Maria Neira, NYSUT vice president.

"Not only does her appointment provide a much-needed voice to the Hispanic community, it also demonstrates just how far we have come as a nation," she said. "In 2008, we elected the nation's first African-American president, and now, less than a year later, we're welcoming our first Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court justice — who also happens to be a woman."

The NYSUT poster features a photo of Justice Sotomayor against a backdrop of the U.S. Supreme Court building, and a brief description of her accomplishments. The poster is printed on one side in English and the other side in Spanish.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 in recognition of the culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans.