Hispanic Heritage Month grants the opportunity for students to claim a part of their identity of Hispanic heritage through all the events hosted at our school.
“The Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating Hispanic heritage. It’s about representing your culture and showing the world what your culture is all about,” Gala Rosas, the president of the World Language Club, said.
Students are able to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month from September 15 to October 15 due to the hard work of the Mariachi Band, Orchestra, and APs. Thanks to the Dean of Instruction Susan Messmer and AP, Micheal Guillen, the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month began to take place last year.
“I just think that bringing it to campus reminds students that their culture is important to us and we see that and value that. We also want to make sure that you find value in yourself because of it. For those who are not of Hispanic ancestry, it’s still important for individuals to see this campus’ values,” Mr. Guillen said.
They hope to continue this tradition in our school with the inclusion of other months of heritage celebration such as Black History Month and Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. With all of the different kinds of students, they wish to recognize, identify, and celebrate all that we bring to campus.
Already in progress, every Friday morning the Mariachi will be performing in the rotunda. In addition, the Mariachi band will be going to middle and elementary schools to perform and broaden their pride as Hispanics and to encourage others to value their backgrounds.
During passing periods, Hispanic music will be played. On Main Street, small biographies of influential Hispanic figures are placed along with what they are known for/achieved and where they are from to further empower everyone to also pursue their dreams. Then, students will be able to place a sticker from where they or their ancestry from as a chance for everyone to become aware of how many other students they can also relate to.
Students placing stickers from where they’re from.
The Art Club’s Hispanic Heritage Month paintings.
A collective viewing of where many of the Hispanic student body are from!
The students who have come together to make the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month possible all believe in the same thing: Everyone should embrace their culture and let the world know that they are proud.
“There are lots of Hispanic people here and I just want a chance for people to claim their ancestry and not be ashamed of it,” Matilde Ventura, the orchestra ambassador said.
